Okay, let’s cut the BS. I’ve been managing storage units for 8 years at Plaza Mini Storage, and 90% of customers pick the wrong size. Here’s the raw, unfiltered truth about choosing storage units – the stuff other places won’t tell you because they just want your money.

The Dirty Secret of Storage Companies

Most storage facilities LOVE when you pick the wrong size. Why? Because when you realize your 5×5 is too small after loading half your stuff, you’ll pay:

• A $50 transfer fee.
• Higher monthly rate for the bigger unit.
• Possibly another truck rental.

At our facility, we actually try to prevent this – but you need to know these insider tips.

Real World Size Guide (No Corporate Fluff)

Forget the “official” size charts. Here’s what ACTUALLY fits based on 500+ move-ins I’ve supervised:

5×5 Unit (The “I Lied About How Much Junk I Have”)

What people think fits: A one-bedroom apartment

• What actually fits:
  • 10 medium boxes stacked perfectly.
  • A bicycle (if you remove the front wheel).
  • Maybe a small dresser if you’re a Tetris champion.
• Who it’s really for: College students storing dorm stuff, or people keeping about 5 boxes of holiday decorations.

10×10 Unit (The “Divorce Special”)

• What people think fits: Their entire house.
• What actually fits:
  • Furniture from a 1-bedroom apartment.
  • About 50 boxes if stacked well.
  • Zero walking space once packed.
• Pro tip: Take legs off sofas and tables – gains you 25% more space.

The 3 Most Expensive Mistakes

1. The “I’ll Just Rent the Smallest/Cheapest One” Approach

This is how Karen from accounting ended up paying for two units last month. She crammed her stuff into a 5×5, then had to rent another when her dining set wouldn’t fit.

Better move: Spend the extra $20/month for the next size up. Cheaper than renting twice.

2. Not Accounting for “Air Space”

Your stuff needs breathing room unless you want:

• Moldy clothes from no airflow.
• Broken items from being crammed.
• Impossible access when you need one box.

Rule of thumb: Fill only 75% of the unit if you need to get to anything later.

3. Trusting Online Size Calculators

Those “what size do I need” tools are worthless. Why? They don’t account for:

• Irregular shaped items (bikes, kayaks, that weird lamp).
• How bad are you at packing?
• That you’ll absolutely add more stuff later.

How We Actually Help (Unlike Other Places)

At Plaza Mini Storage, we:

1. Let you test-pack before committing.
2. Give free packing tape with any unit rental.
3. Have staff who’ll honestly tell you if your stuff won’t fit.
4. Waive size-change fees for the first month.

The “Ikea Effect” – Why You Need More Space Than You Think

Remember when you bought that bookshelf and it took 3x more space than expected? Same with storage.

Real example from last week:

1. Customer estimated 10×10 for his 2-bedroom apartment.
2. After seeing his pile, we recommended 10×15.
3. He ignored us, rented the 10×10.
4. Came back 2 days later to upgrade (and paid the fee).

When You Absolutely Need Climate Control

Not just for “valuables” – climate control prevents:

• Photo albums sticking together in summer.
• Wood furniture warping in winter.
• Electronics getting ruined by humidity.

Rule: If it’s sentimental, irreplaceable, or made of wood/paper/fabric – get climate control.

The Easy Size Test Anyone Can Do

1. Pile everything in your garage/driveway.
2. Measure the length × width.
3. Add 30% (for walk space and bad packing).
4. That’s your minimum unit size.

Final Reality Check

Storage units are like parking spots – the perfect size doesn’t exist. You always wish you had a little more space.

At Plaza Mini Storage, we won’t upsell you – we’ll find the most cost-effective solution, even if it means recommending a smaller unit. Because unlike the big chains, we actually want you to come back.

Need real advice from someone who’s seen it all? I’ll give you the honest truth – no corporate scripts, no pressure.