When it comes to booking a storage unit, one of the most common questions we hear is: “What storage size do I need for my stuff?”
It’s a great question - and an important one. Choosing the right size storage unit can save you time, money, and stress. Too small, and you’re cramming things in. Too big, and you’re paying for space you don’t use.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- How to figure out what storage size you need before you book.
- Practical steps to estimate your needs.
- How to visualise different needs.
- Tips to avoid overpaying.
Step 1: Take Inventory of What You Want to Store
Before you can decide what size storage unit you need, start by making a quick list of what you’ll be storing. Think in terms of:
- Furniture: Sofas, beds, wardrobes, desks, dining tables
- Boxes: Clothes, books, kitchenware and files
- Appliances: Washing machines, TVs and microwaves
- Outdoor items: Bikes, garden tools, and sports gear
You don’t need to be exact - just get a rough sense of volume. The more detailed your inventory, the easier it will be to answer the question… See: “What storage size do I need for a 1-bed flat” or “What storage size do I need for my business stock?”.
Step 2: Think in Terms of Rooms
Self storage unit sizes are often described in terms of how many rooms’ worth of belongings they can hold. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- 10-15 sq ft - fits 10-15 storage boxes or small personal items (like a cupboard or student locker)
- 25-35 sq ft - about the size of a garden shed; ideal for a small studio flat or single room.
- 50 sq ft - contents of a 1-bedroom flat
- 75 sq ft - ideal for a 2-bedroom flat
- 100 sq ft - fits a small 3-bedroom house
- 150+ sq ft - for large house moves, business inventory or bulky items like large appliances.
If you’re asking “what storage unit size do I need for a 2-bed house?”, you’re probably looking at a 75 - 100 sq ft unit.
Step 3: Think Vertically
Storage units aren’t just floor space - they have height too. Most units are around 8 ft tall. You can stack boxes or stand furniture upright. A clever stacking strategy can mean renting a smaller (and cheaper) unit.
TIP: Store heavy items at the bottom and lighter boxes on top. Leave walkways if you’ll need access during you rental.
Step 4: When in Doubt, Ask the Experts
Still unsure what size storage unit you need? That’s completely normal. Most storage companies (especially those with unmanned facilities like ExtraStore Storage) make it easy to get support.
ExtraStore Storage offers:
- An online storage sizing calculator
- You can phone our experts using the number provided
- Or you can use our onsite self-service kosk to get live help and ask questions.
There’s always a way to choose the right storage unit size based on what you’re storing.
Don’t Panic if you Book the Wrong Size!
If you’ve booked a storage unit and realise it’s too small - or way too big - don’t worry. At ExtraStore, we understand that estimating space isn’t always easy. That’s why we make it simple to change your storage size over the phone.
Just give us a call and we’ll help you switch to a better-fit unit, quickly and without hassle. Whether you need to size up or down, we’ll make sure you’ve got the space that’s right for you - even after you’ve booked.
Final Thoughts: Book with Flexibility…
One final piece of advice: try to book with flexibility. If you’re not 100% sure on the size, choose a facility that allows easy upgrades or changes. Some storage facilities (like ours) even offer self-service kiosks with live customer assistants and same-day bookings. They can help you choose which size you need and you can also change your booking on the same day.
So the next time you ask, "What storage size do I need for…?", you’ll know how to answer it with confidence.
Use your inventory, think in rooms, visualise it, stack smart, and ask for help if needed.
Still wondering “What storage size do I need for my move?”
Visit our online storage size guide or drive up to our self-service kiosk—you could be storing your stuff in minutes.