If you’re de-cluttering your home, moving seasonal items, or downsizing, a storage unit is an excellent solution. First-time renters need to consider a lot of factors, beginning with size. You don’t want to run out of space or purchase more than you need. Use the guide below to help you find a unit that meets your goals.

How to Determine How Much Storage Space to Rent

1. Assess What You’re Storing

You can use what you’re storing to get a general idea of the space you’ll require. Measure large items like furniture, and consider whether they’re stackable or if items can be stacked on them. Next, measure the general box size you’ll be using. Consider 14.5-gallon storage bins because they’re durable and easily stackable. Multiply their dimensions and add them alongside the furniture total. You’ll begin to get a loose idea of how much space you’ll need.

2. Understand Unit Dimensions

As you begin checking local facilities, make sure you understand unit dimensions. Those displayed on brochures or websites will display length by width. Apply this to the item measurements you gathered.

Many companies also have unit-size guides to give you an idea of what other tenants store. A 5-by-10-foot storage unit will store the contents of one bedroom, a 10-by-10-foot unit is enough to store the items of an average one-bedroom apartment, and a 10-by-25-foot unit will store the contents of a large, multi-room home.

3. Determine Your Accessibility Needs

You don’t want to constantly shuffle items around. If you’ll be returning to the unit to remove items, common when storing seasonal products or business inventory, consider the space a central 3-foot-wide walkway will take up. This layout makes it easy to access everything. If you’re storing for the long-term and won’t need access to items, fill all available space as you choose.

Are you looking for storage solutions in the Kalispell, MT, area? Meridian Mini Storage offers storage units ranging from 5-by-10 feet to 20-by-40 feet, making them perfect for both short- and long-term storage. They also offer car, boat, and RV storage, which you can learn about on their website. Call (406) 257-5566 to discuss your storage needs.