Choosing the Right Storage Container for your Needs
Mastering Storage: Choosing the Right Container Size for Your Needs
Storage containers are essential for both businesses and individuals, providing secure, weatherproof spaces to stash belongings during a move, renovation, or when you need extra space at home or the office. With various container sizes available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Fear not, fellow storage seeker! This guide will equip you with the knowledge to find the perfect container size for your needs.
Step 1: Assess Your Belongings
Before diving into container dimensions, inventory what you'll be storing. Here are key questions to consider:
- Volume: Estimate the number of boxes, furniture pieces, or equipment you need to store. Visualizing this can be tricky, so try to make a list.
- Shape and Size: Identify any bulky items that won’t fit easily into standard boxes and consider if you’ll need to stack items vertically.
Step 2: Understanding Container Sizes
Storage containers come in various sizes, with the most common being:
- Compact (8ft): Ideal for small homes, seasonal items, or business documents.
- Medium (10ft or 20ft): Perfect for a one or two-bedroom apartment’s contents or for storing business equipment and inventory.
- Large (40ft): Can accommodate the belongings of a large house or a significant amount of business stock.
Step 3: Finding the Goldilocks Zone
Striking a balance between “too small” and “too big” is key. A container that's too small can lead to cramped conditions and potential damage to your belongings. Conversely, an excessively large container means wasted space and unnecessary expense.
Tips for Choosing the Right Size:
- Measure twice, rent once: Use the container's dimensions (length x width x height) to calculate the cubic footage. Our online storage calculator can help you visualize the space needed, making it easier to choose the right container.
Try our interactive storage calculator to pick the right container for you
- Consider furniture: Factor in the dimensions of large furniture pieces, especially if they can’t be disassembled.
- Leave room to breathe: Allow some walking space between boxes and furniture for easier access and to prevent damage.
- Consider future needs: If you anticipate acquiring more items soon, factor that in when choosing a size.
Pro-Tip: When in doubt, it’s often better to size up. A slightly larger container provides more breathing room and flexibility for future needs.
Beyond Size: Consider Your Needs
While size is crucial, additional factors might influence your decision:
- Door access: Roll-up or double doors can make loading and unloading bulky items easier.
- Shelving units: Some storage facilities offer containers with pre-installed shelving, maximizing vertical space utilization.
- Climate control: For sensitive items, consider a climate-controlled container to protect them from temperature and humidity fluctuations.
By following these steps and considering your specific needs, you’ll be well on your way to selecting the perfect storage container size.
Check out our self-storage shipping containers in Bournemouth to see if we can help.