What Size Storage Unit Do I Need? Your Complete Guide
Choosing the right storage unit size can be difficult if you are not sure how much space your belongings will take up. A unit that is too small can make it difficult to store everything safely, while choosing one that is too large means paying for space you may not need.
The right size depends on the amount of furniture, boxes and other belongings you have. Your property size can give you a useful starting point, but the actual amount you need to store is also important.
In this guide, we explain common storage unit sizes, what they can hold and how to work out how much storage space you may need.
How Do I Know What Size Storage Unit I Need?
A simple way to estimate your storage needs is to think about how many rooms you are storing rather than trying to measure every individual item.
For example, the contents of a studio flat will usually need much less space than the contents of a three-bedroom house. However, two homes with the same number of bedrooms can still have very different storage requirements depending on the amount of furniture and belongings.
When choosing a unit, consider:
How many rooms you are storing
The number and size of furniture items
How many boxes you have
Large or bulky belongings
Garden, garage or shed contents
Whether furniture can be dismantled
Whether you need regular access to your belongings
How carefully the items can be stacked
Many storage units make use of vertical space, so belongings can often be stacked to make better use of the available room.
Storage Unit Sizes Explained
Storage units come in a range of sizes, from small spaces for a few boxes to larger units suitable for the contents of a family home. The exact sizes available will depend on the storage provider.
10–25 sq ft Storage Unit
A small unit of around 10–25 sq ft can be suitable for a limited number of belongings. It may be useful for:
Student luggage
Boxes and suitcases
Clothes and bedding
Small furniture
Seasonal belongings
Items from part of a room
A 25 sq ft unit can be suitable for the contents of a studio flat or bedsit, depending on how much furniture and how many belongings you have.
25–50 sq ft Storage Unit
A unit between 25 and 50 sq ft may suit a studio or one-bedroom flat. You may be able to store items such as:
Bed and mattress
Sofa or chairs
Small wardrobes
Dining table and chairs
Small appliances
Boxes and household items
The space you can fit will depend on the size of your furniture and how efficiently everything is packed.
50–75 sq ft Storage Unit
A 50–75 sq ft unit can provide more space for the contents of a larger one-bedroom flat or a smaller two-bedroom property. It may hold:
Beds and mattresses
Sofas
Wardrobes
Dining furniture
White goods
Bookcases
Household boxes
Other larger furniture
A 75 sq ft unit is commonly used as a guide for the belongings from a two-bedroom home, although the actual space needed will vary between properties.
75–100 sq ft Storage Unit
A 75–100 sq ft unit may be suitable for a two-bedroom home or a smaller three-bedroom property. It may hold:
Sofas and armchairs
Beds and mattresses
Wardrobes and other bedroom furniture
Dining tables and chairs
White goods and appliances
Household boxes
Other larger furniture
100–150 sq ft Storage Unit
A unit between 100 and 150 sq ft may be suitable for a larger three-bedroom home or a property with additional belongings. You may need this size if you are storing:
Several bedrooms of furniture
Large sofas and wardrobes
White goods
Dining furniture
Garden equipment
Garage or shed contents
A large number of boxes
For larger homes, choosing a little more space can make it easier to organise your belongings and access items when needed.
150 sq ft and Larger Storage Units
Larger units may be suitable for bigger homes, large furniture collections or business storage. They may hold:
Furniture from a four-bedroom home
Garage and shed belongings
Office furniture and equipment
Large sofas and wardrobes
Bulky furniture
Business stock and equipment
A large number of boxes
This extra space can also make it easier to organise and access your belongings when needed.
Storage Unit Size by Property Type
The following table provides a general starting point for choosing a storage unit based on property size:
Property Type | Suggested Storage Size |
Student room / small amount of belongings | 10–25 sq ft |
Studio flat | 25–35 sq ft |
One-bedroom flat | 35–50 sq ft |
Two-bedroom home | 75–100 sq ft |
Three-bedroom home | 100–150 sq ft |
Four-bedroom home | 150–200+ sq ft |
Large house or business storage | 200+ sq ft |
These are general estimates rather than fixed rules. The space of furniture, number of boxes and packing method can make a significant difference to the space required.
What Can Affect the Storage Space You Need?
Your property size is only one part of the calculation. Other factors can affect how much storage space you need.
