These self-storage basics will help you to pick the best storage unit for your needs!
Self-storage units offer a convenient solution when you need extra space to store your belongings. Whether you're downsizing, moving, or simply decluttering, understanding these self-storage basics is essential before you make your decision.
Let's explore how storage units work and what you need to know before renting one.
Self-storage provides a secure space where individuals and businesses can store their possessions for a specified period. These units come in various sizes and are typically rented on a month-to-month basis, offering flexibility for both short-term and long-term storage needs.
When exploring self-storage basics, it's important to know the different storage unit options available:
Standard Units: These are the most common and offer basic storage space in a variety of sizes to meet your needs.
Climate-Controlled Units: These maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level, which can be important for sensitive items like antiques and important documents.
Vehicle Storage: Some facilities offer specialized indoor storage for cars, RVs, boats, and other vehicles.
Outside Storage: Outside storage lots can be the ideal solution for cars, RVs, or other vehicles you don’t have space for.
Before you rent a storage unit, you need to know how much space you need! You don’t want to pay for space you won’t use, and you really don’t want to run out of storage space.
So, how much space do you actually need? To help you figure it out, we created a detailed storage unit page that explains how much can fit in each unit size. For your convenience, we’ve included a summary below:
4’ x 7’ – About the size of a small walk-in closet.
5’ x 10’ – Can fit the contents of a small room or office.
10’ x 10’ – Can fit the contents of a one-bedroom apartment.
The 10’ x 12’ – Can fit the contents of a one-bedroom apartment with additional space for an appliance, bike, sled, or other large item.
10’ x 15’ – Can fit the contents of a two-bedroom apartment.
10’ x 18’ – Can fit the contents of a 2-3 bedroom home.
Our 10’ x 20’ unit – About the size of a one-car garage, this unit can store the contents of a 3-4 bedroom home and some appliances.
10’ x 30’ – Ideal for a 3-4 bedroom home and can easily fit large items like entertainment centers, refrigerators, and large beds.
12’ x 30’ – Can easily fit the contents of a 4-5 bedroom home with room left for outdoor items like bikes and sleds.
14’ x 40’ – Our largest indoor unit, this storage space can fit your RV, car, boat, or all your household belongings.
Security is a crucial part of self-storage basics. Many facilities offer features such as:
Gated access
24/7 video surveillance
On-site management
These security measures ensure that your items are safe and secure while you store them.
Once you choose a storage unit to rent, you’re going to need access to it! Many facilities offer extended access hours, with some even providing 24/7 access.
You'll typically receive a personal access code or key to enter the facility and your specific unit during the designated access hours.
To make the most of your unit, consider these best practices for moving your items in:
Use uniform box sizes for easy stacking
Clearly label all boxes
Create an inventory list
Leave walkways for easy access to your items
Store the items you need most toward the front of the unit
While storage units are versatile, there are restrictions on what you can store. Prohibited items typically include:
Perishable goods
Hazardous materials
Illegal items
Live animals or plants
Always check with your specific facility for a complete list of prohibited items.
Whether you need short-term storage during a move or long-term storage for belongings that just don’t fit, storage units are a great solution! We hope this guide helps you to make an informed decision when you’re ready to choose a unit.
Here at Big Brown Storage (get directions here) we understand that what you need in a storage unit is security and flexibility. That’s why we offer a simple and worry-free self-storage experience.
We make sure our units are always clean, secure, and ready to rent in a variety of sizes to meet all your needs.
Ready to rent your unit? Make a reservation online or give us a call at (616) 290-0244 today!
If you’re not quite sure what you need, feel free to browse our available storage units here.
We look forward to serving you!