Words by Za’Nya Davis
Using storage units for housing is illegal in many states, yet it is an experience many Americans have faced. According to a 2025 survey by Storage Units, one in five Americans have slept in a storage unit with 36% of Americans reporting having stayed in a storage unit due to homelessness. Some even reported having spent days, weeks and even longer. This survey also revealed that about 84% of Americans would consider staying in a storage unit should they become unexpectedly unhoused. The results of this survey create questions about where public opinion, corporate policy and reality all collide. What really happens when someone is discovered living in a storage unit?
According to Jeremiah Hodge, operations manager of a local Atlantic Self Storage location, the use of storage units for housing is not permitted and stated that their staff monitor for unauthorized habitation through 24-hour surveillance as well as consistent walkthroughs of the units. “If we ever discover someone attempting to live in a unit, we respond immediately… and work to connect the individual with proper community resources,” Hodge said. Due to renters having access to their units at all hours, Hodge states it makes it easier to prevent this as regulars will report unusual activity for their staff to investigate. “It is devastating when anyone faces housing insecurity to the point of considering living in a storage unit, but a storage unit is not an appropriate or legal living environment.” Hodge stated…