If you’re wondering about the right self-storage unit sizes, never fear – we can help! Making sure you choose the right size unit is essential for making getting the most value from your self-storage. It also ensures sure you have a unit that everything fits into snugly, without bursting at the seams. After all, no one wants to turn up on ‘move-in day’ to discover they haven’t got enough space. 

So, if you find yourself questioning “what size storage unit do I need?”, don’t panic – we will talk you through how to choose the right size storage unit.

How are storage units measured? 

The first step is to understand how storage units are measured. Different people prefer to measure either in feet (ft) or metres (m). The size of the unit can either be measured in width x length or the total area of the floor space in square feet (sq ft, ft2) or square metres (sq m, m2). 

The height can be shown as width x length x height or the volume of space inside the unit will be stated in either cubic feet (cu ft, ft3) or cubic metres (cu m, m3). 

So, what size storage unit do I need?

Well, the answer to “what size storage unit do I need?” is how much stuff you have! It’s always best to take an inventory of everything you will need to store. Make a physical note of all your boxes, furniture, and so on – it’s best to have a couple of copies on hand, too. 

Not only will this allow you to estimate what size storage unit you will need, but it also means you won’t forget anything. 

If you can’t figure out how much space you’ll need, use an online storage estimator, or give us a call on 0800 0787 110 ! We’re experienced when it comes to this self-storage business, so we can advise you to get exactly the unit you need.

Estimate your space based on the number of rooms…

If you’re just getting started on packing, you can roughly estimate what size storage unit you need. However, it is important to note that this is just to give you a generalised idea – not an accurate measurement.

Choosing the right size storage unit is as follows: 200-300 sq ft for 5+ rooms; 150-200 sq ft for 3-4 rooms; 100-150 sq ft for 2-3 rooms; 50-100 sq ft for 1-2 rooms or small flats; 25-50 sq ft for studio apartments and sheds. 

Calculate what size storage unit you need using your packed boxes 

A more accurate way to choose the right size storage unit is to take accurate measurements of your storage boxes. You can do this by making a copy of your inventory, picturing your storage unit, and understanding how the items might be stacked.

This way, you can understand the minimum width, length and height that your storage unit needs to be. Though this can be more accurate, it can also be more finicky and time-consuming. If all your boxes are uniform in size and shape this will be a much simpler task. However, if you are fitting in a bed frame or lamp, for example, you must account for space down the side of the boxes.

Find out what size storage units are available 

There will be different sizes of storage units to choose from. This will typically range from small to medium to large storage units. Some even have storage lockers for smaller items.

Small units are around 25 to 50 sq ft or 200 to 400 cu ft, medium units typically 75 to 150 sq ft or 600 to 1,200 cu ft, and large units 200 to 300 sq ft or 1,600 to 2,400 cu ft. For more accurate information about the storage units available to you at Now Storage, check out your local storage location, or get in touch. 

What size storage unit do I need?

Grab the calculations you have made on the space your items should take up, and compare them to the storage units that are available at your chosen location.

It is always a good idea to allow for some wriggle room – go for a unit that is bigger than you think you need. This way, when you inevitably find another box you forgot about, you still have space. 

Make the most of the space in your self-storage unit

The next step is to ensure you make the most of the space you have rented. The best way to do this is all in the packing and stacking of your boxes. Firstly, try to pack everything into uniform boxes, filling them almost up to the top. The trick is to fill them to the top, but not to overflow them!

This will make them much easier to stack inside your storage unit. The heaviest boxes should sit on the bottom, with the lightest on the very top. If you think you will need access to some of your items before others, place these boxes near the front.

Now you know how to choose the right size storage unit, book yours online today

Of course, the only thing left to do now is to book your storage unit online today with Now Storage. Whether you are a business, homeowner, renter, or student, we have the perfect-sized storage unit to meet your needs.