Are you planning a long trip or a temporary move to a smaller living space? Or maybe you’re looking to relocate, or just need to de-clutter your current home. In any case, you may need to look into renting a storage unit. The question is: How much space will you need to safely and efficiently store your belongings?
As a rule, there are six standard sizes when it comes to self-serve storage units. We’ll take you through the square footage and necessary information for each to help you decide which one best suits your needs:
- 5×5. The smallest of the lot, this space can hold about the same amount of cargo as your walk-in closet. At just 25 square feet, it’s a good choice for people who are planning to access their unit often and are mainly looking to streamline their current living space.
- 5×10. This 50-square-footer can be packed to the rafters with everything that fits into a small to a mid-sized bedroom. This size would be worth considering if you’re an empty nester looking to turn your child’s old room into an office or den.
- 10×10. You could comfortably fit the contents of your living room into this space, with 100 square feet available. It would also come in handy for those of you who are moving to a smaller home and need a place to stash the leftover furniture until you decide whether to sell it.
- 10×15. Several bedrooms’ worth of furniture and equipment can be loaded into this 150-square-foot option. Perfect for blended families who need to consolidate their belongings to fit into their new shared home.
- 10×20. An excellent choice for those who are vacating their homes entirely, and need a safe place to keep their belongings until they return from their travels and decide on the next step. The contents of an average-to-large-sized house will fit easily into the 200 square feet available here.
- 10×30. If you’re moving out of a large house and you also need to store a vehicle, then this 300-square-foot choice is the best one for you. Remember that the larger the unit, the higher the monthly rate, so be sure you’ll need all that extra space before signing the contract.
Whichever unit size you choose, remember to stack your boxes neatly and efficiently to ensure ease of retrieval upon your return. As always, furniture and other heavy, bulky items should be stored in the back. Conversely, keep any items to which you’re likely to need quicker access as close to the front as possible. You’ll thank yourself for this attention to detail when it comes time to vacate the unit.
Good luck in choosing your unit! Whether your endeavors involve a move to a new home, a period of extended travel, or a remodeling project, best of luck to you and yours in the time ahead.