Monthly Archives: May 2016

The Future of Self-Storage Looks Bright (and Attractive!)

alton-blog

No longer relegated to the edge of town next to the defunct drive-in theater, today’s self-storage facilities are bright, clean, and designed to fit in with the aesthetics of the local neighborhood. In a previous post, we talk about the historical roots of the storage industry, beginning as it did in warehouses in the industrial part of town. Even after its transformation in 1960’s Texas to the “self-storage” industry, where you could drive right up to the door of your unit, the facilities were still visually unappealing and usually in the low-rent district. But flash forward to the 21st century, and as the demand for off-site storage has increased, consumers have come to expect more upscale, conveniently located facilities.

In addition to attractive modern architecture, these re-imagined self-storage facilities often offer special amenities, like covered loading docks, elevators, access to moving dollies and rolling carts. Luxurious landscaping features often brighten the environment, and air-conditioning, controlled access, and security cameras are par for the course. Continue reading

Storing Special Collections

collectionsThere is a difference between junk and a collection, as I am sure those of you who are collectors have patiently explained many times to your loved ones. Because collecting is a hobby, as opposed to hoarding, which is now officially a psychological disorder. Collecting makes us happy, hoarding makes us anxious.

So this post is for all you happy, well-adjusted collectors out there. There are almost as many kinds of collections as there are people, because you never know what will strike a chord. Antique handkerchiefs? They remind me of grandma. Salt and pepper shakers? I played with my aunt’s collection as a child. As this article on zmescience.com explains, we are all looking to hold on to a little bit of the past. Continue reading