What Size Storage Unit Do I Need?
As you live your life, the space around you changes often. You might be relocating to a new city or looking for ways to renovate your current home to better suit your needs. Whatever your motivations may be, renting a self storage unit can be an affordable and accessible solution.
However, renting self storage is not as simple as loading up your truck and driving to a storage facility. Choosing the right storage unit size helps you avoid running out of room or spending more than necessary on space you won’t use. This guide from Devon Self Storage helps you determine the right storage unit size and understand the basics of storage unit pricing.
What To Know Before Renting Storage
Before zeroing in on a storage unit size, get familiar with what storage facilities offer. Location is often the first consideration, as finding a storage facility near home or work makes it easier to drop by whenever you need something. You should also consider which amenities matter most to you. Climate-controlled storage helps shield sensitive items from extreme temperatures, while drive-up access makes loading and unloading faster.
It’s also important to understand the leasing terms of your rental. Devon Self Storage exclusively offers month-to-month storage units, granting you complete flexibility throughout the process. If you want to rent temporary self storage during a move, you can find it here. And if you’re interested in having a long-term space for the foreseeable future, we can do that too!
How Much Does Self Storage Cost?
Storage unit prices vary based on factors like size, amenities, and location. Smaller storage units generally cost less, and features like climate control can raise rates for the whole storage facility. However, it’s key to remember that investing in self storage can save you money in the long run in certain situations. If you find the right storage unit size and budget properly as you move, you can make the most of what you spend.
Assessing Your Storage Needs
Take a second to consider your individual needs before rushing into a storage unit. For example, boxes of small items like seasonal decorations will need far less space than an entire home’s worth of furniture. Similarly, a business keeping office supplies readily available has different needs than a family preparing to pack up for a cross-country move. Thinking through these factors ahead of time can help you end up with a solution that seamlessly fits your lifestyle.
Best Storage Units for Furniture
Furniture is often the trickiest thing to fit comfortably in storage, but it’s possible when you operate wisely. Keep everything upright when possible, and stack lightweight items on top of heavy belongings to utilize vertical space. You should also wrap items in protective covers and use padding for fragile or heirloom items to keep them in ideal condition.
While every piece of furniture is unique and should be measured on its own, here are some average numbers to keep in mind as you decide how much space to rent:
- Sofas. Six to eight feet long
- Mattresses. Twin (three by six feet), Queen (five by seven feet), King (six by seven feet)
- Dining tables. Three to four feet wide
- Dressers. Three to five feet wide
- Coffee tables. Three to five feet long
Commercial Storage Unit Sizes
Businesses often invest in space to keep documents, inventory, and other equipment within reach for employees. A well-organized commercial storage unit can function almost like a mini warehouse, giving you a dedicated space outside the office for extra supplies. Aside from keeping everything easily accessible, you’ll also experience the benefits of working in a functional, clutter-free environment.
Here are a few items commonly stored in business storage and how much space they typically take up:
- Filing cabinets. Two by two feet
- Desks and tables. Up to five to six feet long
- Inventory boxes. 12 to 18 inches per side
- Equipment cases. Vary from two to four feet
- Office chairs. Two to three feet, give or take
5’ x 5’ Storage Units
Roughly the size of a small walk-in closet, a 5’ x 5’ storage unit is perfect for boxes of clothing, seasonal decor, or small furniture. It’s a great option for businesses looking to store documents, college kids who need student storage between semesters, or anyone who could use just a little additional space.
5’ x 10’ Storage Units
A 5’ x 10’ storage unit is comparable to a large walk-in closet, small bedroom, or backyard shed. It can fit the contents of a studio or one-bedroom apartment, including a mattress set, a small sofa, and several boxes. This size can also be perfect if you’re decluttering or reorganizing and need a temporary place to keep furniture, artwork, or other household items stacked up out of the way.
10’ x 10’ Storage Units
With about the same square footage as half of a one-car garage, a 10’ x 10’ storage unit is one of the most popular choices. It’s large enough to store furniture and boxes from a one- or two-bedroom apartment, making it an ideal solution for people moving between homes or small businesses trying to keep inventory organized.
10’ x 20’ Storage Units
A 10’ x 20’ storage unit is roughly the size of a standard household garage, giving you enough space for the contents of a multi-bedroom house. This size works well for storing appliances, large furniture pieces, or even small vehicles like a motorcycle or ATV. If you’re uprooting your entire life across the country or need to store your entire family’s belongings until your new home is ready, this is the right option for you.
Storage Unit Organization Tips
No matter which size of storage unit you choose, organization makes all the difference in having a successful experience. Whether you’re frequently swapping out seasonal items or tucking belongings away for the long haul, a well-packed storage unit can hold much more than one that’s loaded hastily and haphazardly. Here are some strategies to follow:
- Place heavier items on the bottom and lighter ones on top.
- Store furniture vertically to maximize floor space.
- Label every box clearly on multiple sides.
- Maintain a detailed inventory list to track the location of everything.
- Leave a walkway down the center of your unit for easy access.
For more valuable advice, check out our packing tips page.
How Do I Choose a Storage Unit Size?
Use our storage unit size guide to get a personalized recommendation based on your belongings. This quick tool helps you visualize how your items fit into different storage unit sizes before making a choice. Keep in mind that some storage facilities may not offer as many options as others, though the examples in this blog are typically available.
Rent Accessible Storage From Devon Self Storage
Having a storage solution that perfectly fits your needs can be a total game-changer, whether you’ve got just a few seasonal boxes or the contents of an entire household. Devon Self Storage is here to give you room to let life happen with self storage units available in many convenient sizes. With us on your side, you can invest in just the right amount of space for you—no more, no less.
Ready to get started? Find a Devon Self Storage facility near you today and put yourself on the path to a more organized life. You can also explore our frequently asked questions and our storage tips page for more information.