Even if you select one of the best self-storage providers, there is a price difference of more than $1000 per year between small and medium storage spaces. Therefore, it is wise to calculate the size of the storage unit you require before renting one. These five steps could help you save hundreds of dollars whether you need temporary storage for moving or are looking to remodel your home.
Perform an Inventory Check on Your Items
Finding out how much stuff you have is the first step in determining the size of the storage unit you require. Identify larger objects like couches, tables, and bookshelves, and count all of your boxes. Make sure to record everything so you can review it later.
Keep an eye out for items that may need to be stored in a climate-controlled environment when you conduct the inventory check. Only climate-controlled storage facilities can provide the lower humidity and temperature required by delicate goods like business papers, pictures, and artwork.
Access Your Home Storage Options
Make sure you’ve utilized all of your new home’s storage space after making an inventory note of each area. The last thing you want to do is rent a storage unit just to find out that you could have bought a smaller, cheaper one by stashing some of your belongings in a part of your garage that’s not being used.
For example, a typical small storage unit is 5 feet long and 5 feet wide, which means it can normally hold no more than 25 square feet of items. Small units are frequently used to store smaller objects, including seasonal items, small furniture, and outdoor gear.
Calculate the Space You Need
Measuring your possessions is the third stage in determining the size of the storage unit you require. One of the following measures should be available when choosing the size of your storage container in the next step:
- Square feet: Multiply the length and width of your possessions. You would require a storage space of at least 25 square feet if they create a pile that is 5 feet by 5 feet.
- Cubic feet: Multiply the dimensions of your possessions using their length, width, and height. You would require a storage unit with at least 125 cubic feet if your larger goods are stacked together in a mound that is 5 x 5 x 5 feet.
Select the Right Storage Unit Size
Determine whether you require a small, medium, or large unit after measuring everything. Typically, up to 50 square feet of goods can fit in a small unit, 150 square feet in a medium unit, and 300 square feet in a large unit.
Visit the Storage Unit
There are countless storage unit guides available, but nothing compares to the real thing. Schedule a visit to a local storage facility. Visit a couple of units to get a sense of their size and the number of boxes they can hold. You might save hundreds of dollars with a one-hour visit.
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