Space of Furniture
A home with large wardrobes, corner sofas and several beds will require more space than a similar-sized property with fewer furnishings.
Number of Boxes
Boxes can quickly take up storage space, particularly if you are storing books, kitchen items, clothes or other small belongings.
Large or Bulky Items
Items such as sofas, wardrobes, dining tables, mattresses and white goods can require more space than smaller household belongings.
Garage, Shed and Garden Items
If you are also storing garden furniture, tools, bicycles or garage contents, you may need a larger unit than the size of your home alone would suggest.
Furniture That Can Be Dismantled
Taking apart suitable furniture can make it easier to stack and organise. Beds, tables and some wardrobes can often be dismantled before storage.
How Often You Need Access
If you need to visit the unit regularly, you should allow space to reach different items. If everything can be stored and left until needed, you may be able to use the space more efficiently.
How Do I Calculate How Much Storage Space I Need?
Start by making a list of everything you plan to store. You do not need to measure every small item, but it is useful to measure larger furniture and anything that may be difficult to stack.
A simple process is:
Make a room-by-room list of your belongings.
Identify large furniture and appliances.
Count your boxes and estimate how many more you may need.
Include garage, shed and garden items.
Work out which furniture can be dismantled.
Consider how often you will need access.
Compare your belongings with the storage provider's size guide.
If you are unsure between two sizes, ask the storage provider for guidance and check the actual dimensions of the unit. Storage facilities do not all offer the same unit sizes.
Do I Need Extra Space to Walk Around My Storage Unit?
If you only need to store your belongings and do not expect to access them often, you may be able to use the space more efficiently.
However, if you need to take items in and out regularly, leave enough room to reach different parts of the unit. Keeping a small walkway can make it much easier to find boxes and furniture without having to move everything.
Place items you are likely to need near the front and less frequently used belongings towards the back.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Storage Unit
Choosing a storage unit based only on the number of bedrooms can sometimes lead to problems.
Common mistakes include:
Choosing a unit that is too small.
Paying for significantly more space than you need.
Forgetting garage, shed or garden belongings.
Not considering large or awkward items.
Packing without using the available height.
Leaving no room to access stored items.
Failing to check the actual dimensions of the unit.
Not considering whether you may add more belongings later.
Make a list of your belongings before choosing a unit so you have a clearer idea of the space required.
What Size Storage Unit Do I Need for a House Move?
If you are moving house, the space of furniture and belongings you have is more important than the number of bedrooms alone.
As a general guide:
Studio or bedsit: around 25 sq ft
One-bedroom flat: around 35–50 sq ft
Two-bedroom home: around 75 sq ft
Three-bedroom home: around 100 sq ft
Larger three- or four-bedroom home: around 125–150+ sq ft
These figures are only starting points. A home with minimal furniture may need less space, while a property with large furniture, garage contents or garden equipment may require more.
Storage for Students
Students often need storage between university terms, when moving home or when travelling for an extended period.
A smaller unit may be enough for:
Clothes
Books
Bedding
Suitcases
Small furniture
Kitchen items
Personal belongings
If you are sharing storage with other students, you may need a larger unit based on the combined amount of belongings.
Storage During a Home Renovation
Storage during a home renovation can give you extra space while decorating or carrying out building work. Moving furniture and boxes out of the work area gives you more room to work and helps keep your belongings away from dust, paint and other materials.
Before choosing a storage unit, consider the size of your furniture and whether you will need access to anything during the renovation. You may also need extra space for larger items that cannot be kept in another room.
Can a Removal Company Help With Storage?
Yes. A removal company can help transport your belongings between your property and a storage facility.
This can be useful if you are:
Moving furniture into storage during a house move.
Clearing a property before renovation.
Moving belongings out of storage into a new home.
Storing furniture temporarily between properties.
Transporting large or heavy items to a storage facility.
At A & R Removals, we can help with moving furniture and belongings to and from storage as part of your wider moving requirements. Providing details of the items, collection address, storage location and access arrangements can help us understand what is involved and prepare a suitable quote.
Conclusion
Choosing the right storage unit starts with understanding how much you actually need to store. Your property size can give you a useful starting point, but the amount of furniture, boxes, appliances and other belongings will affect the space required.
Make an inventory, consider how often you need access and check the actual dimensions of the storage unit before booking. If you are moving furniture or belongings into storage, A & R Removals can help with the transport and moving side of your requirements.
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