How To Choose A Storage Unit [Step By Step Guide]

General News|

September, 4, 2019

Have you recently discovered you need to clear out space in your existing home? If you have too many possessions to fit in your space, but you’ve decided these possessions are worth keeping (rather than selling, donating or discarding them), you’ll need a good, secure place to store them.

Common reasons you might hire a self-storage unit include:

  • Seasonal or lifestyle changes
  • Downsizing your home or apartment
  • A major home renovation
  • Simplifying your lifestyle with minimalism
  • Welcoming a new family member
  • A relative moving in
  • Storing yard or patio furniture

How To Choose A Storage Unit

Step #1: Decide What You Are Storing

The types of items you need to store will determine the self-storage unit you need. If you start to visit self-storage locations without a clear idea of what you need to store, you’re more likely to choose the incorrect size for your self-storage unit.

Make an inventory of all the belongings you intend to store. Indicate in your list whether the item is large, small, heavy or light.

Next, measure and estimate the collective packing size of the items you will be storing. Be sure to account for extra space to provide ventilation.

Step #2: Pack Your Items Efficiently

Follow our instructions on packing items for your self-storage unit.

Step #3: Select Your Self-Storage Unit Size

After making your list and packing your items, it’s time to select the right storage unit size.

Small Self-Storage Units

Remnant (Closet Size)

Size: 

  • 3m x 1.2m (4 cubic metres)
  • 8m x 1.5m (8 cubic metres)
  • A small walk-in closet

Suitable for: 

  • Small furniture (such as a mattress or chest of drawers)
  • Personal belongings, luggage or boxes (clothing or children’s toys)
  • Seasonal items such as Christmas decorations
  • Skis or golf clubs
  • Business files and records
Small Bedroom

Size: 

  • 1m x 1.5m (10 cubic metres)
  • A small office

Suitable for: 

  • The contents of a small one-bedroom home or apartment
  • Bedroom furniture, a queen-size mattress set, sofas, chairs, and a TV set
  • Trade tools
  • Business supplies and records, office furniture such as desks, bookcases and filing cabinets
Medium Bedroom

Size: 

  • 2.3m x 1.7m (12 cubic metres)

Suitable for:

  • Small amounts of large furniture, sofas, chairs and mattress
  • Business supplies and records
Large Bedroom

Size: 

  • 2.4m x 2m (14 cubic metres)

Suitable for:

  • Major appliances and large furniture
Small 2 Bedroom

Size: 

  • 3.5m x 1.5m (16 cubic metres)

Suitable for: 

  • The contents of a small two-bedroom home or apartment
Medium 2 Bedroom

Size:

  • 4m x 1.5m (18 cubic metres)
  • 3m x 2.4m (21 cubic metres)
  • 3m x 2.8m (23 cubic metres)

Suitable for: 

  • The contents of a living room or two full bedrooms
  • The contents of a medium two-bedroom home or apartment
  • The entire contents of a small office
  • Large screen TVs, pianos, couches, and tables
  • Storage boxes, chairs, desks, and computers
Large 2 Bedroom

Size:

  • 2m x 1.5m (23 cubic metres)
  • 3m x 3m (25 cubic metres)
  • 4m x 2.5m (28 cubic metres)
  • 5m x 3m (29 cubic metres)

Suitable for:

  • The contents of a large two-bedroom home or apartment
  • Up to three rooms of office and document storage
  • Appliances, furniture and boxed items
  • Computers, chairs and desks

Large Self-Storage Units

Large 3 Bedroom

Size: 

  • 2m x 2.4m (39 cubic metres)
  • 4m x 4m (44 cubic metres)
  • 2m x 2.8m (44 cubic metres)

Suitable for: 

  • The contents of a large three-bedroom home or apartment
  • Appliances and furniture
  • Commercial inventory and storage racks
Large 4 Bedroom House

Size: 

  • 4m x 3m (45 cubic metres)
  • 6m x 3m (47 cubic metres)
  • 6m x 3m (50 cubic metres)
  • The size of a standard shipping container

Suitable for: 

  • The contents of a 3-4 bedroom house
  • The contents of up to 5 office rooms
  • Shed items
  • A vehicle
  • Commercial and equipment storage
  • Warehousing stock
  • Refrigerator, washing and drying machine set, chairs and large boxes
  • Bookcases, file cabinets, desks, computers
  • 5-years supply of tax and business files
Hard Stand (Garage)

Size:

  • 5.5m x 3m

Suitable for:

  • A vehicle, boat, caravan or trailer

Step #2: Decide How And When You’ll Access Your Storage Unit

Before choosing a self-storage unit company, it’s helpful to know the facility’s office hours and when you’ll be able to access your belongings.

Where your self-storage unit is located inside the facility also affects your ability to easily access your belongings. If you have many oversized items to store, consider renting a drive-up unit. If your storage unit is on the second floor, make sure the facility has elevators large enough for your belongings.

Here are some questions to ask your self-storage facility:

  1. Can I only access my unit during office hours?
  2. Do I need to make an appointment to pick up or drop off items?
  3. Are there parking fees?
  4. What are the visitor policies?
  5. Is there a fee for special access?

Step #3: Consider Security

If you’re storing valuable items, security and insurance are essential. To ensure the facility has high standards for security:

  1. Ask the storage company about their security, surveillance and guards. Do they have 24-hour video surveillance? An on-site office and residence?
  2. Can you secure your storage unit with your own padlock? Look for storage facilities that offer high-quality cylinder locks for sale and provide a personalised electronic access code for extra peace of mind.
  3. Does the storage company provide full perimeter security and lighting? Make sure that the outside of your storage location is fully secure.
  4. Check that no tenant can access the storage unit without a key or access card.
  5. Check that the self-storage company has a strict policy on employee access. They should only be able to access your items in case of an emergency or if you default on your payments.
  6. Check with your insurance company to see if your insurance includes self-storage. If not, you’ll need to purchase a policy from the storage company.

Step #4: Check Reviews

Finally, have you checked Google Reviews and social media to help you decide which storage facility to use? Scan the reviews to find out whether the staff are professional and demonstrate a genuine concern for the safety of all storage items.

For more helpful and friendly advice on selecting the right storage unit for your needs, get in touch with the experts at More Space today on 07 5594 9739 (Molendinar) or (07) 5598 3355 (Currumbin).