How to Pick the Right Size Self-Storage Unit

Introduction

Self-storage units have become an essential service for many individuals and businesses. Offering secure and convenient spaces for personal or business items, self-storage rental can solve your space-related issues. Knowing the average self-storage unit sizes, evaluating the cost, and understanding your specific needs can help you to select the ideal self-storage unit.

Why People Need Self-Storage?

1. Personal Storage – Storage units are ideal for personal items that are regularly used. Examples include:

• Gardening Equipment – Tools and machinery only used seasonally.
• Holiday Decorations – Storable until the festive season arrives.
• Sports Gear and Seasonal Clothing – Ideal for off-season storage.
• Staging a Home for Sale – Removing extra furnishings to showcase space.

2. Business Storage – Self-storage units can streamline businesses by providing space for:

• Important Documents – Keeping them secure and accessible.
• Surplus Office Furniture and Excess Inventory – Freeing up workspace.
• Manufacturing Materials – Helping businesses stay organized.

Factors in Choosing Storage Unit Cost

Storage prices can vary widely depending on several factors:

• Size – From extra small (10 sq. ft.) to extra-large (100 sq. ft.), choosing the right size impacts the cost.
• Location – Urban or popular locations usually come with higher prices.
• Climate Controlled Units – Needed for temperature or humidity sensitive items, climate controlled units are significantly more expensive.
• Security Measures – Advanced security measures may add to the cost.
• Insurance – You may need to purchase additional insurance coverages.

Evaluating the Cost Before Choosing Self-Storage

Selecting a unit involves understanding the costs and the size needed. Consider these factors:

• Duration of Storage – How long will you be needing the self-storage unit?
• Accessibility – Regular access may require additional space to be able to move around within the unit.
• Special Requirements – Storing larger items or business inventory.

Make an Inventory

Making a complete inventory will help you determine the size unit you’ll need.  It can also be useful in these ways:

• Content Tracking – Knowing what’s in every box or storage tub
• Insurance Purposes – In the event of a loss, an inventory will help you with your insurance claim.

Calculate the Size You’ll Need

Once you’re set on what you need to store, you can start to calculate what size unit you’ll need. Here’s a guide to the sizes typically offered and how much each size can hold.

• Extra Small – 10 sq. ft. – This one is about the size of a phone booth, and can hold a set of golf clubs, books, personal items, or 15 – 20 moving boxes.
• Small – 25 sq. ft.– This is about the same size as a garden shed. It can hold a dresser, a small mattress set, and a variety of small boxes. This is perfect for storing seasonal items like gardening tools, holiday decorations, or office supplies.
• Medium – 50 sq. ft. – Picture a small car. This unit can accommodate the contents of a medium sized bedroom, or about 100 moving boxes.
• Large – 75 sq ft. – This unit is the size of a mid-sized car. If you need to store the entire contents of a small apartment, this one should do nicely.
• Extra Large – 100 sq. ft. – About the size of a large car or pickup truck, this unit is large enough to store the contents of 3 bedrooms. It’s also great for items like televisions, pianos, couches, or tables

If you have trouble visualizing how big these units are, visit a storage facility and see for yourself. Another idea is to place masking tape on the floor of a spare room to create an outline of the unit you’re considering. Then place your things inside the outline you’ve created to see if they fit.

Reasons to Go Bigger

• Uncertain about Size – If you’re not sure about the right sized unit, it’s better to choose a bigger one than you think you need.
• Frequent Access – If you’re planning to frequently access items in your storage unit, a bigger size will give you some empty floor space to move around.
• Negotiating Prices – You may be able to negotiate a better price on a bigger unit than the price for one of the smaller units.

Conclusion

Choosing the right sized storage unit requires understanding the capacities of the different units and determining exactly how you’re going to use it. If you’re searching for self-storage units with fair prices and a variety of options, talk to the experts here at Independence Storage in Mountain View. We have been providing the finest storage unit options to our community for over two decades. As self-storage professionals, we provide our clientele with the ability to store whatever they need to with ease and peace of mind. Focused on personal attention, professional service, and convenience, we offer all ground-level units, electronic key pad access, and no hidden fees or minimum stays. Our office hours are Monday through Saturday, but with easy access seven days a week. Customized billing, manger’s specials, and our friendly staff ensure your complete satisfaction. Whether you’re decluttering your home or securing your belongings, choose our spacious and clean facilities available 365 day a year.

For more information about our services or facilities, contact us via our website, stop by for a visit, or give us a call at 650-241-3042. We look forward to meeting you!