In renting a self-storage unit for your belongings, one of the most essential things to consider is the size. The size of your storage unit will determine its capacity to store your items. Getting the wrong one may lead you to spending more for a storage space that’s either too big or too small for your storage needs. Of course, you would want to avoid spending insignificantly on something that will not be useful to you. That’s why before you decide on the size that you will get, you have to prepare and pack them so that you will be able to assess or at least estimate the storage space that you will need. Aside from that, there are a couple more things you should consider in choosing the right storage unit size.
Here are some tips on how you should decide on the size of your storage unit:
1. Determine Your Storage Needs
Determining your storage needs can be as simple as asking yourself these questions:
- How many items will be put up for storage?
- What type/kind of items will you be storing?
- How long will you store your things?
- Do you have plans on adding more items to be stored in the long run?
2. Check Your Storage Unit Size Options
It is best to weigh your options. Checking your storage unit size options will help you gauge which size will best suit your needs.
- Locker
Similar to a small closet size, the locker storage unit can store books, clothes, tools, office supplies, and luggage. It may not be as spacious as other storage unit sizes but it can store quite a number of your belongings. Its length and width are both 3.3 feet, while its height is 10.76 square feet and its height is 4.3 feet. In estimation, 80% of the locker’s storage capacity is equivalent to 5 balikbayan boxes (20” x 20” x 20 inches).
- Regular
For regular storage units, there are three different sizes you can choose from depending on your need for storage space.
- Small
The small size storage unit is similar to a walk-in closet, meaning it is much more spacious than the locker size. Both its length and width measures 6.6 feet, while its area measures 43.1 square feet. With this storage space, you can store things such as mattresses, books, garden tools, luggage, clothes, office supplies, and even seasonal items. In case you were wondering, 80% of its storage capacity is equivalent to 39 balikbayan boxes (20” x 20” x 20 inches).
- Medium
The medium size storage unit can hold the contents of a large studio apartment. This storage unit is much like the size of a small bedroom. You can store kitchen appliances, party equipment, a motorcycle or bike, and other items that you would need to put up for storage. Unlike the locker and small-size storage unit, the medium-size storage unit’s length and width have different measurements. Its length measures 6.6 feet and its width is 9.8 feet. As with the area, it measures 64.6 square feet. Approximately 58 balikbayan boxes (20” x 20” x 20 inches)) is comparable to 80% of the storage capacity of the medium size storage unit.
- Large
A large-sized storage unit is similar to an average-sized bedroom or half the space of a garage. Its length and width are both at 9.8 feet, while its area measures 96.9 square feet. Since the large storage unit has more storage capacity than the previous ones, you can store furniture items such as chairs, sofas, and tables, as well as sports equipment and business merchandise. 80% of its storage capacity is equivalent to 87 balikbayan boxes with the same size as the box size mentioned above.
You can also read: 7 Best Ways to Store Your Furniture in a Storage Unit.
- Extra
For households and businesses that need larger storage space for their items, choosing storage units that fall under the extra large category may be ideal.
- XL
The extra-large or XL storage unit is much like the space of a small car garage. Its length measures 9.8 feet and its width is 13.1 feet. As for the area, it measures 129.2 square feet. You can safely store items such as a refrigerator, washing machine, entertainment appliances, business equipment, and more. To further gauge its storage capacity, 80% filled is comparable to 117 balikbayan boxes.
- XXL
A double XL storage unit is similar to a medium car garage or a large studio apartment. Its length measures 9.8 feet and its width is 16.4 feet, while its area is 161.5 square feet. This storage unit can particularly store large and heavy items such as furniture and business equipment, making it ideal for people who are moving houses. 80% of its storage capacity is equivalent to 146 balikbayan boxes.
- XXXL
Much like the space of a large car garage, the triple XL storage unit can store large furniture items and heavy business equipment. Its length is 9.8 feet and its width is 19.7 feet, while the area measures 193.8 square feet. With its large storage space, you can use it for both living transitions and commercial applications. A total of 175 balikbayan boxes make up 80% of its storage capacity.
We hope that this article has been useful in helping you choose the right size for your storage needs.
In need of a self-storage unit nearby to store your belongings? Contact us today and we will be glad to assist you!
