The self storage is always in demand. Some 44,000 to 52,000 storage units are also currently in use or available to use in the United States. The total amount of rentable self storage space is about 2.3 billion square feet. Those stats aren’t really that surprising. Given how essential storage units have become to people moving to new homes and to those who live in smaller apartments. Renting a storage unit simply makes sense for a lot of people.

If you are also considering renting a storage unit but have not used one previously, then this article will help you find the unit that will best meet your needs. You will also learn how to make the most of the space you are renting and also pick up some valuable tips that could end up helping you save some money.

How Big of a Storage Unit Do I Need?

Before you move forward with any of your renting plans, you will first have to determine how big of a storage unit you will need. Most traditional self storage companies within the industry offer five different sizes for their storage units:

5′ x 5′

5′ x 10′

10′ x 10′

15′ x 10′

20′ x 10′

A great alternative to the traditional storage is using portable storage, like Box-n-Go. With Box-n-Go modular self storage units you can make up any size storage facility for your needs. Here is what you can typically store in various size units:

5′ x 5′ traditional unit or 5′ x 8′ Box-n-Go Unit

Let’s start small again and identify the different items that you will be able to fit inside a typical 5’x5’ storage unit. Usually, the smallest available. This is the kind of unit you should rent if your home is cluttered at the moment. Or if you are currently in the process of changing that. Just because it’s the smallest unit available, that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to fit a bunch of things inside of a 5’x5’ space. Possessions that can fit in boxes can be kept in a storage unit like this. The same goes for smaller pieces of furniture. The largest item you can place inside a 5’x5’ storage unit is probably a mattress.

A standard Box-n-Go 5′ x 8′ unit offers you almost twice the space, yet it will cost you about the same. One added convenience that Box-n-go offers is that the unit can actually be delivered to you for packing. This makes it very convenient and simple.

5′ x 10′ traditional unit or 5′ x 8′ Box-n-Go Unit

Next up are the 5’x10’ storage units. The larger space inside a 5’x10’ unit gives you the ability to store even more pieces of furniture. Typically this size unit will accommodate the contents of a single size apartment or a very small 1 bedroom. A mattress and a couch can fit inside a storage unit of this size. However, you can also include some other bulky pieces along with it, such as dresser, or love seat.

Alternatively, you can also store some electronic items inside a unit of this size. However, make sure that you don’t fill it up too much. Make use of the additional space to ensure that your electronics are kept safe. Keep in mind that with the traditional storage unit you must leave a little room by the door empty. This is so that you can get inside the unit for loading and accessing. Usually self storage facilities have very narrow corridors. There is no space available on the outside of the unit.

A great alternative to the traditional 5′ x 10′ storage unit is standard Box-n-Go unit. Although is measures a bit smaller, since it can be packed fully, it will accommodate the same belongings the traditional unit does. Use 1 Box-n-Go unit to store the contents of a single apartment. It can fit furniture and belongings from about 1 to 1.5 rooms in your home.

Renting a storage unit of this size is a good idea if you are planning to redecorate and paint some of the rooms of your home and want to keep your furniture and appliances safe.

How Big is a 10′ x 10′ Storage Unit? Or (2) Box-n-Go Storage Units

The third type of storage unit available for rent measures at 10’x10’ and there’s also a significant jump up in the average cost to rent one of these for a month. It may not seem like it at first, but a 10’x10’ storage unit is actually quite big. With this type of unit, you don’t have to worry about finding room for your different pieces of furniture because you will have enough space to fit in the contents of an entire room, provided that the room in question is not too cluttered of course.

What’s even better about a space of this size is that you will no longer have to arrange your possessions in awkward ways just to make everything fit. That will make both the storage and removal process so much easier for you. You should look into putting money down for a 10’x10’ storage unit if you are planning a move to a new home and don’t want to rent extra moving trucks or if you just want the process to be completed faster.

