Choosing the Right Size Storage Unit: A Complete Guide

Choosing the Right Size Storage Unit: A Complete Guide

When it comes to renting a storage unit, one of the most common challenges people face is determining what size unit they need. Renting a unit that's too small means you won’t have enough room for your belongings, while opting for one that's too large can lead to unnecessary costs. So how do you find the perfect size for your needs?

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to consider when choosing the right size storage unit. From assessing your storage needs to common unit sizes and tips on packing efficiently, you’ll have all the information to make an informed decision.

Step 1: Assess Your Storage Needs

Before selecting a unit size, it's essential to take stock of what you plan to store. The quantity and type of items will have a significant impact on the amount of space you require. Start by taking an inventory of everything you plan to put in storage, including larger items like furniture and appliances, and smaller things like boxes and personal belongings.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Are you storing large furniture or appliances? Items like couches, refrigerators, and mattresses can take up a considerable amount of space.
• How many boxes or containers do you plan to store? Uniform boxes or bins can make stacking easier and help you fit more into your unit.
• Are your items seasonal, business-related, or long-term? Knowing how often you'll need to access your belongings will influence how you organize the space.
• Do you need room for walking or accessing items regularly? If you’ll need frequent access to items in the back of your unit, factor in room to create aisles or paths.

Step 2: Understand Common Storage Unit Sizes

Storage units come in a variety of sizes, typically measured in square footage. Below is a breakdown of the most common unit sizes and examples of what each can typically hold.

5' x 5' (25 sq. ft.) – Small Closet

• Best for: Boxes, small furniture, or seasonal items.
• Description: This is the smallest standard storage unit size, about the size of a small walk-in closet. It's ideal for storing small furniture, a few boxes, seasonal decorations, and personal items like sports equipment or gardening tools.
• Examples: A desk, chair, dresser, or a few small boxes.

5' x 10' (50 sq. ft.) – Walk-in Closet

• Best for: A studio apartment's worth of items.
• Description: Twice the size of a 5' x 5' unit, this space can fit the contents of a small studio apartment, such as a loveseat, a mattress, a TV, and several boxes.
• Examples: A mattress set, small couch, several boxes, and a small dining table.

10' x 10' (100 sq. ft.) – One-Bedroom Apartment

• Best for: A one-bedroom apartment or small office.
• Description: This unit size is about the size of an average bedroom. It’s ideal for storing the contents of a one-bedroom apartment, including larger furniture pieces like a couch, bed, dresser, and appliances.
• Examples: Furniture for a living room and bedroom, plus several boxes.

10' x 15' (150 sq. ft.) – Two-Bedroom Apartment

• Best for: A two-bedroom apartment or larger furniture items.
• Description: Offering 50% more space than the 10' x 10', this unit can comfortably store the contents of a two-bedroom apartment or a mix of furniture and boxes. It’s also great for storing large appliances like refrigerators or washing machines.
• Examples: Large appliances, beds, couches, dining sets, and boxes.

10' x 20' (200 sq. ft.) – Three-Bedroom House

• Best for: A three-bedroom house or car storage.
• Description: This unit is comparable to a one-car garage. It can store the contents of a multi-bedroom home, including bulky furniture, multiple appliances, and a large number of boxes. It’s also suitable for storing vehicles.
• Examples: A car or truck, plus the contents of a three-bedroom home, including living room sets, appliances, and numerous boxes.

10' x 30' (300 sq. ft.) – Large House

• Best for: A large home or full-sized vehicle storage.
• Description: This is one of the largest storage units available, about the size of a one-and-a-half-car garage. It’s ideal for storing the contents of a large home, a full-sized vehicle, or the inventory of a small business.
• Examples: Large household furniture, appliances, a car, or business inventory.

Step 3: Consider the Type of Items You’re Storing

The type of items you plan to store can influence the size unit you need. For example, bulky items like couches, mattresses, or large appliances will require more space than boxes or smaller pieces of furniture. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Furniture: If you have large furniture such as sectionals or king-sized beds, you may need a larger unit (10' x 10' or bigger).
• Boxes: Boxes are easier to stack and can fit efficiently in smaller units. Be sure to use uniform-sized boxes to maximize space.
• Vehicles: If you’re storing a car, boat, or RV, make sure you know the unit’s dimensions and whether it offers drive-up access.

For fragile or climate-sensitive items, you may also want to consider a climate-controlled storage unit to protect your belongings from extreme temperatures and humidity.

Step 4: Maximize Your Space with Smart Packing

Once you've chosen the right size storage unit, the next step is packing efficiently to make the most of your space. Here are a few tips to help you:

• Disassemble large furniture: Items like bed frames, tables, and bookshelves can take up less space if you disassemble them before storage. Store the parts together in a labeled bag or box.
• Stack boxes strategically: Place the heaviest boxes at the bottom and the lighter ones on top. Use the full height of the unit by stacking boxes as high as is safe.
• Use shelving: Consider using shelving units to maximize vertical space, especially if you're storing boxes of various sizes or awkward items that can’t be stacked.
• Leave room for access: If you’ll need to access your belongings frequently, leave a small aisle down the center of the unit or ensure commonly used items are near the front.
• Cover and protect furniture: To prevent dust buildup and potential damage, cover larger items like furniture and mattresses with protective sheets or plastic covers.
• Raise and protect water-sensitive items: In case of water ingress into the unit, placing all items on wooden pallets, shelves, or scrap 2x4 studs will help keep them dry in most instances.

Step 5: Consult with Storage Experts

If you’re still unsure about what size storage unit you need, don’t hesitate to consult with the staff at Wildcat Storage Center. Many facilities offer a virtual size guide or even allow you to tour the units in person to better understand how much space they offer. The staff can also offer suggestions based on their experience with different customers.

Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Fit

Choosing the right storage unit size doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By assessing your belongings, understanding common unit sizes, and packing efficiently, you can find a unit that fits both your needs and your budget. Whether you're storing a few boxes or the contents of an entire house, knowing how to maximize your storage space will make the process smoother and more cost-effective.

When in doubt, it’s better to slightly overestimate your space needs to avoid overcrowding your unit or having to upgrade later. A little extra planning upfront can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. Happy storing!