Selecting the ideal storage unit for your particular needs and belongings can be very challenging because there are many things to consider. After all, you want to avoid your stuff being stolen or destroyed while it’s in storage, plus you also want to avoid paying a fortune for a big area that is mostly empty.
That is why in this article, we will tackle how to choose the right storage unit for your needs.
What are the different types of storage units?
Self-storage units come in various types and sizes to accommodate different storage needs. Here are some common types of storage units you might come across:
- Indoor Storage Units: These units are located inside a building and offer protection from weather elements. They are typically accessed through corridors or hallways, similar to apartment buildings.
- Outdoor Storage Units: Outdoor storage units are usually standalone structures accessible from the outside. They may resemble small garages or sheds and provide drive-up access, allowing you to park your vehicle near the unit for convenient loading and unloading.
- Climate-Controlled Units: These units are equipped with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level. They are ideal for storing items sensitive to extreme temperature changes, such as electronics, artwork, documents, or wooden furniture.
- Drive-up Units: Drive-up units allow you to drive your vehicle directly to the unit for easy loading and unloading. They are typically located on the ground floor and have roll-up doors, providing quick access to your belongings without the need to navigate through hallways or elevators.
- Portable Storage Containers: These units are delivered to your location in large containers or pods. You can load your belongings into a container at your own pace, and they can be picked up and transported to a secure storage facility or even kept on your property.
- Vehicle Storage Units: These units are designed to store vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, boats, or RVs. They often offer additional security features and specialized amenities to protect and accommodate vehicles of different sizes.
- Warehouse Storage: Some self-storage facilities offer larger storage spaces like warehouse-style units. These units suit businesses or individuals, requiring significant storage space for inventory, equipment, or larger items.
It’s important to note that the availability of these storage unit types may vary depending on the storage facility and location.
How to Choose the Right Storage Unit for Your Needs?
The following are a few considerations to bear in mind while you look for a storage unit:
When trying to select the ideal self-storage unit, location is one aspect to take into account.
The location of the self-storage facility is crucial when making your decision. Picking a location-wise storage facility offers numerous benefits for self-storage users. For instance, choosing a storage facility close to your house can save you effort and time if you intend to keep things that need frequent access, like workpapers. You may easily acquire your belongings this way without going great distances.
Additionally, choosing a storage facility within a secure location can have some added benefits. A strategically placed storage facility protects your belongings from theft and other risks.
Size matters most
The right self-storage facility size must be considered while weighing storage options. Avoid renting a space that is too small and crowded for your belongings. Neither is the case with an excessively large one that charges you for space you never use. It’s crucial to inventory the items you plan to store before choosing a unit size.
Calculating the required square footage is one way to choose the right unit size. You can use online calculators or contact the storage facility to determine the right unit size for your needs. You might need a larger container if you keep furniture or cars. A smaller one will do if you only need to store a few small items.
You should also take the height of the item into account. Tall containers provide more vertical storage space for stacking boxes or storing tall things. However, you may save money by choosing a smaller unit to utilize something other than the item’s height.
Security is a top priority.
Security is a major consideration when picking a self-storage facility, particularly if you want to store valuable or sentimental items. You may feel at ease knowing your belongings are protected in a secure storage facility. It would be best if you thought about the following:
- Access control: A storage facility providing access control features like a keycard or keypad entry is what you should look for. That ensures that only individuals with permission can access the building.
- Surveillance: Choose an area with cameras all over the place. As a result, security will improve, and criminal activity will decline.
- Insurance: Consider getting insurance to safeguard your possessions from theft or damage.
- On-site security: Some institutions have guards or security systems. They may provide more security and assurance.
- Location: Choosing a storage facility within a safe and secure area can further increase security. If you are considering a long-distance move that won’t be able to check on your belongings regularly, avoid areas prone to theft or vandalism.
Climate control
Think about whether you need climate control when searching for self-storage space. Temperature-controlled devices:
- Maintain consistent temperatures and humidity levels.
- Avoid being damaged by high heat or moisture.
Keeping fragile items like electronics, artwork, or antiques is crucial.
Apartments with climate control are more expensive than regular apartments. However, they offer more security for your goods, so the added cost is acceptable. You should ensure that your belongings are secure during the move and storage if you hire movers to transfer from Scottsdale to Los Angeles. Therefore, it’s critical to have the appropriate moving assistance. These units can bring peace by shielding your items from extreme temperature swings.
Select a climate-controlled device with good sealing to keep outside moisture and air out. To keep the facility’s temperature and humidity constant, you should also ensure the HVAC system functions correctly.
Consider access hours
The hours of access should be taken into account when selecting the best self-storage unit. It’s crucial to choose a facility with convenient hours for you. Some places are accessible round-the-clock. That is helpful if you want to retrieve your belongings after business hours. To secure your belongings, ensure the facility has the necessary security measures. Certain facilities have limited access times. You must make an appointment to access your unit in these facilities. If you need to retrieve your stuff frequently, this could be a problem. When selecting a facility, consider the accessibility hours and make sure they accommodate your schedule.
Check reviews and company reputation.
Research the reputation and reviews of different storage facilities in your area. Read online reviews and ask anyone for recommendations, especially from friends, family, or local community groups, to understand the facility’s reliability, customer service, and cleanliness.
Consider the price before selecting a self-storage unit.
Consider both the monthly rental fee and any additional costs when figuring out the price of a self-storage unit. Some organizations levy administrative, insurance, and late payment fees, and they can mount up quickly. Before renting a property, ensure you know any additional costs to avoid surprises. Price can vary depending on size and region. And the reason for this is that apartments in urban locations or places with high demand may cost more. By comparing the prices of different facilities and accounting for any offered discounts, you may choose a unit that fits your budget while providing the required services.
Be calm and select the ideal self-storage facility.
It can be challenging, but with careful consideration and research, one can choose the ideal self-storage facility to meet your needs. You can save time and effort by selecting a conveniently located location. Choosing the suitable storage container for your needs in size and design helps protect and secure your belongings. You can find the best option if you thoroughly investigate all the storage units within your neighborhood.
How to Choose the Right Size of a Storage Unit?
Choosing the right storage unit size is crucial to ensure you have enough space to store your belongings without paying for extra unused space. Here are some steps to help you determine the appropriate size:
Find out what the storage unit’s main purpose is.
Consider your initial reasons for being interested in self-storage to determine your required storage unit size. It is crucial to avoid quickly overrunning your storage unit and moving everything to a bigger location.
Some frequent questions to ask yourself include:
- Will I store a car?
- Will I be storing a growing inventory for my business?
- Do I require temporary storage during my move?
- Do I intend to keep some things in storage indefinitely?
- Will I be switching out the stuff inside the unit?
Knowing what you want to keep and how frequently the things in your unit will be rotated or changed. The size of the storage unit that makes it the most logical for you will depend on its function.
However, choose a unit suitable for your original goods if you only intend to keep items during a brief move. The number of items in your storage container will likely stay the same in these circumstances.
Make an initial inventory.
You may already have a broad concept of what you intend to store there. That’s a fantastic place to start, but you could also find it helpful to stroll around your home and make a list. (Sometimes, until you begin taking an inventory, you don’t know how much stuff you want to store.)
Make a note of the following when performing your preliminary inventory:
- Include estimating the number of moving boxes or storage bins you’ll need.
- Determine the number of furniture pieces that will be stored.
- If you can, take rough measurements for larger items.
Visualize storage unit sizes with painter’s tape.
Here’s a technique to try if you need help to identify space. Mark off a space within your driveway or any open area the size of a typical unit using some painter’s tape or masking tape. After that, insert some empty moving boxes to gauge how quickly the space fills. The smallest storage units are most suited for this approach.
Visualizing the dimensions of storage units
Pay close attention to all the dimensions stated by the facility as you imagine how much storage the unit will offer. Depending on the particular design of the unit and the building it is placed in length and width, it may be reversed.
For instance, a common question from brand-new renters is: What’s the difference between a 5′ x 10′ and a 10′ x 5′ storage unit?
You might be surprised at how simple the solution is. Two storage units with dimensions 5×10 and 10×5 theoretically provide the same floor space proportion. One, however, is flipped, with one having a shorter and wider length. Remember this when looking at storage unit sizes, and don’t hesitate to ask the facility any more questions if you have any. Before you sign a rental agreement, a storage staff or manager can tour the unit.
Go up a size if you’re unsure.
It’s only sometimes a good idea to save money by selecting a smaller storage unit than you require. (Specifically for considerations of safety.) For instance, you ought to only cram boxes into a storage space that is at most four. Even if you are a particularly tall person, boxes that topple over at that height pose a risk of injury to visitors to your unit or even damage to your belongings. For similar reasons, you should only stack up to two pieces of tall furniture.
You may choose the larger option if you’ve calculated how much space you’ll need, but see that the unit will be full. Additionally, occasionally upgrading to a larger unit would only cost you a few dollars extra each month if you’re worried about spending more money. Sometimes, a larger unit could cost less if more readily available. If the rental isn’t climate controlled, you can save money by getting a bigger storage space. You always have options, so don’t let the bigger size discourage you before you’ve had a chance to run the figures!
Common Storage Unit Sizes
Important Reminder: Keep in mind that only some locations will have all of these storage unit sizes available when looking at them. The best option in this situation is to choose the next size.
5 x 5
This little area is the smallest storage unit offered in most facilities. How would one use it? If you want a little extra space around the house, the 5’x5′ is ideal. To put the size in context, this unit is about the size of a typical closet. Several boxes, as well as a couple of small pieces of furniture, ought to fit within.
What can fit into a 5 by-5 storage container?
- Small chairs
- Clothing
- several totes or moving boxes
- Chest of drawers
5 x 10
The second-smallest storage unit, the 5’x10′, is helpful if you need more room for your items. That size is great if you reside in a small city flat. Its size can be compared to that of a walk-in closet. It can fit a king-size bed, an additional dresser, and ten to fifteen medium-sized boxes.
What can fit in a 5 by 10 storage space?
- 1 or 2 large furniture pieces
- 10 to 15 moving totes or boxes
- Yard equipment
5 x 15
The narrow 5’x15′ storage unit, about 30% larger than the 5’x10′, is the next size up. This storage space can accommodate a full-size bedroom’s worth of furniture, which is helpful if you’re leaving a tiny studio apartment. A motorcycle might be rolled inside for the winter as well.
What can fit in a 5 by 15 storage space?
- Motorcycle
- 10 to 15 moving totes or boxes.
- Bedroom furniture
10 x 10
The most popular storage unit size is 10′ x 10′ due to its adaptability. It is a medium-sized area of about 100 square feet, about half the size of an average garage. Easily fit the belongings of a two-bedroom apartment, along with all the boxes and bags they require.
What can fit in a 10 by 10 storage space?
- Major appliances
- 10 to 20 moving totes or boxes
- The entirety of a compact apartment
10 x 15
Consider the 10’x15′ for a medium-sized unit. Two bedrooms’ belongings, including sizable furniture, appliances, and even a piano, can be kept in this location. It is the device to test out first if you need to store a small car.
What can fit in a 10 by 15 storage space?
- Major appliances
- 10 to 20 moving totes or boxes
- Certain compact car models
- Everything in a two-bedroom house
10 x 20
The 10’x20′ storage unit is the second-largest size. Consider the dimensions that constitute a one-car garage to imagine. Most midsize cars or all the appliances, furniture, and boxes from a two or three-bedroom house should fit in this unit.
What can fit in a 10×20 storage space?
- Items from a 2 to 3-bedroom home
- Several small and midsize vehicles
- Specific inventory or supplies for small businesses
Find Your Perfect Unit Today!
Are you looking for the ideal self-storage unit to meet your needs? Look no further! At McDowell Mountain Community Storage, our wide range of secure and conveniently located self-storage options ensures you’ll find the ideal space for your belongings. Whether you need a small unit for personal items or a larger unit for business inventory, our dedicated team is ready to assist you.
If you have questions or want more information, call us at (602) 899-5484.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions.
Q: Can I visit the storage facility before renting a unit?
Visiting the facility before renting a unit is generally a good idea. That allows you to assess its cleanliness, security measures, and overall condition to ensure it meets your expectations.
Q: Can I change storage units if my needs change?
Many storage facilities allow customers to transfer to a different unit if their needs change. Check with the facility about unit transfer policies and associated fees.
Q: What happens if I need to access my stored items outside regular access hours?
Some storage facilities offer extended or 24-hour access, while others have strict access hours. Determine if the facility’s access hours align with your needs or consider flexible access facilities if you require frequent access outside regular hours.
Q: Are there any restrictions on what I can store in a storage unit?
Storage facilities often have restrictions on storing hazardous materials, perishable items, flammable substances, firearms, and illegal items. Familiarize yourself with these restrictions before renting a unit.
Q: How do I determine the right size of the storage unit?
Assess the items you plan to store and create an inventory. Use online storage calculators or consult the storage facility to determine the appropriate unit size based on your inventory.
Q: Does the storage facility operate on a first-come, first-served basis for unit availability?
Yes, many storage facilities operate on a first-come, first-served basis for unit availability. It means that units are assigned to customers based on their order of inquiry or reservation. It’s recommended to contact the facility as soon as possible to inquire about available units and secure one that meets your needs.