What size self storage unit do I need?

"What size self storage unit do I need?" is the most frequently asked question that self storage companies receive from customers. I wan to level with you, some self storage owners may stretch the truth about the size you actually need for all of your problems, because obviously the self storage business profits more from you if you rent a larger unit. Also, some owners want to avoid suggesting too small of a unit, because if a customer needs to switch units they will not be happy with the recommendation.

Do not give up hope for picking out the correct sized self storage unit yet! The best way figure out what self storage unit you need is to do it yourself. There are three ways to approach this problem. I highly recommend number one over the other two options.

1. Do the math yourself! 

The most accurate way to get an estimate for self storage unit size unfortunately involves a little bit of math, but don't worry it isn't too difficult. All you need to know how to do is add and multiply to figure out how much space you need from a storage unit. Find out how much space each item will take up with this formula: width x length x height=cubic feet/space the item takes up. Then you add up of all your items' cubic feet to see how much self storage space you'll need.

There are a couple of issues with using this method. One is that you'll first need to pack any loose items in a boxes to be able to add them to your calculations

The second is that you'll need to consider how capable your are of stacking items. If you are not physically able to stack furniture, box, etc on top of each other, then obviously you won't be able to use every inch of space. To address this issue you'll need a bigger unit with more floor space to fit all of your belongings. To find out how much floor space your items will take up just calculate the width x length of items. Then add all of these numbers up. This moving calculator can actually help you figure out the floor space you'll need without you even getting out tape measure.

2. Use a self storage calculator. 

There are lots of self storage calculators help there that will help you figure out about how big of a self storage unit you need. Just as a warning, these calculators can significantly round up. Also, a lot of the calculators assume that customers won't stack any items besides boxes.

This is one of the better self storage calculator available on the internet. All you have to do is enter the inventory of items you plan to put in self storage then the calculator gives you an estimate of the size of self storage unit you'll need.

3. Ask Multiple Self Storage Companies for their Guesstimate 

If you are still shopping around for which self storage company you want to use, you can consider calling several self storage companies for an estimate. If the estimates vary widely I recommend going with the average of all the estimates. If the person on the phone won't give you an estimate, it may be a good sign the self storage company does not have good customer service.

As a bonus, you can also use these phone calls to price different self storage facilities in your area. It is always good to price around before committing to any particular self storage company.