What would you do if you were suddenly without a place to live due to financial hardship? Some people might choose to live with their family or close friends. Others might choose to live in a storage facility where they can store their belongings. Although a storage unit may seem appealing, it is not sustainable and safe.
Can You Live in a Storage Unit
No.
Many local and federal housing laws prohibit the use of storage units. To comply with most insurance policies and the law, storage facilities must expel anyone found living on the premises.
This restriction exists for good reasons. First, it is dangerous to live in a storage unit. A man was killed in a storage unit fire that started in 2019.
Another instance was when police had to expel multiple residents from a storage unit because of health concerns. Further, the authorities stressed that it is illegal to live in an unzoned area for residential use.
Is it Common for People to Live in a Storage Unit?
After becoming homeless, 007craft was found living in a storage unit. This viral Youtube video attracted attention. It is both misleading and problematic. The video makes it seem like a glamorous, ingenious way to live in a storage unit. It is not, we assure you.
Although storage units are considerably cheaper than renting an apartment they are still preferred by most people. People who are homeless or in desperate need of housing will try to live temporarily in storage units. Although it isn’t common to live onsite, it can happen when there is no other option.
It is less likely that you will find someone living in a storage unit with locked gates and security cameras. Our Greenbar Secure Storage policies ensure that our managers are proactive in monitoring the facilities.
Where can I get help?
We recommend anyone going through difficult times contact the storage facility staff if they don’t know where else to turn. They are familiar with the situation and often have access to local resources for shelters and food banks. They can help you get on your feet again and send you to a safe area.
You can also use the facility’s storage space to store your belongings while you get back on your feet. Management will not allow you to remain on the premises. It is illegal to do so.
Why is it So Unsafe?
These are just a few reasons why it is illegal to live in a storage unit.
1. The outside locks the doors.
Most storage unit doors can be locked from the outside by garage-style roll-up doors. Many storage facilities have multiple walkthroughs during their shift, to make sure all doors are locked and closed. The task is done to ensure the safety of renters’ belongings. However, if you live in a unit, you might be locked inside. This could make you feel a little claustrophobic during the night. This could lead to fatalities.
2. There is no natural light or windows.
The essential ingredient of psychological well-being is natural light. Living in a storage unit can lead to depression, lethargicness, and claustrophobia. Children can suffer from this lack of light and space.
3. Storage units do not have running water.
You can choose to live in a storage facility, but you will have to either spend your days outside or you’ll need to be discreet and quiet inside. It is illegal to do so. You’ll have limited options for showering or using the toilet. Without running water, personal hygiene can suffer, which can lead to health problems.
4. A fire hazard is cooking in a unit.
A variety of activities could set off a fire in a storage unit. People trying to use stoves and grills without adequate ventilation is one of the most common causes of a fire in a storage unit. Fires that break out are often caused by people who live in storage units.
5. You will be caught.
This viral Youtube video explains how invisible it is necessary to be able life in a storage facility. This is unfortunately a difficult reality due to the advancements in technology. Many storage units are equipped with security cameras and protocols so it is unlikely that someone will hide in a storage unit for too long. You could face civil charges if you are caught and lose your storage unit and all your belongings.
Under no circumstances should you ever live in a storage unit. It’s difficult to gauge the magnitude of this problem, and it varies from area to area. Homelessness comes in many forms, and an unknown percentage of these people try to live in storage units. At Greenbar Secure Storage, we want to stress that this decision is illegal and unsafe.
This post was written by a professional at Greenbar Secure Storage. Greenbar Secure Storage has a wide range of storage units available in Prineville, Oregon. They offer a variety, including ground-level access, security cameras, 24/7 accessibility, and parking spaces. Locally owned and operated, we are the best choice for convenient and clean self storage Bend Oregon region. All of our commercial storage clients accept deliveries from businesses.
