The Story

In its infancy, self-storage was available only at conventional warehouses operated by moving and storage companies. These bonded companies ensured protection against theft, but renters had to inventory and handle their items themselves. Accessing stored items often incurred additional fees.

By the mid-60s, the concept evolved into self-service storage, providing the convenience of individual units and drive-up access. The first self-storage facility opened in the Southwest, quickly followed by more on the West Coast and eventually throughout the United States. Early facilities featured rows of garage doors with unpaved driveways, secured by chain link fences. Over time, designs improved to include offices, gates, and the ability to convert older buildings into viable self-storage businesses.