A 10′ x 10′ unit will accommodate the contents of one bedroom apartment. Same can be done using (2) of Box-n-Go units. The main benefit of using the Box-n-Go is that the units are delivered to you for loading. So you can take your time. Also, since the loading is done straight into the unit, there is no double handling of belongings. This saves at least 505 of time or costs, if movers are hired to load the storage unit.

15′ x 10′ traditional unit or (3) Box-n-Go storage units

With a 10’ x 15’ unit, you are now talking about having enough room to store the contents of multiple rooms. Typically a two bedroom apartment. Feel free to pack in several mattresses and pieces of furniture inside a 10’x15’ unit because you are sure to still have extra space to work with. Along with holding the possessions you like to keep in the different rooms of your home. You may even find enough room in a 10’x15’ unit to fit in a motorcycle or a different type of small vehicle. This is the kind of storage unit you will want to rent if you are planning to move. Or if you are renovating your home and multiple rooms are being worked on simultaneously.

(3) of Box-n-Go units offer an equivalent storage space and will also accommodate the contents of a 2-bedroom apartment. While you won’t be able to store a car using Box-n-go units, storing belongings is a breeze. Units are delivered to you. No need for truck rental!

How Much Stuff Fits in a 10′ x 20′ Storage Unit? Or (4) Box-n-Go Storage Units

If you live in a smaller home, it’s no exaggeration to say that you can probably fit most, if not all, of your possessions inside a 10’x20’ storage unit. These units are huge and they can easily accommodate mattresses, large pieces of furniture. The different appliances you have at home will fit as well. Typically you would fit contents of a 2-bedroom house, including the garage and patio furniture. Even a car can comfortably inside of a storage unit of this size. This will prove helpful to some people. A storage unit this big will help you out if you are in the process of having a new home built or if you and a friend need to store some household items for a while.

Renting (4) Box-n-go storage units instead of one large unit has lots of advantages. Mainly, since no-one knows exactly how much storage room you will need, with Box-n-go modular approach, you can easily adjust your space. If you do not use a unit, you simply will not be paying for it. This way there is no need to guess. there is also no overpaying for the space you are not using.

Larger storage units

It is worth noting that there are still some larger storage units out there if you need the extra space. Some companies offer 10’x25’ and even 10’x30’ units. Those are harder to find, because people typically don’t need that much space to store their possessions. But just in case you do need as much space as possible, it’s good to know that there are still more options for you to consider.

What Should I Remember While Moving My Items to a Storage Unit?

More than anything else, you have to ensure the safety of the items you intend to keep inside a storage unit. One way to do that is to err on the side of caution when it comes time to choose the size of the unit. If you are planning to store electronics of any kind inside the storage unit, then it would be best to have extra space available.

Remember to take the furniture apart. Do this before you place it inside the unit to allow for easier storage and retrieval. It’s a good idea to place a pallet of some sort inside the storage unit to prevent items from touching the floor. Thus making them more prone to sustaining damage. Note that with Box-n-go storage this is not a concern at all.

Also, double check your belongings before you put them into storage just so you know their exact conditions. You should also do that to prevent a situation wherein you stored something you did not intend to.

What Are Some Additional Tips I Should Know before Renting a Storage Unit?

One of the things you should do before signing off on a self storage unit rental is to learn more about your insurance. The storage company itself is not automatically liable for your items. So instead, you have to check with your own policy provider. Most homeowners policies cover self storage. However, subject to set deductibles. Ask your agent about what they will cover and what they won’t and then take those bits of information into account before placing your belongings into storage.

Some storage companies may also offer you tenant insurance or protection policy. And if you are happy with what that covers, then feel free to purchase that. When it comes to traditional storage facilities, if you can afford it, you should also rent a climate friendly storage unit. You can even consider this as something you absolutely must do if you are looking to store furniture. Keep in mind that Box-n-Go facility is climate friendly. It is an insulated industrial building with indoor temperatures around 65-75 degrees year round.

Storage Unit Size Guide