History of Self Storage Units

Self storage units have become a worldwide phenomenon – becoming the perfect solution to store your belongings, Whether it be during important life events such as moving house, a safe space to keep your valuables out of harm’s way, or as a business storage solution to solve the need for a place to store business materials.

Although self storage has grown as an industry in recent years, the early origins are predicted to date back as far as ancient China and ancient Egypt. In this article, we take a look back at the history of self storage units and how they have become the sensation we know and love today.

Early origins

It is believed that the first concept of storage unit originated in ancient China, potentially as early as six thousand years ago. Large ceramic pots were used to store personal belongings in underground storage areas which are, in essence, the same notion as people securing their items in storage facilities in the present day.

Ancient Egyptians would store personal items in large chests, such as clothing. Shared storage was stored similarly as we would today, however it would be utilised for food and wine rather than furniture and old keepsakes like the modern world would.

The British aristocracy had formed their own method of self storage several centuries ago, too. The rich were travelling often, and the concern for their personal and valuable possessions grew stronger with each expedition. This led them to utilise banks to store personal items as well as their money, with the banks hiring units specifically for the safe storage of their valuables.

The arrival of self storage solutions in the UK

The 1850s saw Martin Bekin, the founder of the first storage business in America, find a solution to meet the needs of immigrants who needed somewhere to store their belongings while they settled in America.

The modelling of modern self storage space first emerged in the 60s in America, and it took a whopping 20 years for it to be introduced in the UK. The original concept was independent business people purchasing garage plots and private buildings to convert them into storage rooms.

Self storage solutions took some time to evolve as people wondered how they would work and what they would work for, which eventually developed from storing excess belongings to creating office space.

Storage spaces started to be built on land that was considered less desirable for other prospects or properties, which meant that it was incredibly affordable to set up storage units for a good profit. The self storage industry became a solution for many of those looking to get better prices for office space during a time where property prices were rising across the country.

The industry has become more innovative with modern technology and advancements to build a better offering. Most units today will offer access to Wi-Fi, electricity and even climate control for small businesses to operate out of a storage unit with ease.

Storage Wars, a TV show based around people bidding on abandoned storage units was released in 2010, also encouraged a huge awareness of storage units and their benefits.

Self storage today

Self storage was originally targeted towards removal companies, providing them with space to put household items while they help their customers move house. In recent years, it has become a way to attract homeowners to store their valuables safely and securely.

According to estimates curated by SSA UK, there are now more than 1,900 self-storage units in the UK, offering a range of sizes and options to suit everyone’s needs.

Many storage companies offer 24/7 access, making it much easier for traders and business owners, as well as those who are moving items late at night or early in the morning. They also often offer a post box service where businesses are provided with a street address for business purposes, which isn’t usually provided with PO Box addresses.

While self storage has evolved over the last few thousand years, one thing that has not changed is that people always need a way to store their belongings. The industry continues to adapt to the consumer and ever-changing situations such as lifestyles and an overall difference in society.

Not only is it cost-effective, but it is also entirely accessible and safe to use – something that businesses and homeowners can utilise to their full advantage.

Established in 1999, Apex Self Storage is a professional storage solution for domestic and commercial clients. Get in touch with us today to find out more about how we can help you.