The self storage industry is booming now more than ever, and you can find everything from a 5×5 storage unit to a 10×40 storage unit. More and more people are finding themselves needing self-storage units to tuck away their valuables or store things that they may not have space for at home. Whether you’re moving to a new house, renovating your home, or you just need a place to store extra stuff, a storage unit can come in handy.
That said, there are numerous differently sized storage units, including the 10×40 storage unit. In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about a 10×40 storage unit and why it might be the answer to your storage needs.
Let’s get to it.
How Big Is a 10×40 Storage Unit?
Generally one of the largest storage units, the 10×40 self-storage unit is 10 feet wide and 40 feet long, totaling 400 square feet. Most of our 10×40 storage units have 8-foot ceilings, which gives the renters 3,200 cubic feet of space to fit their belongings. However, every facility varies. Because of this, it is advisable to check the ceiling height at the Neighbor Storage location near you and measure to be certain.
What Does a 10×40 Storage Unit Look Like?
Each self-storage unit differs from the next one in appearance, depending on your local storage facility. How these storage units look will depend on the structural dimensions of a given storage facility and the types of amenities present in those units. To provide you with a rough idea of the size of this unit, a 10×40 storage unit is approximately the same size as a standard two-car garage.
What Can You Fit in a 10×40 Storage Unit?
A 10×40 storage unit provides ample space to store several items. Large items such as patio furniture, living room furniture, full-sized appliances, and more can comfortably fit inside these units. The 10×40 storage unit also works well for storing business inventory and even motor vehicles. Here is a breakdown of some of the items that can fit inside these storage units:
- Residential belongings: The household items that can fit inside these storage units include chairs, sofas, clothes, end tables, an entertainment center, holiday decorations, furniture for a five to seven-bedroom home, mattresses, a piano, a refrigerator, a freezer, toys, walk-in-closets, and more.
- Small business items: The 10×40 storage unit can store various items such as archived files, desks, construction equipment, office furniture, supplies, storage boxes, cabinets, inventory, whiteboards, file cabinets, and trade show booths.
- Vehicles and recreational equipment: These storage units can fit small trailers, electric scooters, cars, motorcycles, trucks, RVs, small boats, kayaks, guitars, and sports equipment.
How to Pack a 10×40 Storage Unit
For the items mentioned above to fit into this storage unit comfortably, you’ll need to pack and organize your storage unit properly. Here is an outline of some packing and organization tips to help you achieve that feat:
Select one box size for most of your items
Picking the same-size box will help with accessibility and stacking. Remember that boxes are ideal for items that aren’t bulky but may not hold up well when placed at the bottom of large stacks. Also, placing large boxes at the bottom will make them difficult to remove if you need to retrieve something from them.
Identify items you may need to access frequently
When storing items in your unit, ensure that you place those items you may need to access frequently near the entrance and those you may not require for a while at the back of the unit. Some of the things you may need to retrieve occasionally include:
- Winter or summer clothing
- Holiday items (costumes, decorations, and bakeware)
- Kids’ toys
- Office documents
- Trip supplies (cookout utensils, tents, sleeping bags, sleds, and snorkeling gear)
- Hobby supplies
Labeling is vital
You should label each box on the top and at least one side with a unique letter or box number, the room it came from, and its contents. Create special marks on the boxes that you may need to access at some point during the storage, and don’t forget to put them in the storage unit last. Ensure that the labeling is as detailed as possible.
Create a list of all your stored belongings
While creating a master list of all boxes in your storage unit may seem cumbersome, the list will come in handy when you need to access an item. It’s even more vital if your boxes are out of view entirely. Alternatively, you can create your master list on a spreadsheet.
Create an organized layout for your storage unit
If you are going to access your storage unit frequently, you need to put some thought into how you pack your items inside it. Ideally, furniture should be placed against the wall opposite your boxes to create a path in the middle of the unit. By doing this, you’ll be able to access your boxes and furniture with little or no hassle. If you need to use the space in the middle, place your most moveable items there to remove them easily.
Shelve or stack boxes
If you are renting a self storage unit for long-term use, consider placing sturdy shelves along the walls of your storage unit. But if that’s not the case, stack boxes from back to front in order of need. Ensure that you put heavier, larger boxes at the bottom and then stack lighter boxes on top of them. Be careful not to stack them too high because this may make them susceptible to falling, creating a hazard for both you and your belongings.
