When life demands more space than we have, the question naturally arises: what size storage unit do I need? Whether you’re decluttering, moving, or storing seasonal items, choosing the right storage unit can be confusing. The perfect fit ensures efficiency and cost-effectiveness while protecting your belongings. In this guide, we’ll explore how to assess your storage needs, understand different storage options, and make the best choice for your situation.
Assess Your Storage Needs
Before we can answer the big question, “What size storage unit do I need?” we must ask a few preliminary questions.
What size of items do you plan to store?
Begin by taking an inventory of the items you plan to store. Determine whether you have primarily small items like clothes, books, and decorations. Or do you have larger items such as furniture and appliances? Knowing the types and sizes of your items helps you gauge the total volume you need.
What is the volume of all the belongings you plan to store?
Remember from elementary school when we learned volume equals length x width x height? That calculation determines the amount of space occupied by a three-dimensional object. Therefore, think of a unit at a storage facility as a 3D rectangle prism or a storage cube if it’s square.
For more exact calculations, begin by measuring the length, width, and height of each item or container to calculate its volume. Add up all the items for a total combined volume. Alternatively, you can sketch a layout to help you visualize how items will be packed together and arranged in your unit based on size and shape.
To refine your estimate, add rooms, furniture, and boxes into our Size Guide Calculator like you would a shopping cart. This tool helps you calculate what size storage unit you need. It also offers a general visual of what each unit can hold.
TIP: Don’t confuse volume with square feet. The industry typically uses square feet formulas in their storage size guides. For instance, a 5 x 5 unit or 10 x 20 unit. However, that only measures the size of the flat floor of the storage unit.
Do you plan to store seasonal items and swap your belongings out?
Will you need extra storage space for seasonal items that rotate in and out of storage based on weather or occasions? Think lawn furniture and camping gear versus hockey equipment and skis. Or, do you need to store items long-term?
Will you need climate control?
To properly asses your storage needs, you must think beyond size. Will your items be okay outside or will you need an indoor storage unit? Specialty items, such as electronics, wooden furniture, photographs, or artwork may need climate control. Stable temperatures help protect your belongings and reduce the risk of warping, mould, and mildew.
What sort of access will you require?
In terms of the location of your unit, will you require drive-up access for heavy items? What time of day will you need to access your unit? Would it be more convenient with storage on-site?
How might your stored belongings stack?
In addition to the location and access hours, think about the accessibility and arrangement of your items within the unit. Consider the layout and stacking potential of your items. Efficient stacking maximizes vertical space and allows for more items to be stored in a smaller area.
Visualize how your boxes, furniture, and other belongings can be arranged. Will you use shelves? Don’t forget to account for the shape and weight of your items too. Frequently accessed items should be placed near the front, while long-term storage items can be stacked higher and towards the back.
By answering this set of questions and understanding the specific dimensions needed for your items, you can make a more informed decision when selecting a storage unit size.
Typical Sizes of Storage Units Available
Common storage unit sizes range from 25 square feet for smaller items to units exceeding 200 square feet for more substantial storage demands. To calculate the volume, multiply the square feet by the height of the unit. City Storage Group offers units between 8.5 feet and 10 feet high. Here is a brief description of typical storage unit sizes:
Small Storage Units
25 square feet (5×5)
Boxes, tubs, smaller furnishings, or some seasonal items.
50 square feet (5×10)
Contents of a small one-bedroom apartment or dorm room.
75 square feet (5×15)
Contents of a larger one-bedroom apartment with furniture and boxes, or larger seasonal items
Large Storage Units
100 square feet (10×10)
Contents of a one-bedroom apartment with a family room, appliances, and several boxes.
150 square feet (10×15)
Contents of a typical two-bedroom apartment with large furniture, appliances, electronics, and numerous boxes.
200 square feet (10×20)
Contents of a three or four-bedroom apartment with multiple pieces of furniture, appliances, electronics, and boxes. It may potentially be appropriate for vehicle storage.
Types of Storage Units Available
In addition to different sizes of storage units, storage rental solutions come in many forms to accommodate different needs. Here we list some of the storage unit types with the features and security they offer:
Indoor Storage Units
Located within a larger building accessed through a hallway or corridor.
These units offer protection from external weather conditions, pests, and dust. They are suitable for storing valuable items that require extra protection. Indoor storage units often feature controlled access points, surveillance cameras, and occasionally on-site security personnel.
Outdoor Storage Units
Accessible from the outside, similar to a garage.
These units may offer drive-up access for convenient loading and unloading of heavy items. However, we do not recommend outdoor storage units to store items sensitive to environmental conditions. Security measures may include gated access, perimeter fencing, and video surveillance.
Climate Controlled Storage Units
Maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels.
As mentioned, these units protect temperature-sensitive items such as electronics, antiques, musical instruments, and important documents. They offer the same security measures as indoor units.
Storage Lockers
Smaller than traditional units with reduced height.
These units offer an option to individuals with limited storage needs. You may see a hallway with multiple units stacked on top of each other, They are usually located inside a storage facility and offer the same security measures as indoor units.
Vehicle Storage
Store vehicles such as cars, boats, or RVs as well as large outdoor equipment.
This type of unit can range from basic outdoor spaces to enclosed units that provide added protection from the elements.
Mobile Storage
Portable storage containers delivered to a location of your choice.
This type of storage unit offers flexibility and convenience. They offer ideal solutions for moving or people undergoing renovations. Businesses and contractors see them as ideal solutions for construction sites or excess inventory.
By understanding the variety of storage unit types available, you can choose the one that best fits your specific requirements and provides the necessary protection for your items.
Cost Considerations
When assessing storage options, cost becomes an important consideration. Traditional storage units usually base their pricing on size and location. The cost can increase if you opt for added features like climate control or enhanced security measures.
Mobile storage bins, on the other hand, offer a different pricing structure. These costs include transportation fees and may fluctuate depending on the duration of storage. The pricing of these units reflects the convenience factor, especially the ease of having a unit delivered to your doorstep.
Making the Final Decision
Choosing the right storage solution hinges on a balance of space, cost, and convenience. Traditional storage units offer a range of sizes and enhanced security features. This makes them ideal for long-term storage and large items. Mobile storage bins provide the convenience of on-site packing and flexible access. This can be particularly beneficial during moves or renovations.
By carefully measuring and organizing your belongings, you can avoid the pitfalls of renting too much or too little space. Getting the right answer to your question, “What size storage unit do I need?”, ensures an efficient and cost-effective storage solution. If you need help, we’re only a phone call away.