Self-storage's popularity comes from several sources. A recent industry survey indicates that 44% of clients use storage because they are moving, 34% don't have enough space currently in their homes, and 15% of clients are people with business needs.

The biggest element in the use of self storage is America's mobility. It is a fact that more households are in transition, whether its because of job opportunities, moving to be closer to grandchildren, or divorce The average American will change residences 11 times in his or her life.

And so many times when moving your household goods you just may need to store your possessions temporarily. Timing is always a factor, whether it's complications with closing on a house or difficulties in locating a permanent home in a new city, you may find it necessary to store your belongings for a few weeks, a month or maybe even longer.

Or sometimes the move involves family members who just temporarily join your household. For example, what does one do with the recent college graduate's futon or what happens to Grandpa's toy train collection when he needs the spare room after an operation? You may find what so many others have that self storage is the answer.

The other way self storage comes to the rescue is by providing extra storage space for those houses with precious little of it. So many older houses have small rooms and even smaller closets. There's simply not enough room for today's modern family's acquisitions. And many of the small houses and ranches so popular in the Sunbelt states, an area that has seen the most population growth in recent years, come without basements. And because it is cheaper for contractors to use trusses rather than rafters, we no longer can spend an afternoon rummaging through Grandmother's hot and cluttered attic, because attic spaces have all but vanished.

So when reality shows such as The Learning Channel's Clean Sweep inspires people to get organized, how can they achieve that lean look and still have access to items they are not ready to sell off at a garage sale for fifty cents. Self storage is once again the answer.

And when you're thinking about self storage: don't think small. Many of today's facilities have options to store boats, motorcycles, wave runners and recreational vehicles. So instead of dealing with the complaints and frowns from your neighborhood association, because you parked your camper in your driveway, it's so much easier to use the self storage solution.

Also, businesses as different as film companies to small stay-at-home-mom offices may need space from time to time. Also with the emergence or so many people selling items on E-Bay, self storage makes sure the business doesn't consume the home with books, computers or other collectibles. The self storage solution once again is the perfect solution.

So whether you're looking to store just a few items, selected pieces of furniture, archive your paperwork, save precious mementoes from your youth, get the boat out of the driveway or put most of your possessions in a safe place for a few weeks or more; it's clear self storage is the answer.

In addition, self storage offers both personal and business users a storage solution that they can almost control themselves. In the past, large storage companies offered limited access, no flexibility, long-term contracts and high charges.

But unlike traditional storage methods, self storage now allows easy access to your storage space free-of-charge. And that means you can take your Christmas decorations out of storage and replace it with your summer camping gear at your convenience. Or you can take Junior's furniture, books and gear out when he finally gets a job and moves out of the house.

If you're looking to use self storage, the first difference you'll notice is that it's your responsibility to get your stuff to the self storage facility and then pack your goods into the space provided. But this is a great option because it means you can pack your storage space in the way that best suits you. That way you can easily access items without having to unload everything in the unit when you need to get extra lawn chairs for your next family reunion.

And here are a few hints to make storing you items in self storage more efficient. Box everything that you can and make sure you label it for easy identification. If items are in a box they will stay cleaner and free of dust. And make sure you don't fill large boxes with heavy items such as books. They'll become impossible to carry and who needs the extra backache? Also, using cardboard boxes or paper bags will keep your items from mildewing. Sealed plastic bags, should be avoided when possible. Remember to store books flat to protects their spines, and remember fragile items such as mirrors and china need the extra protection provided by bubble wrap. Also, make sure your keep an inventory. Make sure to place your inventory list near the front of the unit. That way you know which box the bread maker is in and you can get it out easily to make your favorite loaf of bread for the Thanksgiving feast.

Also, keep in mind most facilities will sell you packing supplies and may even offer removal vehicles to make the whole process quick and simple.

Another big advantage self storage has is that your belongings will be secure. In most cases, the storage unit you lease can only be accessed by yourself and you'll be the only authorized key holder. Though of course you can authorize others to access your space. In most cases, you'll be expected to provide your own lock for your self storage space. This gives you an extra guarantee of security.

And keep in mind in the competitive self storage industry, many operators now offer state-of-the art security with such security devices as secured fencing, code-access gates, individual unit alarms, video cameras, security lighting and even guard dogs. Each of these measures focuses on keeping unauthorized people from entering a facility and gaining access to units. This means your personal possessions will many times be safer in self storage than in your own home or business.

And remember, facility operators do not have casual access to the contents of your space. A self storage operator never takes possession, care, custody or control of the contents of the storage rental space unless the issue of non-payment of rent becomes a problem.

Another advantage to self storage is that the units are clean, dry, safe and vermin free. In addition, many facilities offer climate controlled units that allow storage of fine wines, furs, antiques and prescription drugs.

And you can store almost anything in self storage, everything from pots and pans to the mounted deer head your new wife won't allow in the den. Do keep in mind there are some very basic limitations as to what objects or goods you can store in the self storage units and these vary from one storage company to the other depending on the services each one offers. But, most do not allow their clients to store flammable goods, chemicals, toxic material or anything hazardous. Most storage companies also do not permit storing food or other perishables. So expect to be asked to drain the tanks if you're storing items with fuel tanks such as lawn mowers. Fuel is one of the few things that you cannot store in a storage unit facility.

If you are like most people, you'll prefer storing your family belongings as close to your home as possible, or someplace convenient to the roads you use to get around town on a day-to-day basis. At one time the most efficient way to locate a self storage facility was to use the Yellow Pages and then call company after company until you found the right match for your needs. Now you'll find the Internet is a good place to find units close to home. And websites can often provide you with an easy-to-use, efficient means of obtaining free self storage quotes. You will usually have the opportunity to choose from a vast selection of self-storage facilities. Not only is this a convenient way to quickly locate a self storage facility, but it is also an excellent way to obtain discount moving boxes, and various other packing materials.