It is easy to run out of storage space both in the home and workplace – it’s amazing how quickly you can find things to hoard to fill any available storage room in your home! If you are considering putting some of your household or personal items into storage for a period, there are many different aspects to consider. The first consideration is to calculate what storage unit size will you need to rent. Here is a guide to the different sizes of storage unit that you can rent, and how to assess the storage space within them, along with some other considerations:
Home Storage Space
Before going out and renting a storage unit, establish whether you can identify any storage space in your home that may be unused – perhaps a better organised garage, shed or outbuilding can provide some storage – maybe there is available space in the loft? If you can identify any potential storage space in your home, then you’ll need less commercial storage space which could potentially save you money.
Storage Content
When deciding what size storage unit you will require, the first step is to identify which items are for storage – whilst you want to ensure that you have enough space for all your items, you don’t want to rent too big a space which can result in you paying more for space you neither want nor need! Make an inventory of all the items you intend to store and note down the quality and condition of each individual item – this will ensure you rent the most appropriate storage unit size and help in providing a record of your items’ condition before entering storage, should anything be damaged whilst in transit or in the storage unit itself. Consider the type of items and amount of space you will require – you will want to ensure you rent a space large enough to comfortably store your items without a risk of them being damaged or compromised whilst in storage.
Calculate The Space
Once you have fully identified and itemised all the goods for storage, calculate the number of boxes or other storage vehicles you will need to house the items. From there you can assess how the storage will look with regards to both floor space and height within the storage unit – the best way to do this is to multiply the length and the width of the calculated number of storage boxes or crates to assess the square footage you will need your storage unit to provide. It is better to err on the side of caution with your calculations – if you are unsure exactly how big a unit you require, then opt for the next size up to ensure you can fit all your items in comfortably and safely.
Unit Sizes
Storage units are available in all sizes – here is a quick guide:
- Small Units – The smaller units you can usually find are roughly the size of a garden shed – they usually measure between 25 and 50 square feet, and will, typically, hold the entire contents of one room in your home. These units would normally store items that would typically fill approximately half the size of a transit van, making them ideal for storing items such as garden supplies, tools and equipment, seasonal decorations, camping and sports or fitness gear, and bikes.
- Medium Units – These storage units are approximately the size of a single garage typically offering you between 75 and 150 square feet of storage space. These units can comfortably accommodate items such as double-beds, a three- piece suite, wardrobes and even dining tables and chairs – larger garden equipment can also be stored in a storage unit this size.
- Large Units – Larger units offer a more comprehensive storage space – somewhere between 175 and 250 square feet – that is big enough to accommodate the entire contents of a typical 4-5 bedroomed house! Approximately the size of a double garage, these units are ideal for business storage with enough space to hold large amounts of stock or office equipment, or household items such as large beds, full furniture sets, refrigerators, and large freezers, and even items such as large musical instruments such as a piano.
Other Considerations
Here are some other aspects of renting a self-storage unit you should consider:
- Costs – Cost is always an important consideration so do some research – comparing different storage providers is always advisable as many storage facilities give more favourable rates the longer the rental time required, and many will offer deals on a month-by-month basis with no deposit, making your rental agreement more flexible. It is worth the effort to establish the best value-for-money storage option for your specific needs.
- Facilities – Establish exactly what facilities your chosen storage unit offers – consider aspects such as whether your items need to be in a controlled environment with regards to climate, temperature, and such, and what access the facility offers you to your stored items, and how far from you is the storage facility? You will want a unit that is clean, dry, secure, and well-lit. Your storage unit should be water-tight and, where necessary and possible, climate-controlled to avoid moisture build-up and damp.
- Security – Security is, obviously, important – you want to know your possessions are being kept safe and sound whilst in storage. Confirm the security aspects of the storage facility – select a facility that offers individual locks and personal codes to allow only authorised access to your unit and has 24-hour security and state-of-the-art camera and surveillance equipment in place to offer the best protection for your valuable items.
Research
It is always advisable to do some research before you choose a storage facility – select a facility that is clean, dry, secure, and well-lit. Your storage unit should be water-tight and, depending upon the nature of the items you are storing, climate-controlled to avoid moisture build-up and damp. Easy access to your stored goods is important, so always choose a unit in which the layout and space allows you such, and ensure they offer comprehensive security services. Contact Chelsea Self Storage for more information.
