A storage unit is a short or long-term commitment, and size matters when it comes to which commitment you’re willing to make. If you are planning on storing your valuable items somewhere other than your home, then choosing the right storage unit size is important. Before handing any of your money over to a storage facility, you need to be aware of your options. Storage unit size can be confusing, and that’s why we’ve put together this storage unit size guide to help ease the stress. Here’s what you should know about choosing the right size for your storage and making sure that’s what you’re buying.
How to Choose the Right Storage Unit Size
Standard Storage Measurement
The standard measurement used is feet.
Most common storage unit sizes list only numbers and omit the measurement unit. When you see 10×5, assume that they mean feet when the company is US-based. If you are planning on storing the entire contents of your two or four bedroom house, you don’t want to end up with a small storage unit no bigger than a walk-in closet.
If you aren’t sure about this, ask.
What Size Storage Unit Will You Need?
The good news is that storage units are available in all shapes and sizes… Well, almost. Storage units can be 5×5, but they can also be as large as 10×30.
The size of a storage unit you will need depends on what you’re looking for, and how much you can afford. Will you be storing the contents of your entire home or just a twin-sized mattress set? Do you have too many holiday decorations or seasonal items that you can’t fit the car in the garage any longer? Do you have a dining room set or small furniture you want to put in storage?
This will determine if you need a small, medium-sized, or large storage unit.
Answer these questions about your needs before you settle on your storage unit size.
- Will your things remain in storage for a while
- Will you add more things to this storage unit over time?
- Is this short-term, or long-term storage?
- Do my items need to be in a climate-controlled storage unit?
- Are you looking for vehicle storage?
Ask About the Height
Most storage unit companies list the dimensions of their storage unit(s). If you can’t find this information available on a website in plain sight, be sure to contact them and ask.
But there’s one more thing to consider: the height!
Storage units don’t usually list the height, and it’s not the same for every storage unit company. You may think 300 square feet will be what you need but is the height going to work for you also?
Always ask about the height, because this is where some storage companies save (and customers lose).
Stacking or Not
Before choosing a storage unit, you should have a basic idea of how you will use it. Will you be stacking items on top of one another, or will side-by-side space be more useful? Proper planning can save you a lot of time when it comes to moving things in (or out) of the unit.
Proper storage can also prevent damage from happening to your items. Stacking fragile items on top of each other or compressing them can cause damage.
Visit the Storage Unit
Seeing a storage unit before signing a contract is the best way to understand what you will be paying for. It allows you to visually assess the unit and its condition. This way, you can ensure that it meets your needs and expectations.
Additionally, it allows you to ask any questions or address any concerns you may have. Ultimately, this helps you make an informed decision and avoid any surprises or disappointments in the future. Seeing the facility in person can tell you a lot more than a few online photographs. Walking around the storage unit can ensure you that this is going to be what you’re looking for.
Choose reputable self-storage companies over ones that you’ve never heard of. In most cases, franchises are easier to hold accountable if there is any dispute.
Compare Your Options
Smart consumers should look at several options before choosing one final contract or storage unit. Read your contract carefully, and make sure that there are no price hikes or hidden costs.
Sometimes one clause can cost you thousands, or ownership of everything you have in the unit when you skip a payment.
Before you sign into a storage unit contract, make sure that you are sure of what you’re signing into.
Clark Storage – Best and Most Secured Storage Units in the Area
Our family business objective is to provide you with the best service and facilities in a secure location. As you get to know our facilities, you will note they were selected for your ease of access, location, and security. Please let us know how we can continue to improve your storage needs and fulfill your high expectations. We have storage units in Council Bluffs, Glenwood, and Pacific Junction. Contact us today. We are also offering a Move-In Referral Program, click here for more information.
