How Much Storage Space Do I Need?
One of the most common questions we’re asked is: “What size unit should I choose?”
The right answer depends on what you’re storing, how you pack it, and how often you’ll need access. Choosing correctly saves money, avoids frustration, and makes moving day far smoother.
Below is a practical guide to help you work it out with confidence.
1. Start With a Proper Inventory
Before looking at unit sizes, take 10–15 minutes to list everything that’s going into storage. Go room by room and include:
• Sofas, beds, wardrobes and large furniture
• Dining tables and chairs
• White goods and appliances
• TVs and electronics
• Boxes and storage containers
• Garage, loft or shed contents
• Business stock, tools or equipment
Don’t rely on memory, physically walk through the property. Most people underestimate how much they have.
Pro Tip:
Large, bulky furniture usually determines the unit size. Boxes can be stacked efficiently, but oversized items take up valuable floor space.
2. Estimate How Many Boxes You’ll Have
Boxes make up a significant portion of storage space. As a rough guide:
• 10–15 boxes = small clear-out
• 20–40 boxes = flat or partial house move
• 50+ boxes = full house contents
Standard moving boxes stack neatly and make good use of vertical space. If everything is loose or in bags, you’ll use far more room than necessary. Packing properly can reduce the size you need, and lower your monthly cost.
3. Consider How Your Furniture Will Fit
Ask yourself:
• Can beds be dismantled?
• Can table legs be removed?
• Do wardrobes come apart?
• Can sofas stand upright?
Disassembling furniture can dramatically reduce the amount of floor space required. A dismantled bed frame takes a fraction of the space compared to a fully assembled one.
Standing mattresses and sofas upright (if protected properly) also frees up room.
4. Think About Access
Are you storing for:
• A house move where everything stays untouched?
• Renovation work with occasional access?
• Business stock that you’ll need regularly?
If you need regular access, allow space for a walkway inside your unit. This may mean choosing slightly larger than the minimum size required.
If you won’t need access until you move back out, the space can be packed more efficiently from floor to ceiling.
5. Typical Unit Size Guide
Here’s a practical breakdown to help visualise what fits:
25–35 sq ft (Small Unit)
Suitable for:
• Contents of a small studio
• A sofa, mattress, small furniture items
• 10–20 boxes
• Student storage
• Seasonal items
Ideal if you’re decluttering or storing between tenancies.
50–75 sq ft (Medium Unit)
Suitable for:
• One- to two-bedroom flat contents
• Several large furniture pieces
• 20–40 boxes
• Appliances
• Small business stock
A popular size for moves and short-term storage.
100–150 sq ft (Large Unit)
Suitable for:
• Two- to three-bedroom house contents
• Full furniture sets
• 40+ boxes
• Garage contents included
Commonly used during home moves, renovations, or long-term storage.
150+ sq ft (Extra Large Units)
Suitable for:
• Four-bedroom homes
• Business equipment
• Palletised stock
• Archive storage
If you’re storing an entire household including garden and garage items, you may need this size range.
6. Don’t Forget Hidden Storage Areas
Lofts, garages and sheds are often overlooked. These spaces typically contain:
• Tools and equipment
• Garden furniture
• Sports gear
• Decorations
• Old paperwork and archived items
Including these in your estimate avoids needing to upgrade at the last minute.
7. A Simple Vehicle Comparison
If it helps, think about it this way:
• Small van load → Small unit
• Transit van load → Medium unit
• Luton van or removal truck → Large unit
While not exact, this gives a realistic starting point.
8. When in Doubt, Size Up Slightly
Choosing a unit that’s too small can cause:
• Difficult packing
• Damaged items
• Limited access
• Needing to upgrade later
A little extra space often makes organising easier and reduces stress — especially if your storage term is more than a few weeks.
Still Unsure?
If you’re not confident, simply provide us with:
• The size of your property
• A rough list of key furniture
• An estimate of how many boxes
We can recommend a suitable unit size based on experience. It’s always better to plan ahead than to discover you’ve run out of space on moving day.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right storage unit comes down to three things:
1. Knowing what you’re storing
2. Packing efficiently
3. Allowing enough space for access
Take a little time to plan, and you’ll save yourself money, effort and unnecessary hassle.
