America's Self-Storage Addiction

A fairly typical self storage unit like this can set you back about $100 a month. Photo: Pmsyyz, Flickr

One in ten Americans has a self-storage unit, isn't it time we just got get rid of our junk for good?

According to a New York Times article, we now have 2.3 billion square feet of self-storage space in the U.S. In fact, back in 2009, one out of every 10 households in the country rented a unit, says the Self Storage Association. That's a whole lot of stuff that rarely -- if ever -- gets used.

So, how did we get into this mess? "Seven out of 10 Americans live in cluttered homes," says Thomas Westling, president of AmericanListed.com, a new, virtual tag sale service. "I believe a lot of it has to do with the fact that we're working more than ever, and we are also living in the age of collectibles. People tend to hang onto things or make an effort to accumulate stuff because [they believe] there's a chance to make money from it." Westling says that items like baby clothes and children's bikes are the most popular items that we like to hang onto for the sentimental factor.

A downturn in the economy may be what it takes for Americans to break our self-storage addiction. The average cost of $100 a month for a jail-like 10-foot by 10-foot unit for garage-sale worthy items may not hold up in this economy, the New York Times article says. To combat lagging rentals this year, The Self Storage Association is trying to sell more space with its new 'Declutterfy' radio and print ad campaign, urging homeowners to get the junk out of the house and into storage units. Yet, the anti-clutter movement may be gaining an edge in this country.

If you feel too overwhelmed to empty your storage unit on your own, there are de-cluttering and organizational experts who can help with the process. A recent article written for the Chicago Tribune offers a simple formula for breaking the self storage habit: Eliminate, then organize. It could save you a ton of cash: San Francisco-based interior designer, Grant K. Gibson, used his purging talents to help a client at least thin out the contents of a $1,000 a month (!) storage unit.

Shows like TLC's new series, Hoarding, will no doubt make many of us feel like our clutter problem is in-check when compared to the serious hoarders seen on the show. However, that doesn't mean we shouldn't all try to weed our possessions down to the things we truly love and use.

What about you, dear readers? Do you have a self-storage unit? If so, how do you use it? How long have you had it? And when (if ever) do you plan to give it up?