What Size Storage Unit Do I Need?
This is one of the first questions people ask when they phone us.
The short answer is that most people need less space than they think.
The better question is:
What exactly are you storing?
A few boxes from a spare room need very different space from the contents of a three-bedroom house.
Here’s a simple guide to help you work it out.
Just Need to Clear Out a Room?
Sometimes the garage is overflowing.
Or the spare bedroom has slowly turned into a storeroom.
If you’re storing:
- Boxes
- Suitcases
- Sports equipment
- Small furniture
- Seasonal items
A smaller unit is often enough.
Many customers are surprised by how much space can be saved when boxes are stacked properly and furniture is packed carefully.
Moving Out of a Flat?
If you’re between properties or waiting for transfer dates to line up, storage can take a lot of pressure off the move.
For the contents of a typical one-bedroom flat, you may need space for:
- A couch
- Bed and mattress
- Appliances
- Dining table
- Boxes and personal belongings
A medium-sized unit is usually suitable for this type of move.
Storing Furniture During Renovations?
Renovations always seem to take longer than expected.
When builders are moving through the house every day, furniture needs to be protected from dust, paint and accidental damage.
People often store:
- Lounge suites
- Dining room furniture
- Appliances
- Rugs
- Artwork
- Bedroom furniture
The amount of space depends on how much of the house is being renovated.
If you’re unsure, it’s usually best to make a list of the larger items first. Those take up most of the space.
Need Storage for a Whole House?
When relocating, downsizing or waiting for a new home to become available, you may need storage for the contents of an entire property.
This can include:
- Multiple bedrooms of furniture
- Appliances
- Outdoor furniture
- Boxes
- Home office equipment
Larger units are designed for these situations.
A quick inventory can normally give a fairly accurate indication of the space required.
Business Stock Taking Over the Office?
We see this often.
A business starts with a few shelves of stock.
A few months later, spare desks disappear under boxes and staff are working around inventory.
Storage can help free up valuable workspace.
Common business items include:
- Excess stock
- Marketing material
- Office furniture
- Archived files
- Equipment
The right unit size depends on both current stock levels and expected growth.
Not Sure? Make a Simple List
The easiest way to estimate storage space is to write down:
- Beds
- Sofas
- Tables
- Appliances
- Cabinets
- Number of boxes
Once you have that list, we can usually recommend a suitable unit size very quickly.
It’s far easier to choose the correct space from an inventory than from a rough guess.
Leave Yourself Room to Access Things
One mistake people make is choosing a unit that’s packed wall to wall. If you need regular access to boxes or business stock, leaving a small walkway can save a lot of frustration later. A slightly larger unit often makes access much easier.
Security Matters Too
When you’re storing furniture, household belongings or business stock somewhere else, you want confidence that the property is properly protected. At Randburg Storage in Blairgowrie, customers often ask about security before anything else. That’s why monitored access, CCTV, electric fencing and smoke detection all play an important role in helping keep stored belongings secure.
Still Unsure About the Right Size?
That’s completely normal. Most people only rent storage occasionally, so estimating space isn’t something they do every day. A quick list of the items you want to store is usually enough for us to point you in the right direction and help you avoid paying for space you don’t need.
FAQs
Can I fit a one-bedroom flat into storage?
In most cases, yes. The exact space depends on how much furniture, how many appliances and how many boxes you have.
Is it better to take a larger unit?
Only if you need it. The goal is to have enough room for your belongings while still making good use of the space.
How do I estimate how many boxes I have?
Walk through each room and count them individually. Most people underestimate the number of boxes until they start packing.
Can I store business stock?
Yes. Many businesses use storage to free up office, retail or workshop space.
Can I access my belongings while they're in storage?
Yes. If you expect regular visits, mention this when choosing a unit size so enough access space can be allowed.