How To Know What Size Storage Unit You Need

To know what size storage unit you need, compile and measure your items, think about how long you'll store them for, and match that to the closest storage unit size.

Whether you’re moving house or clearing out clutter, one of the biggest questions is: What size storage unit do I actually need?

Pick one too small, and you’re stuck playing Tetris with your stuff. Too big, and you’re wasting money on empty space.

This guide walks you through the process - from taking inventory to making a decision- so you can choose a unit that fits both your items and your budget.

Start by Taking Inventory

Before you even start looking at unit sizes, the first thing to do is take stock of what you’re planning to store.

Create a list of all your things, including furniture, appliances, boxes, and any seasonal or items like bikes, holiday decorations, or artwork.

As you go through your stuff, it helps to group items by size or category. This not only gives you a clearer picture of what you have but also helps you choose what to donate, sell, or throw away before it ever enters storage.

The best way to decrease the amount of storage space you need is to work out what to leave behind!

Measure Your Stuff

Once you’ve got your list, it’s time to measure the bigger pieces - especially furniture, appliances, and anything bulky.

For each item, take note of the length, width, and height. This gives you a better sense of the space you'll need, both in terms of floor area (square footage) and overall volume (cubic footage).

Don’t forget about the little things, either. Think about how many boxes or containers you’ll have. If you’re packing well, boxes can be stacked vertically to save floor space, which is where those cubic measurements come in handy.

It’s also smart to think about how you'll organize things once they're in storage. If you'll need regular access to your items, leave room for an aisle or walkway.

Cramming everything in might save space, but digging out your winter coat from the back of the unit six months later? Not so fun.

Match Your Needs To The Right Storage Unit Size

Now that you have a rough idea of what you’re storing and how much space it takes up, you can start narrowing down your options.

Storage units usually come in standard sizes, ranging from small lockers to units that can hold the contents of an entire home.

For example, a 5x5-foot unit (about the size of a small wardrobe) is great for a few boxes, seasonal items, or small furniture. If you’re storing the contents of a one-bedroom flat, something like a 5x10 or 10x10 unit should do the trick.

For a full house move or renovation, you might need something bigger - like a 10x15 or 10x20 unit.

To help visualize the space, think of it in terms of rooms:

A 5x10 could hold a studio or small flat.

A 10x10 might fit everything from a one- or two-bedroom flat.

A 10x20 or more is better for multi-bedroom homes or large furniture sets.

Still unsure? Why not try our storage calculator to help!

Think About What You’re Storing

Not all items are created equal when it comes to storage. If you’re mainly storing boxes or small items, you can stack efficiently and get away with less square footage.

On the other hand, if you’re storing lots of furniture or weirdly shaped items, you’ll need more room to manoeuvre.

Also think about specialty items. Things like artwork, wine, or electronics may need climate-controlled storage, which adds an extra layer of protection.

Consider The Length of Time

How long you plan to keep your stuff in storage can also influence the size you need.

For short-term storage, you can usually get by with a tighter fit as you won’t be accessing it regularly. But for long-term storage, having extra space can be a lifesaver - it allows you to keep things organised and accessible, rather than having to move everything just to reach one item in the back.

Not Sure? Try Storage-by-the-Box

If you don’t have a ton to store - or you’re not ready to commit to a full storage unit - consider a “storage-by-the-box” service.

Companies like The Box Co. let you store just the items you need to, without renting a fixed-size unit. They’ll even come pick your stuff up, store it securely, and return it when you need it.

It’s a flexible, cost-effective option if you’re short on space but don’t want to overpay for a half-empty unit.

Calculating The Right Storage Space

Figuring out the right size storage unit might seem stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. If you start by taking inventory, measuring what you have, and understanding your storage habits, you’ll be in a much better position to choose the right unit. 

Whether you go with a traditional unit or a box-based option, the key is to make sure your items are safe, accessible, and stored in a space that fits just right.

Ready to skip the guesswork?

Let The Box Co. do the heavy lifting for you. Store by the box, only pay for the space you use, and enjoy doorstep pickup and delivery from just £3.56 per month.

Get started today at theboxco.co.uk – storage made simple.