The economy has been tough for many people recently, and rent prices are increasing each year in cities everywhere.
Due to extremely expensive rent, homelessness is on the rise. This leaves numerous individuals battling to find somewhere to live.
That’s where storage units come to mind. Storage units can be incredibly cheap, with costs as low as $1 for the first month. To add, they have features like security and environment control.
Living in a storage unit seems like an extraordinary idea, but is it legal? Stick around to find out.
Is Living in Storage Units Permitted?
While living in a storage unit may appear to be a suitable alternative to renting an apartment, it’s not really sustainable, as it’s strictly prohibited by different local and federal housing laws.
Storage facilities tend to evict those who live in storage units within the premises of communities to stay in compliance with the law and most insurance policies.
In addition to the fact that living in a storage unit is illegal, it’s not really a safe or healthy way of living. So, we wouldn’t recommend it at all.
How Is Living in Storage Units Unsafe?
There are numerous reasons why living in a storage unit is risky when it comes to security and health. A few of these reasons include:
Poor Sanitation
Since living in a storage unit is illegal, an individual would need to spend most of their day outside the unit or sit inside discreetly and quietly. Either way, your options for washing and using the toilet would be extremely limited.
Regular access to a bathroom and water is fundamental to keep our bodies healthy and clean. A storage unit doesn’t provide 24/7 access to running water and sanitation, which can lead to very dirty living conditions.
Limited Ventilation
The climate inside the unit is not one that ensures comfortable and healthy living. For instance, an occasional change of seasonal temperatures can render the unit bitterly frigid or scorchingly hot.
No Natural Light
Natural light plays a fundamental role in our well-being. Individuals living in a storage unit don’t have proper access to natural light, which may lead them to become claustrophobic, lethargic, and depressed,
Further, the lack of space inside a storage unit can be quite harmful and detrimental, especially to children.
All Doors Are Shut
Most storage unit doors are made of steel, it looks like a garage-style roll-up door that locks from the outside. In other words, there’s a possibility that you end up locked inside a storage unit.
Bear in mind that, in numerous storage facilities, employees carry out several walkthroughs during their day of work to ensure all the doors are shut and locked. This adds to the risk of individuals living in storage units getting locked inside accidentally.
Not the Most Habitual Place
Simply put, living in a storage unit is extremely uncomfortable and inconvenient. For starters, power and electricity aren’t promptly accessible in storage units. Also, there are no windows inside storage units, which impairs airflow, natural light, and the inhabitant’s overall vision.
Living in a storage unit for a long time can lead to serious health and psychological problems, which is why it’s prohibited.
Lack of Basic Home Necessities
Even though an average apartment is more expensive than even the biggest storage unit, that apartment will be equipped with essential necessities like plumbing and different utilities, such as air-conditioning and heating, whereas a storage unit is simply an empty space that’s meant for personal belongings, not people.
Has Anyone Ever Lived in a Storage Unit Before?
It may sound insane, but, yes, there are certainly individuals that lived in storage units. The real question is whether or not someone was able to make a home out of a storage unit.
Surprisingly, one individual has done precisely that. The YouTuber 007craft didn’t just transform a storage unit into a living space, he also documented his experience on video.
Despite the fact that the unit was only about 10 cubic feet in size, 007craft said that he’d been living there for over two months.
He had 24-hour access to the unit and was permitted to be inside the unit whenever, for any period of time. He additionally stated that he was never caught.
Eventually, the storage unit company discovered that 007craft was living in his rented unit. This resulted in the YouTuber being evicted.
There’s also a Houston family of eight that has spent time in their storage unit. The storage unit contained a bed, bathtub, air conditioner, microwave oven, and even two PCs.
Although they had the furniture, they lacked running water and all the other living essentials that you’d usually find in a house or apartment.
Sadly, the family was forced to move out of the storage facility, and their six children were taken under Child Protective Services,
In June of 2019, in Oklahoma City, a huge fire took place inside a storage unit that housed three people. Luckily, no one was hurt.
The fire hazard was a result of the individuals living inside the storage unit using a stove in a non-ventilated area. The individuals got kicked out shortly after the incident.
Final Thoughts
Surely nobody wants to watch their cash vanish every month because of house rent. But at the same time, it’s anything but a smart thought to attempt to live in a storage unit. It’s illegal, and it could result in serious health and safety problems.
Fortunately, there are different alternatives for those struggling to pay rent, including low-income housing opportunities, government assistance, and even moving to less expensive cities.
You can look for various affordable housing solutions online. Simply ensure that the living arrangement plan you’re searching for is allowed and legal. Stay safe.