How to Know What Self Storage Size is Right For You
Self storage solutions can be a godsend for those struggling with a lack of space. They’re often critical if you’re moving house, as you may have several items that won’t fit in the new place but that you don’t want to get rid of. Even if you’re not moving, you may value extra security for your most important possessions, in which case, well-protected lockups are essential.
But while the decision to utilise a self-storage unit is usually a no-brainer, choosing the right one can be a bit of a minefield.
Not to worry, though! This article is here to help you. Having read through the following few steps, you’ll know exactly which sort of storage unit you need to keep your most important belongings safe.
1. Take Careful Note of What You’re Storing
Naturally, your first step is to understand the details about what you want to store. You’ll want to start by taking pictures of your belongings from all angles and making a list on your phone (ideally backed up) of what’s going into the unit. Remember to include absolutely everything – even the small stuff.
Practical Tip: Practice stacking your items before they’re transferred into a unit. You can then group and categorise certain things you know fit well together, and snap a picture of the arrangement, making things nice and easy for when you start loading up for real. A big mistake many people make is forgetting to account for height: most units are around 8 ft tall, so when you’re planning, remember that you can make use of all that extra vertical space!
2. Understanding Self Storage Sizes
Understanding self storage unit size is one of the most important aspects of this whole process, and while sizes will vary depending on the facility, they’re relatively standardised, like this:
– 1.5m x 1.5m – Best for those who only want to store a few items or small pieces of furniture.
– 1.5m x 2.5m – If you have a small apartment with several things you need to store, this size may be ideal.
– 1.5m x 3m – A good size for storing several large electrical appliances and a few piles of boxes.
– 2m x 3m – Comfortably fits the largest items found in a regular home.
– 3m x 2.5m – This size can fit a large vehicle with space to spare, so that should give you a good idea of what you could store here.
3. Factor in Accessibility
When you choose a self storage facility, it’s key to factor in accessibility.
This element becomes more important the more often you’re looking to visit the unit, so if you’re planning on adding and removing items regularly, choose somewhere close to where you live.
Accessibility doesn’t only relate to your proximity to the facility itself, though – the degree to which you can manoeuvre around inside is also important. Make sure that as you’re loading your items into the unit, you leave a small walkway so that you can get in, out, and around the back. This may take some planning, but you only need a small amount of room.
4. Common Self Storage Mistakes to Avoid
Even when you think you’ve done everything right, there can be important things you’ve missed out.
Firstly, always err on the side of having too much room: while all your stuff may technically fit into a smaller unit, you don’t want to be cramming it full of stuff and risking items getting damaged. In the same vein, you should always account for the need to add more stuff later.
You should also remember to use the space inside cupboards and wardrobes to fit more in.
5. Greenspace Storage is Here to Help
And finally, don’t forget to reach out for help if you get stuck! Storage facility staff have seen every type of use case for a unit, so if you’re struggling with any aspect – from how to appropriately stack items to choosing the right size – they’ll be more than happy to help you figure things out.
You can also make use of the self-storage space calculator on our website: through use of a series of intuitive sliders, you’ll gain deeper insight into the options available for your needs.
Hopefully, you’re now a little clearer on the process of choosing the right self-storage unit for you.
Send us a message via our contact page or give us a phone call to get started. Whether you’re moving house, managing your business inventory, or simply looking for somewhere to store your Christmas decorations, we’ve got you covered!