How much storage do I need? That’s a common question at storage facilities across the nation. Let’s look at why there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to how much storage space is needed.
Common Reasons to Rent Storage Space
The appropriate storage size for your needs depends largely on why you want to rent a storage locker. Your reason for using an off-site storage facility will help to determine what size range you’ll need to consider.
Look at some of the common reasons people give for contracting with an off-site storage company.
- Decluttering to sell a house
- Whole house storage between moves
- Holiday decoration storage
- Home renovation
- Downsizing
- Boxes of papers and photographs
From the above reasons for storing stuff off-site, it’s obvious why storage spaces come in multiple sizes. Of course, rental prices vary considerably depending on such things as size and climate-control options.
Figuring Out How Much Storage Is Needed
The key to not overspending on storage is understanding what you need. For example, there’s no reason to pay for a garage-sized unit to store a few boxes of holiday ornaments. Likewise, your 1965 Mustang needs the highest level of storage care available.
Choose a Unit Size
The first thing that you’ll need to decide is what size unit fits your space requirement. Units typically range in size from 5 ft. X 5 ft. to 10 ft. x 30 ft. It’s a great idea to ask your storage facility to help choose a storage space that will most closely fit your needs.
Climate Control Needs
Once you have a size in mind, it’s time to think about how much extra care your belongings require. While your lawn mower might do just fine in a regular unit, your heirloom photographs deserve more protection. Fortunately, high-quality self-storage facilities deliver temperature-controlled options that will safeguard even your most precious belongings.
Security
Any high-level storage company will use things such as outdoor lights, gates, and alarms to protect your stuff. The basic level of security might be enough for your needs. However, there are times when you’ll need a superior level of protection.
Storage.com notes that extra security features such as alarmed units, resident managers, and strategically placed video cameras give valuable additional protection. What’s more, some facilities even have twenty-four-hour on-site security.
Extra security features add to the monthly rental bill. Still, the additional charges are more than worth it when it comes to keeping your valuables safe.
Prepare to Store
Once you find a self-storage facility that meets your needs, it’s time to prepare to store. Experienced storage users know that it’s smart to hold onto only what you want to keep. It’s also essential that you organize that you can easily find things when you need them.
Minimize Storage Needs
A consistent error that many people make is storing too many possessions. When it comes to asking, “How much storage do I need?” reducing your locker size saves money.
You can save money by limiting the number of things that you need to keep. Packing fewer boxes can help you to move into a smaller unit, thereby saving cash.
The Spruce suggests that you make it your mission to reduce the clutter in your home. Consider donating things that you don’t use to your favorite non-profit thrift shops. You’ll help out a worthy cause and get rid of stuff you no longer love at the same time.
Organize for Easy Access
Organizing your boxes before you stuff them into a storage unit makes life much more comfortable. There’s nothing quite as annoying as being unable to locate something when you need it.
Fortunately, Moving.com has lots of terrific tips that make it simple to organize your storage space. From creating a master inventory list to placing the storage boxes in the right place, you’ll learn super helpful ways to maintain order in your storage unit.
Last Thoughts
Lastly, “How much storage do I need?” is a terrific first question when you visit a self-storage company. Use things such as your space needs, climate-controlled storage requirements, and security necessities to guide you into the optimal storage unit. Once you find the perfect place, reduce your clutter and emphasize organization to make visiting your storage unit a positive experience.
Chambers Connector Storage combines outstanding security with top-flight storage units to protect our clients’ belongings in Eugene, OR. Contact us for help in picking an appropriately sized locker when you need safe, off-site storage.
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