How To Estimate The Storage Unit Size You Need

Many of us have daydreamed about having more space. Having extra storage is attractive for many of us. We tend to accumulate things over time or need to declutter our living spaces. One solution that should be addressed is renting a storage container. Big cities like Los Angeles have many safe storage options that are easy to use. It’s a convenient way to keep your things secure.

Renting a storage unit can be confusing. People often need to figure out what size to choose, which can cause mistakes. We will show you how to select the best storage unit size to avoid problems. It’s easy with our guide.

Why is it important to estimate the storage unit size

Picking the right size for things or storage can be more challenging than it seems. Estimating how much stuff you have and thinking about how it will fit in a new place can be tricky. Self-storage experts on Bainbridge Island have found that people often need help choosing their storage unit.

One mistake is picking a unit that needs to be more significant. This happens when you realize how much space you need to store your things. People often need to think about how big their things are and pick a storage that is too small. Crowding, hard-to-reach stuff, and needing to rent more space can happen.

People sometimes choose a storage unit that is too big. It happens when they overestimate their storage needs. They end up selecting a unit more significant than what they require. It can lead to unnecessary expenditures and wasted space. Paying for extra space you don’t use is not cost-effective. It makes it hard to organize your things well.

To avoid these mistakes, assessing the amount of stuff you need to store carefully is crucial. First, make a list of your things. Then divide them into groups by size, how delicate they are, and how often you use them. This helps you know how much space each category needs. If you want to picture how things will fit in a storage unit, try using tools like a tape measure or a virtual room planner.

In addition, get help from storage experts. They have experience and can give you good advice. They help you to find the proper storage for you. By assessing your needs, they recommend your most suitable unit size.

Look at what you have stored in your storage space when you want to make the most of it. Doing this will help you reach your items quickly and save money.

5×5 Storage Unit Guide

5×10 Storage Unit Guide

10×10 Storage Unit Guide

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10×20 Storage Unit Guide

10×25 Storage Unit Guide

10×30 Storage Unit Guide

Why do people opt for too-small of a storage unit?

People often choose smaller storage containers near them to save money. This may initially appear as a prudent and cost-effective choice. However, it doesn’t solve the problem of needing more space and can worsen it.

At first, it may seem nice to have extra room, but the truth is, you can only fit some of what you own in a small space. Improper stacking can damage the items you squeeze in. Renting a smaller unit may seem like a good idea, but it usually wastes money and doesn’t fix the space problem.

Why do individuals opt for an extensive storage unit?

If you get the wrong storage size, you can choose a bigger one as another option. It’s better to have extra space than not enough. To some extent, this analogy holds true. Renting a storage unit too small is a waste of money, but renting one too big may seem safer.

Using a storage unit that’s larger than necessary can hurt your budget/cost in the long run. The money invested in the additional space may not be worthwhile. Our self-storage experts suggest making a list and calculating your required storage area. This thoughtful approach will help you avoid unnecessary expenses in the long run.

Factors to Consider When Estimating Storage Unit Size

Estimating the storage unit size you need involves considering several key factors. Considering these factors, you can accurately determine the ideal unit size for your belongings. Let’s examine each element in detail

Types of Items You Need to Store

The first step in estimating the storage unit size is to identify the types of items you plan to store. Make a list of your belongings and categorize them accordingly. Are you storing furniture, appliances, documents, or a combination of items? By understanding the nature and dimensions of your belongings, you can better assess the required storage space.

Quantity of Items

Now that you’ve identified the types of items, you can determine the quantity needed. Take a thorough inventory of all the items you plan to store. Count the number of furniture pieces, boxes, and other items. This step will give you a tip of the overall volume of your belongings.

The fragility of Items

Consider the fragility of your items when estimating the storage unit size. Fragile items may require additional space for proper packaging and protection. Delicate items like glassware, artwork, or antiques might need extra padding and careful handling. Ensure you allocate sufficient space to accommodate the necessary packing materials and protective measures.

Accessibility Requirements

Think about how frequently you will need access to your stored items. If you anticipate regular visits to retrieve or add things, choosing a unit size that allows easy navigation within the space is essential. Opting for a slightly larger unit can provide the convenience and flexibility you need to move around comfortably.

Future Storage Needs

Consider your future storage needs when estimating the unit size. Will you be adding more items over time? Are you downsizing or relocating? Planning for future storage requirements can save you from switching units or renting additional space. It is wise to leave some room for expansion if you foresee any changes in your storage needs.

Five steps to estimate the storage unit size you need

Estimating the storage unit size you need involves several steps to ensure that you select the appropriate space for your belongings. Here are the steps to follow:

Perform an inventory of your belongings

Keeping track of my things is essential and means being careful about details. If you want to know what storage unit size to choose, first count all the boxes. Also, check for bigger things like couches, tables, and bookshelves. Make sure to write down everything we encounter to ensure we can use it later.

Also remember to mark things that must be kept in a specific climate when taking inventory. Essential items like business papers, pictures, and artwork need a particular room that is less humid and cooler. So, choosing climate-controlled storage units is best to keep sensitive items safe.