Create a map of where your belongings are located inside the storage unit
While there may not be a need to map out boxes or items that are visible, you should create a list of anything that may not be easily located. You also don’t need to make a complex map. You can divide your unit into four or more sections and create a list of the items and boxes in each area on your map. Suppose you need to access an item or a box that got buried at the back of a unit; you can use your map and master content list to find it without having to dig through the boxes blindly.
Utilize furniture “dead” space
You can create extra space by filling up drawers, cabinets, and dressers with books, documents, DVDs, and other small items. You can also use the space under tables and desks to store smaller items. You’ll be surprised at how many items you’ll be able to store in your unit by filling up the empty space around furniture.
Store items vertically
When packing your belongings inside the storage unit, remember to go vertical. Furniture should be stored upright, and boxes should be stacked as high as possible. To make room for smaller boxes and belongings, you should consider installing hanging shelves in your storage unit. Doing this will enable you to find space to store smaller items.
What Truck Size Is Needed for a 10×40 Storage Unit?
Most moving trucks available for rent come in different sizes, ranging from 10-foot moving trucks to sizable 26-foot trucks. If you are moving to a six-bedroom house, you should consider using a 26-foot moving truck. The stuff you’re storing affects the size of the moving truck that you might need. For instance, suppose you are renting a 10×40 storage unit to store business inventory. A smaller moving truck might be needed compared to if you were renting a similar unit to store several pieces of large furniture.
Keep in mind that Neighbor Storage Inc. facilities are easily accessible and have accommodative working hours. As such, you can make several trips using a small truck and move as many loads as you need. Even so, using a larger moving truck and properly loading it can save you from making several trips.
Can You Fit a Car in a 10×40 Storage Unit?
A 10×40 storage unit is ideal for most cars and trucks. Even so, it isn’t advisable to park your vehicle in a typical 10×40 self-storage unit. Instead, you should store them in our dedicated 10×40 vehicle storage units. These include first-floor, enclosed units, as well as covered and uncovered parking spaces. A 10×40 vehicle storage unit will provide you with ample space for storing standard vehicles and is designed for both short-term and long-term storage.
Before you decide to rent a storage unit, research whether your local storage facility offers a dedicated vehicle storage unit. Whether you are looking for space to store the family RV or a small farm tractor, our dedicated vehicle storage options can accommodate almost anything with wheels.
How to Store a Car in a Storage Unit
You will need to do more than simply store your car in a storage unit and lock the door. Here are the measures you should take to ensure proper storage of your vehicle:
- Acquire a sizable storage unit: The first thing you will want to do is get a storage unit where your car can fit comfortably. Look up your vehicle’s dimensions and ensure that the unit you rent gives you enough wiggle room on all sides. The 10×40 storage unit is one of the largest units there are. It gives you enough space to store your vehicle and additional space to fit in some household items.
- Clean your vehicle: Thoroughly clean your car, removing as much dirt, grime, and rust as possible. Doing this will prevent your vehicle’s parts from deteriorating while in storage.
- Fill the fuel tank: Fill your fuel tank with premium fuel to avoid condensation. Adding fuel will prevent water build-up in the gas tank.
- Check the car tires: When you store your vehicle for a long period, the pressure weighing down on it will cause flat-spotting after some time. One way of avoiding flat-spotting while your car is in storage is to rest it on jack stands or blocks. This will give it added support.
- Check up on the car whenever possible: While it may not always be feasible, regularly checking up on your vehicle and driving it for a short distance can help ensure that it stays in a pristine condition for a long time.
Is This the Right Storage Unit for a Six-Bedroom House?
The type of storage unit you choose for your household belongings depends on how big your house is and the content it contains. A 10×40 storage unit is excellent for multi-room homes; this unit size would work well for storing the furnishings of a six-bedroom house. These self-storage units are suitable if you are in the process of moving, remodeling, or building a new home. You can also use them to store the inventory of a small-sized business.
How Many Boxes Can Fit in a 10×40 Storage Unit?
Calculating the number of boxes a 10×40 storage unit can hold isn’t always the easiest of tasks. If you choose to store only medium-sized boxes with dimensions of about 20 inches by 20 inches, you could store approximately 960 boxes in a 10×40 storage unit. But 900 boxes is more realistic given that you’ll need to close the door and leave space for a walkway.
