Can you have too much self storage space? You certainly can and it could cost you if you’re not using it properly. In this post, we share some valuable advice on how to calculate the self storage space you need based on the items you want to store. As an added bonus, you’ll learn a few tricks on how to maximise the space in your storage unit.
How To Work Out The Self Storage Space You Need
A storage unit is ideal for keeping your items safe and secure whether you’re decluttering, relocating, moving house or for business purposes. However, trying to calculate the amount of self storage space you need can be difficult, especially before everything is packed inside boxes. To help keep you organised and save on self storage costs, we’ve compiled a simple guide with five steps to maximise self storage space which could potentially save you hundreds of pounds.
- Make a list of your belongings
- Check your home storage
- Calculate the self storage space
- Choose a small, medium, or large self storage unit
- Find the specific measurements
Make a List of your Belongings To Calculate Self Storage Space
The first step in calculating the required self storage space is to see how much stuff you have. Once you’ve packed your things properly and labelled everything, count all the boxes and identify larger items such as couches, tables, desks and bookshelves. When decluttering, go through your home one room at a time and make sure you put everything on the list. This makes it easier to refer back to later and minimises the risk of forgetting something important.
Check the Amount of Home Storage
Once you’ve gone through all the rooms and made an inventory of all the belongings you are storing, the next step is to make sure you’ve used all the available storage space in your home. The last thing you want is to rent a storage unit that is too big which means extra, unnecessary costs.
For best results, only store what you have to and always perform a proper cleanout. This way you will know exactly how much space you have at home and how much self storage space you will need. Considering the big price difference between a small, medium and large storage unit, it’s worth taking the time to check and double-check your options.
Calculate the Self Storage Space
Next on the list is finding the right storage unit in terms of size as it needs to closely match that of your belongings. When choosing a storage unit size in the next step, you’ll need either of these two measurements:
- Square feet (sq. ft.) which is calculated by multiplying the length and width of your belongings. If the pile is 5 x 5 feet, you can safely assume that you need a unit with at least 25 square feet of self storage space.
- Cubic feet (cu. ft.). which you measure by multiplying the length, width, and height of your belongings. If the pile measures 5 x 5 x 5 feet, you should rent a unit with at least 75 cubic feet of self storage space.
While there are many ways to measure your belongings, one approach is to everything into a pile and measure it. Other people may individually measure the length, width and height of every. Regardless of the method, just make sure you have an estimate in square or cubic feet.
Choose a Small, Medium, or Large Self Storage Unit
Once you’ve measured everything and have the right measurements, it’s time to choose the most suitable unit. While there are many different sizes, they all fall into these three categories: small, medium and large.
- Small units can store up to 50 square feet of belongings
- Medium units can store up to 150 square feet
- Large units can hold as much as 300 square feet. At Space Centre, our biggest storage unit is 200 square feet while the smallest is 10 square feet.
One of the easiest ways to choose a unit is to compare your measurements with a suitable storage unit guide. For example, if your belongings measure 95 square feet, you need a medium storage unit since the size range is 75–150 square feet. With Space Centre, it’s even simpler as we compare the self storage space of our units to different types of vans.
Contact Self Storage Providers for the Specific Measurements
Now that you’ve narrowed down your options to either a small, medium or large unit, the final step is to check with the storage facility and choose an exact size. While a smaller unit is obviously cheaper, you don’t want to overfill it as this can lead to more clutter and damaged goods.
The best way to save money is to choose a unit large enough to store your belongings without having too much space left over. Besides, it’s always good to have a little bit of extra self storage space in case you want to add one or two items.
FAQs and Answers On Self Storage Space
It’s amazing how much you can fit into a self-storage unit, especially if you pack and organise things correctly. Before you start selecting a storage unit, there are a few things to think about. Here are a few common questions about self storage space and choosing the right facility:
Why do you need a self storage unit?
If you’re moving house, relocating your office, decluttering or going on an extended holiday, why you need self storage space will help give you a good idea of how much space you might need.
What are you going to store?
It may seem obvious but the items you plan on storing can dictate how much self storage space you need. Think about the shape, size and fragility of your belongings and how they are packed. You need to consider all of this when doing your measurements. It’s also important to use the right packing materials that can be sealed and stacked to save even more self storage space.
What size storage unit do I need for big appliances?
For bigger equipment, you’ll generally need a medium- or big-sized storage unit. While most storage companies recommend big containers for major appliances, you could fit refrigerators, washers, dryers and fridges in medium-sized storage units. Whatever you decide, make sure to pack it correctly and follow any specific storage instructions.
How much furniture can I fit in a storage unit?
The amount of furniture that can go into a storage unit largely depends on how much self storage space you need. For example, some living room couches are seven feet long, if not more, which is too big for most small storage units.
We recommend that you compare the dimensions of the furniture in question with the measurements of the preferred storage unit to see how much you can safely fit inside without damaging anything.
We have conveniently-located self storage facilities in Bristol, Stroud, Gloucester and Stonehouse, which are all near major access roads. If you need more information or require assistance to measure the amount of self storage space you might need, contact us today.