How To Choose The Perfect Storage Unit Size

Moving, downsizing, remodelling or decluttering, people use storage lockers for so many different reasons. The number one question we get asked when people are looking for a storage locker rental is, how do I pick the right size of self storage unit? Obviously, this varies depending on what kind of items you want to store but it can be difficult to visualize your belongings and the size of the storage locker.  Below are a few helpful tips and tricks you can use to pick the size of self storage unit you need and which of our storage units are the most popular.

How to pick the right size storage unit

What is the primary function of your storage unit?

When learning how to pick the correct storage unit size it is important to consider what the primary function of the storage unit will be. Are you looking to hold household items, seasonal items, tools, cars and motorcycles or all of them? Do you need your items to be climate-controlled or are you storing items such as tools and snowboards? This will help you pick the best storage unit size for your needs and also help you decide if you need to wrap items so that they don’t get dirty or broken.  

Take Inventory

The most popular self storage unit sizes are the small and medium but  the size of the storage unit that you need will vary based on the size of items you need to store. How to pick the correct storage unit size depends on if  you are only storing stackable boxes or bulky furniture? If you are only storing stackable boxes or filing cabinets then you will be able to fit a lot more then if you are storing awkwardly shaped items like a lawnmower, antique lamps and a sectional couch. 

Your larger items should be measured to make sure they fit into the storage locker. You should also measure the size of the bins and how many you have so you can get the most accurate estimate when picking the right size storage unit for your needs. 

Need more ideas on how to pick the best storage unit size and fit all of your belongings? Here are a few things you can do to help organize your storage locker.

• Choose your storage containers wisely
• Label your boxes
• Create an inventory map of your belongings
• Put your frequently used items at the front
• Go vertical

Want more ideas? Check out our blog on 5 Ways To Use Short-Term Self Storage Units For Your Needs

Use painters tape to measure storage unit sizes

A great trick you can use to pick the best storage unit size is to use painters tape in your house to outline the standard size of the storage unit you think you will need. If you already have some of your items in boxes you can put them into the taped off area and get a visualization on how much room your items will take up. If you are going to be storing a couch you can even lay the tape down around the couch to get a better idea of the average size of self storage unit  you will need.

Consider the type of items 

You also need to consider the types of items you are going to be putting into your storage locker not just doing a comparison of the size of the storage locker. You probably don’t want your brand new living room sofa set to be right beside your dirty lawn mower and equipment. Be sure to either wrap those couches to protect them or possibly get a second unit, to keep your items clean and in the best condition possible.

Depending on the types of items in your storage locker you will want to pick the right size storage unit and decide whether you need a climate-controlled unit or not.

If you’re in doubt, go one size bigger or get two storage lockers

If you are still unsure about picking the right size storage unit it is always better to have too much room then not enough room. When picking the right size storage unit is is better to go bigger rather than smaller so you know you can fit all of your items into it. You can also get two separate storage lockers depending on what you are storing to keep breakables and household items clean. Use your second storage locker for tools and seasonal equipment.

Types of the most popular self storage unit sizes

Small Storage Units

Our smallest storage units in Edmonton or another city can be used to store seasonal items as well as a small one-bedroom apartment or studio. They come in 5x5 and 5x10 sizes and are popular for people who want to declutter their homes and make extra space for everyday items that they use.

5’x5’ - Size of a walk-in closet - garden tools, seasonal items, office supplies, or your miscellaneous boxes

5’x10’ - Size of a Mid-Size Bedroom - entire bedroom or office

Medium Storage Units

Our medium size storage units are popular for people who are moving, long-term traveling or doing a renovation and need space to hold all of their belongings during this time. They have enough room to store the typical items in a two or three bedroom house.

10’x10’ - Family Room - entire living room and two full bedrooms

10’x15’ - 3 Bedrooms - 3 bedrooms, larger items like televisions, pianos, couches, or tables

Large Storage Units

Our large storage units can hold up to a 5 - 7 bedroom house including appliances, and everything inside the house. These units are best for people who will need a lot of space and need all of their belongings in their storage unit.

10’x20’ - Full House - 5 bedrooms, and larger items like washers, dryers and refrigerators

10’x30’ - Large House - 5 to 7 bedroom house, easily storing entertainment centers, refrigerators, beds, couches, and more!

Use Our Space Estimator Tool

Our sizing guide can help you pick the right size storage unit based on the number of rooms and size of items you are looking to store. Below is the average size of self storage units and what can fit in them.

If you're more of a visual person use our space estimator to see the size of unit you will need. This tool lets you pick the best storage unit size and typical items you may want to store and virtually put them into the locker to see if it is enough space for your belongings. Make sure to take inventory of all your belongings that you want to store in your storage locker first so that you don’t forget anything. 

Conclusion

We hope that you have found our information and tools helpful in picking the right size storage unit for you. If you still have any questions please contact our sales team and they will be happy to give any advice in picking the right size storage unit. 

Ready to rent a storage unit today? You can fill our contact form here or give us a call at the storage location nearest to you.