How much Self Storage Space do I need?

Deciding on the right amount of self-storage space can often feel like a balancing act. You want enough room to safely store your belongings without paying for unnecessary extra square footage. Whether you're decluttering, moving, or simply in need of additional storage, understanding how to accurately estimate the storage space you need is crucial. This guide will walk you through various considerations and offer practical tips to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Storage Unit Sizes

Self-storage facilities typically offer a range of unit sizes to accommodate different storage needs. Units can vary from small lockers that are perfect for a few boxes and items, to large spaces that can hold the contents of a five-bedroom house or more. Here's a quick overview:

5x5 Unit: Comparable in size to a small cupboard, it's ideal for storing personal items, boxes, small furniture, or seasonal decorations.
5x10 Unit: About the size of a walk-in wardrobe, this unit can hold furnishings from a small bedroom or office.
10x10 Unit: Offering 100 square feet of space, it's suitable for the contents of an entire family room or two full bedrooms. It’s around the same size as a single garage.
10x15 Unit: With 150 square feet, this unit can accommodate larger items such as wardrobes and sofas, ideal for multiple rooms. It’s like a large Luton type vans worth of space.
10x20 and Larger: These units are akin to a standard double garage and bigger. They're suitable for storing vehicles or the contents of a multi-bedroom house. This is the size of a shipping container.

Assessing Your Storage Needs

Inventory Your Items

Start by making a detailed inventory of everything you plan to store. List furniture pieces by their dimensions and box up smaller items so you have a clear idea of their volume. Don't forget to consider vertical space; many items can be stacked.

Use Online Calculators

Many self-storage companies offer online calculators that suggest unit sizes based on your inventory list. While these tools provide a good starting point, remember they may not account for irregularly shaped items or your specific packing skills!

Consider Access and Organisation

Think about how often you'll need access to your stored items. If frequent access is necessary, you might opt for a slightly larger unit to allow room for aisles or easier organisation. On the other hand, if you're storing items long-term without plans for regular retrieval, maximising space through strategic packing could be more cost-effective.

Future Needs

Are there additional items you might need to store soon? Planning for future storage needs now can save you from having to rent another unit later on.

Practical Tips

Box Wisely: Use uniform box sizes where possible; they're easier to stack and organise.
Disassemble Furniture: Break down furniture into smaller parts if possible. This not only saves space but also protects your belongings during storage.
Go Vertical: Make use of shelving units inside your storage space if allowed by the facility. This optimises vertical space and keeps things organised.
Leave Space for Access: If regular access is needed, leave pathways between stacked items so everything remains easily reachable.

Insurance

Insurance for stored items is determined by their total value, not the size of your storage unit. Therefore, it's important to accurately list all items you have in storage. The amount of insurance you need should reflect the full replacement cost of these items, rather than their perceived value. Check out our online Storage Insurance system.

Conclusion

Estimating how much self-storage space you need doesn't have to be complicated. By taking stock of what you plan to store, considering how you'll use the unit, and applying some strategic packing techniques, you can ensure that you rent just enough space without overspending. Remember that your chosen facility's staff are also valuable resources; don’t hesitate to ask them for advice based on their experience with customers who've had similar storage needs. With careful planning and consideration, finding the perfect fit for your storage requirements is entirely achievable.