How to Calculate How Much Self Storage Space is Needed
Storage spaces are a great solution to set aside your stuff safely.
As you decide on getting a storage space, now comes a crucial question you need to ask—how do I calculate how much storage space I need?
This article will help you choose a suitable space for your valuable items.
What size self storage unit do I need?
Self-storage renting has been a standard solution for individuals and businesses who need extra space to keep their items.
If you are a beginner in the concept of self-storage and it is your first time getting one, the first thing you have to identify is the unit size you will need.
It can be a challenge to know the actual space required for your things. But once you come up with the right size, it will save you a lot of time and money.
The size of your unit is also vital so you do not experience the stress of transferring your things.
What size storage unit do I need for major appliances?
The most common items people tend to place in storage units are appliances. Appliances take up so much space and are left unused by people doing major home renovations. They are also prone to damage due to ongoing renovation and construction in the house.
Generally, a medium-sized storage unit is just enough to store major appliances. In this unit, you can fit in the following items:
- Refrigerators
- Washers
- Dryers
- Fridges
However, some storage unit companies recommend a large-sized storage unit to fit all these while giving you more space for additional items.
How to Pick the Correct Storage Unit Size
So, how much storage space do I need? This is a typical question many first-time customers ask.
The answer to this question varies. You have to consider many factors when identifying the correct unit size.
Here is what to consider when picking the correct unit size.
Determine the storage unit’s primary function
To help you get started, you need to assess the unit’s essential function. Are you storing a car?
Will you be using the space for business inventory? What items are for long-term storage?
If the purpose is for business, you may need a larger space to give you more room for storage. If you intend to declutter items in your home from time to time, you may need extra space to move around.
Determining the exact items to store will help you choose the best unit size for its function.
Create a preliminary inventory
Although you already have a general idea of the items you will be storing, doing a quick inventory around your house helps. Make a list of the stuff you want to shelve for easier tracking and note-taking.
Consider the following factors when you do the inventory:
- Number of boxes to store
- Pieces of furniture to keep in the storage facility
- Measurements of large pieces
Research specific measurements
Now that you have listed down the actual measurements of your things, it is time to research available storage facilities that cater to the sizes.
Large furniture and major appliances may typically need medium to large storage spaces. Small units can accommodate small items.
Ask the storage facilities for specific measurements of their units to confirm if your items will truly fit.
If you’re in doubt, go one size bigger
If you want to save money, go for storage units that are one size bigger than getting the exact unit size.
Do not bother getting another smaller unit, as this will only cost you more. The cost of getting a size bigger can save you more money than getting an additional unit.
It tends to be less expensive if the storage company has many available large facilities.
Moreover, if you stack your furniture or boxes in a smaller storage unit, it may damage your things in the long run. Bigger unit sizes will save you from stress if you need additional space.
Double-check your home storage options
Walk around your house and check on available storage spaces. You might have missed certain corners and empty cabinets where you can store your things. You can avoid shelling out money you could have spent on other matters.
Calculate your space
Now that you have a list of the stuff you need to store, it’s time to measure them.
Measure your stuff in two ways:
- Square feet (sq. ft.) – Get this size by multiplying the length and width of all your items for storage. Items that are 5 x 5 feet need a unit with at least 25 square feet.
- Cubic feet (cu. ft.) – To arrive at this measurement, multiply the length, width, and height of your things. If the items measure 5 x 5 x 5 feet when piled up, you must get at least 75 cubic feet. Piling may not apply to other items for storage. Another option you can do is to measure each item. This will give you a rough estimate by square or cubic footage.
Once you come up with the measurement, you can forward them to your storage facility company for assessment.
How to save money on your storage unit
Renting out a storage unit means you need a budget. But it is worth the effort to look at these tips to save a few hundred bucks.
Compare the costs
Storage units may cost more than the total value of your things. You may want to consider selling your items and just buying again instead of storing them in one place.
Do note that storage units may cost you a lot of money if you use them for a long time. You can instead buy a new set of items with that allotted budget.
However, it is different if the stuff holds importance, such as memorabilia and legal documents
Identify your largest items
Large items usually go from a car to appliances and furniture. Anything over 15 feet go for a medium to a large-sized unit.
Visit a storage facility
Viewing storage facilities through their website photos and gallery is never the same as checking the actual site. Set an appointment to visit the facility you are eyeing to double-check if the information is accurate.
Ask about specific sizes
Not everything is found on the storage company’s website, particularly the exact sizes. Usually, they post generic measures, but more particular sizes can be available if you call them.
Ask the storage company if they have available units for your measurements.
Talk to several companies
So there may be several companies who said they have units for your required measurements. However, there are cases when these units are already occupied. Many people are now turning to storage units, making this an in-demand solution.
You always have to check many options and thoroughly research nearby companies to confirm availability.
Consider moving containers
Is your stuff for short-term storage only? Why not consider getting portable storage options which is cheaper than rental trucks.
You also have the option to store them in your backyard for a monthly plan.
This move can save you from the headache of moving your things in and out of the storage facility. It also makes your stuff readily available whenever you need it.
Common Self Storage Unit Sizes
It is always a challenge to differentiate what fits from what does not. While measurements help, a first-time storage unit customer may find it hard to deal with numbers and their corresponding unit sizes.
Here’s a storage unit size guide you can refer to when determining measurements.
SMALL-SIZED UNITS: 5×5 and 5×10 units
This unit’s size is similar to a walk-in closet size and is best for short-term storage.
Small-sized items include:
- Desks, chairs, and side tables
- Office supplies
- Outdoor equipment
- Clothing
- Decors
- Legal documents
- Small appliances
This unit is best for:
- College students – For storing items while they are away for the summer
- Apartment tenants – For keeping appliances that do not fit their spaces
MEDIUM-SIZED UNITS: 10×10 and 10×15 storage units
This size is approximately half the size of a standard one-car garage. It is a great solution for medium to large house items.
This unit can accommodate:
- Mattresses and couches
- Dressers
- Inventory items
- Large appliances
- Kitchen tables
This unit is best for:
- Individuals – For keeping large appliances and home furniture
- Businesses – For items that no longer fit a small-sized unit and extra spaces for excess inventory products
LARGE-SIZED – 10×20 and 10×25 units
This size is similar to a standard one-car garage. It can accommodate items from a two-bedroom house.
These units can accommodate items such as:
- Office furniture
- Small cars
- Motorcycles
- Home appliances
The unit best works for:
- Homeowners – For storing small cars and appliances during home renovation or moving out.
- Businesses – For storing belongings while they relocate to another site
EXTRA LARGE-SIZED UNITS – 10×30, 12×30 or 20×20 units
The unit is approximately the size of a standard two-car garage and can accommodate big household items and multiple vehicles.
Specific items you can store here are:
- Company cars
- Furniture and appliances from all areas of the house
- Large vehicles such as camper vans, boats, and trucks
This unit is fit for:
- Large businesses – For storing moving vans and other large office equipment
- Homeowners – For storing things from their three to five-bedroom home and other stuff such as multiple cars
While the sizes vary, all facilities are equipped with climate-controlled features and premium security to ensure that items are safe and secured 24/7.
Rent a Storage Unit Online
Knowing the storage unit size is crucial to deciding about self-storage. Iron Self Storage’s Unit Size Guide can help you identify which size you need for your items. Their representative is ready to assist you with your inquiries.
Are you ready to move your stuff? Rent a storage unit online today at Iron Self Storage and get your things stored fast and safe.
