Self-Storage Unit Size Guide
Renting a self-storage unit for the first time can appear daunting, especially when you have no idea where to start. A frequently asked question that people ask themselves is: what size storage unit do I need? It can seem like an overly complicated process, however, once you have all of the information it can be a seamless one. At XYZ Storage we can help you get started whether you are moving or simply trying to create more space in your home. Continue reading our self-storage unit size guide to help you decide what storage unit size would suit you best based on your storage needs.
What Is the Purpose of Self-Storage?
Self-storage can serve a different purpose for each individual or household and their situation. You could be an adventurous traveler looking for a temporary space for their belongings, a retired couple looking to downsize, or a millennial with a growing family moving into their first home. Self-storage can serve those in various situations and help them with their short-term or long-term storage needs.
What Is Considered a Good Amount of Storage?
A good amount of storage space depends on what you plan on storing in your self-storage unit. For example, if you only have one set of winter tires, then a compact-sized unit would be considered a good amount of space. On the flip side, if you have two or three bedrooms worth of belongings, then a 5′ x 5′ will not be sufficient. In this case, you will require an upgrade to a larger self-storage unit to ensure that everything you plan on storing fits. You want to choose a self-storage unit that is able to fit all of your belongings comfortably without the fear of your belongings getting damaged while in storage.
What Do You Plan On Storing?
The first question you want to ask yourself is: what am I planning on storing? Spend time compiling a list of belongings you plan on putting away in your storage unit. The list of belongings will ultimately give you an idea of what size storage unit you should consider and the ability to compare prices and features between different units. It will also help you avoid renting too large of a unit that could cost you hundreds of dollars more throughout the duration of your rental period than needed. Therefore, it is beneficial to take the time to estimate the right size storage unit for your belongings. In addition, you should try to keep track of items that are fragile or require to be in a climate-controlled facility so that you can keep that in mind when looking for a self-storage unit to rent.
What Are the Most Common Self-Storage Sizes?
When shopping around for a self-storage unit to rent, the following are the three most common self-storage categories: small, medium, and large. Typically most self-storage facilities have these three categories and have various sizes that fall within these categories. A few common storage unit sizes are 5′ x 5′, 10′ x 10′, and 10′ x 20′. However, it is best to research and see what storage unit sizes are available at each self-storage facility and at what price. Choose a self-storage facility that has a wide selection of self-storage unit sizes available for you to choose from. The reason is that you may be stuck deciding between a 10′ x 10′ and a 10′ x 20′; however, if a self-storage facility offers a 10′ x 15′, then that will work better for you, and perhaps it is cheaper too.
What Size Storage Units Does XYZ Storage Offer?
XYZ Storage offers a variety of self-storage units ranging from 5′ x 5′ all the way to 10′ x 30′. There is a unit size to help solve a variety of storage problems regardless of what belongings you have that you would like to have stored away for the short or long term.
Compact Self-Storage Units
Our compact units are the smallest-sized storage units that we offer at XYZ Storage. Some examples of items to store in a compact self-storage unit include winter tires, gardening tools, photo albums, or excess inventory for your small business. The compact unit is perfect for those that do not have access to storage lockers in their apartment or condo and need to store a few small items.
Small Self-Storage Units
Our 5’x5’ storage units and 5’x10’ storage units are considered our “small” self-storage units. Small self-storage units are affordable and can hold up to a closet’s worth of belongings including exercise equipment, a queen mattress set, small furniture, gardening tools, seasonal items, and luggage.
Medium Self-Storage Units
What is classified as our medium self-storage units are our 10’x10’ and 10’x15’ storage units. In medium self-storage units, you can fit an average-sized bedroom worth of belongings in these units. For instance, if you need to store large appliances and pieces of furniture such as complete home furniture sets, major appliances, or patio furniture, these sized units will be suitable enough to accommodate your belongings.
Large Self-Storage Units
Have way more belongings than an average-sized bedroom? Look into our large self-storage units which include 10’x20′ and 10’x30′ storage unit sizes. Large self-storage units can hold up to two to three-bedroom apartments or houses worth of belongings, furniture, and absolutely anything else that you would like to store!
Organizing Your Self-Storage Unit
Planning
Planning can help make the process go a lot smoother when you plan on storing your belongings in a storage unit for temporary storage.
- Make a list of all the belongings you plan on storing and create an inventory to help you keep track of what you decide to put in self-storage. You will thank yourself later when looking for an old favourite sweater of yours that you forgot you placed in storage five years ago!
- Choose the best-sized self-storage unit for your needs. Use this guide to help you figure out, based on our list, which one is more suitable for your storage needs.
- Outline a map of how and where you want to store your belongings, whether that be miscellaneous items, home electronics, appliances, kitchen tables, sporting equipment, store appliances, or seasonal clothing.
- Purchase and gather all your packing supplies, such as containers, boxes, labels, and tape.
Organize Based on Frequency
Before placing your items in a storage unit, it is best to decide what items you need to access more often during the duration of your storage rental period. By determining that you can organize your belongings in a way that places those items in a position where you can easily access them if needed. Say goodbye to digging through your belongings to find those holiday decorations!
Organize Your Boxes
Determine how you plan on organizing your boxes, as it will help you stay organized by knowing where everything is located. How you decide to utilize the space in your unit is up to you. You could either stack or line up your boxes in your unit. However, a shelving unit can be helpful to avoid searching through several boxes or possibly heavy equipment. Keeping your storage unit organized will make your life a whole lot easier!
Calculating Storage Unit Size
A self-storage unit is commonly measured by feet allowing you to compare self-storage facilities and the sizes they offer without having to make the conversions. Let’s take a 5′ x 5′ sized unit for example. A 5′ x 5′ unit means that it is 5 feet in length and 5 feet in width totaling 25 square feet of space for storage. To give you a better idea of how much space this actually is you can fit 200 of our compact-sized XYZ Storage boxes in a 5′ x 5′ self-storage unit. By knowing how to calculate the square footage, you are better equipped to figure out which of your belongings the storage unit size you are considering can accommodate or typically fit.
Making The Right Decision
Want to be sure you are making the right decision about what size unit you should be renting? It is a tough decision especially if you are making it for the first time, so do not worry if you are still unsure which sized unit you should choose. Perhaps you are still unsure, if you asked enough questions before you tackle the world of renting a self-storage unit. Check out our blog post 4 Helpful Questions to Ask Yourself Before Renting a Storage Unit to learn more.
Visiting our self-storage facility will give you an idea of what size self-storage unit would work best to solve your storage problems so you can visually see what our units look like in person with the assistance of our storage experts. For example, you could have chosen a 5” x 5” storage unit online, but in person, you might realize that a 5” x 10” is actually wanted and would work better for you.
XYZ Storage Can Help
We have XYZ Storage self-storage facilities located in Weston, Midtown, Scarborough, Etobicoke, and Downtown Toronto. Visit and ask our self-storage experts at any of our self-storage locations as they would be more than happy to assist you or you can contact our staff at 1-866-310-1999. We hope our self-storage unit size guide was helpful in your journey in the world of renting a self-storage unit.
