The self-storage units that we know and love today weren’t unveiled for public use until 1969, when a chain of them opened in Texas. Or, more locally, 1979; when the UK’s first self-storage facility opened in London. But evidence of self-storage goes way back; far beyond even the discovery of Texas.

Storage has always been apparent in human nature. How could it not be? We’ve needed to find ways to store our meat and veggies since the prehistoric era, but the concept of storing personal belongings is fairly absent in recorded history. The multitude of evidence throughout the centuries of food being stored in organised jars, units carved into walls and even holes in the ground made into makeshift fridges, completely outweighs any proof we have of bygone self-storage. However, whilst they didn’t have storage containers for rent, there is still evidence of intricate storage systems created for personal possessions from ancient Greece and China.

Underground units have been discovered in China, in which clay pots filled with items were unearthed. The interesting thing about this is that it appears that this space was available for public use - just like Store That Canary Wharf! There is less evidence in Greece, although there is the possibility that personal possessions were stored alongside the multitude of written files and documents in Delphi. This isn’t guaranteed of course, but the potential is intriguing enough on its own; keeping in mind this early culture was able to develop such an extensive filing system. These discoveries make it plain that the issue of storage has always existed, and a resolution has always been sought after.

Ancient Egyptians used chests to store their personal items, both in their lifetime and long after their death. Their communal storage had a familiar layout to what we know today, however, theirs was used for food and wine instead of assorted lots and Christmas decorations.

Even the British aristocracy created something similar to today’s storage units several centuries ago. As travel became a more desired endeavour for the rich, they found that they required a place to keep their most costly possessions safe. So, banks started to hire units, on behalf of their wealthy clients, as a way of keeping both their money and their personal possessions safe.

Here at Store That E14, we can offer you a facility that is much, much more secure than anything an ancient civilisation could provide. If you would like to find out more about our secure self-storage E14, get in touch with us on 020 7515 1300 or email us at info@storethat.co.uk