Beyond Boxes: Interesting Items People Store in Self Storage Units

Self storage has revolutionised the way people manage their belongings. The convenience of having extra space to store items has made it an increasingly popular solution for those in need. However, what people store in their self storage units can sometimes defy imagination.

While some may think of it as just a place to stash their seasonal decorations or extra furniture, others have taken it to a whole new level. From exotic vehicles to extensive collections of memorabilia, the list of unusual items stored in self storage units is endless.

In this blog, we dive into the fascinating world of unconventional self storage items. We’ll explore stories of people who have stored everything from rare antiques to bizarre works of art. We’ll also look at how people have used self storage units throughout history, uncovering the most obscure and unusual items that have been kept in them.

Whether you’re a collector, a hobbyist or just a curious individual, you won’t want to miss this glimpse into the truly unconventional world of self storage.

The Man in Florida

There are countless fascinating and weird stories about things people have stored in self storage units, but one particularly noteworthy story involves a man in Florida who had a habit of collecting alligator heads.

The man, whose name has been withheld, was known in his local community as an avid hunter and fisherman. He had a passion for collecting alligator heads and would display them in his home for all to see. However, his collection had grown too large, and he needed a place to store the excess heads. That’s when he turned to self storage. He rented a unit and began to fill it with hundreds of alligator heads of all shapes and sizes.

The storage unit was temperature-controlled and he made sure to store the heads in airtight containers to preserve them.

The alligator heads remained in the storage unit for several years, but one day, the man fell behind on his rent, and the unit was put up for auction. When the buyer opened the unit, they were met with the sight of hundreds of alligator heads staring back at them.

The new owner was understandably shocked and contacted the authorities, who were equally surprised by the strange find. They eventually traced the heads back to the original owner and questioned him about his collection. The man explained that he had simply run out of space in his home and had nowhere else to store the heads.

The story made headlines and brought attention to the unusual items people store in self storage units. While alligator heads may not be the most conventional item to store, it just goes to show that self storage can be used to store almost anything.

A Timeless Hobby

Vinyl records have been a popular format for music storage since the 1950s and continued to be widely used until the advent of digital music in the 1980s. Despite their declining popularity, vinyl records have maintained a dedicated following of enthusiasts who value the unique sound quality and tactile experience of playing records on a turntable.

The music enthusiast in this example has taken his appreciation for vinyl records to the extreme, spending years collecting records from all over the world. The collection includes thousands of rare and unique albums, many of which are difficult to find and highly sought after.

Each record in the collection holds a special meaning to the collector and tells a unique story about the artist, the music and the era in which it was created. The collector takes great pride in carefully organising and preserving the records, ensuring that they are properly cleaned, stored and maintained.

Some of the records in the collection are still in their original packaging, complete with the original inserts and liner notes. Others have been lovingly restored, with any scratches or imperfections removed to restore the sound quality to its original condition.

Overall, the collector’s vinyl record collection is a testament to the enduring appeal of this format and the passion of those who continue to collect and appreciate it.

Barbie Dolls, Lots and Lots of Barbie Dolls

The story of the woman who rented a self storage unit to house her impressive collection of over 1,000 Barbie dolls is a testament to the passion and dedication of collectors worldwide.

The woman had spent years carefully amassing her collection, and as the number of dolls grew, so too did her need for a safe and secure place to store them.

The self storage unit proved to be the ideal solution. Each doll was carefully arranged in its own box and placed on shelves, creating a colourful and impressive display that would make any Barbie enthusiast green with envy.

Her collection included dolls from various eras, including vintage Barbie dolls from the 1950s and 60s, as well as modern dolls and limited edition releases. Some of the dolls were still in their original packaging, while others had been meticulously restored by the woman herself.

For the woman, the collection represented much more than just a hobby. Each doll held a special meaning and a cherished memory, and she was committed to preserving them for future generations to enjoy. With the help of her self storage unit, she could do just that, ensuring that her beloved Barbie dolls remained safe, secure and in pristine condition for years to come.

Superhero Obsession

Superhero comics have been a beloved part of American popular culture since the 1930s, when characters like Superman and Batman first appeared in print. Over the years, these characters and others from publishers like Marvel and DC have become cultural icons, spawning countless movies, TV shows and merchandise.

This fan has taken his love for superhero comics to the next level by building an impressive collection of rare and valuable comic books. The collection includes early editions of Superman and Batman, as well as modern releases from Marvel and DC. Some of the comics are so rare that they are considered to be some of the most valuable in the world.

To ensure that each comic book in his collection remains in pristine condition, he carefully stores each one in a protective sleeve, which helps prevent damage from dust, sunlight and other environmental factors. The collector also maintains a detailed inventory of his collection, which helps him keep track of each comic’s condition, rarity and value.

Some of the comics in the collection are still in their original packaging, complete with their original inserts and promotional materials. Others have been professionally graded for their condition, which is an important factor in determining their value to collectors.

The collector takes great pleasure in sharing his collection with other enthusiasts and attending comic book conventions, where he can connect with other collectors, buy and sell comics and attend panels and presentations about the latest developments in the world of superheros.

A Miniature World

This hobbyist’s model train layout is not just a static display, but a dynamic and constantly evolving world that he has created. His layout includes a variety of miniature landscapes, each meticulously crafted and detailed to create a realistic environment for the trains to operate in. There are miniature mountains, tunnels, bridges and rivers, all designed to create a sense of depth and realism.

In addition to the landscapes, he has also constructed a number of buildings and train stations, each with their own unique design and character. Some are replicas of real-life structures, while others are entirely fictional creations. The buildings are also filled with miniature people and other details, bringing the layout to life and adding to the overall sense of realism.

The trains themselves are a central part of the collection, with a variety of vintage and modern models from different manufacturers. Each train is carefully maintained and operated by the collector, who takes great care to ensure that they run smoothly and reliably. The trains are controlled by a complex system of electronics, allowing the collector to operate them and control various features such as lighting and sound effects.

For this hobbyist, his model train layout is a labour of love and a source of endless fascination. He spends countless hours tinkering with the trains, fine-tuning the electronics and adding new details to the landscape. He enjoys sharing his creation with other enthusiasts, whether it’s at model train shows or online forums. And while the layout may never be truly finished, the joy of creating and exploring this miniature world is a source of endless pleasure.

At the Self Storage Centre, we have plenty of room for your hobbies – just no alligators, please.

Contact us today to learn more about our self storage  services and how we can help you with your storage needs.