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How to Choose a Storage Unit in 4 Simple Steps

Storage is simple, right? You just have to find a nearby facility, sign some paperwork, and deposit all the stuff you can’t fit inside your home.

Actually, there’s a little more to it than that. Ending up with the right storage solution requires several smart decisions about unit size, facility location, accessibility, additional services, and—of course—the type of items you want to store.

Fortunately, we’re here to make the process as simple as possible. Check out our easy, four-step guide for choosing the right storage unit for your needs.

1. What Size Storage Unit do I Need?

Size isn’t everything, but it definitely matters! At StorageMart, you can easily switch to a larger or smaller unit as needed—or change to a heated or climate-controlled unit—but the easiest option is to start off with a unit that’s just the right size for your needs.

Our smallest units are lockers, which provide 25 sq ft and are about 4 ft high. Generally speaking, this is a good size if your items would fit in a closet. The next size up also provides 25 sq ft of floor space but are 8-10 ft tall—making them ideal for small furniture or up to 130 storage boxes. At the other end of the scale, our largest units offer 400 sq feet of storage, and are generally used for business storage or for large households.

Still not sure? Our handy sizing guide and unit size FAQ will help you get a better idea of how much space you need. In general, we recommend 50 square feet of storage for every room of furniture you’d like to store. Don’t worry if you can’t choose between two similar sizes—just rent the space you think works best, and if you need another size, we’ll adjust your reservation with no problem!

2. How Important is My Storage Unit Location?

You’d be forgiven for thinking that you should simply opt for your closest storage facility. After all, you want to keep tabs on all your belongings without having to undertake a long journey each and every time.

But it actually depends on what you’re storing. If you need a long-term storage solution and don’t need regular access to your unit, you can consider facilities that are slightly further away, giving you more choice in terms of price, facility features, and more.

When proximity is no longer your main criteria, you’re more likely to find a facility—and a deal—that works best for you. To get started, simply find the StorageMart facilities in your area and check each store page for great pricing and discounts.

3. Storage Unit Facility Features & Amenities

Do you need a unit with electrical outlets? Is a covered loading bay essential for you? Could you benefit from having deliveries accepted directly to your unit on your behalf? The answers to these questions will help you make the right choice of storage unit.

Some facility features and amenities are found at every StorageMart location—such as high-quality LED lighting—but others vary. All you have to do is check the store page to see what’s offered at each location, or contact the facility manager at the location you’re interested in for more details.

4. Easy Access to Your Items

You don’t always know when you’re going to need an item in storage, whether it’s furniture, bedding, documentation, spare tires—or anything else you thought you wouldn’t need for a while. That’s why we make it easy to access your belongings when it’s convenient for you, including 24-hour storage access (with prior approval) at many of our locations.

Beyond round-the-clock access, there is no limit to your self-storage access rate at StorageMart: you can access your unit as many times as you want during business hours. At the end of the day, each facility is locked up and can only be used by those with 24-hour access. See our accessibility FAQ for more details.

A Storage Unit for Every Need

Storage should be a convenience that provides true peace of mind, not a complicated arrangement that takes up too much of your time. But with the right choices from the outset, you can enjoy the benefits of a simple storage solution that’s convenient, secure, and tailored to meet your needs.

Questions? Give us a call today to ask about features, pricing, and exactly which unit will work best for you.