Between moving, downsizing, and renovating, storage rental can become a real necessity. When choosing a self-storage unit, the size of the space is definitely a concern. It can be frustrating to rent one that ends up being too small, and paying for one that's too spacious isn't financially smart. This step-by-step guide can help you choose the right unit for your needs. 

How Do You Know Which Size Storage Unit to Rent?

1. Take Inventory

Determine what you will be storing and for how long. Are you going to need to store most of your home for a month or two or only a bedroom's worth of possessions for a year? Pack your boxes, disassemble any furniture you can, and gather it together in one room, if possible. Measure how much space all the furniture and boxes take up. You can calculate this in feet or square feet by multiplying the length and width of your items.

2. Calculate the Space

Most self-storage rentals come in small, medium, and large sizes. A small unit measures approximately 5 feet by 5 or 10 feet. Medium units are around 10 feet by 10 feet, while large spaces are 10 feet by 20 or 30 feet or 200 to 300 square feet.

If you need to take things out of storage occasionally, you will need a clear aisle. As a result, don't forget to include this extra space in your calculations. A small unit would be most appropriate if you are storing one room's worth of belongings or only planning to use the unit for a short period for a few items. A medium-sized unit can generally hold up to three rooms, and a large space would be more appropriate for long-term storage or up to five rooms. 

3. Pack the Unit 

Strategize about how you can pack your belongings in the self-storage unit. Break down furniture to make more space. If you don't need to access certain items frequently, put them toward the back of the space. Place seasonal items and possessions you might need to get quickly at the front of the unit.  

4. Compare Options

Call multiple self-storage companies in your area to find out what sizes they have and how much they charge. You may find that one facility charges more for a medium unit than another. However, if one company's medium unit is bigger, it could be more cost-effective for the space you receive. Ask if you can tour facilities to get a feel for the size of the units, as well as the safety features on the property. 

If you need to rent a storage unit, reach out to Meridian Mini Storage. This company boasts two convenient locations in Kalispell and Evergreen, MT. They offer easy payment options and have various unit sizes you can choose from. The facility also has a gated lock and security cameras for maximum safety. Visit the website for more information, or call (406) 257- 5566 to inquire about unit availability.