Be it downsizing, decluttering, or seeking a secure place for your belongings, self-storage is the answer. However, choosing a suitable unit can be an overwhelming task.
The number of options and facilities can lead to questions such as “What size suits your needs?, What types of storage are on offer, and what will it cost?”.
These uncertainties might leave you feeling a bit confused. To help, we’ve put together a straightforward guide to walk you through the process of sizing up your self-storage needs, underscoring its vital importance, money-saving benefits, and the time it can free up in your life.
Whether it’s for household items or business inventory, our guide offers practical insights into navigating the self-storage landscape, making the decision-making process smooth and stress-free.
What is Self-storage
Self-storage is an industry that provides rental storage space to tenants on a short-term (weekly or monthly) basis. The space, often referred to as a “storage unit,” comes in different forms, such as rooms, lockers, containers, or outdoor areas. The customers of self-storage could be businesses or individuals seeking a flexible and temporary solution for their storage needs.
Experts in the field often cite the “4Ds of life” to explain why individuals opt for storage spaces. These include life events such as death, divorce, delimitation and discombobulation (typically when someone relocates and needs interim storage before settling in a new area or when a couple combines households and ends up with duplicate items).
In essence, self-storage serves as a practical solution for those in transitional phases or experiencing life changes, offering a secure space for belongings without the commitment of a long-term contract. With it, you’re in total control of your stuff. You can simply place your own padlock on the door, take your key, and enjoy easy access whenever you need it
Assessing Your Storage Needs
When determining the right self-storage size for your needs, it’s essential to methodically assess your storage requirements:
- Begin by taking stock of your belongings – create a comprehensive list categorised by size and type. Whether it’s a sizable sofa or a modest box of books, this inventory helps gauge the amount of space necessary.
- Consider the duration each item will stay at the storage unit, whether it’s just for the summer or as a permanent home for cherished family keepsakes. This differentiation aids in selecting the most suitable local storage facility.
- Think about whether you’ll add additional belongings in the future, as this may require a larger storage space. Planning ahead ensures that the selected unit accommodates your evolving storage requirements.
- Take into account any climate control requirements for sensitive items such as old photos or electronics. Certain belongings demand specific environmental conditions. Therefore, it’s advisable to opt for a storage facility equipped to regulate temperature and humidity, safeguarding your items from potential damage.
Evaluating your current possessions, forecasting future needs, and addressing specific care requirements, will pinpoint the ideal storage solution to securely house your belongings. This approach ensures that your chosen storage unit aligns seamlessly with your unique demands, providing peace of mind for both the present and the future.
Self-Storage Sizes and Their Uses
Small Storage Unit
A small storage unit ranges from 25 to 50 square feet. With the size of a standard garden shed, this storage option is perfect for stashing away the equivalent of an entire room’s contents.
This size unit will roughly fill half of a transit van and is practical for:
- Garden supplies;
- Small furniture pieces like side tables and chairs;
- Seasonal decorations;
- Camping gear;
- Sports equipment;
A small storage unit proves that size doesn’t compromise versatility. It’s your go-to space for efficiently tucking away those items that might clutter your living space, providing a secure and accessible spot for your belongings without overwhelming your storage needs.
So, if you’re contemplating a storage upgrade without committing to excess space, a small storage unit might be just the solution you’re looking for.
Medium Storage Unit
With dimensions ranging from 75 to 150 square feet, a medium storage unit can accommodate the contents of one and a half Luton vans.
The unit has the approximate size of a garage and can hold:
- Double bed;
- Wardrobe;
- Three-piece suite;
- Dining table with chairs.
And it doesn’t stop there – toss in some larger sports and garden equipment, and you’re still left with room to spare. So, if you’re seeking a storage upgrade that’s just right for your growing stash, the medium storage unit is here to strike that perfect balance.
Large Storage Unit
Large storage units are designed for those with substantial storage needs. With dimensions ranging from 175 to 250 square feet, these units can hold the content of a 4-5 bedroom house.
Approximately the size of a double-car garage, a unit will likely require a 7.5-ton box lorry to transport its contents. It can accommodate:
- Large beds;
- Complete furniture sets;
- Big musical instruments,
- Refrigerators/ freezers;
- Retail inventory;
- Business stock and even construction.
Super Large Storage Units
The extra-large storage is designed to accommodate the most substantial storage needs. With a whopping 500 square feet at your disposal, this unit isn’t just for businesses – it’s also perfect for individuals seeking to store the contents of a large home or estate.
It is equivalent to a three-car garage, providing ample room for all your storage requirements. It holds:
- Business inventory
- Large house contents
- Large tools and equipment
- Vehicles
Given the scale of items typically stored in an extra-large unit, transportation becomes a consideration. The contents are best suited to an articulated lorry, however, you’ll need to coordinate with a removal company for seamless logistics.
Whether you’re a business in need of extensive storage space or an individual with a surplus of belongings, the extra-large storage unit offers the square footage you require to safely store your items while maintaining accessibility and organisation.
Conclusion
By meticulously assessing your storage needs and acquainting yourself with the available sizes, you can save both time and money.
Self-storage epitomises flexibility and convenience, offering a safe place for your possessions with easy access as required.
