They Stored What? Ancient Civilization Edition

Main WP • June 1, 2020

From Pharaoh’s pyramids to modern day, climate-controlled storage units, people have been finding ways to securely store their belongings for a very long time. And when it comes to storage, I don’t necessarily picture ancient civilizations as needing storage space outside their homes, however, archeologists have discovered that self-storage has existed for more than 6,000 years. Among the first discoveries of these units are from Xi’an, China.

Granted, the facilities weren’t fancy and were usually set up in caves or underground pits. Security guards patrolled the area to prevent thieves from making off with family goods. Instead of moving boxes, customers placed their belongings in clay pots. Among the items being stored include flip-flops, collectable spear heads, bones, and even jewelry made from jade and teeth.

The earliest known owner of a storage facility was Xiang Lau. His wife, tired of tripping over the collection of the bones of his enemies, made Xiang Lau remove the relics from his warrior days from their home. Xiang Lau even offered customers a free ox rental to bring their possessions to his facility!

While we may not have oxen to rent out to our customers, we do offer free rent! Want to declutter your space? Reserve your unit now at www.townestorage.com today!

Don’t forget to follow our Instagram feed for the “They Stored What?” trivia contest based on the articles of this blog! Please submit all answers with your Instagram Tag to contests@townestorage.com. Good luck!

For a list of rules and restrictions, please request our Official Rules via email at contests@townestorage.com.

By Towne Storage March 1, 2026
At Towne Storage, we know how exciting business growth can be—until you realize you’re running out of room. One day it’s a few extra boxes of inventory; the next it’s stacks of supplies in the hallway, equipment in the breakroom, and no clear space left to work. If this sounds like you and your business... The post Flexible Business Storage Options for Growing Companies appeared first on Towne Storage.
By marineth.ordinal January 30, 2026
Furniture is one of the most expensive categories of household items to replace, and it is also one of the easiest to damage in storage when rushed. Scratches, warped wood, crushed cushions, and moisture damage usually come down to poor preparation and tight packing. Storing furniture correctly is less about how much you can fit... The post How to Store Furniture in a Storage Unit the Right Way appeared first on Towne Storage.