Storable and SpareFoot Release "The Real Cost of Clutter" Report, Reveals Americans Pay Up to $113,500 in Hidden "Clutter Tax" on Their Homes

New Report Quantifies the Financial and Psychological Impact of America's Storage Crisis

AUSTIN, Texas, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Storable, the leader in integrated technology solutions for the self-storage, marine, and RV industries, and Sparefoot, the largest marketplace for finding and reserving a self-storage unit, have jointly released "The Real Cost of Clutter" report, a comprehensive study quantifying the actual real estate value Americans surrender to unused possessions and documenting how clutter creates a cascade of hidden costs affecting both finances and wellbeing.

Based on a survey of 1,000 Americans, the report reveals that 21% dedicate over 500 square feet – roughly the size of a small apartment – purely to storage, effectively paying $113,500 in real estate value to house their belongings (based on current median home prices of $227 per square foot). Over half of Americans (54%) sacrifice between 100-500 square feet to house possessions they rarely use.

The research comes at a critical time when housing affordability concerns are at an all-time high, with the median home price in the U.S. reaching record levels. Despite these housing challenges, Americans continue to allocate substantial portions of their valuable home space to clutter, creating a "hidden tax" on homeowners and renters alike.

Additional insights from the report include:

• Sacrificial Garages: 31% of respondents report their garages are at least half-filled with clutter, while 9% cannot park in their garages at all.
  
  
• Regional Disparities: Southern households sacrifice the most space (23% dedicating 300-500 square feet) while simultaneously being the most likely (18%) to rent additional self-storage units. In high-cost areas like Boston, where square footage runs $905, even 50 square feet of clutter translates to $45,000 in real estate value.
  
  
• Psychological Toll: Nearly three-quarters (74%) of Americans report experiencing stress or anxiety when confronted with cluttered areas, with 23% describing this stress as significant or extreme. 32% avoid inviting guests to their homes due to concerns about clutter, and 26% say it has negatively impacted relationships.
  
  
• Opportunity Costs: Nearly one in six homeowners (16%) have delayed or avoided selling their homes because of the overwhelming task of decluttering.
  
  
• Ongoing Organization Costs: 56% purchase storage and organizational solutions at least once per year, with 29% spending up to $750 annually on bins, shelves, and organizers.

With the average 10×10 self-storage unit costing approximately $121 per month nationwide, the data reveals a significant opportunity for self-storage operators who can offer compelling alternatives for Americans paying substantial premiums to store items in their homes.

"Ultimately, addressing clutter isn't just about tidying – it's a financial decision with measurable returns," said Chuck Gordon, CEO of Storable and SpareFoot. "Self-storage presents a practical solution to this hidden housing crisis. For a fraction of the real estate value being sacrificed, Americans can reclaim their living spaces while still keeping their possessions accessible."

The full "The Real Cost of Clutter" report can be downloaded at https://info.storable.com/the-cost-of-clutter.

About Storable
At Storable, we're redefining property management for specialty real estate. Storable empowers over 33,000 self-storage facilities with the industry's only fully integrated technology platform. Our end-to-end solutions—from management software and demand generation to CRM tools and delinquency solutions—help storage operators streamline workflows, attract tenants, and grow revenue. Dedicated to empowering self-storage owners and operators, Storable helps you win more every day. Explore our platform solutions at www.storable.com.

About SpareFoot
SpareFoot is the largest marketplace for storage, making it easier to move and store your stuff. The SpareFoot website lets you find and compare the best storage deals near you, and instantly rent online or by phone for free. With the most up-to-date information on storage available, SpareFoot makes finding your stuff a home the easiest thing to cross off your to-do list. For more information, visit www.sparefoot.com.

Media Contact:
John Eidson
Beantown Media Ventures
[email protected] 

SOURCE Storable