Self-storage units offer a practical solution for individuals and businesses in need of extra space. Whether you’re moving, decluttering, or simply need to store seasonal items, choosing the right self-storage unit is essential. Selecting the correct size, type, and features will not only ensure that your belongings are stored safely but also save you time, money, and frustration in the long run. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of choosing the right self-storage unit for your needs, with a special focus on how to determine the appropriate size.
1. Determine What You Need to Store
To pick the best self-storage place, you should first think about what you need to store. Self-storage units can accommodate a wide variety of belongings, from boxes and furniture to vehicles and business inventory. Start by making a list of the items you plan to store and categorize them into groups, such as:
- Furniture (sofas, tables, chairs, bed frames)
- Seasonal Items (holiday decorations, clothing, sports equipment)
- Documents (paperwork, office supplies, personal files)
- Electronics and Appliances (computers, refrigerators, TVs)
- Business Inventory (product stock, office furniture, marketing materials)
Knowing the types of items you’ll be storing will help you determine what kind of storage unit will be best for you.
2. Consider the Size of the Unit
One of the most critical aspects of selecting the right self-storage unit is choosing the appropriate size. If the unit is too small, you may struggle to fit everything inside, and you’ll end up with a cluttered and disorganized space. On the other hand, if the unit is too large, you could be paying for unused space.
Think about how much room your things will take up when you choose the right size storage unit. Here are some general guidelines to help you choose the right unit size:
- 5×5 Unit: Ideal for storing personal items like seasonal clothing, small furniture, or a few boxes.
- 5×10 Unit: Suitable for the contents of a one-bedroom apartment, including larger furniture like a couch and a bed.
- 10×10 Unit: Perfect for a two-bedroom apartment or small house, storing items like multiple pieces of furniture, appliances, and several boxes.
- 10×15 or Larger: Best for larger homes or office equipment, vehicles, or large business inventory.
If you’re unsure about the size, you can consult with the storage facility’s staff for assistance or check the online blog at https://scottsdale-storage.com/blog/what-size-storage-unit-do-i-need/ to help you estimate the space you’ll require.
3. Think About Access Needs
When selecting a self-storage unit, it’s important to consider how often you’ll need to access your stored items. If you only need to access your items occasionally, a standard unit with limited access hours may be sufficient. However, if you anticipate needing frequent access to your belongings, you might want to consider:
- 24/7 Access: Some storage facilities offer round-the-clock access, making it convenient if you need to access your unit outside of business hours.
- Drive-Up Units: If you need easy access to your bigger things or inventory, you might want to look into a drive-up unit. With this type of unit, you can drive your car right up to the door. This is especially useful for business owners who need to load and unload goods frequently.
4. Climate Control for Sensitive Items
You might want to choose a storage room with temperature control if you want to store fragile things like electronics, art, antiques, or papers. Climate-controlled units keep the temperature and humidity level stable, so your things won’t get damaged by extreme heat, cold, or wetness.
While climate-controlled units are often more expensive than standard units, they are a worthwhile investment if you are storing valuable or delicate items. These units can help preserve the condition of your belongings, ensuring they remain in excellent shape.
5. Check for Security Features
The security of your belongings is crucial, and self-storage facilities take various measures to protect your items. Look for storage units with the following security features:
- Gated Access: Ensure that only authorized individuals can enter the facility.
- Surveillance Cameras: Cameras should be placed throughout the facility to monitor for any suspicious activity.
- On-Site Security Personnel: Some facilities have staff on-site to monitor the premises and respond to any security concerns.
- Individual Alarms: Some self-storage units have alarms on each unit that will trigger if unauthorized access is attempted.
When selecting a self-storage facility, make sure to inquire about their security protocols to ensure that your belongings are safe.
Conclusion
When picking the right self-storage space for your needs, you should think about the type and amount of things you want to store, how easy it will be for you to get to them, and the security and climate control options available. You can make sure that your things are stored safely and effectively by carefully choosing the right size and features. Still not sure what size storage unit you need? A lot of self-storage companies, including those in Scottsdale, have tools and resources to help you figure it out. Knowing what you want and how much you can spend will help you find the best self-storage option for you.