Most renters also choose to store a combination of items such as sofas, chairs, beds, and storage boxes. So the number of boxes you store may depend on the other items you store with them.
What Type of 10×40 Storage Unit Do You Need?
There are different types of 10×40 storage units. The type of unit you choose will depend on your storage needs and your storage unit budgetary allocation. Here is an outline of the different types of 10×40 storage units you can choose from:
Outdoor storage units
These are among the most common and affordable units in various storage facilities. People often use these storage units to store RVs, cars, tractors, boats, dirt bikes, and more. You are likely to find covered units partitioned using wire mesh in most storage facilities. If your possessions need protection from rain and other elements, then these storage units won’t be ideal for you.
Indoor storage units
To access these storage units, you’ll need to gain entry to a building and go through some form of security check. These storage units are ideal for storing valuable items; the enhanced security will ensure that they are safe. Most indoor facilities offer dollies and other equipment to help you move items from the moving truck to the self-storage unit. During business hours, the storage facility staff may even help with some of the heavy lifting.
Climate-controlled storage units
These are a type of indoor storage unit. Suppose you are storing items that could melt, warp, or otherwise deteriorate in extreme temperatures. Then you should rent a climate-controlled storage unit. However, you should keep in mind that you will have to incur extra costs for renting such a unit. But that’s a small price to pay, considering that these units will ensure that your belongings remain in pristine condition despite weather changes.
No matter the storage unit type you opt for, it’s vital that you have proper boxes and moving supplies that suit your storage unit.
What to Look for in a 10×40 Storage Unit
A storage unit of this magnitude is the most practical choice when making a big move or relocation. The 10×40 self-storage unit is ideal for housing all your furniture while waiting for a new house to be completed, when your home is going through remodeling, or you’re relocating because of a new job. These storage units can even afford you extra space to store a compact car. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a 10×40 storage unit:
Safety
Whereas many people get excited at the sight of a sign showing the availability of inexpensive storage space, they are soon left regretting their choice due to the lack of security in such facilities.
Ensure that you store your belongings in a storage facility with security features such as foolproof locks, fencing, video surveillance, and in-person surveillance. The extra penny you pay for such a facility will be worthwhile in the long run. Also, check that the facility adheres to the fire safety requirements. The facility should have fire equipment such as fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and sprinklers.
Accessibility
You should always be able to access your belongings whenever you need them. Suppose you want to be able to access your storage unit at all times. Then you need to go to a facility that operates 24/7, even during the weekends.
Aesthetics and maintenance
Storing your belongings in a poorly maintained facility increases the likelihood of your property getting damaged while in storage. Before renting a storage facility, check that it is well maintained. The structures should be in good condition, and the landscape should be neat. Moreover, the facility should be well lit.
Location
While renting a conveniently located storage unit may be costly, it is better in the long run. Most facilities situated in a metro area cost a few dollars more than those located in the outskirts. Even so, the costs balance out when you factor in time, convenience, and price of fuel. If you need to frequently access your belongings, driving to a remote location every other day will lead to time and money wastage. However, if you are storing items that you rarely need, then a remotely located facility could be the better option.
Availability of insurance
Check with the self storage facility if your belongings will be insured. Most storage facilities don’t offer insurance cover. Suppose you find yourself renting a unit from such a facility. Then it might be advisable to take insurance cover for your valuables.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a 10×40 Storage Unit?
How much you pay for a storage unit plays a significant role in determining which storage facility you decide to rent your 10×40 storage unit from. Different storage facilities charge different prices for their storage units. The factors to consider include:
- The type of contract
- The period you’ll be renting the storage unit
- Whether or not the unit is climate-controlled
- Whether or not the unit is indoors or outdoors
Moreover, a 10×40 storage unit located in the city will cost you more than one located on the outskirts of the city.
In short, the price you pay for your storage unit will depend on where the storage facility is located, the features present in the unit, amenities present, and the type of contract.
How to Find an Affordable 10×40 Storage Unit Near You
Nowadays, renting a storage unit has become a common practice. However, you need to not rent a storage unit just to move on with your project. You should put a lot of thought into your decision. The storage unit should keep your belongings safe from not only damage but also from theft.
Price is one of the major aspects you should consider before renting a storage unit. But it shouldn’t be the only factor to consider. Other things such as accessibility, security measures, type of unit, and location should also play a part in your decision. Check out Neighbor’s wide variety of different types of 10×40 storage units near you.
