How to Choose the Right Storage Unit Size for Your Needs
Facing troubles due to lack of space? Don't worry, the Storagehub is here to cover you. When businesses are running out of space, there will be a harsh reality that their growth will probably stop. There are many reasons behind that like the office looks congested and employees will not feel good. Here, a Storage unit would be the best solution to keep all your extra stuff in the unit safely and organized. Now, choosing the right storage unit is not as easy as it looks. For example, when picking a unit size small and then struggling to fit the belongings, although picking a big one then ends up with paying extra for unused space. How did I get the right one ?
In this blog we will share the process of choosing the right storage unit which is based on your needs. Whether storing any household items, office files or any seasonal furniture, that will help you to make the smart choice.
1. Start by Listing What You Need to Store
The first and most important step is knowing what you're going to store. Take a paper or use your phone and write down all the items you plan to put in storage. As proper planning would help you better in storing the right things at the right place.
The first and most important step is knowing what you're going to store. Take a paper or use your phone and write down all the items you plan to put in storage. As proper planning would help you better in storing the right things at the right place.
- Is it furniture like beds, chairs, or sofas?
- Boxes of clothes or books?
- Office supplies, documents, or electronics?
When listing everything, there is a clear idea of how much space is really needed.
If possible, group items by category like fragile items, heavy furniture, or things which may need to be accessed frequently.
If possible, group items by category like fragile items, heavy furniture, or things which may need to be accessed frequently.
2. Understand Common Storage Unit Sizes
Storage units generally come in standard sizes. Here’s a simple guide to help you visualise:
5x5 feet (Small Closet Size)
Storage units generally come in standard sizes. Here’s a simple guide to help you visualise:
5x5 feet (Small Closet Size)
- Ideal for: Few boxes, documents, seasonal clothes, small appliances.
- Use if: You’re just decluttering or storing 1-room worth of small items.
5x10 feet (Walk-in Closet Size)
- Ideal for: Small furniture (like a single bed, chair), boxes, suitcases.
- Use if: You’re storing contents of a studio or small office.
10x10 feet (Half Garage Size)
- Ideal for: Contents of a 1BHK flat – sofa, bed, mattress, TV, boxes.
- Use if: You’re shifting or renovating your home.
10x15 feet or 10 x 20 feet (Full Garage Size)
- Ideal for: Larger furniture, appliances, and full house storage.
- Use if: You’re moving from a 2BHK or larger property.
These are approximate examples, and storage companies may offer in-between sizes too. But having an idea helps when you talk to them.
3. Think About How Often You’ll Access It
Another thing to keep in mind is how often will you open the unit? Here are some factors to consider when arranging the items in the storage unit.
Another thing to keep in mind is how often will you open the unit? Here are some factors to consider when arranging the items in the storage unit.
- If you plan to access items regularly, leave walking space inside.
- You might need a slightly bigger unit just to make sure everything is easy to reach.
- Stack heavier items below and frequently used items on top or near the entrance.
If this planning is not done, then you're going to waste hours struggling to find what you need.
4. Consider Vertical Space - Not Just Floor Area
A lot of people make the mistake of only thinking in terms of floor size.
But remember storage units have height too! Most are 8 to 10 feet tall.
So if your items can be stacked vertically, you might not need a big unit at all.
A lot of people make the mistake of only thinking in terms of floor size.
But remember storage units have height too! Most are 8 to 10 feet tall.
So if your items can be stacked vertically, you might not need a big unit at all.
- Boxes can be stacked one above another
- Shelves can be installed
- Mattress or table tops can be stored vertically
Make sure to pack properly so that the stacks are stable and safe.
5. Take Help from Storage Company Size Charts
Most professional storage companies offer a size guide or chart on their website. Some even have calculators you can enter what you're storing, and they suggest the best size.
Use these tools; they're free and often very accurate.
Even better is to call the company and speak to their support team. Tell them your list, and they can suggest based on past customers with similar needs.
Most professional storage companies offer a size guide or chart on their website. Some even have calculators you can enter what you're storing, and they suggest the best size.
Use these tools; they're free and often very accurate.
Even better is to call the company and speak to their support team. Tell them your list, and they can suggest based on past customers with similar needs.
6. Think Long-Term
Long term planning always saves you money and also helps you to concentrate on your business.
"Is this a short-term storage or something I’ll use for months?"
"Is this a short-term storage or something I’ll use for months?"
If the plan is to use it only for 1-2 months, you can tightly pack it.
But for long-term storage, it’s better to go for a slightly larger unit so that:
- You can open and rearrange items easily
- There’s airflow between items to avoid moisture and damage
- You don’t damage delicate items in over-tight packing
Spending a little extra now can save a lot of stress later.
7. Don’t Overestimate What You Can Squeeze In
Surely packing is easy for anyone to do but storing stuff in a storage unit is different.
Surely packing is easy for anyone to do but storing stuff in a storage unit is different.
- Irregular shapes, fragile items, and air gaps waste space
- Heavy items need to be placed carefully
- Sometimes you’ll need to keep things unboxed (like a chair or TV)
So give it some margin , so that all stuff can be managed in a better way.
8. Consider Shared Storage
If possible and the needs are small and looking to save cost, shared storage is a good option. Some storage companies allow multiple customers to store items in a shared warehouse with separate packaging and tags.
You don’t get personal access, but it’s perfect if:
If possible and the needs are small and looking to save cost, shared storage is a good option. Some storage companies allow multiple customers to store items in a shared warehouse with separate packaging and tags.
You don’t get personal access, but it’s perfect if:
- You don’t need regular access
- You’re storing items short-term
- Your volume is low (1-2 boxes)
This option is cheaper than personal lockers, so ask the company if they provide it.
9. Compare Prices Based on Size
Storage companies usually charge based on size and duration.
There are different charges for the small, medium, and large units. One can choose according to their needs & budget. But, prices may vary based on city, location, climate control, and security level.
Important: Always ask for transparent pricing. Check for hidden charges like:
Storage companies usually charge based on size and duration.
There are different charges for the small, medium, and large units. One can choose according to their needs & budget. But, prices may vary based on city, location, climate control, and security level.
Important: Always ask for transparent pricing. Check for hidden charges like:
- Deposit
- Insurance
- Lock cost
- Move-in fee
Compare prices from 2-3 providers before you book.
10. Visit the Unit if Possible
Pictures can be misleading. If you have the time, go and see the unit in person.
Pictures can be misleading. If you have the time, go and see the unit in person.
- Measure the dimensions yourself
- Check cleanliness, ventilation, and lighting
- Ask about pest control and water leakage
- Test access hours and security measures
A 10-minute visit can save you from future trouble.
Conclusion
Choosing the right storage unit for any business or home would be a tough choice, Its not about just knowing what you need, but it means work smartly. Storagehub can be a life saver for the businesses who are doing adjustment with the congested office. It gives peace of mind when the items are safe and accessible. Make a list, use size guides, plan vertical and long-term use, take expert help and you’re good to go!
Let Storagehub assist you! We offer affordable, secure, and right-sized storage space for rent to provide business specific solution. From personal items storage to office & business related equipment, we’ve got a space for everything.
Contact Storagehub today and store smarter.
Let Storagehub assist you! We offer affordable, secure, and right-sized storage space for rent to provide business specific solution. From personal items storage to office & business related equipment, we’ve got a space for everything.
Contact Storagehub today and store smarter.