If you are looking for a storage unit to keep your belongings in, you might be wondering how to choose the right size for your needs. Choosing one with the wrong dimensions can either cost you extra money for unused space or leave you with not enough room for all your items. To avoid these problems, you need to estimate the size you require before you rent one.
In this article, we will guide you through five steps to help you choose the right storage unit size based on what you want to store:
- Perform an inventory of your belongings
- Double-check your home storage options
- Calculate your space
- Pick a small, medium or large storage unit size
- Research specific measurements
1. Perform an inventory of your belongings
The first step to choosing the right storage unit size is to see how much stuff you have in your apartment. Calculate the number of boxes you will need to pack up and identify larger items like couches, tables and bookshelves. Be sure to write everything down so you can refer back to the list of your possessions later.
For example, if you want to store the contents of a small bedroom in a self-storage unit, your inventory might look like this:
- Queen-sized mattress set
- Dresser
- Nightstand
- TV
- Lamp
- 10 boxes of clothes, books and personal items
As you perform your inventory, keep track of things that may require climate-controlled storage. Sensitive items like business documents, photographs and art will require lower humidity and temperature — something you will only get in climate-controlled storage units.
2. Double-check your home storage options
After you’ve inventoried every room, the next step is to make sure you’ve used all of your home’s available storage space. The last thing you want is to start renting a storage unit, only to realize you could be paying for a smaller (and cheaper) one by storing some of your things in a partly empty closet or an unused corner of your garage.
The difference between a small- and a medium-sized storage unit can be as much as $1,000 per year, so it’s worth taking five minutes to double-check your options.
3. Calculate your space
Once you have a list of everything you want to store, you need to calculate how much space they will take up. You can do this by measuring the length, width and height of each item and multiplying them together to get the cubic feet.
For example, if your queen-sized mattress set measures 60 inches by 80 inches by 10 inches, it will take up 27.8 cubic feet (60 x 80 x 10 / 1,728).
You can also use online calculators or apps that can help you estimate the space you need based on the dimensions of common items.
4. Pick a small, medium, or large storage unit size
The easiest way to pick a unit size is to compare your measurements from Step 3 with a storage unit size.
For example, if your inventory measurements equal 125 cubic feet, you’d only need a small storage unit as its size could be 200 cubic feet — if you are able to stack items efficiently — or 400 cubic feet.
5. Research specific measurements
The final step is to research the specific measurements of the storage units available at your chosen facility. Different facilities may have slightly different dimensions for the same size category, so you want to make sure the unit you rent can fit your items comfortably.
You can usually find the measurements on the facility’s website or by calling them directly. You can also visit the facility in person and ask to see the units before you sign a contract.
Some facilities may also offer non-standard sizes or custom sizes that may suit your needs better than the standard ones. For example, you may find a 7’x10’ or a 12’x15’ unit that fits your items perfectly.
Measuring the dimensions of a box for moving
Choosing the right storage unit size can save you money and hassle in the long run. We hope this article has helped you choose the right storage unit size for your needs. If you are looking for a reliable and affordable storage facility in your area, check out StorageCafe.com. They offer a wide range of storage units with various features and amenities to suit your needs.
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