Tips On How To Choose The Right Storage Unit For Your Needs

What size storage unit is best suited for your needs? There are several standard-sized units, each with specific features. You need to think about availability, use, and items you intend on storing when making your decision.  You may find a unit size guide helpful when making your decision. 

When choosing a storage unit, the first decision is to find a facility that meets your needs. The next thing to figure out is what exactly you plan on using the storage unit for and what you will be storing in the unit. Check out this article to understand what to look for when renting a storage unit. 

Unit’s Main Purpose 

The last thing you want to happen is to realize halfway through your rental lease term that you’ve outgrown your rental space and have to move to a larger unit. To make sure this doesn’t happen, you need to know the unit’s primary purpose to choose the right size from the get-go. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Will I be storing expanding inventory for my business?
• The length of the lease term?
• How often will you need to access the unit?
• Will you be storing a vehicle or Motorcraft?
• Will I be moving items in and out of the unit regularly?

The answer to these questions will help determine the size of the unit you need and wherein the facility your unit is located. You want to choose a unit with the appropriate space to accommodate your present and future needs. For example, if you plan on using the unit for a start-up company that will have inventory, rent a unit larger than your current needs so it can grow with your company. If you’re renting a unit to declutter your home, you know the size you need won’t change down the road. 

Know What You Will Be Storing

You may think that you know precisely what you will be storing in your unit. But walking through your home or office and making a list is helpful. This will give you a clear picture of how much space you need in your unit. Often, people underestimate the amount of space things take up.  When making your list keep in mind the following:

• Guestimate how many storage boxes or bins you will need
• Decide which pieces of furniture you will be storing
• Take proper measurements of all items you plan on storing

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure how items will fit in your unit, you can measure it using painter’s tape. This will give you a rough estimate of exactly how you will configure the items in your unit and help determine the unit size you need. 

When In Doubt Overestimate

Being economical is great, but going one size over what you think you need is recommended when it comes to storage units. You don’t want to stack things one on top of the other, as you can scuff up your expensive furniture. Not to mention that it is harder to access items when they are stacked very high. You don’t want it to be a chore to get to your belongings. A larger unit makes things more accessible. Even if the larger unit is a few dollars more per month, the extra space will always come in handy. 

Storage Unit Sizes & Capacity

When looking to rent a storage unit, please keep in mind that every facility doesn’t offer the same size unit. Also, there will be varying prices for the same unit in different locations. If you can’t decide on the best unit, opt for the next size up. 

• 5 x 5 Units: This is the smallest storage unit available at most storage centers. A 5×5 is the perfect size for when you need to free up some space around your house or office. Think of it as the size of a coat closet. It can hold a few boxes, bins, or small pieces of furniture. 
• 5 x 10 Unit: This is the next size up at most facilities. It’s perfect if you live in a small apartment in the city. Think of it as the size of a walk-in closet, large enough for a king-size mattress or approximately 12-15 moving boxes. 
• 5 x 15 Unit: This size unit can fit a Queen size mattress and the bedroom set [dresser, armoire, two nightstands] and a couple of moving boxes. You can even store your Harley Davidson or Vespa inside if you’re so inclined. 
• 10 x 10: This is probably the most common size storage unit, where you get the most bang for your buck due to the versatility. It’s a medium-size space, the square feet of a single car garage. You can easily fit a two-bedroom apartment and all the accouterments that come with it. 
• 10 x 15: This is a great size if you move from a two-bedroom apartment or house. You can fit most furniture, appliances, and a baby grand piano. If you need to store an antique car, this would most likely be the best size. 
• 10 x 20: The second to largest unit available in almost every facility. Approximately the size of a full-size garage, you can store furniture, appliances, and moving boxes, with room to move around. This can store the furniture that fills a 3 to 4-bedroom home. 
• 10 x 30: This is the largest unit available in most facilities. If you rent this sized unit, you will have 300 square feet of space to store a five-bedroom house. If you have a large family or a growing business, this is the unit for you. It’s large enough to park an F150 pickup truck with 6 inches of space in every direction.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a storage unit and facility. At Tymac Group, we build state-of-the-art facilities with 24/7 surveillance, climate control, and secure access. Trust Tymac for your self-storage needs.