How Self Storage Went from a Last Resort to a multi-Billion Dollar Industry

Published on 11/1/2024
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In the 1800s, self storage didn't exist. If you had extra stuff, you either sold it or found a place to put it. For most people, that meant their attic, basement, or garage. But what do you do when you don't have an attic, basement, or garage? That's where self storage comes in.

Self storage is a relatively new industry that has its roots in the aftermath of World War II. After the war, there was a housing boom as returning soldiers looked to start families. But these families quickly outgrew their homes, and they needed somewhere to put their stuff. That's where self storage came in. Initially, self storage was seen as a last resort for people who had nowhere else to put their things. But over time, self storage has become much more popular and is now seen as a valuable service by people of all walks of life.

Self storage is now a multi-billion dollar industry with over 50,000 facilities in the United States. And it's only getting bigger. So whether you're looking for a place to store your stuff or you're curious about the history of this fascinating industry, this article has everything you need to know about the history of self storage. 

The History of Self Storage


  • The first self storage facility opened in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1945. It was nothing more than an unused Army barracks that was converted into storage units. The facility was called "Store-All" and it charged $5 per month for each unit. 
  • In 1963, the first climate-controlled self storage facility opened in Houston, Texas. This type of facility is designed to protect stored items from extreme temperatures and humidity levels. 
  • The first publicly-traded self storage company was founded in 1972 and was called "Storage Mart." 
  • The first national self storage brand was founded in 1985 and was called "Public Storage." 
  • The first self storage company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange was Extra Space Storage, which debuted in 2004. 
  • Today, there are over 50,000 self storage facilities in the United States with a total of 2 billion square feet of space. The industry is worth an estimated $30 billion dollars and is growing at a rate of 5% per year. 
The self storage industry is only getting bigger and better. With our self-storage facility in farmville to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect one for your needs. And now that you know a little bit more about the history of this fascinating industry, you can be a more informed consumer. So what are you waiting for? Start your search for the perfect self storage unit today.