How to work out the amount of self storage you need.

Naturally, there is a big difference in price between a small and large self storage unit. This can be significant, whichever self storage company in Kent you choose.  That makes it even more important to carefully consider how much storage space you actually need. Before renting a storage unit,  whether for a month or long term, do take a browse through this handy blog. At Need A Space we are the local experts on self storage planning. Do not hesitate to draw on our experience and friendly advice when choosing the amount of space required.

Figure Out The Amount Of Storage Space You Need

Regardless of whether you need temporary storage whilst doing home improvement, downsizing or simply decluttering, you need to be organised and plan properly. In this blog, we share some practical tips on how to answer the question of “how much storage space do I really need?”

It’s very easy to get bogged down when looking at everything around you at home, but at that moment it’s all spread out. Once you start organising and packing what you want store, it won’t be anywhere near as much. Here are a few important steps to take when figuring out how much storage space is enough.

Compile A Written List Of Your Belongings

The first step to finding out how much storage space you need is to see how much stuff you have. That means decluttering properly and putting things aside that are destined for self storage. Count all of your boxes and identify larger items such sofas, tables and bookshelves. Remember to write everything down so you can refer to it later and label everything accordingly.

Check the use of available space at home

After you’ve decluttered and made an inventory of every room, check that you’ve used all the available storage space in your home and garage. The risk of not doing it could result in renting a bigger and more expensive storage unit than what you need. At the same time, don’t force things into the spare room or home office just to save space as you also don’t want a cluttered house.

Contact Need A Space to discuss Your Required Storage Space

Now it’s time to find the right storage unit size and that means measuring your belongings. When choosing a storage unit, you’ll want to have one of two measurements:

Space Calculator Square feet (sq. ft.)

To measure the square footage, multiply the length and width of your belongings. If they make a pile that’s 5 x 5 feet, you will need a storage unit of at least 25 square feet.

Space Calculator Cubic feet (cu. ft.)

To measure cubic feet, multiply the length, width and height of your belongings. If the pile measures 5 x 5 x 5 feet, you should opt for a storage unit with at least 75 cubic feet.

This is just one way of measuring your stuff as there’s no right or wrong answer. One way of doing this is to put everything into a pile and measure the stack. Another method is to individually measure the length, width and height each item. No matter what you do, the important thing is to get the square or cubic footage.

Choose The Right Storage Unit

Once you measured everything, it’s time to figure out whether you need a small, medium or large storage unit. Not all facilities will offer the exact same sizes as at Need A Space, here is a breakdown of our Space Estimator. To make is easier for you, each unit is in square foot and indicates the equivalent van load, size of storage space required and the cost per week.

• 10 square foot (3 x 3 ft cubed) – Ideal for student lockers or storing boxes
• 20 square foot (5 x 4 ft cubed) – Half transit van load
• 40 square foot (5 x 8 ft cubed) – Full transit van load
• 80 square foot (10 x 8 ft cubed) – Luton box van load
• 120 square foot (15 x 8 ft cubed) – Large Luton box load
• 160 square foot (20 x 8 ft cubed) – 7.5 Tonne truck house contents
• 200 square foot (25 x 8 ft cubed) – Large removal lorry contents

How To Pack Your Storage Unit

Once you’ve decided on the right storage unit, it’s time to wrap, pack and stack everything. Here are some handy tips on packing things properly.

• Use good quality labelled boxes and not old or flimsy ones lying around the garage
• Store valuables or breakables in bubble wrap, tissue paper and plastic boxes
• Don’t overfill boxes and distribute weight evenly to make stacking easier and safer
• Label each box so you know what is inside and easy to find for you
• Maximise storage space by disassembling beds, desks and tables
• Cover all furniture with protective sheets or at least dust sheets.
• Mirrors, glass and picture frames should have their corners protected with foam or cardboard

Indoor Storage Rooms, Crates or Container Storage Units At Need A Space

If you’re busy renovating, moving or decluttering, consider Need A Space for renting a self storage unit. It’s one of the best and most affordable ways to keep your home clutter-free and your belongings safe. At Need A Space, we can offer you all the storage space you need with all our self storage on the ground floor level, 24-hour CCTV and alarmed security, easy access and the option of insurance for your possesions.

If you are still unsure about how much self-storage space you need,  do contact us to arrange a site visit and to discuss your space requirements.  Please give us a call on 01227-751673 or use the contact us form to get in touch and request your quote . We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.