4 Astonishing Things Americans Will Give Up for More Storage

Does it ever feel like your closet is bursting at the seams? According to research from MakeSpace, an N.Y.C.-based on-demand storage solution, you’re certainly not alone. The company surveyed 1,000 Americans about their biggest storage woes, and it turns out that storage space is an area of contention for many, many households.

“While people are seeking out a more minimalist lifestyle and choosing to live in smaller spaces or downsize, most still have a lot of belongings, many of which have sentimental value," said Richard Mumby, chief marketing officer of MakeSpace. Where are you supposed to put it all?

The survey found that people tend to get, ahem, creative, when it comes to storing their belongings, stashing items in the craziest places. Plus, you’ll surely get a laugh from the things people said they’d give up in exchange for more storage space.

Where Does Overflow Go?

When you can’t possibly fit another shirt in your closet, what’s your backup storage spot? Under the bed? The garage? Or someplace zanier?

Here’s what respondents to the MakeSpace survey said:

• 63% use a spare bedroom for storage.
• 59% of people stash items under their bed.
• 27% use their garage for overflow storage—and leave their car outside in the cold.
• 15% of people admitted they keep items in their car trunk.
• 15% of people said they use the inside of kitchen appliances like the stove or microwave—Carrie Bradshaw, much?

You know we’re not storing shoes in the oven—we use it too much!—but a lot of the other spots are tempting.

Honey, What Happened to My….?

If you share your living space with someone, chances are you’ve had at least a few squabbles over storage. The survey found that more than half of people cite lack of space as a topic of frustration with their roommate or significant other.

And it turns out that ladies are a little more brutal when it comes to creating more space—by any means necessary. Almost 1/3 of women admitted to throwing out or donating some of their significant other’s belongings… without them knowing. Oops. Only 16% of men said they’ve done the same.

What Would You Give for a Bigger Closet?

Let’s play a game called “What Would You Trade for More Storage Space?”

Would you trade your favorite kitchen pans? (No way!) Would you give up dessert for six months? It may sound crazy, but people are willing to make some big sacrifices in exchange for a bigger closet.

According to the survey:

• 51% of men said they would gain 10 pounds for six months if it meant that they could have more closet space. (Women didn’t feel the same.)
• More than half people said they would opt for an extra walk-in closet over an extra bathroom. (This makes sense though—who wants another bathroom to clean?)
• 49% said they’d be willing to be celibate for six months in order to have more closet space.
• Close to 20% said they would take a PAY CUT for six months in exchange for a bigger closet. What!?

If you found yourself nodding in agreement, it might be time to embark on a little pare-down adventure. Luckily for you, we have plenty of resources on how to clean, declutter and organize your home and even where to donate all the items you clean out. That way, you don’t have to give up your physique, paycheck, or anything else.

Do you agree with any of these survey results? Let us know what you'd give up for more storage!