Despite popular opinion, size does matter, especially when deciding to rent a storage unit. After all, moving your prized and cherished belongings requires an accurate appraisal of the space they will need. Otherwise, you risk renting too small a space to store all your things, or overpaying for space you don’t need or use. To help you choose the best storage unit to fit your needs, Mini-Entrepôts Sauvegarde has put together the following self storage unit size guide. Referring to it and heeding our advice will no doubt lead to savings on cost and a more efficient use of space!
Common Self Storage Unit Sizes and Their Uses
Although Mini-Entrepôts Sauvegarde has a wide variety of interior and exterior storage unit sizes, the following sizes are generally the most popular:
5×5 Storage Units (25 sq. ft.)
Also colloquially known as a “closet-sized” unit, a 5×5 is ideal for small items and boxes, seasonal items, or sports equipment. Perfect for those with just a few things to store.
5×10 Storage Units (50 sq. ft.)
These units are perfect for accommodating the furniture and belongings found in a studio or a small, one-bedroom apartment. Aside from necessary furniture pieces like beds and refrigerators, these units can also house several boxes and small appliances.
10×10 Storage Units (100 sq. ft.)
A versatile option for storing belongings that is comparable to the contents of a one- or two-bedroom apartment. These units can store multiple pieces of furniture, mattresses, and appliances.
10×15 Storage Units (150 sq. ft.)
As one of the larger options when it comes to storage units, these rooms can fit the contents of a two-bedroom apartment or a small house. These units are also ideal for larger items like pianos, ATVs/UTVs, or small boats.
10×20 Storage Units (200 sq. ft.)
Comparable to a one-car garage, these spacious storage units can store a multi-bedroom house’s contents. Additionally, these units can be used for business storage, perfectly housing inventory, stock, and equipment both comfortably and accessibly.
10×30 Storage Units (300 sq. ft.)
One of the largest options available for those looking to store their entire inventory of goods or big-ticket items. These units are perfect for storing a large home’s entire collection of contents, outdoor equipment, and even whole vehicles, should you wish.
Self Storage Unit Size Guide: Making the Right Choice
One of the most sound pieces of advice our self storage unit size guide can put forth is to make sure you know exactly what items you will be storing and how much space they will need before you rent your unit. This will require careful thought and planning, so take your time and do it right. As the old saying goes, “measure seven times and cut once,” so you can determine exactly what you need and avoid unnecessary inefficiency or excess.
Take note of the following:
Inventory Assessment
Before you start grabbing random items from your closet, attic, garage, and basement to throw into a moving van and bring to a storage facility, it’s advisable to make a list of all the items you actually want to store. This way, you’ll know exactly what items you’re moving, take accurate measurements of bigger items like appliances and furniture, and accurately estimate what size storage unit you will need. For smaller items, you can take measurements of boxes and containers after they are packed. These measurements, as well as a predetermined plan of packing, stacking, and storage, can take the guesswork out of determining what size storage unit you will need.
Future Considerations
Of course, it’s always important to consider the future when choosing the size of your storage unit. If you know that what you have decided to store is just the tip of the iceberg and that subsequent bouts of spring cleaning at your home will result in more items to be stored, you may want to consider opting for a larger storage unit. Conversely, if what you are storing is earmarked to be sold or thrown out shortly, you may want to consider a smaller or more compact unit. In any event, If you know you will be adding or removing items, adjust the size of your storage unit accordingly.
Size Guides and Visualizers
If you can’t quite visualize or calculate the storage space you may need for your belongings, there’s no need to fret- technology is on your side! Several websites and online tools can help you calculate just how much space you’ll need: check out Move.org or Findselfstorage.net to name a few!
Tips for Maximizing Your Storage Space
With efficient organization in your packing, you’ll not only be able to conserve and maximize your use of space, but protect and have easier access to your belongings as well. Just follow these self storage unit size guide tips:
Pack Efficiently
When placing your belongings in your storage unit, be sure to think strategically. Make use of vertical space by stacking boxes and storage bins in uniform columns as high as you can. If some of your items or belongings will not be used frequently, don’t be afraid to keep them at the back of the unit.
Protect Your Belongings
Use sturdy boxes or plastic bins to place your items in. This will ensure your columns are sturdy and won’t tip over, nor will your boxes on the bottom crumble or break. As a rule, keep heavier containers at the bottom of your column, and lighter ones up top. Also, make sure you label each box with its contents and keep a master list both in your unit and at home.
Organize for Accessibility
If you need to access certain items on a more regular basis, it’s best practice to leave them at the front of your unit for easy access. As well, it’s a good idea to leave a walkway or path with your storage unit between the items you frequently access, if you can spare the space.
Need help choosing the right storage unit size? Contact us today for expert advice in a self storage unit size guide and find a storage solution tailored to your needs!