Choosing the right size storage unit can save you money. Many storage facilities and moving companies have helpful guidelines on their websites that can help.
To estimate your space needs, inventory everything you plan to store. This will give you an idea of how much items like furniture and boxes will take up.
Take Inventory
One of the best things you can do to help choose the right size storage unit is to take inventory. Please list all the items you will store in the team, then count and measure them. Focus on the larger items, such as furniture, beds and tables, to understand how much space they will take up. You can also use a website to compare storage unit sizes and see which might be best for you.
If you store large items such as furniture or entertainment centers, disassemble them as much as possible. This will allow you to fit them into the unit more easily and protect them better. You should always take into account the height of your items as well. Generally, storage units in San Mateo have high ceilings, so plan accordingly.
Many people need to choose a smaller storage unit. This can result in much wasted space and money, as you will pay for extra space you don’t need. To avoid this, doing homework and taking inventory before renting a storage unit is important. The more detailed you can be, the more accurate your estimate will be more accurate. Then, you can select the correct size storage unit for your needs.
Measure Your Items
Once you’ve made a list of all the items you plan to store, take the time to measure each item. This will help you estimate the amount of space you’ll need. Measure each item’s length, width and height to determine how many square feet or cubic feet of space it will take. You can use a tape measure or a yardstick to get an approximate idea of the measurements of your items. For example, a pile of items measuring 8 feet by 8 feet would require at least 64 square feet of storage space.
When estimating the size of your items, consider any fragile items that will need extra padding or careful handling. Also, factor in how often you’ll need to access your items and ensure enough room for easy navigation within the unit. If you need help assessing your items’ storage space needs, ask the storage facility’s staff for assistance.
If you still need to decide on the storage unit size, take the time to visit a nearby facility and walk inside a few units. This will give you a better idea of how much space your items need and help you decide whether a particular team fits your needs.
Ask Questions
You need to ask yourself a few key questions before deciding on the size storage unit you need. The most important question is what you plan to do with your belongings. Will you store them indefinitely or temporarily while you move, clean out your home or stage it for sale? Will you be keeping a car or just some tools and outdoor equipment? Will you use the space to store inventory for your business?
If you need help determining what to expect, visit a facility that offers units the same size as the ones you are considering renting. This will give you a good visual of the space and how it might work for your belongings. Another way to help you understand the dimensions of storage spaces is to use painter’s tape to mark out a hole the size of a typical unit outside your driveway or other open area. Then, pack up some boxes and see how they fit in the marked-off area.
The smallest storage space is the 5′ x 5′ unit, roughly the size of a small coat closet and can hold several boxes and small pieces of furniture. This is a great option for storing seasonal items, bicycles and tools. A 10′ x 10′ unit can typically accommodate the contents of a two-bedroom apartment, including larger furniture and appliances. If you’re storing more than that, consider the next size up.
Visit the Facility
It’s important to be thorough when assessing your storage needs. Doing so will save you money in the long run. Renting a unit that’s too small can leave you with nothing to store, and renting one that’s too big will cost you extra. Ultimately, you’ll be glad you took the time to make a list and calculate your storage space needs.
Most storage facility websites have units listed by dimensions and square footage. This is helpful, but seeing a team in person is different. Please take an hour out of your day and visit nearby facilities to see their available units. Please give them your estimated square footage and ask which suits your needs best.
It’s always a good idea to disassemble larger furniture items. This allows you to fit more into a unit and will also help protect your belongings from damage. It’s also a good idea to take a tape measure and draw an outline on the unit floor you’re considering using. You can then place your furniture against the system to see how it fits.
Once you’re sure which storage size is right for your needs, it’s time to sign the rental agreement. With an online storage website, you’ll enjoy some of the cheapest rates in town and get all the help you need to choose the perfect storage space.