Storage Unit Size Guide: How to Pick the Right Size for Your Needs

If you're considering renting a storage unit, you're likely overwhelmed by the variety of sizes and the large number of facilities offering them. That's understandable -- storage units come in lots of different sizes and styles, and each unit serves a purpose in someone's life. But don't despair! With this guide, you'll be able to truly understand what size storage unit is best for your needs. We'll cover some basics about storage units, explain your different storage unit size options, and provide you with tips on how to pick the right storage unit size for your needs. So read on for all you need to know before renting a storage unit!

What Size Storage Unit Do You Need?

When it comes to picking the right size storage unit for your needs, the primary factor to consider is how much stuff needs to be stored. Taking stock of what you want to keep in the storage unit and for how long can help you narrow down your options. Consider not only the total volume of what you plan to store but also the shape and dimensions of each item. A 10 sq ft. space might fit a lot more boxes than a bulky mattress or furniture pieces.Furthermore, if you anticipate needing additional space in the future, selecting a larger rental route is best as it may be necessary in order to accommodate extra items. If it's possible to downsize, then, this option could save you money while still sustaining your current storage arrangement.In either case, it's important to select an appropriate storage unit that will provide comfortable access and maneuverability. With this in mind, attention must be paid to door clearances and inter-filing necessities if you intend on optimizing every bit of square footage within your chosen storage unit. With that said, let's explore door clearance and inter-filing necessities required for achieving maximum efficiency when selecting a storage unit size.

Door Clearances and Inter-Filing Necessities

Once you've determined the size of storage unit fits your needs, it is important to consider door clearances and inter-filing necessities when renting a self-storage unit. Door clearance refers to the width, height and length of the door opening relative to the size of what you intend to store inside, while inter-filing necessities refer to how much space you will need between each item stored.Generally, storage doors are larger than what the interior dimensions indicate, allowing them to accommodate large furniture items such as couches, tables, and pianos that require extra width and height for entry. Smaller units can often only fit 1-2 pieces of furniture or boxes stacked on top of each other due to their smaller doorways. Another thing to consider is if there is enough room for you to navigate inside the storage unit and around the items being stored.So far, we have discussed what size storage unit to rent and door clearances, but do not forget about inter-filing necessities! It is important to prioritize maximum use of space while still providing adequate access to all items stored and avoiding common mistakes like over-stacking items too close together. Properly storing your possessions will prevent any unwanted damage or jostling during frequent visits by leaving enough space between items for you to walk around properly.The previous sections gave an overview about what size of storage unit you need based on your specific needs and how these units must account for door clearances. Now that we have addressed both of these considerations it is time we turn our attention towards interior dimensions and understanding their role in determining which storage facility suits your needs best.

Interior Dimensions and Clearances

When choosing a self-storage facility, one of the most important factors to consider is the storage unit size. It's crucial to think about the interior dimensions and clearances before committing to a particular size. Typically, height and depth are the most important measurements to consider when selecting a storage unit. For instance, storage units can vary in height from 6 to 10 feet tall, so you must keep that in mind while choosing a unit that can accommodate your needs. Furthermore, clearance for the entrance door is equally important. If you have tall items that require additional height for navigating through your space, then a roll-up style door will provide maximum clearance.

When selecting a storage unit size, it's essential to visualize how your furniture and other packed items would look within the available space. A good way to do this is by using tape on the ground in a scale model of your storage unit; arrange with toy furniture or cardboard boxes as representations of what needs to fit into it. By observing these mock-ups and measuring dimensions, you'll be able to better gauge how big your storage container should be.

At our self-storage facility, we offer a Storage Size Guide for our residential, commercial, and business customers. We provide a range of common storage unit sizes suitable for storing small furniture, large appliances, seasonal items, compact cars, and mid-size vehicles. Our Extra Large Units and Large Units are great for storing major appliances and walk-in closets. We cater to the storage needs of individuals, families, and businesses with our range of storage unit sizes, including those that are perfect for storing seasonal items.

Our Facility Manager can assist you in choosing the perfect storage unit for your needs. We pride ourselves on providing the highest quality storage services and facilities to our customers. Contact us today to find out more about our storage companies and how we can help you store your belongings safely and securely.

Visualizing Your Furniture and Packed Items in the Unit

Visualizing your furniture and packed items in the storage unit is key to ensuring you select the right size, both interior and exterior. This can be done in a few different ways. You may take measurements of your belongings and accurately draw them out on a piece of paper so that you can see how much space they would take up. By placing items that must stay together side-by-side, such as mattresses or bed frames, you will be able to get an even better idea of your needs. If you are someone who likes using technology, some unit rental websites have 3D visualization tools which allow you to virtually "place" items inside the unit to ensure it properly fits with your needs.It's also important to consider whether there is enough clearance for access if something is placed near the door or block off ventilation. Visualization helps reduce the chance of over-stocking or under-stocking a unit, which can cause inconvenience and extra expense down the line.Looking ahead, selecting a storage unit doesn't end at interior dimensions. The external measurement of the unit will determine where it should be placed within the rental facility or if it fit onsite at all.

Exterior Dimensions and Clearances

When thinking about your furniture and packed items inside the storage unit, another key factor to consider is a unit's exterior dimensions and clearances. This is important in order to ensure the contents of your unit will fit through the entrance and exit with no issue. Holding measurements for all accessible entrances of your storage space should be taken into account when deciding what size of storage unit you ultimately select.It is also important to understand and recognize that walls, door frames and various other types of fixtures or obstacles may have an effect on clearing space for large items such as couches or armoires. This is especially true when referring to entrances which may have narrow hallways or steps leading up to them. Additionally, it will be beneficial to gauge how much extra room you require for furniture that needs extra attention or specific assembly before being able to enter or exit the storage unit.These two situations create a counterargument to each other as having limited roof space could provide more external clearance while reducing the potential internal capacity versus having ample roof spacing which could potentially reduce the external clearance but in turn increase the internal capacity quite significantly. It often comes down to a case-by-case basis when considering the need for more internal space due at least in part to height restrictions in comparison to external entrance and exit considerations.By understanding the intricacies of both exterior dimensions and clearances combined with visualizing your furniture within the unit, one can make an informed decision on how best to maximize their own unique storage situation.Now let's move on to understanding lengths and widths for the entrance and exits. By understanding these criteria as well as accurately measuring stairwells ahead of time; you can position yourself perfectly for a stress free moving experience when using a storage unit of any size!

Get organized with our affordable self-storage options

We understand that managing your belongings can be overwhelming at times.

StorageMax is here to help you simplify your life. Our affordable self-storage options provide you with the space you need to organize your belongings, whether you're looking to store seasonal items or declutter your home. With a variety of unit sizes available, you can find the perfect space to meet your needs without breaking the bank. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are here to help you every step of the way, from selecting the right unit to providing packing supplies.