Check your belongings to gain a better understanding of what you own. It will help you know the number and type of things you own. You can make better choices about storage space by knowing what you need to store. This will help you take care of your stuff correctly.

Double-check your home storage options.

After you’ve made a list of everything in each room, look at where you keep things in your house. Make sure to use all your available storage space before renting extra storage. It’s crucial to optimize your space. It’s essential to store belongings wisely. You might regret not using a half-empty closet or garage corner. It could lead to spending extra money on a bigger storage unit.

A smaller storage unit costs around $1000 less per year than a medium-sized one. It’s best to review your storage options carefully for five minutes. You can save money using your home’s space instead of renting a bigger storage unit. This way, you won’t have to spend more on rent.

Calculate your space

Determining the appropriate size of a storage unit involves several steps. To make your move easier, there are essential steps to follow. In step three, measure your belongings. In step four, it’s necessary to have your measurements in square feet or sq. for accuracy: ft.) or cubic feet (cu. ft.).

To calculate square footage, multiply the length and width of your belongings. If you have a stack of items measuring 5 feet by 5 feet, you need a storage unit with at least 25 square feet of space. Extra Space Storage offers excellent 5 feet by 5 feet storage units in such cases.

You can figure out the size of your stuff by multiplying the length, width, and height – that’s cubic footage. If your big things take up 5 feet by 5 feet by 5 feet, you need a storage space of 75 cubic feet.

There are multiple approaches to measuring your belongings. You can gather all your things in a pile and measure the dimensions to know how much storage you need. Another approach involves individually measuring each item’s length, width, and height. You can utilize Extra Space Storage’s moving calculator if you require additional assistance.

There isn’t one right way to measure what you own. To get a suitable storage unit, estimate how much space you need in square or cubic feet. If you need to help converting measurements to feet, our guide can help. It covers comprehensively measuring linear and square feet.

Pick a small, medium, or large storage unit size.

When you’re done assessing and measuring, choosing the right storage size is critical. Luckily, storage units come in three categories: small, medium, and large. There are many storage unit sizes, but they fall into three categories.

Let’s look at the size categories’ dimensions, square footage, and cubic footage.

Small Units:

Common dimensions (in feet): 5 x 5 to 5 x 10.

Square footage: 25 to 50 square feet.

Cubic footage: 200 to 400 cubic feet.

What fits: These units can accommodate belongings equivalent to the size of up to one room. They work well if you have only a few things to store.

Medium Units:

Standard dimensions (in feet): 10×10 to 10 x 15.

Square footage: 75 to 150 square feet.

Cubic footage: 600 to 1,200 cubic feet.

Medium-sized storage units have up to three rooms. They’re great for people who need to store a moderate amount of stuff. They provide ample space for furniture, appliances, and other household items.

Large Units:

Common dimensions (in feet): 10 x 20 to 10 x 30.

Square footage: 200 to 300 square feet.

Cubic footage: 1,600 to 2,400 cubic feet.

Large storage units can hold items from up to five rooms, giving you plenty of space. These units work well for people with lots of big items like furniture and appliances to store.

Some storage companies like CubeSmart may have storage lockers which are extra-small units. This information is essential to note. Lockers are helpful for people who live in cities. They keep things like boxes, holiday decorations, and seasonal clothes.

To find the best storage unit for you, compare your measurements from Step 3 with the size guide on SecureSpace Self Storages. A medium-sized storage unit would be right if you have 125 square feet of stuff. They’re usually 75-150 square feet.

Research specific measurements

To find a suitable storage unit, follow several steps. The fifth step is to visit storage facility websites and pick a size that works for you. You can save money if you select a unit with enough space for your big things but only a little extra space.

You’ve narrowed down your choices to small, medium, or large. Now it’s time to look closer. When looking for a storage unit, check different company websites. This way, you can find detailed measurements and advice tailored to your needs.

In this stage, it is crucial to approach the task with meticulous attention to detail. Storage facilities have different guidelines for what can go in their units. So, to find the right size of space for your needs, it’s essential to check their websites and get accurate info.

You can learn about the size of storage units by looking at their websites. Knowing this lets you choose the best unit size to fit your storage needs. Selecting a unit that’s too big can cost you more money. To avoid this, be thorough and pick a unit that suits your needs perfectly.

Save money on your storage unit.

Estimating the proper storage unit size can save time and money. It’s difficult to rent a storage unit that’s too small for your belongings. Sadly, you pay $85 more monthly for a half-empty storage unit, even when you’ve stored your things in it. If you can fit your belongings in a small 5 x 5 storage unit, there’s no need to pay for extra space.

Compare the costs: Storage Units vs. Rebuying.

Storage unit rentals can cost more than the stored items. Let’s say you want to rent a storage unit for a dresser, a queen bed, and bookshelves. On average, it would be about $150 monthly, nearly $1,800 annually. Eventually, it’s better to rebuy those things later than to store them now. This might not work if you have important things that can’t be replaced, such as yearbooks or legal papers. Many people spend more on storage units than their belongings are worth.

Identify your largest items: Quick Assessment.

