Want to Know How Much Storage Space You Need?

Want to Know How Much Storage Space You Need?

An important question you need to ask yourself before you rent a self-storage unit is exactly how much space do you need? Exact is difficult to determine, but it’s also not necessary. All you really need to know is what and how much you want to store. Our guide will help you choose a unit size based on your needs.

Starting with

Some storage facilities start very small, so you don’t have to worry about what to do with the few belongings that you need packed securely away.

9sq/ft locker: In terms of storage, you’re looking at space that is approximately the same size as a car boot. That translates into:

  • A luggage set
  • Some small boxes
  • Small electronics, including your computer, laptop, Bluetooth speakers, and external hard drives.
  • Small appliances, including your toaster, kettle, and small microwave.

25sq/ft unit (5×5): In terms of storage, you’re looking at space that is approximately the same size as a small shed or closet. It’s great for some seasonal items and DIY tools that don’t fit in your garage. It’s sufficiently high to stack several boxes and store some items upright, like a mattress. That translates into:

  • A single mattress
  • Winter/summer clothes and sports equipment
  • Several medium-sized boxes to store a decent number of books, CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, and appliances, and knick-knacks.

50sq/ft unit: In terms of storage, you’re looking at space that is approximately the same size as a large walk-in closet or half a single-car garage.

You have two options:

5×10: Long but narrow

10×5: Shallow but wide

It’s great for storing your belongings from your one-bedroom flat while you go on an extended holiday or if your boss sends you to work at a branch abroad for a few months. That translates into:

  • A double bed base and mattress (upright)
  • Entertainment centre, complete with speakers or sound bars, Blu-ray player, PlayStation, and virtual reality set
  • Some medium-sized furniture, including a couple of bookshelves, a sofa and single-seater, and a small dining suite.

75sq/ft unit (5×15): In terms of storage, you’re looking at enough space to store pretty much all your belongings from your one-bedroom or small two-bedroom flat. It translates into:

  • Two double bed bases and mattresses (upright)
  • Large items of furniture, including a lounge suite, a dining suite, bookshelves, chests of drawers, and wardrobes.
  • Large appliances, including your fridge, washer, dryer, and dishwasher.
  • Sports equipment, including bicycles

100sq/ft unit (10×10): In terms of storage, you’re looking at space that is approximately the same size as a single-car garage. It’s great for people who are rebuilding or building a house and who need to store most of their belongings from a two-bedroom home while they stay in temporary accommodation. That translates into:

  • Two individual bedroom suites or one king-size bed base and mattress and one double bedroom suite
  • A large lounge suite
  • A dining suite for a large family
  • Wardrobes, chests of drawers, and dressers

125sq/ft unit: In terms of storage, this is enough space to store all the belongings from a two-bedroom or small three-bedroom flat, or two-bedroom house. It’s great for people who are relocating great distances and need time to get all their ducks in a row. It’s also great for business storage needs. It translates into:

  • Two double bed bases and mattresses
  • A single bed base and mattress
  • Small, medium, and large furniture and appliances
  • Large sports equipment, including snowboards, ski equipment, and bicycles.
  • Gardening tools, including a lawn mower, leaf blower, shovel, and rake.

150sq/ft unit (10×15) unit: In terms of storage, this space is sufficient for all your belongings from your comfortable three-bedroom home. It translates into:

  • King-size and double bedroom suites
  • Large furniture, appliances, and sports equipment
  • Garden and DIY home tools
  • Hobby materials, including musical instruments and woodworking.

200sq/ft (10×120) unit: This is where storage gets serious. This size is sufficient for a small car and miscellaneous goodies, including:

  • Sofa and armchair
  • Sports equipment
  • Bookshelf
  • Boxes filled with books, clothes, small appliances, and surplus crockery, china, and cutlery.

250sq/ft (10×25) unit: Now you’re looking at enough room to store your weekend boat (with trailer) or sedan car or SUV, and miscellaneous goodies, including:

  • Small lounge suite
  • Small bedroom suite
  • Medium-size appliances
  • Stacked boxes filled with whatever needs storing.

300sq/ft (10×30) unit: For the family that has it all and needs it all stored. This space is sufficient for all the belongings of a large family home. It’s also great for outdoor adventure enthusiasts who need a place for their Land Rover, boat, jet ski, and snowmobile.

Whether you store a box of textbooks or a yacht, you need storage insurance. Make sure it covers the replacement value of all the contents or you’ll come a cropper in the event of a disaster.