Mini Storage Ideas

Mini Storage Ideas
An article provided by Simply Self Storage

There are several factors that go into choosing a self storage unit. First, think about what kinds of items you will be storing and how often you think you will need to have access to them. For example, if you are planning on vehicle storage for a boat or RV, will you want to use your vehicle periodically and want it close to your residence. However, you may be better off choosing a less expensive storage facility that is some distance from your home.

If you are planning on storing items that you will need regular access to or will want to frequently retrieve items or place new possessions in your unit, then you might want to choose a storage facility that is close to your residence or business.

Another consideration is cost. Many mini storage facilities offer free rental months if you are willing to agree to a long term storage lease. Additionally, it is not uncommon for storage companies to require some kind of security deposit in case you abandon the storage unit.

Finally, you should choose a storage unit based on the amount of space you will need for your possessions. These are standard sizes and descriptions of what these units will typically hold (remember that these sizes and descriptions are based on using space in the most compact form):

5' x 5' (25 sf) – Dresser, a small (twin/full) mattress set, boxes and small items. Good for garden tools or holiday items.
5' x 10' (50 sf) – Furnishings for a mid-size bedroom, including a queen mattress, dresser, television and a few storage boxes.
10' x 10' (100 sf) – Two bedrooms or family room items.
10' x 15' (150 sf) – Three bedrooms, including dresser, queen/full mattress sets, television and boxes.
10' x 20' (200 sf) – Contents of a five bedroom house, including a refrigerator, washer and dryer, dining room table and chairs and large boxes.
10' x 30' (300 sf) – Contents of a five to seven bedroom house, including large items such as a couch, mattresses, refrigerator and entertainment center.

If you are planning on storing business items, here is a list that shows what can be stored in standard mini storage units:

5' x 5' (25 sf) – Contents of a large office closet including files, books, office chairs and a few storage boxes.
5' x 10' (50 sf) – Contents of one office including desk, bookcases, cabinets and large storage boxes. Ideal for storing equipment and tools.
10' x 10' (100 sf) – Contents of an two offices including several desks, chairs, computers and a few storage boxes.
10' x 15' (150 sf) – Contents of three offices including several desks, computers and boxes.
10' x 20' (200 sf) – Approximately five offices (desks, computers, bookcases and file cabinets) or a several years of business and tax files.
10' x 30' (300 sf) – Contents of five offices including multiple desks, several large boxes, large storage shelves.

Packing and Storing

No matter what size self storage unit you decide will meet your needs, it will be important that you pack your possessions in the most efficient and compact manner possible. Obviously, the more floor space you need for your possessions or to have access to them, the larger storage unit you will need.

Whenever possible, try to break down items like tables or chairs to save on floor space. Store items like mirrors or painting on end, rather than flat, and place furniture like desks or sofas on end to make them vertical and save on floor space.

Also consider using space saving storage items like Space Bags. These are bags that can be filled with clothing, bedding or other soft items and then closed and the air vacuumed out to make them flat and easy to store. Storing clothing or bedding this way not only makes it possible to save space, but also makes it possible to store items according to seasons and whether or not you will need them during the year.

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