Here’s a guide to help you make the right choice based on your unique situation.
Before you can determine the size of your storage unit, you need to know exactly what you're storing. Start by taking inventory of your items and categorize them. Are you storing large furniture? Boxes of books or clothes? Seasonal items like holiday decorations? Appliances? The more detailed your inventory, the more accurately you can estimate the space required.
Make sure to note the dimensions of larger items like sofas, mattresses, and appliances. This will help you visualize how they’ll fit into a storage unit and how much space you’ll need to leave for walking or stacking.
Storage units come in a variety of sizes, and each is suited for different types of storage needs. Here’s a general breakdown of the most common sizes:
Fits: One room’s worth of items (e.g., a mattress, couch, and boxes).
Perfect for: Storing the contents of a small bedroom or apartment. This is also ideal for storing seasonal items like winter clothing or holiday decorations.
Fits: The contents of a one- or two-bedroom apartment, including furniture, appliances, and boxes.
Perfect for: A small home or apartment that needs extra storage space. It offers plenty of room for larger furniture, multiple boxes, and a few large appliances like a refrigerator or washer/dryer set.
Fits: The contents of a 3-4 bedroom home, a small vehicle, or boat.
Perfect for: A large family or anyone who is moving a lot of furniture and personal items. This is also a good option for storing vehicles, boats, or equipment alongside furniture.
Fits: A large home’s worth of furniture and belongings, plus a car or boat.
Perfect for: Storing the entire contents of a 4+ bedroom home, including all furniture, appliances, and personal items. This unit size is ideal for long-term storage when you need a lot of room.
It’s easy to assume that you only need the square footage to fit your belongings, but consider how you'll arrange those items. If you’re going to need to access your stored items regularly, you’ll want to leave space for walkways. For example, in a 10x10 unit, you can fit a lot of items by stacking boxes, but if you need to get to things often, it might be worth opting for a slightly larger unit to keep everything organized and accessible.
On the other hand, if you're storing items for the long term (like seasonal decorations or furniture you don’t need to touch frequently), you can stack things higher and pack the unit more efficiently. This will save you space and money.
If you're planning on adding more items in the future, it’s a good idea to factor that into your decision. Many people underestimate how much they’ll need to store, so it’s worth considering your long-term storage needs. It might be tempting to go with the smallest unit now, but a slightly larger unit could save you from needing to upgrade or rent an additional unit down the line.
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, make sure you’re not sacrificing convenience or accessibility just to save a few bucks. A smaller unit might cost less, but if it forces you to stack everything to the ceiling and you can’t access your belongings easily, it could cause more stress and inconvenience.
Consider how often you’ll need access to your items. Some storage units are climate-controlled, which is a great option if you're storing sensitive items like electronics or artwork. However, climate-controlled units typically cost more. Factor these additional costs into your decision.
Choosing the right square footage for your storage unit isn’t about finding the cheapest option, but rather the one that meets your needs for space, accessibility, and budget. By taking inventory of your items, considering the layout, and planning for future storage needs, you can make an informed decision that will keep your belongings safe and secure without overpaying for unnecessary space.
Still not sure which size is right for you, don’t hesitate to ask!
