Self storage is becoming an increasingly popular way to store belongings. Whether you’re moving, downsizing, or just need a little extra space, self storage can be a great solution. But how much space do you actually need? And how do you figure that out? In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know in order to determine the right amount of self storage for your needs.
Take Inventory
Start by taking inventory of what you need to store. Make a list of everything you’ll be putting in storage, and try to estimate how much space each item will take up. Think about if the items are large or small and whether or not you’ll need to stack them. Some things that can’t be stacked, like furniture, will obviously take up more space.
If you’re not sure how much space something will take up, a good rule of thumb is to estimate that one cubic foot of storage space will hold about 33 pounds worth of belongings. So, if you have 100 pounds worth of things to store, that would be about three cubic feet. Another way to think about it is that one bedroom’s worth of belongings will likely take up between 100 and 200 square feet of storage space.
Once you have an idea of the total amount of space you’ll need, you can start looking at different self storage unit sizes to see what will work best for you.
How to Measure for a Storage Unit
When you’re looking at storage units, the size will be listed in square feet. But self storage units aren’t usually one big, open space. There are usually hallways, stairs, and other areas that aren’t usable for storage. So, the square footage listed is the usable space inside the unit.
To get an idea of how much space you’ll actually have to work with, it’s helpful to measure your belongings before you start looking at storage units. Get a tape measure and start measuring everything on your list. Also, don’t forget to measure any boxes or containers you’ll be using to store things. Once you have the measurements, you can start looking at storage units and estimating how much stuff will fit inside.
A general rule of thumb is that a five-by-ten storage unit will hold the contents of a one-bedroom apartment, while a ten-by-twenty storage unit will hold the contents of a three-bedroom house. Of course, this will vary depending on how much stuff you have and how it’s packed into the unit. But it’s a good starting point when you’re trying to figure out what size storage unit you need.
Consider Your Storage Needs
When you’re looking at self storage unit sizes, it’s important to consider your specific storage needs. For example, are you storing things that are sensitive to temperature or humidity? If so, you’ll want to make sure you choose a unit that offers climate control. The most common items that need to be stored in a climate-controlled unit are electronics, musical instruments, wooden furniture, and important documents. Also, keep in mind that the closer you are to the ground level, the more likely it is that your unit will be affected by moisture. So, if you’re storing anything that could be damaged by moisture, it’s best to choose a unit on an upper level.
Do you need to access your belongings frequently? If so, you might want to choose a unit that’s closer to the ground level for easy accessibility. Or, if security is a priority for you, look for a facility that has gated entry and 24-hour surveillance.
By taking your specific needs into account, you can narrow down your options and choose the best self storage unit size for your situation.
Choose the Right Size
Once you’ve considered your inventory and storage needs, you should have a good idea of what size self storage unit you need. If you’re still not sure, most storage facilities offer a variety of unit sizes to choose from. And, if you’re ever in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and choose a larger unit. That way, you’ll have plenty of space for all your belongings and won’t have to worry about them being cramped or crammed into a small space. Also, keep in mind that you can always rent two smaller units if you need more space than one large unit offers.
Renting a Self Storage Unit
Now that you know how to choose the right self storage unit size, it’s time to find a facility and rent your unit. When you’re ready to get started, contact a local self storage provider, and they’ll help you select the perfect unit for your needs.
