How to Determine What Size Storage Unit You Need for Your Belongings
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January 14th, 2025
Most people either pay too much for storage space or squeeze their stuff into a unit that's too small. Storage Solutions of Texas provides storage units of all sizes
Storage Unit Dimensions
Storage unit dimensions can be confusing if you don’t know what you’re working with. Our team at Storage Solutions of Texas wants to explain them in a way that makes sense.
Standard storage unit sizes explained
- Small units (25-50 sq ft): Perfect for seasonal items and small furniture
- Medium units (75-150 sq ft): Ideal for apartment contents
- Large units (200-300 sq ft): Can hold entire household contents
Height and depth details
Storage units typically have an 8-foot ceiling height. This gives you plenty of room to work upward. Your furniture can go on its side, and boxes stack up safely to maximize that vertical space. Your couch can stand upright and save floor space.
Comparing square footage vs. cubic footage
Square footage doesn’t tell you how much you can fit in a storage unit. Cubic footage gives you the complete picture.
A 5x5 unit provides 25 square feet of floor space. Add the 8-foot height and you'll have 200 cubic feet of storage space. This is the same as the size of a good walk-in closet! A 10x10 unit isn't limited to 100 square feet. It expands to 800 cubic feet of storage with height factored in.
Note that the true storage capacity comes from multiplying length x width x height. This cubic footage calculation helps you pick the right unit size.
Creating Your Storage Inventory
Making a list of your belongings might sound boring, but this simple task can help a lot when making your decision.
Room-by-room inventory method
Your home is the perfect place to begin this process. Focus on one room at a time. Make a list or snap photos of everything you'll store. This strategy will save you from wondering where you put things months later.
Grouping items by size and type
Good organization makes everything easier. Items that go together should stay together. This makes finding things easy later on. Keep your holiday decorations in one spot and kitchen items in another.
Pro tip: Each box needs labels.
- Box number
- Room it came from
- Detailed contents list
A list of your boxes and their contents can be very helpful.
Calculating Your Space Requirements
You've got your inventory ready, so now do some math to find the right storage unit size. The right size saves you money and space.
Using the storage calculator tool
Here's how to measure space needs by hand.
- Measure length x width of your items for square footage
- Calculate length x width x height for cubic footage
- Use a phone measuring app or tape measure to get it right
Adding buffer space for access
Most people miss this point. You need space to move around! Studies show good organization can improve storage space.
- Space to walk between stacked items
- Room to open boxes and furniture doors
- Extra space for things you might add later
Accounting for stacking and vertical space
Storage units come with 8-foot ceilings that give you lots of vertical options. Smart vertical storage can help you store more stuff than regular methods. Put heavy items at the bottom and lighter ones up top. Sturdy shelving units are a great way to use vertical space while keeping your stuff safe and available
Choosing Between Climate-Controlled and Standard Units
Life in Texas comes with weather that swings. Storage Solutions of Texas knows how these temperature changes can affect your stored items.
Texas weather considerations
Texas summers regularly reach triple-digit temperatures. Winters bring unexpected cold snaps. Your valuable items face risks from these weather changes. Our climate-controlled units keep steady temperatures between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This protects your belongings from Texas's weather patterns.
Items requiring climate control
Some items need climate control more than others. Here's what belongs in a climate-controlled unit:
- Wooden and leather furniture: Prevents warping and cracking
- Electronics and appliances: Protects from humidity damage
- Important documents and photos: Prevents yellowing and deterioration
- Musical instruments: Maintains proper condition
- Artwork and antiques: Preserves value and condition
Do You Need A Storage Unit?
Storage unit selection is actually quite simple. You need proper measurements, a detailed inventory, and understanding of climate control options to make a smart choice that safeguards your belongings and fits your budget. Storage Solutions of Texas provides units from compact 5x10 spaces to expansive 12.5x40 rooms, so you'll find exactly what you need. Reach out to us today to reserve your storage unit!
Storage Unit FAQs
How do I estimate the size of storage unit I need?
To estimate the size, create a detailed inventory of items you plan to store, measure larger pieces, and use a storage calculator tool.
What items should be stored in a climate-controlled unit?
Climate-controlled units are ideal for wooden and leather furniture, electronics, appliances, important documents, photos, musical instruments, artwork, and antiques.
What's the difference between square footage and cubic footage in storage units?
Square footage refers to the floor space of a unit while cubic footage accounts for the total volume, including height. For example, a 5x5 unit with an 8-foot ceiling provides 25 square feet of floor space but 200 cubic feet of storage volume.
How can I maximize space in my storage unit?
Maximize space by using vertical storage solutions, stacking boxes safely, turning furniture on its side when possible, and grouping similar items together.
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