Determining the right storage space for your needs can seem overwhelming, especially if you're unfamiliar with storage unit sizes and capacities. Whether you're storing household items, business inventory, or seasonal belongings, this guide will help you estimate the storage space you require with ease.
1. List All Items to be Stored
Begin by creating a comprehensive list of everything you plan to store. Categorize your items into groups such as furniture, boxes, electronics, and miscellaneous items. This step helps you visualize the volume of items and gives you a starting point for estimating the space needed.
2. Measure Bulky Items
For larger items like furniture and appliances, measure their dimensions (height, width, and depth). Knowing the size of these items helps in understanding how much floor and vertical space they will occupy in the storage unit. For example, a typical sofa may measure around 7 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet high.
3. Estimate Box Quantities and Sizes
Estimate the number of boxes you will need and their sizes. Moving boxes vary in size from small (around 1.5 cubic feet) to extra-large (up to 6.1 cubic feet). Having an idea of the number and sizes of boxes allows for efficient stacking and space utilization within the unit.
4. Utilize Online Storage Calculators
Many self-storage websites offer online storage calculators. These tools allow you to input the types and quantities of items you plan to store, providing an estimate of the storage unit size you’ll need. While these calculators offer a good starting point, consider them rough estimates.
5. Plan Your Organization
Think about how you will organize your storage unit. Efficient organization can significantly reduce the size of the unit required. Use shelving to maximize vertical space and stack boxes and smaller items neatly. Ensure to leave pathways for easy access to items at the back of the unit.
6. Understand Common Storage Unit Sizes
Here are some typical storage unit sizes and what they usually hold:
5x5 (25 square feet): Small furniture, boxes, and small items.
5x10 (50 square feet): Contents of a one-room apartment or studio.
10x10 (100 square feet): Contents of a one-bedroom apartment, including appliances.
10x15 (150 square feet): Contents of a two-bedroom apartment or small house.
10x20 (200 square feet): Contents of a three-bedroom house, including large appliances.
10x30 (300 square feet): Contents of a four-bedroom house or larger business inventory.
7. Consult Storage Professionals
If you're still uncertain about the space you need, consult with a storage professional. Many storage facilities have experienced staff who can provide advice based on the items you're storing. They can show you different unit sizes and help visualize how your belongings will fit.
8. Consider Future Storage Needs
Think about any potential future storage needs. If you anticipate adding more items to your storage, opting for a slightly larger unit now might be more cost-effective than upgrading later.
By following these steps, you can accurately calculate the storage space you need and select the right storage unit for your belongings. Careful planning will help you avoid paying for unnecessary space and ensure your items are stored efficiently and safely.