Storage Unit Sizes
Storage Unit Sizes: What Fits?
Why You Might Need a Storage Unit
The Math of Storage
In this equation the storage space itself is our Constant, because it does not change over time regardless of what’s placed in it. Your closet, attics, basements, garages, or other storage locations don’t grow as more items are added, they remain the same no matter what.
The Variables are the items being placed into the storage space. The quantity of items and their combined volume constantly increase, making them a variable that drives up the Total Stored Volume, or the available storage space.
Simply put, the constant battle between storage capacity and stored items is called the “Inequality Constraint,” or in layman’s terms, this is the mathematical relationship that describes the common bottleneck we face with storage.
However, self-storage is amazing, because it takes the main pinch point in the equation, the Constant, or storage space, and turns it into a Variable. Unlike your home or office, you can always upgrade your storage unit size in the middle of your tenancy if you find you’re adding more items than anticipated and are limited on original storage space.
I guess all those lessons we thought we’d never use again proved to be helpful after all!
The reality is every person faces this dilemma, because no matter if we’re only responsible for storing items in one room, managing storage space in an entire home, or overseeing inventory for a business, we all face the same storage constraints. Additionally, living in the modern world, we’re also constantly inundated with products all the time, only adding another complex layer to our storing capacity.
Other Reasons for a Storage Unit
- Moving
- Remodeling/Renovating
- Decluttering
- Consolidating/Downsizing
- Outgrowing business space
- Storing tools and other larger equipment
- Temporary holiday storage (The ultimate place to hide your Christmas presents!)
- Managing inventory
- Winter Car storage
- Winter RV storage
- Motorcycle Storage
- Life transitions
- Business records
- Reducing overall stress by giving yourself more room to breathe
- Adding a layer of protection for more sensitive items (i.e., artwork, jewelry, electronics, sensitive documents, etc.)
Does Storage Unit Size Matter?
The age-old question!
Many of us ask ourselves this often, yet never have a true answer. To err on the side of caution we never say yes, but when it comes to storage, indeed, size does matter.
There is not a one-size-fits-all approach to storage which is what makes it great, but also makes it more complicated. The reality is, there are a few factors you have to consider before picking a storage unit size, otherwise you risk damaging your items.
One of the biggest enemies to your stored items is mold and mold loves stagnation. Stagnant items with stagnant airflow and humid conditions makes for the perfect mold breeding grounds. However, the best way to reduce mold growth is to ensure adequate airflow throughout the entire storage unit. The right storage unit size will take into account the amount of items you’re intending on storing, how they need to be stored, or positioned in the unit, and still leave room for air to easily flow.
Additionally, you should also consider your long-term plans for the storage unit. If you’re anticipating adding more items of your tenancy then you might want to get a larger storage unit that considers these extra items. The last thing you want is to cram more items into a smaller storage unit and risk damages or move an entire storage unit to an upgraded, larger unit later, though this is possible.
What About Types of Storage Units?
- Climate-Controlled – These storage units are ideal for most self-storage items, because they’re designed to remain at a specific, store-friendly temperature, no matter the outside weather. Additionally, this temperature regulation helps cut down on humidity in the unit, keeping items dry and reducing mold growth. Sensitive items like important records, artwork, and electronics are best for climate-controlled storage units since they create the ideal storing environment that’ll best preserve them.
- Drive-Up – These types of storage units are great, because they’re accessible by vehicle, making for a quick, convenient visit. These storage units are also ideal for anyone who might plan to visit their unit frequently or storing odd-shaped, bulky items.
- Heated – Some facilities may not offer a full climate-controlled option, but instead storage units that are only heated. Most heated self-storage units are commonly found in areas that have more moderate summers where air conditioning may not be as critical, but may have harsher winters that require heating.
- Interior – You might see some storage facilities that offer interior storage units, and simply put these are storage units that are located inside the facility. Depending on the facility, the storage units might be heated or climate-controlled, but definitely offer the best protection against weather when compared to drive-up or exterior facing storage units. These are some of those most common types of storage units and are suitable for most situations.
Common Storage Unit Sizes
5x5 – 200 cu. ft.
- Business record storage
- Seasonal & Holiday decor
- Sporting equipment
- Smaller furniture
- Tools
- Temporary storage to prepare for the holidays
5x10 – 400 cu. ft.
- Office equipment
- Items commonly found in garages, attics, or basements
- Bikes
- Small furniture – tables, loveseats, desks, etc.
- Kitchen appliances
- Boxes
- Common student storage items
- Small bedroom sets
10x10 – 800 cu. ft.
- Living Room sets
- Bedroom sets
- King size mattress
- Shelving units for inventory
- Larger appliances
- Motorcycle storage
- Office equipment
10x20 – 1250 cu. ft.
- Car storage
- Equipment & Tools
- Living Room sets
- Multiple bedroom sets
- Kitchen sets
- Appliances
- Inventory
- Smaller RV
10x30 – 2400 cu. ft.
- Major appliances
- Boxes for a four or five bedroom home
- Vehicles & Motorcycles
- RV, Trailers, and Boat storage
- Large, growing inventory
- Commercial equipment and tools
- Building material
How to Find the Right Self-Storage Facility
- Multiple sizes available – They have multiple storage unit sizes available, especially if they have larger units should you need to eventually upgrade.
- Types of storage units available – They have the right type of storage units available like climate-controlled storage units, drive-up storage units, and heated storage units.
- Proper security – Do they have multiple layers of modern storage security features around the facility? West Coast Self-Storage facilities require personalized pin code for facility and building access, 24/7 CCTV security cameras, disc locks on all storage units that only you have access to (our teams don’t have ‘master’ keys), plus mobile app facility access.
- Seamless move-in – They have a move-in process that’s easy and convenient. For example, you can reserve and fully move-in to your new storage unit on our website, no need to stop by the office. Simply move-in online in a few steps and head right to your storage unit on the same day!
- Positive local reviews – Read online reviews from your local community members. Do they talk highly about the service, security, and cleanliness of the facility and company?
- Clean and well-lit – Ensure the facility has plenty of good lighting and is cleaned daily. Daily cleaning also encompasses checking the facility and storage units to ensure they’re secure, otherwise known as a “lock check.”
- Loading & unloading zones – Do they offer designated loading and unloading zones? Are they covered? This is especially important for facilities located in particularly rainy areas such as the Pacific Northwest, but also is nice shades for the warmer regions like Southern California.
- Flexible leases – Work with a company that works with you. For instance, West Coast Self-Storage offers only month-to-month leases, making it easy to come and go as you need.
- Fair and transparent pricing – Are they upfront about pricing and additional fees? It’s better to work with a company that’s honest, so are you aware of any additional move-in or service fees? Are they upfront about rate increases?
- Don’t go for the cheapest – On the surface, it may seem easy to go with the cheapest option, but oftentimes those who present the most affordable have multiple hidden fees and various unspoken rate increases that occur throughout the year. Additionally, the facilities that might cost more upfront are also more likely to take better care of your items and ensure you’re putting your belongings in the best, and safest, place possible. Generally, even if a facility is initially more expensive, but upfront about their rates and fees, they’ll be more affordable over time when compared to neighboring facilities who present cheaper prices.
If you’re ever in need of storage, give one of our many West Coast Self-Storage locations a consideration. We offer premium storage and a hassle-free, seamless storage experience for everyone! Secure your next self-storage unit online and move-in on the same day with no interruptions or wait times.
