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Some people have been living in storage units that cost about $100 per month. It's legal, and there's even a power outlet in the units, but there's no running water or toilet.
The news item I saw was in San Jose, CA, but I found articles about people doing this throughout the country. It's a bit nicer than living in a vehicle.
At my old job, I had to go to the storage unit once a month to store records. The same cars would always be parked in front of the same units everytime I went. One unit had cat food in dishes sitting outside the door. Another unit actually had a Christmas tree in the window, all decorated and lit up and everything. The storage place we used actually had a toilet and running water, that's why those people were able to live in those units.
People have been trying that for years. At least every place I have lived it is illegal (not zoned for it or states it in the contract) and it's a terrible idea. No way to lock from the inside, no water/toilets, no electricity, no real insulation or heat, if there is a fire they are not likely to look for you...
There was an article in Yahoo news about a guy the converted a trash dumpster into an efficiency apartment. He had a bed, a work desk, and a small kitchen.
The rental agreement usually specifically forbids residency. I know people that live in temporary housing (of one sort or another) and use storage for a large closet but they have told me there is efforts to stop even overnight stays.
Isn't this illegal as all hell? Would also be a ton of liability for the owner if someone was living there. I'd imagine there are a lot of desperate "fly by night" storage places desperate enough for income to allow someone to do this.
That said I would definitely live in a storage unit if I could. The one I was renting for awhile was air conditioned/heated, had electrical outlets and a regular door adjacent to the garage type door. I live on 16,000 a year so I have always had to find creative housing solutions.
It's something I've heard of. Let's remember part of the problem here is that there isn't enough housing created to help low wage people and the wait list for subsidized housing is long and 100,000 homes can only help so many homeless with no jobs.
Some people have been living in storage units that cost about $100 per month. It's legal, and there's even a power outlet in the units, but there's no running water or toilet.
The news item I saw was in San Jose, CA, but I found articles about people doing this throughout the country. It's a bit nicer than living in a vehicle.
It is absolutely NOT LEGAL to live in a storage unit..... fire safety (only one exit), no running water, zoning issues, personal safety (only lockable from the outside, means the unit can't be locked when your in there).
I've considered it before, but didn't know it was legal. Would the owners of the facility allow it?
Are the units temperature controlled? Summers get hot, winters get cold.
Surely there is no ventilation in those boxes.
And a Christmas tree in the window? Do storage units even have windows?
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The storage place we used actually had a toilet and running water, that's why those people were able to live in those units.
