Tips for Determining the Correct Storage Unit Size

Renting the wrong size storage unit is a costly mistake to make. Too small and you have to break your things to fit them in. Too big and you’re wasting money every month on the space you don’t need. Getting the unit size right the first time, however, will save you time, protect your stuff, and make your life easier. In this guide, we’ll show you how to choose the correct storage unit size from the get-go. Let’s dive in!

Here’s what you’re going to discover:

• Why Storage Unit Size Actually Matters
• Understanding Standard Storage Unit Dimensions
• How To Calculate Your Storage Space Needs
• Common Mistakes When Choosing Unit Size

Why Storage Unit Size Actually Matters

Grabbing just any storage unit will do?

Wrong. The size of your storage unit is actually one of the most important factors in both your budget and the safety of your stored items. Around 11% of households in the US rent a storage unit at some point, but the majority of them are paying for the wrong size.

Renting a too large unit means you’re literally paying for air. Month after month, that extra space costs you hundreds of dollars you can use for other things. But wait, it gets even worse…

Renting a unit that’s too small will force you to stack your belongings on top of each other with no space to walk around. Not only will your furniture, boxes, and stuff get damaged as a result, you’ll be unable to access anything without having to unpack the entire thing.

Here’s the best part of getting the size right: You’ll have more space to easily organize all your items while only paying for the space you actually need. That’s why storage experts always recommend using an online storage unit size guide to know exactly what you can fit in each unit before signing a contract.

Understanding Standard Storage Unit Dimensions

Storage units come in all sorts of different sizes. The good news is you have a number of options to choose from, so let’s get you up to speed on what’s available.

The most common sizes available at storage facilities are:

Small Units (5 x 5 to 5 x 10 feet): These units are ideal for storing a few boxes, seasonal items, or the contents of a small closet. Holiday decorations, sports equipment, or a few pieces of small furniture will fit in here.

Medium Units (10 x 10 to 10 x 15 feet): The 10 x 10 storage unit is the most popular size in terms of revenue, and it’s easy to see why. The contents of a one-bedroom apartment, including a mattress set, sofa, and several boxes, can be stored in a 10 x 10 unit.

Large Units (10 x 20 to 10 x 30 feet): If you need to store the contents of a multi-bedroom house, these units are your best bet. They are spacious enough to fit full-sized appliances, multiple rooms of furniture, and a lot of boxes.

Just keep in mind that most storage units have 8-foot ceilings. Don’t just look at the square footage – think vertically too. Stacking boxes and items is a great way to utilize every inch of space in your unit.

How To Calculate Your Storage Space Needs

Okay, so how do you figure out exactly which size you need?

It all starts with making a detailed list of everything you plan to store. Don’t skip this step – it’s the key to making the right choice.

Make An Inventory List

Walk around your home and write down every single item you’re planning on putting into storage:

• Furniture pieces (measure the big stuff)
• Boxes you’ll need
• Large appliances
• Seasonal items
• Odd-shaped items

Grouping like items together also helps you see how they will fit in the unit and makes packing easier.

Think About Access

Here’s a little fact most people tend to forget:

Do you need to access your storage unit regularly? If the answer is yes, you need to factor in extra space for aisle ways. 42% of all storage renters use storage while moving, and many of these renters need frequent access to their belongings during the transition.

Plan at least a small path down the middle of the unit. This makes it so much easier to grab something without having to unpack everything in the unit.

Factor In Future Additions

Are you done acquiring new stuff? Hahahaha, of course not!

If you have a slight chance of adding more items to your storage unit over time, you’re better off sizing up a bit. It’s way easier (and cheaper) to have some extra space from the beginning than moving everything to a bigger unit later.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Unit Size

Allow me to help you avoid the most expensive mistakes possible…

Underestimating Space Requirements

The biggest one? Thinking you can save some money by stuffing all your things into a smaller unit. This backfires when you realize your things don’t fit and you end up having to rent a second unit or upgrading anyway.

Always round up to the larger unit if you’re unsure between two sizes. That extra space gives you more breathing room and helps prevent your items from getting damaged.

Forgetting About Vertical Space

Most storage units have 8-foot ceilings, people. Use them!

Stack boxes (heavy on bottom, light on top) and invest in some shelving units to better organize your things. This little trick will let you fit way more items into your unit than you initially think.

Ignoring Climate Control Needs

Not all storage is equal. Storing electronics, artwork, or wooden furniture? You need to go for a climate-controlled unit which may affect the sizes available at your chosen storage facility.

These units are more expensive but they’ll protect your valuable items from swings in temperature and humidity that cause damage. It’s totally worth the extra investment for the right things.

Skipping The Facility Visit

Here’s a pro tip: Always visit the storage facility in person before you sign the contract.

Photos online can be deceiving. Visiting the facility in real life will help you see the exact dimensions of the unit and whether your items will really fit. Most facilities will even let you take a measuring tape or do a dry run with your largest items to make sure everything is going to fit.

Not Planning For Organization

Throwing everything in a heap as fast as possible is a bad move. Plan for organization of your unit before moving in.

Label your boxes clearly, keep frequently-accessed items near the front, and make aisles for better accessibility. This extra planning will make your life infinitely better in the long run.

Final Thoughts On Getting It Right

Finding the correct size for your storage unit doesn’t have to be difficult. Make a list of everything you plan to store, measure your big items, and think about how you’re going to use the space.

The trick is being honest with yourself. Don’t try to save a few bucks by renting a too-small unit – it will cost you more in the long run through damaged items, frustration, and higher costs if you have to move to a bigger unit later.

And just remember…

Storage facilities usually allow you to switch unit sizes if you need to. So if you find out you picked the wrong size after moving in, you can usually upgrade (or downgrade) without too much of a hassle.