The inheritance boom is here, and it’s not just about money—it’s about stuff. Mountains of it. As baby boomers and the silent generation pass down their lifetimes’ worth of belongings, a quiet revolution is unfolding in the storage and decluttering industries. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some see this as a practical solution, others argue it’s a symptom of a society drowning in excess. Let’s dive in.
On a sunny weekday afternoon in Auckland, a woman in gym gear steps out of an elevator at National Mini Storage, clutching a plastic box labeled ‘December/Xmas.’ Outside, a steady stream of cars comes and goes, some loaded with boxes, others empty-handed. Inside, the multi-storey facility feels like a labyrinth of personal histories, each unit a time capsule of someone’s life. For as little as $217 a month, you can rent a 2x1-meter space—or splurge on a ‘single car garage’-sized unit for $532. But why are so many people paying to store their belongings? And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about lack of space—it’s about a generational shift in how we value (or don’t value) our possessions.
This boom in storage isn’t happening in a vacuum. It’s fueled by the largest transfer of generational wealth in history, with New Zealand alone expecting $1.6 trillion to change hands in the next 25 years. Alongside cash and property, heirs are inheriting decades’ worth of belongings. But where do you put it all? Housing intensification, particularly in cities like Auckland, is squeezing living spaces, leaving many with nowhere to store their newfound heirlooms.
Sam Scott, a self-storage specialist at CBRE, puts it bluntly: ‘Homes are getting smaller, but we still have lots of stuff.’ New Zealand’s supply of self-storage units—2.39 per 100 people—pales in comparison to the U.S., where one-third of people have rented a unit. But demand is skyrocketing, driven by an aging population, smaller homes, and the rise of e-commerce businesses that need flexible storage solutions.
But is this a sustainable solution, or just a band-aid on a bigger problem? Scott points out that storage isn’t just for families dealing with inheritance. It’s also for businesses, movers, and those in transition. ‘People are storing possessions until they figure out what to do with them,’ he says. ‘It’s a common story.’ Yet, as the industry grows, it’s becoming increasingly corporatized, with big players like Kennards and National Storage REIT snapping up smaller facilities. Is this consolidation good for consumers, or does it risk monopolizing a basic need?
On the flip side, the decluttering industry is booming too. Professionals like Beks Holmes of The Decluttering & Organising Co. are helping clients let go of what no longer serves them. ‘Decluttering is emotional work,’ Holmes says. ‘Many of my clients inherit their parents’ belongings and feel overwhelmed.’ She encourages clients to have honest conversations with family members: ‘Ask them now if they want that family crystal or silver. The answer is often no.’
So, what’s the takeaway? Are we storing our way out of a problem, or simply delaying the inevitable? And is decluttering the answer, or just another trend? Let’s spark a conversation. Do you see storage as a necessity or a symptom of overconsumption? And how do you feel about letting go of family heirlooms? Share your thoughts below—let’s debate!