If making a long list isn’t possible, there’s another way to figure out how much space you need in a storage unit. You can quickly estimate by focusing on the longest and widest items you plan to store. A small storage unit won’t work if any of your things are longer or wider than 10 feet. This information is from SecureSpace‘s guide to storage unit sizes. If your items are taller than 15 feet, you should get a bigger storage unit instead of a medium-sized one.

Explore a storage facility.

Reading about storage units is useful, but nothing beats experiencing it yourself. To understand how much storage units can hold, visit a storage facility for an hour. Stepping into some storage units helps you see their size and how many boxes or items they fit. This visit is essential and can save you money.

Ask about specific sizes.

Many storage companies have more unit sizes than shown on their websites. This is important to know. If you need the best storage units, contact storage facilities nearby. Take the first step and contact them. Let them know how much space you need by giving an estimate in square or cubic footage. Doing so lets you inquire if they have any units that closely match your requirements. Consider it by requesting a shoe store to check their inventory for your shoe size. You can find the best storage unit by being proactive and carefully looking. It should fit your needs perfectly.

Talk to several companies.

Remember that medium-sized units may be unavailable when searching for a storage unit. There’s a possibility that other tenants already occupy these units. However, you still need to reach a dead end. You can find storage unit companies in your area using your zip code. Check their online sales platforms to see what they offer. This will increase your chances of finding the specific unit that meets your needs.

Consider moving containers

Try using moving containers for short-term storage. It’s a good choice to think about. Moving containers are often a cheaper option than rental trucks. They can also serve as storage units that you can keep at home for a monthly fee. This option can save you money and the stress of moving your things back and forth from storage.

Tips to estimate the right size of your storage space

Estimating storage space is easy; follow a few steps. To ensure an accurate estimation, it’s important to follow these guidelines:

Make a list of everything you would like to store. It would help if you showed which items will be stored at this step. Choosing the right self-storage unit size in Shoreline will be easier if you know what you want to store.

Select samples from each category you plan to store to estimate the load. Choose things that represent how big most things are in each group. Measure each item’s volume, considering its length, width, and height.

To find the total volume, multiply each item’s volume by the number of boxes in that category. Calculate this to find the total number of items that need storage. Including all relevant types and factors in the volume for each is essential.

Some things might be too big for regular boxes and need a special place when packing. In such cases, seeking advice from a reputable storage provider is highly recommended. It will be easier for you to store large items if you consult them.

You can find out how much storage space you need for your stuff by doing these steps. Choosing the right storage provider is crucial. It ensures you get the best storage unit that meets your needs.

FAQs about storage unit sizes

How do I estimate the storage unit size I need?

To figure out what size storage unit do I need, first, calculate the square footage of your stuff—factor in furniture, appliances, boxes, and anything else you want to store. You can choose a storage unit size based on the required total space.

What are the common storage unit sizes available?

Storage units have different sizes, including small units (25-50 sq. ft.), medium units (75-150 sq. ft.), and large units (200-300 sq. ft.). These sizes can accommodate different amounts of belongings.

How can I determine the square footage of my belongings?

Measure the length and width of your furniture and appliances to find their square footage. Multiply these dimensions to obtain their square footage. For smaller items, estimate their size and add up the square footage accordingly.

What factors should I consider when estimating storage unit size?

To determine what size storage unit you need:

1. Consider how much stuff you have and how tall it is.
2. Don’t forget to factor in any extra space it might need.
3. Consider your future storage needs when choosing a unit, so it can grow with you.

Can storage facilities assist in determining the right unit size?

Most storage facilities have helpful staff who can help you decide what size unit suits you. Experienced people can guide you and suggest the best option for you.

What if I need clarification on the storage unit size I need?

If you’re unsure what storage unit size to get, it’s better to pick a bigger one. You can be flexible and have space for your things without problems.

Can I upgrade or downsize my storage unit if needed?

Storage facilities often let you change your unit size if space is available. Before visiting a place, asking about its rules, charges, and limits is smart.

Are there any other considerations apart from size when choosing a storage unit?

When choosing a storage facility, think about more than just the size. You should also consider the location, security features, accessibility, climate control, and reputation of the storage place. Ensuring your stored items are safe and easily accessible is crucial.

Conclusion

To make sure your things are safe and stored well, it’s important to figure out what size storage unit you need. This is a vital step you should take before you start storing your belongings. If you want to know the right size of the storage unit for your belongings:

1. Measure the space you need for furniture, appliances, and boxes.
2. Calculate the total square footage to determine the suitable unit size.
3. When storing your things, consider their size and how much room they need.
4. Think about any storage you need in the future.

It’s easier to estimate the size of your items if you measure them first. But it is always a good idea to ask the people who work at the storage facility. They know what’s best. Experienced people can help you select the right storage size for your needs. Their guidance is valuable. They’re experts who can help you save money and ensure you have enough room for your stuff.

When picking a storage unit, it’s wise to consider more than just size. When choosing a storage facility, consider its location, security features, accessibility, climate control, and reputation. Several things add to how safe, easy, and satisfying it is to store your belongings.

If you’re unsure what size you need, choosing a slightly bigger option is usually better. It makes it easy to get to and organize your things without overcrowding. Storage facilities let you change unit sizes as your storage needs change.

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