Storage Units: How to Choose the Right Type

Typically, if the time arrives that you require the help of a storage unit, the choice on offer and the best solution for you can be a little bewildering. 

Storage containers aren’t something most people deal with every day, and you’re often left wondering, ‘what size storage unit do I need?’. So, how exactly are you expected to make the right decision?!

Fear not, because the Container Self Store team have put together a handy storage unit size guide and tips that’ll help you determine the correct storage container for you.

Check the available sizes.

First and foremost, you should check the size of storage options available to you. Here at Container Self Store, we offer a choice of versatile storage units, from our smallest storage unit size of 10ft containers to our spacious 20ft containers

You must get this first step spot on because you don’t want to pay for a unit that’s not big enough for your belongings or wasted space for which you’re paying more money!

Measured in feet, our 10ft storage units are approximately 10 L x 8 W x 8.6” H, while our 20ft storage units are 19.4” L x 7.9” W x 7.10” H. 

Itemise what you’re storing.

Your next step should be to evaluate precisely what you need to store, draw up a list of items, and assess which of the units mentioned above will best suit your needs. 

When doing so, it pays to think outside of the box a little – pun intended. Remember that you can safely wrap and stow away multiple items in packing boxes, an excellent strategy for saving space. Likewise, you can also (safely) stack furniture within a unit, maximising the floor space and square footage at your disposal. 

Map and mark out a strategy.

This tip isn’t for everyone, let’s face it – it requires a little more effort, but in our opinion, it’s a worthwhile exercise. 

By chalking out or marking the storage unit’s dimensions with a suitable, easy-to-see tape, you can plan out exactly how and where your belongings are going to fit. It’s a good idea to do this concerning large items such as beds, furniture units and sofas. Once these bulkier items are taken care of, you can stack smaller ones away on top.

Feeling extra organised? Use a measuring tape to determine the height of your imaginary unit and, putting to use all those hours playing Tetris, practice your stacking technique.

Take a tour of the unit.

Before signing on the dotted line, you can always visit the premises to look around some empty storage units.

If you’re still unsure of what container size you need even after itemising and planning, taking a look around can give you fresh eyes on the matter and extra peace of mind. 

What’s more, you might ultimately decide that a container isn’t for you, whether there’s simply too much space for what you need to store or you prefer an alternate means of storage. In this case, one of our fantastic storage rooms might be a better fit!

If you’re unsure, ask questions.

Our friendly experts are always on hand to answer any unanswered questions you might have; after all, we get many new customers who have never used self-storage before. 

We’re happy to consult on matters, giving you solid, trustworthy advice, tips and input regarding what you need to store and which unit or storage room is best to do it. 

Want to ask ahead of time? You can always contact our team via our website or get in touch through Facebook and Instagram.

Consider scalability. 

Finally, you should plan for the possibility that you may need additional space in the future. Unfortunately, it’s often the case that things don’t go to plan, and you may need to rent your storage space for a little longer than anticipated or store extra items. 

If you’re in any doubt about whether or not the size of the container or room is big enough for your belongings, we would always recommend erring on the side of caution and opting for a larger space.

This approach gives you extra room for growth and ensures that you won’t damage stored items by cramming and forcing things where they don’t fit! 


Are you interested in organising your storage today? Book online or contact us!

Scroll to Top