Andrei Popa
Andrei Popa is a writer and editor for StorageCafe. After writing real estate copy for two years, he made the jump to editorial writing and data-driven storytelling with a focus on the self storage industry.
Aerial view of highway to Miami, Florida. American highway junction.

Top Moving Destinations In Florida: Suburbs Emerge As Top Spots For Homeownership Dreams

After nearly a decade as the top migration destination in the U.S., Florida fell to second place in 2023, surpassed by Texas. Nonetheless, the state continues to attract and retain out-of-state residents at impressive levels, despite pandemic-related disruptions to mobility and ongoing economic challenges. According to our interstate migration study based on the latest data from the U.S. Census, approximately 1,755 people moved into Florida per day in 2023, while 1,380 left, resulting in a net gain of 375 new Florida residents daily — or 137,000 people over the year.

Aerial-view-of-self-storage-facilities-with-town-in-the-background

The 6 Ds Of Self Storage Demand: Widespread Interest Puts The West In The Lead, While The South Comes In Second For Extra Space Needs

Life events continue to drive the U.S. self storage market, with moving, housing affordability, and economic shifts fueling sustained demand. Search interest in self storage has surged 88% since 2020, reaching a record 25 million annual searches in 2024.

Couple moving boxes into a self storage unit.

Expert Organization Hacks For Self Storage: What To Store, How To Organize, And When It’s Worth It

Self storage has become more than just a backup plan for people with too much stuff. Its popularity has grown, largely driven by major life events — what we now call the six Ds: dislocation, divorce, death, downsizing, decluttering and distribution. These days, storage units serve as an extension of living spaces, helping people create room for what truly matters while keeping their homes organized and clutter-free.

Snowmobile in high jump above track on sunny day.

How To Store Your Snowmobile: A Step-By-Step Guide

When it comes to how to store your snowmobile, it’s important to go through all the motions. You’ve likely put a lot into it, so the last thing you want is damage from rust, corrosion, or engine wear just because of improper storage. To help you avoid that, we’ve pulled together a few practical tips to keep your snowmobile in top shape when it’s not in use.

Full-shot-of-engineer-and-technician-discussing-on-flat-roof-between-solar-panels

Sustainable Construction Practices In Self Storage: 9 Key Items For Your Green Plan Checklist

With demand for extra space strong across the U.S., the self storage industry only knows one way — forward. As developers seek new ways to optimize business operations and reduce their impact on the built environment, sustainable construction practices have emerged as a top priority.

Dolly-cart-loaded-with-personal-belongings-in-hallway-of-self-storage-warehouse

What Happens If You Abandon Stuff In A Storage Unit?

Time is not always on our side during major life events. And if you find yourself relocating without wanting to clear out your storage unit, you may ask yourself: what happens if I leave my stuff in self storage? You may think that the facility will simply auction off, donate or just dispose of your items, but the truth is more complicated and will likely involve some fees on your end. That’s why it’s good to know what you’re in for when you leave a storage unit full of stuff and don’t come back — whether or not you’re up on your rent.

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What To Do If Your Storage Unit Is Hit By A Natural Disaster

If you rent self storage and a natural disaster has hit your unit, now is the time to stay calm and plan wisely. Contact your facility, ask for a report of the damage and assess the unit yourself, then get ready to file a claim if you’ve got insurance. That may be the insurance provided by your storage facility or your homeowners’ insurance, which usually covers about 10% of the loss resulting from the damage. However, many insurance policies do not offer coverage for natural disasters like earthquakes, wildfires or floods.

Front porch with Halloween decorations. Brownstone, exposed brick building.

Halloween Brings Treats, Not Tricks, For The Self Storage Industry: Post-Holiday Demand On The Rise

Halloween is spreading more than just spooky cheer each year, with cash registers ringing across both retail and hospitality. While the pandemic may have paused the frenzy, the past two years have seen consumer engagement spike, with retailers jumping on the trend head-on. Home Depot, for instance, began promoting spooky items as early as April this year. Halloween spending in 2024 is expected to reach $11.6 billion—a slight dip from last year’s record $12.2 billion but still one of the highest totals in nearly 20 years.

Halloween preparation. Halloween decoration made of craft paper.

Halloween On A Budget: How Self Storage Can Save You Money

Halloween has crept a long way from its eerie origins. While All Hallows’ Eve has transformed through the centuries, it wasn’t until the 1930s that trick-or-treating became a tradition in the U.S. and businesses began conjuring up mass-produced Halloween costumes. Now, Halloween is a monster-sized, billion-dollar industry, with a cauldron full of costumes and decorations ranging from the mainstream to the macabre.

Happy-parents-having-fun-with-their-daughter-while-pushing-her-in-carton-box-at-their-new-home

Moving With Kids Of All Ages: A Step-By-Step Guide

Someone once said, “There are two gifts we can hope to give our children: One is roots, the other is wings.” If there are any events that put these gifts to the test, relocation is certainly one of them. And let’s face it — moving homes is something your kids will probably experience at least once or twice during their lifetime. Each relocation brings up previous relocations in our past, which are likely to shape how we see the process in the present. Put simply, moving with kids is a pretty big deal.

Two boxes in hands. Young couple with dog are moving to new home

Moving With Pets: A Comprehensive Guide

Pets have a special way of making a house feel like a home. They become familiar with every corner, watch over the place and always greet you with excitement, as if anywhere would feel right as long as you’re there. But when it comes to moving with pets, how can you ensure your furry friend feels just as comfortable in your new space?

Hand holding a DVD, inserting it into a DVD player. DVD collection in the background

How To Store DVDs Like A True Film Buff

As a famous author once said, “Collectors are happy people.” DVD collectors are no different. Think of the gorgeous artwork of Criterion Collection DVDs or the Dolby sound on Blu-rays. You won’t get that with streaming platforms. So, what are the best ways to store DVDs in a way that truly does them credit, both aesthetically and practically? To answer this question, we’ve prepared a quick and breezy guide through the essentials of DVD storage for dedicated collectors.