Whether you are decluttering, storing seasonal decorations, or moving into a new apartment or college dorm, one thing stands out. You need a space to put everything. A storage unit comes to mind easily, but which one? There are so many unit sizes, price tiers, and extra add-ons to consider. This process can easily paralyze you with choice overload and you’re left just wanting to pick one and be done with it.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. By making intentional decisions that fit your personal needs, you can release the stress and know that you made the right decision to protect your belongings.
Start With Your Stuff, Not the Unit Size
Take the time to visualize your items instead of simply guessing if they will fit inside a storage unit that might work. Measure any furniture and take note of any sentimental items you want to have added padding for protection. Mark any seasonal decor or boxes you want to have easy access to. This will help you find a unit that best fits your real-life needs instead of any worst-case scenario that overthinking can come up with.
Keeping track of any items that do not fit easily within a storage unit is an important part of determining just how much space you need. Here are some items that typically require more space than initially expected:
- TVs or monitors that cannot be stacked properly
- Furniture with awkward shapes, such as sectionals, headboards, or recliners
- Bikes, scooters, or fitness equipment that cannot be easily broken down
- Any items that end up being bulkier boxed than they look
How Often Access Really Matters
Think about how often you plan to access items in storage. If you plan to access a unit once a week or more, finding a nearby unit with longer hours and an easily navigable layout is more important than a unit with the lowest price point. If you plan to keep your items in storage long-term, then saving money on a slightly farther away storage site can be worth the longer drive.
Choosing a Size Without Guessing
When finding a unit, it’s best to avoid extremes. If you end up choosing a storage unit that is too small, it can lead to frustration as you battle to get everything inside. However, if you choose a unit that is too large, it can lead to wasted space and overspending on storage. Be sure to keep in mind various quality of life options when you make your choice. Walking space, easily and properly stacked boxes or furniture, and potential items that can be added down the road are all important things to keep in mind when choosing your preferred unit.
Features That Make Storage Easier
After knowing what you have and what size fits best, you can examine if you need any other amenities a storage unit offers to improve day to day experience. Take the time to see if you need options like climate control, security, elevators, or extra cleanliness before you go with the base rate in the name of saving money. After all, damaged items could end up costing you more in the long run.
If you are unsure if a climate-controlled facility is for you, here are some items that would benefit from protection from extreme weather.
- Any wooden furniture that could be at risk of warping or cracking
- Electronics you plan to store long-term
- Items that react poorly to extreme humidity, like instruments or artwork
- Business inventory you need to stay presentable
- Any clothing that will be stored long-term (especially natural fabrics like wool or leather)
Keep it Simple an d Move Forward
Finding the perfect unit is not the primary goal. Rather, the goal is to find a unit that fits your primary needs in a realistic way. Overthinking every little detail can end up delaying action instead of helping you come to a good decision. Be sure to choose a unit that fits your life in the moment, not a hypothetical future scenario.
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