Consider how portable you want your garden hose and related reel to be when determining the size of the hose reel you need. Most people choose to use a garden hose with a single length that can reach the entire yard and garden without having to move the hose reel. Determine the length of hose required for your yard, then seek a hose reel that can handle a hose that is at least 50 feet longer than the one you are currently using. As a result, your hose can expand and contract in response to changes in temperature.