When choosing a storage unit, size is one of the most important factors to consider. While you wouldn’t want to get a unit that barely suits what you want to store inside, you also don’t want to get an extremely large unit that will end up costing you more money.
Whether you’re moving house or undertaking a home renovation project and need a place to store your belongings, how exactly do you know which size will best suit your storage needs?
In this guide, we shall cover a few pointers to help you pick a unit size that will work for you.
Know the Common Sizes Available
Before you pick a unit size, one of the first things to consider is how you will be using the unit. Are you planning on storing high-value items that will be very heavy (more on this later)? If so, then the standard 5-by-10 storage unit might work perfectly.
Will you be storing a few items that you will rarely need? If so, you should consider a unit that will be used for a larger amount of items.
Basically, storage unit sizes are measured in feet squared or cubic feet. As seen from Self Storage Finders’ search results on San Antonio cheap storage, these range from 5X5 to 5X10, 10X10, and larger. Some of the most common storage unit sizes include the following:
Small Storage Units
- 5-foot by 5-foot
- 5-foot by 10-foot
- 5-foot by 15-foot
Medium Storage Units
- 10-foot by 10-foot
- 10-foot by 20-foot
Large Storage Units
- 10-foot by 25-foot
- 10-foot by 30-foot
It is also important to note that the larger the unit, the more expensive it will likely be. You will want to make sure you know the costs of the unit you’re considering beforehand, which brings us to the next important point.
Consider Your Budget
Choosing a storage unit can be a big decision, especially if you have limited funds to invest. You don’t want to get something that will cost you an arm and a leg.
On top of this, you also want to make sure you get the best unit at the lowest possible price.
If you know you have a limited budget but still need a lot of space, you can consider renting a large unit together with a friend who also has storage needs.
The last thing you want to do is overpay, so shopping around for discounted deals and offers will come in handy.
Consider What You’re Storing
Estimating the Space You Need
For instance, a 5×10 storage unit can be a great choice for storing a larger number of seasonal items or business inventory. Measuring about 150 square feet, such a unit can also comfortably accommodate the essentials of a single-bedroom apartment.
On the other hand, a 10×10 storage unit can hold the contents of up to a two-bedroom apartment, and it is recommended that any customers with more than two bedrooms’ worth of furniture choose at least a 10×15 storage unit, as they can hold the contents of a three- to four-bedroom home.
With these examples in mind, it should be easier to estimate the amount of space you need from a storage unit.
How to Maximize Space in a Storage Unit
Now that we have covered the basics, you are ready to choose a unit size. But it’s also a good idea to think about how to organize your stuff in the unit so you can maximize storage space and save some bucks from the cost of renting the unit.
This is especially the case if you will use the storage unit for small items. This said; here are some tips to maximize space in a storage unit:
- Arrange smaller items in sturdy boxes that are uniformly sized and easy to move
- Stack the boxes carefully on top of each other to maximize vertical space (don’t exceed four feet high)
- Fragile items and lighter boxes should come on top
- Position items that you need to access soon near the front of the unit
Conclusion
Renting a storage unit provides you with convenient space to temporarily store items until you need to use or access them later. All you need to do is do a little research to find a storage unit that suits your needs, to make sure you don’t pay more than you need to. Getting the right unit size also minimizes inconveniences
