The American Way: "Public Storage"

[blue_hours_too]

There are a few things that really amuse me in this country.
One of them is the concept of "public storage" establishments, warehouses of sorts where one can rent a unit to store stuff. Their popularity so nicely illustrates another aspect of The American Way, the lifestyle of nice little consumers and constant movers. Who shop and shop and shop

Comments

[becauseshewas]

I know what you mean. Totally insane. We live pretty simply, I'd say our biggest excess are our books. But I'd sell them/give them away before I put anything in "storage"

[blue_hours_too]

Same here.

[princesskiya]

yeah, it can be insane. i've thought of using one while moving and waiting to move into a new house.

when one of my friend's died - they moved his stuff into storage because they couldn't take it back to another state right away. i think it's still there.

[yemeron]

i've thought of using one while moving and waiting to move into a new house.

Some of the people I know who've rented them used them for that very purpose. In college, friends of mine who lived out of town would store the stuff they didn't want to take back home with them over the summer. Less crap for them to carry home and back to school in the fall.

[blue_hours_too]

Oh yeah, as a temporary moving stop that would actually make sense. ;o) I'm talking about people who move stuff permanently and just let it sit there. That seems to happen a lot.

[metamorpheus]

Actually, these are rather useful for people who travel.

For example, I prefer a minimalist living style but there are certain things I've kept from the times I lived overseas that I am not willing to part with- however they would not be practical to move across continents and I don't intend on 'settling' in one place any time soon.

My parents also store some of their good furniture in the US for when/if they move back... rather than repeatedly dragging it around the world with them.

Additionally, for those of us who don't always have a home base (I'll be traveling for a few weeks in August and will be between leases)- there needs to be a place for me to keep my books/furniture/dishes/whatever until my new lease starts and I move it.

Not everyone has a temporary storage unit because of temporary consumption... open your mind to the many reasons people may keep these.

[soshesays]

Actually, these are rather useful for people who travel.

I've only used a storage place once, and that was the reason why. I don't mind selling or giving away about 80% of the stuff I own, but the other 20% has real sentimental value (family heirlooms, things acquired abroad) and they are impossible to replace. I also learned the hard way that selling everything secondhand and then trying to replace it later usually ends up costing you more than if you'd just held on to what you originally had. Whoops.

Nevertheless, there are an awful lot of people who don't have an excuse. My parents are a prime example. My dad probably hasn't donated an item of clothing to charity in his entire life. He has shirts that people gave him in the '60s, tags still attached, that are just shoved into some corner of their house -- they have four rooms, plus a basement, solely devoted to storage (plus a storage locker, of course). More rooms for storage than rooms for living. Why, why, why?

[blue_hours_too]

>>> More rooms for storage than rooms for living. Why, why, why?<<<

Wow, that's amazing. I guess I have a rather radical approach to this by default, just based on how my life played out thus far. But yes, I have trouble understanding why people who DON'T "have an excuse"/never move etc would spend thousands of dollars a year to store stuff they don't need. If your parents have it in their house, it's at least free I guess, haha. But public storage seems like such a waste and in the big picture, it's just so indicative of how money and having "stuff" is regarded in this country. Imagine what this would look like to people from places where no one has anything, not even basics... :\ It's pretty gross, or not?

[metamorpheus]

Agreed

[metamorpheus]

Other reasons:
store band equipment
art supplies
shared seasonal camping/outdoor stuff (for families who all want access and share the supplies)

(it's less expensive and more practical to rent an additional small space than to buy a larger apartment)

That said, many people are beyond ridiculous when it comes to over consumption... it sickens me to see more televisions or cars than people in a family. Same goes for more food than would last a week... but then I grew up with the tiny fridge and fresh produce in place of loads of shit. Ick.

[blue_hours_too]

Yes, that's the corner I'm coming from, considering these things. The WASTE of it all. How so many people don't seem to think at all. I don't get it. Have you seen the commercials for these places? I like some of the channels that have the home/design/real estate shows on and the commercials are just... well - lol. They clearly work though as I know people who in fact do exactly as they are told with all the stuff in their garage... ;o) So yeah, that's my point. I realize there are good reasons why one would use these temporarily.

[metamorpheus]

Yes- but definitely with emphasis on temporary. And agreed that most people are ridiculous. It scares me to see how some people live... I honestly think it's a disease for them.

[pernickety]

Yeah, but how would you know if you're happy without the stuff to prove it? ;)

[blue_hours_too]

Your icon is strangely hypnotic. *chuckle