John Grifonetti on Why People Use Self-Storage

Self-storage is becoming increasingly popular across the U.S., especially among generations like millennials. Self-storage units can be extremely helpful for several reasons. However, above all, people choose to rent storage units due to their secure and sheltered locations. As well, self-storage is much more economical than other large-scale storage options.

John Grifonetti, an entrepreneur and investor from Old Tappan, New Jersey, has attempted to retire from his busy professional life twice now. As a creative businessman and driven entrepreneur, John’s love for what he does stands in his way of fully retiring. Starting his career as a CPA, he ran an online brokerage firm, acting as president and COO. Later in his career, John took over an interdealer brokerage. He retired from this job 10 years ago — his second retirement. He continues to pursue his entrepreneurial spirit. He invests in small businesses, helping them to grow and succeed. John holds a diverse and resilient investment portfolio, focusing on sectors such as sports apparel, vehicles, and self-storage. As an entrepreneur and investor with stakes in the self-storage industry, he shares his insight into why people use self-storage.

Freeing Up Space

Whether you live in a house, apartment, or condo, space is limited. Therefore, storing excess items at home, especially large items like furniture, is not always possible. When it comes time to de-clutter, additional storage space is necessary. John Grifonetti notes that self-storage facilities offer private and secure units where people can store items that they don’t want to get rid of. As a result, many people use self-storage to help free up space in their homes and apartments. This space can then be used for more important activities or items.

Storing Prized and Loved Possessions

Many people have prized and meaningful possessions that they don’t necessarily have room for in their homes. This situation often arises when a family member passes away. Family heirlooms and other sentimental items are not something that people are willing to part with, even if they don’t have space for them. Therefore, a storage unit can come in handy. The unit can be used to store items temporarily, until they can be moved into a larger home, or kept there permanently. This relieves stress by preventing the need to part with meaningful items and memories. As a result, many people use self-storage to store these types of items.

Expanding Business or Home Office Space

Self-storage also offers a great option for storing business-related items, including inventory and archived documents. Not only are self-storage facilities a secure, safe, and climate-controlled location for these types of items, but they also offer a much more economical option than renting a larger office or warehouse. For those with home offices, self-storage can also be helpful for storing documents and even office furniture that is not presently needed. John Grifonetti points out that with businesses, both large and small, beginning to move to home-based employment models, self-storage is becoming increasingly popular for business-related use.

Moving

Storage units are also often used by people who are moving. Whether relocating to an entirely new state or just down the road, people find that self-storage is helpful to have both during and after the moving process. For those who are downsizing, self-storage allows them to keep their most important belongings without having to fill up their smaller space. For others, self-storage is convenient for keeping their items at a safe location until they get the chance to go through everything and get rid of what they don’t need. Move-in and closing dates can often be mismatched during the buying and selling process, meaning people may be stuck without a permanent location. During this time, a storage unit can be used to house belongings until they can be moved to their permanent location.

Securing Off-Season Storage

From experience, John Grifonetti knows that many people use self-storage to store boats, trailers, motorcycles, kayaks, their college student’s furniture and other seasonal items during the off-season. With various options available, including covered outdoor parking and climate-controlled units, nearly any vehicle or item can be stored at a self-storage facility. This allows people who live in apartments and other locations that do not have a lot of extra space to take advantage of these types of seasonal toys without having to worry about where they’re going to keep them.

John Grifonetti on Remodeling

For those who are remodeling or renovating their home, self-storage offers a cost-effective and convenient option for clearing the space for easier home improvement. Not only does a storage unit allow homeowners to make way for renovations, but it also allows them to protect their belongings from damage during construction, painting, and other remodeling activities.