They Stored What? Safe-Cracking Edition

Main WP • August 24, 2020

A gentleman attending an auction in Southern California paid $500 for an abandoned storage unit. He wasn’t entirely sure what to expect behind the door, but he hoped it would be something interesting.


And interesting it was! Inside the unit, hidden among the contents, was a small safe. When the new owner could not get it open, he called another man to come help him. Between the two of them the safe was finally opened and the contents were far beyond anything that he had imagined.


There was $7.5 million in cash within the safe! This is the most cash that has ever been found within a storage unit to date. Upon discovery, the original owner reached out to reclaim the money, offering the anonymous man $1.2 million as a reward.


We at Towne Storage hope that you have enjoyed this series of amazing and valuable finds in storage units. Thank you to all those who have participated in our Instagram contest and make sure you tune in on Monday for the announcement of our Ultimate Grand Prize Winner this Monday, August 31 st .


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 May 30, 2026
Running a small business often means wearing multiple hats, managing tight budgets, and finding creative ways to make the most of limited space. But as companies grow, one challenge that tends to surface quickly and often is where to keep everything. From extra inventory and equipment to marketing materials and seasonal supplies, many business owners find themselves running out of room long before they're ready to invest in larger commercial space. That's one reason more and more entrepreneurs are turning to self-storage as a practical, affordable solution. Here are seven reasons self-storage has become an increasingly popular tool for small business owners. 1. It Costs Less Than Expanding Commercial Space Leasing additional office, warehouse, or retail space can be expensive. But many businesses don't actually need a larger storefront or office—they simply need somewhere to store items that aren't used every day. A self-storage unit provides this extra room, and at a fraction of the cost of expanding into a larger commercial property —thereby helping businesses control overhead while still accommodating growth. 2. It Helps Keep Workspaces Organized Cluttered offices , garages, and work vehicles can slow down productivity and create frustration. Self-storage allows business owners to move nonessential items off-site while still keeping them accessible when needed. So whether it's archived documents, trade show displays, excess inventory, or equipment, having a dedicated storage space helps create a cleaner, more efficient work environment. 3. It Provides Room for Growing Inventory Many businesses experience growth before they have the resources to move into larger facilities. Online sellers, retailers, and service-based businesses often need additional room for products, supplies, and inventory long before they need a bigger office. Self-storage offers a flexible way to accommodate growth without committing to expensive long-term commercial leases. 4. It Protects Valuable Equipment Landscapers, contractors, photographers, event planners, and countless other professionals rely on specialized equipment that can be costly to replace. Keeping tools, machinery, and business assets safe and secure in a self-storage unit can help protect them from theft, damage, weather exposure, and unnecessary wear while freeing up valuable space at home or in work vehicles. 5. It Helps Manage Seasonal Business Needs Many businesses experience seasonal fluctuations. For instance, landscapers may need extra room for winter equipment, retailers may need to stock up before the holidays, and event companies often rotate supplies based on the time of year. Self-storage provides a convenient place to help entrepreneurs like these keep seasonal items organized and out of the way until they're needed again. 6. It Creates Flexibility for Home-Based Businesses More entrepreneurs than ever are running successful businesses from home. While working from home offers plenty of advantages, spare bedrooms, garages, and basements can quickly become overwhelmed with inventory, supplies, documentation, and equipment. A storage unit helps home-based business owners maintain a professional operation without sacrificing living space. 7. It Allows Businesses to Grow at Their Own Pace Another of the biggest advantages of self-storage is flexibility. Businesses can rent the amount of space they need today and adjust as their needs change tomorrow. Rather than making a major financial commitment to larger facilities, entrepreneurs can scale gradually, preserving cash flow while still supporting growth. A Simple Solution for a Common Business Challenge So whether you're a contractor using self-storage for tools and materials, a landscaper storing equipment and seasonal gear, a realtor keeping signs, staging items, and marketing materials organized or an online seller using units as affordable mini warehouses for inventory and shipping supplies, self-storage can provide a number of practical ways to reduce clutter, stay organized, protect valuable equipment, and create room for growth. At Towne Storage, we’re proud to make all that and more possible with clean, secure, affordable, and conveniently located storage units, along with our signature 12-month rate-lock guarantee that helps business owners plan ahead with confidence.
By Towne Storage April 22, 2026
At Towne Storage , we understand that running a business means managing risk, responsibility, and valuable assets—often all at once. But everything from sensitive documents to expensive equipment deserves more than convenient access—it also deserves real protection. The good news is that quality self-storage can be a smart, convenient, and strategic safeguard and option for your business in three key ways: