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What Size Storage Unit do I Need?
Standard sizes for storage units range from 5 by 10 feet (1.5 by 3 m) to 20 by 20 feet (6 by 6 m). Nearly all units have an 8 foot (2.4 m) high ceiling, except those designed to store a recreational vehicle. Some are climate controlled, which is especially important for leather furniture or other items that can be damaged by excessive heat.
A 5 by 10 foot (1.5 by 3 m) storage unit is comparable in size to a walk-in closet. This unit is 50 square feet (4.6 sq.m) and will store a sofa, chair, dresser, and mattress set in addition to miscellaneous boxes and small items. The next size, 10 by 10 foot (3 by 3 m), compares to a large walk-in closet, or one half of a one-car garage. It will generally hold the furnishings of a one-bedroom apartment: approximately three rooms of furniture, boxes of smaller items, and possibly appliances.
A 10 by 15 foot (3 by 4.5 m) unit provides about 150 square feet (14 sq.m) of space, and it will house the furnishings of a two-bedroom apartment or small house. This unit will generally hold all furnishings and personal effects, with or without major appliances. A 10 by 20 foot (3 by 6 m) space is comparable to a smaller one-car garage. This 200 square feet (18.5 sq.m) of space will allow storage for a small house, apartment or townhouse, including appliances. Without appliances or furnishings, it will house a car or truck.
The next sized storage unit, at 10 by 25 feet (3 by 7.6 m), is the approximate size of a standard one-car garage and will store all furnishings, including appliances from a two-bedroom home, along with a single automobile. A 10 by 30 foot (3 by 9 m) unit, with 300 square feet (28 sq.m) of space, will store the contents of a 40 foot (12 m) moving van, which could include furniture from a three or four-bedroom home, along with appliances and a car, truck or boat. A 12 by 30 foot (3.7 by 9 m) space will house 360 square feet (33.4 sq.m) of commercial inventory, construction materials or landscaping equipment, or the contents of a larger home. A 20 by 20 foot (6 by 6 m) unit will hold the contents of an entire larger home.
Specialized sizes include 10 by 25 feet (3 by 7.6 m), which is ideal for the storage of a boat. A smaller unit size, 5 by 5 feet (1.5 by 1.5 m), is comparable to a regular sized closet. Another size unit, 7.5 by 10 feet (2 by 3 m), provides 75 square feet (7 sq.m) for storage of furniture, business supplies, records, and so on.
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![A 5 by 10 foot storage unit should accommodate the furnishings of a one-bedroom apartment.]()
By: Monkey BusinessA 5 by 10 foot storage unit should accommodate the furnishings of a one-bedroom apartment. -
![Larger units can store the contents of a home.]()
By: igorskyLarger units can store the contents of a home. -
![A 10 by 25 foot storage unit will hold the contents of a two-bedroom house.]()
By: Frank BostonA 10 by 25 foot storage unit will hold the contents of a two-bedroom house. -
![Storage units tend to be about the same size as an average garage.]()
By: trekandphotoStorage units tend to be about the same size as an average garage. -
![Appliances that are used infrequently may be placed in a storage unit.]()
By: v_blinovAppliances that are used infrequently may be placed in a storage unit.
Discussion Comments
Crispety- I just wanted to say that it is important to secure your storage unit. Many storage unit centers sell special locks and offer insurance for your personal belongings. When you find your storage unit make sure that it is properly secured.
Comfyshoes- I just wanted to add that 1800-Pack Rat is another storage solution. This portable storage unit allows you to store your personal items in a trailer that you can leave in your garage or driveway.
It is really useful because you can move the items back and forth and you don't have to worry about going to a storage facility and hoping that they are open.
The added convenience makes the portable storage unit a better choice when staging your home.
Mutsy-I agree with you regarding the pricing. In fact you tend to get a better price when you shop around and look online first.
If you want a better deal on your storage unit consider getting a unit on a second third or fourth floor. First floor units are the most expensive because they are the most convenient.
Most storage unit facilities have elevators so having a first floor unit is really not necessary and will end up costing you more money. Cheap storage units are available but you have to look around the facility that have a lot of spaces available will tend to be cheaper.
For example urban areas or beachfront areas where the land is limited tend to have more expensive rates.
Suburban areas tend to be cheaper. So you will tend to get a better rate in a suburban storage unit facility rather than in urban or a beachfront area.
I just want to say that self storage units are excellent when you're looking to sell your home and you want to get rid of excess clutter. Many times staging a home requires the removal of furniture and a lot of personal possessions so a self storage unit is ideal for this purpose.
It is best to get a climate controlled storage unit because molds can build on to your items especially if you are storing a mattress for example. The units can get very warm especially in the summer so air-conditioned units are best.
Many times storage units can be found cheaper online as they have specials. It is best to look online first and then call the store to compare the pricing. When calling the store, ask about the security measures that the facility has. Some storage unit facilities have 24 hour surveillance cameras and provide special codes when entering the elevator for example. Make sure the facility has some like this to keep your personal belongings safe.
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