How to choose the right storage unit size

Choosing a storage size is easier than it looks. You do not need to measure every box, but a few minutes of planning helps you avoid paying for space you will not use, or arriving with more than will comfortably fit.

Start with what you are storing, not the unit

Write a quick list of the larger items first: sofas, beds, wardrobes, white goods, desks, bikes. These shape the space more than boxes do. Then estimate your boxes roughly, for example "about twenty medium boxes".

If you are storing because of a move or renovation, walk round each room and note what is going in. If you are decluttering, set aside what you are keeping before you choose a size.

Understand what the square footage means

Our sizes are described by nominal floor area, from 20 sq ft to 200 sq ft. Each size also has one approximate pair of dimensions in metres, so you can picture its floor shape. For example, our 50 sq ft size is approx. 3.4 m × 1.3 m: long and narrow, which suits furniture stood along one side with boxes beside it.

All dimensions are approximate. Individual unit dimensions and layouts may vary.

Use the size guide to compare neighbours

Our size guide shows all nine sizes in order, with a simple illustration of each floor plan and examples of the kind of things people often store. Compare the size you have in mind with the ones either side of it. If you are torn between two, think about:

• Access. Will you need to reach things regularly? Leave a walkway.
• Awkward shapes. Long items like mattresses or bikes need floor length.
• Change. Are you likely to add more over the coming months?

The contents examples are illustrative only. How much fits depends on the shape of your belongings and how you pack.

Pack to make the space work

Using boxes of a similar size makes stacking safer and more efficient. Put heavier boxes at the bottom, label every side, and keep the things you will need first near the front.

Still not sure?

Get in touch with the size you are considering and a short list of what you plan to store. We are happy to help you think it through. You can contact us or call any time; customer service is available 24/7, 365 days a year.