How much storage space do I need?

by | Aug 8, 2024 | Blog

Determining how much storage space you need depends on what you plan to store. Here’s a guide to help you estimate the space required for different needs:

Size Guide

  1. 5×5 Unit (25 sq. ft.)
    • About the size of: A small closet.
    • Holds: Small furniture, boxes, seasonal items, personal items, and small items of furniture like a chair or dresser.
  2. 5×10 Unit (50 sq. ft.)
    • About the size of: A walk-in closet.
    • Holds: A one-bedroom apartment’s worth of items, including a couch, chairs, a dresser, and some boxes.
  3. 10×10 Unit (100 sq. ft.)
    • About the size of: A large bedroom.
    • Holds: Contents of a one-bedroom apartment, including appliances, furniture, and several boxes.
  4. 10×15 Unit (150 sq. ft.)
    • About the size of: A large bedroom.
    • Holds: Contents of a two-bedroom apartment, including larger appliances, furniture, and many boxes.
  5. 10×20 Unit (200 sq. ft.)
    • About the size of: A one-car garage.
    • Holds: Contents of a two- to three-bedroom house, including large furniture, appliances, and multiple boxes.
  6. 10×30 Unit (300 sq. ft.)
    • About the size of: A large one-car garage.
    • Holds: Contents of a three- to four-bedroom house, including all major appliances, furniture, and numerous boxes.

Additional Considerations

  1. Furniture:
    • Disassemble large furniture to save space.
    • Use cushions and pillows to fill gaps and protect delicate items.
  2. Boxes:
    • Use uniform box sizes for easy stacking.
    • Label all boxes clearly for easier retrieval.
  3. Seasonal Items:
    • If you’re storing seasonal items, consider rotating them in and out as needed to avoid paying for more space than necessary.
  4. Access Needs:
    • If you need frequent access, leave some space to create walkways and avoid overpacking.
  5. Climate Control:
    • For items sensitive to temperature and humidity, consider a climate-controlled unit which may affect your space requirements.

Example Scenarios

  1. College Student:
    • Need: 5×5 or 5×10 unit.
    • Items: Boxes, small furniture, and dorm room items.
  2. Apartment Dwellers:
    • Need: 5×10 or 10×10 unit.
    • Items: Furniture, appliances, and personal items from a one-bedroom apartment.
  3. Homeowners:
    • Need: 10×15 or 10×20 unit.
    • Items: Contents of multiple rooms, large furniture, and appliances.
  4. Moving House:
    • Need: 10×20 or 10×30 unit.
    • Items: Entire household contents, including large furniture and many boxes.

Use these guidelines to estimate your space needs and consider visiting a storage facility to get a better sense of unit sizes. Many facilities also have online calculators to help you determine the right size based on your inventory.