Choosing the Perfect Storage Unit Size: The Ultimate Guide
In a world where space is at a premium, selecting the right storage unit size can save you both time and money. Whether you’re moving, decluttering, or storing business inventory, the right unit ensures your belongings are safely stored without overpaying for unused space. This guide will help you confidently determine the best storage unit size for your needs, giving you peace of mind and helping you make an informed choice.
Step 1: Create a Detailed Inventory
Why It Matters: Listing all items helps visualize how much space you’ll need and avoids the mistake of underestimating or overestimating.
- List Your Items by Room: Separate items by categories such as ‘garage,’ ‘bedroom,’ ‘kitchen,’ and ‘living room.’
- Prioritize the larger items: Measuring large items like mattresses, sofas, or dressers can give a clearer picture of the space requirements.
- Think of Oddly Shaped Items: Items like bicycles, pianos, or sports equipment may require additional floor space and storage care.
Creating a detailed list will also allow you to use a storage space calculator effectively to further refine your decision.
Step 2: Determine Packable and Stackable Items
Optimize Space Efficiently: Knowing what can be safely stacked can significantly reduce the amount of floor space required.
- Stack Sturdy Items: Place boxes of similar sizes together. Use durable boxes for heavier items and stack them on the bottom.
- Disassemble Furniture: Large items like bed frames or tables should be taken apart if possible.
- Leave Space for Fragile or Bulky Items: Consider keeping delicate or irregularly shaped items, like pianos or glass furniture, unstacked to avoid damage.
Step 3: Establish Access Needs
User Tip: If you’ll be visiting your unit regularly, plan for a larger space or arrange an aisle for easy access.
- Create Aisles for Easy Access: Leave enough room to move through the unit, particularly if you’ll retrieve items frequently.
- Use Shelves for Organization: Portable shelving can help maximize vertical space and keep items you access often within reach.
- Consider Future Needs: If you expect to add more items, consider sizing up to avoid the hassle of moving items to a larger unit later.
Step 4: Understand Common Storage Unit Sizes and Their Uses
Here's a breakdown of typical storage unit sizes to help you visualize what each one can hold:
Small Units or "Locker/Cupboard" (1x1 to 1.5x1.5 meters)
- Ideal For: Seasonal items, small furniture, or contents of a closet. Store the contents of a bedroom or studio
- Sizes range from a small locker to 2.25m2
- Example Uses: Perfect for storing decorations, small household items, or a few business documents.
- See below a video of what fits in a 2.25m2 cupboard-sized self storage unit:
Medium Units or "Quarter Garage" (2x2 to 3x2.5 meters)
- Ideal For: Contents of a one bedroom apartment.
- Sizes range from approximately 4m2 to 7.5m2
- Example Uses: Suited for bedroom furniture, a dining set, appliances, and several boxes. Great for those who are moving or need temporary storage for renovations.
Medium Units+ - "Half Garage" (4x2 to 4 x 2.5 meters)
- Ideal For: Generally fits the contents of a 2-bedroom home or apartment or large lounge room.
- Sizes: from 8m2 to 10m2
- Example Uses: Suitable for larger items like sofas, mattresses, large appliances.
- Most Popular: This is generally the most popular unit category which provides enough flexibility to store your goods and also access them with a little extra space.
Large Units "3/4 Garage" (4x3 to 3x5 meters)
- Ideal For: Entire household contents, such as a two to three bedroom home.
- Sizes: Generally from 12m2 (see video below) to 15m2. Popular unit sizes are 13.5m2.
- Example Uses: Suitable for larger items like sofas, mattresses, appliances, along with seasonal gear and provides space to access goods easily. Business users include small businesses, AirBnB service providers, Cleaners and Tradies.
Large Units Plus "Single Garage" (3 x 6 meters)
- Ideal For: Homes with four bedrooms or suitable to store a vehicles (for driveway access units), or business inventory.
- Example Uses: These spaces accommodate everything from large furniture and appliances to vehicles and bulk business stock. There is plenty of room to stack furniture and access the contents of your home or business inventory with ease.
- Sizes: 15.5m2 to 20m2. The most popular size is 18m2 (see video below):
Extra-Large Units "Oversized Garage) (3x9 meters)
- Ideal For: Homes with four or more bedrooms, multiple vehicles, or business inventory.
- Sizes: Unit sizes from 20m2 to 40m2. Popular sized units are 27m2
- Example Uses: These spaces accommodate everything from large furniture and appliances to vehicles and bulk business stock.
Step 5: Use a Storage Space Calculator
If you're not absolutely certain of the space you need using the handy storage size videos above, try the Free Storage Space Calculator. By inputting your items, you’ll receive a recommendation for the most suitable unit size.
Step 6: Consider Business-Specific Needs
If you’re a small business owner, additional space and specialized features can enhance your storage experience.
- Vertical Storage for Inventory: Business units often offer high ceilings for storing inventory or larger items.
- Accessibility for Deliveries: Look for units that allow vehicle access or provide onsite pallet jacks or forklifts.
- Meeting Rooms / Work Spaces: Some facilities extra amenities like meeting rooms and/or work spaces. Accessing electricity in self storage units is prohibited due to safety requirements so consider if you'll be requiring power or your just needing storage and access.
Additional Tips for Maximizing Your Storage Space
- Pack in Uniform Boxes: Uniformly sized boxes make stacking more efficient, allowing you to use vertical space better.
- Label Everything: Label boxes clearly so you can find what you need without unpacking.
- Prioritize by Frequency of Use: Place items you’ll need more often near the front for easy access.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right storage unit size doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding your needs, measuring your items, and using tools like a space calculator, you can make an informed choice that fits both your belongings and budget. For further assistance, contact us for friendly advice.
If you’re ready to declutter, book your unit today and take the first step towards a more organized life.
By following these steps and using our tools, you'll feel confident in selecting the best storage size for your needs, ensuring that your items are safe, accessible, and well-organized. Whether you’re storing personal items or business inventory, we’re here to help you find the perfect fit.