How to Choose the Right Storage Unit Size for Your Needs

When looking for a storage unit for your extra belongings or business inventory, it’s a common mistake to pick the wrong size and end up having to pay more money out of pocket. The problem with choosing the wrong size is that you either waste money by not using the entirety of the space (if the unit is too large), or by having to rent another unit (if the unit is too small).

Regardless, you want to make sure you choose the best storage unit size for the items you plan to store. This can take some careful deliberation and extra planning; however, the cost savings, in the end, will be worth it. Keep on reading to find out just how you can ensure that you pick the right-sized unit from the start.

Take Stock of Your Items

First and foremost, it’s a good idea to make a detailed list of all the items potentially going into your storage container. Determine the size of the items you are storing and whether or not they need to be disassembled. Things such as furniture and décor may require more space than items such as clothing and shoes.

Assess what you are storing and how you will store it, whether it’s in bins, laying flat and disassembled, or just as is. All of this will help give you a rough idea of how much space your items will take up in a storage container.

Consider Fragile Items

When making your inventory list, remember to also take note of fragile items, as these usually require some extra space and care. The reason that many fragile items (such as antiques, dishes, artwork, etc.) may require extra space is so that they are not crowded and susceptible to damage or breakage.

You should package these items carefully and leave room around them so that they can’t easily come into contact with other things in your storage unit. Keep in mind that many fragile items are not stackable either. For this reason, you will need to dedicate a space for them separately, which sometimes means renting a bigger storage unit than you may have initially planned.

Use Painter’s Tape

A good trick to assess size if you are planning on renting a storage unit is to use painter’s tape to mark the space of the unit in your garage or driveway. If you have a hard time visualizing the sizes offered, this method can help you determine how much will fit in the area, as you can get a clear picture of the size and actually try fitting some boxes into the space.

This is very useful to ensure you are not blindly choosing the wrong size, and you can even mark off sections to determine how the items you intend to store will fit in the space, and how you can arrange them.

Not only will this help you ensure you’ve selected the right storage container to rent, it can help give you an idea for how you want to organize your items ahead of time.

It’s Better to Go Bigger

When in doubt, remember that it’s always better to go for a larger unit than a smaller one. With a bigger unit, you can have some free space should you need to store more items in the future or create a walkway between items. More space can be valuable, as you will often find ways to fill it or utilize it, which you can’t do when you don’t have enough space to begin with.

You also don’t want to go with a storage container that is too small for your needs, as your items may become crowded and damaged. Additionally, a cramped and crowded storage container can become a disaster when unpacking your belongings. Always go a little bit bigger, and keep in mind that the cost difference for a size up is usually not that substantial in any case.

Consider Storage Unit Sizes

Storage units come in a variety of sizes for your convenience. Here, at Sigma Container Corporation, we take pride in our high-quality new and used storage containers, which are readily available in different specs and dimensions. Our standard containers are 40 feet with a cubic capacity of 2,350 cubic feet.

We also offer a high cube container of 40 feet with a cubic capacity of 2,700 cubic feet. If you are in the market for something smaller than standard, we have a 20-foot container with a cubic capacity of 1,165 cubic feet. Additionally, our storage containers can be modified to your liking. All of our containers also come with a 1-year warranty and guarantee that they will be wind and water-tight under regular conditions.

Contact the Storage Experts

At the end of the day, choosing the right storage container size will help you save money and will be more practical for your needs. You won’t have to worry about an overflow of items or excess unused space. Remember to make a list of every item you are storing and, if in doubt, consult with a storage specialist who can help guide you in the right direction.

For more information on storage containers for rent in Toronto and the GTA, please call Sigma Container Corporation at 1-877-225-7762 or contact us here. We are your premier destination for high-quality storage units in a variety of sizes. Check out our selection of products and services online and contact us today for more information or to rent a storage unit