How Did So Much Stuff Pile Up?

A few years ago, I turned a carport into a bedroom. But first, I had to empty the carport of books, papers, furniture, rugs, and tools. Then, I took it all to a storage unit, where rent was $50 a month.

After three years of thinking about it, and only occasionally pawing through the storage unit for a lost item, I finally sorted out a handful of books and items that meant something—I could have fit them in a suitcase!—and held a yard sale for the rest.

I think about that when I see storage facilities spreading and expanding nationwide. At least 500 units have been built here in eastern Oregon’...