Selecting the appropriate commercial storage unit size for your office items can mean the difference between wasted money on excess space and the headache of cramming furniture into a unit too small to accommodate your needs. Business owners throughout the New York area face this challenge during office relocations, renovations, or seasonal inventory adjustments.
Working with a commercial moving and storage company familiar with the unique needs of New York businesses provides access to flexible storage solutions tailored to your company’s requirements. CRS Moving & Storage has completed over 5,000 office moves throughout the tri-state region in 20 years of business, helping businesses identify the proper storage unit sizes for everything from file cabinets to conference tables.
How Do You Calculate the Storage Space Your Business Needs?
Start by creating a detailed inventory of every item heading into storage. Walk through your office space and document each piece of furniture, each piece of equipment, and each box of materials you plan to store. Measure large items such as desks, filing cabinets, and conference tables, and record their dimensions in a spreadsheet.
Most storage facilities measure units in square feet, but you need to think in cubic feet to account for vertical stacking. A 10×10 storage unit offers 100 square feet of floor space, but with 8-foot ceilings, you actually have 800 cubic feet of storage capacity.
Apply these general guidelines when estimating your needs:
- A small office (1-3 desks) typically requires a 5×10 or 10×10 unit
- A medium office (4-8 desks) usually needs a 10×15 or 10×20 unit
- A large office (9+ desks) may require a 10×30 unit or multiple units
Remember, these calculations assume efficient packing and strategic stacking of boxes and furniture.
What Items Commonly Require Office Storage?
Business storage needs vary significantly by industry and office size. Office storage facilities throughout New York house a wide range of items for companies during transitions or long-term archiving.
Furniture represents the bulkiest category of stored office items. Desks, chairs, filing cabinets, conference tables, and reception area furniture consume considerable space. Disassembling furniture when possible reduces the required storage footprint by up to 40%.
Technology and equipment also play a significant role in storage planning. Computers, printers, servers, and specialized machinery require climate-controlled environments to prevent damage from temperature fluctuations and humidity. The General Services Administration recommends storing electronics in environments maintained between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit with 30-50% relative humidity to prevent condensation and corrosion.
Documents and archived files present unique storage challenges. File boxes stack efficiently but accumulate quickly. A single four-drawer filing cabinet translates to approximately 4-6 standard file boxes when emptied, and many businesses underestimate the volume of paperwork they’ve accumulated over years of operation.
How Can You Maximize Your Storage Unit Efficiency?
Strategic organization transforms a cramped storage unit into an efficiently utilized space. Start by placing larger, heavier furniture along the walls to create a perimeter that maximizes floor space. Stack lighter boxes and equipment on sturdy furniture.
Create aisles between rows of stored items to maintain access to everything in your unit. Many businesses fill storage units, only to realize they need an item buried in the back. Leaving 2-3 feet of walking space down the center allows you to retrieve items without unpacking the entire unit.
Label every box clearly on multiple sides with contents and dates. Use color-coded labels or number systems to identify different departments or item categories. This organizational system saves hours of searching when you need to locate specific materials.
Partner With CRS Moving & Storage for Your Office Storage Needs
Determining the proper storage unit size for your office items becomes simpler when you work with a commercial moving and storage company experienced in business relocations. CRS Moving & Storage has helped thousands of New York businesses navigate storage decisions, from temporary solutions during renovations to long-term warehouse storage for archived materials.
Our team holds a GSA contract and maintains secure, climate-controlled storage facilities designed specifically for commercial clients. We use reusable bins that save over 80 pounds of cardboard with each move, supporting your company’s sustainability goals while protecting your office items during storage. Complete our contact form today to discuss your office storage needs and receive a customized storage solution for your business.