A key advantage of renting self storage space is the range of available room sizes. However, it’s important to think carefully about how much space you need, especially since 60% of customers regret not spending more time planning*.
Here are several ways to ensure you’re renting the right sized room.
Why choosing the right size storage room matters
Taking the time to plan your storage space will save you time and/or money in the long run.
If you hire a larger room than you need, you will essentially be paying for empty space. You then face an unpleasant choice: absorb the additional cost or spend extra time moving all of your items into a smaller room.
Some people make the opposite mistake and underestimate the size of room they need. They may try to cram too much into the space, risking damage to their possessions. Even if everything fits, attempting to move around the room or move items in and out can be frustrating.
Some key questions to ask yourself?
Before looking at some practical ways to work out the space you need, there are several factors that will have a large impact. Questions to ask yourself include:
- Is everything in boxes or will you be storing bulky items, such as furniture, which will take up more space?
- Will you be accessing your storage room regularly? We advise adding 10 to 15 square feet of space to make moving around the unit quicker and easier.
- Are your items mostly stackable? Boxes are space-efficient and can often be stacked to the ceiling. Some items of furniture (e.g., sofas) can be put on their side with items stacked on top.
- Will you be adding additional items over time? It can be more efficient to pay for a slightly larger room now rather than spending time later moving everything again.
5 ways to take the guesswork out of choosing the right storage room
Planning your self storage space will lead to a better experience. Here are 5 ways you can get the sizing right first time:
- Come and have a look. In our experience, the best way to work out how much space you need is to visit your chosen storage facility and ask to see the rooms for yourself.
- Speak to a store member. Ask an experienced member of the storage team to help you choose the right sized room for your needs. All of our team are storage experts and will be delighted to help you out.
- Use an online calculator. Many storage providers now provide free online space calculators on their website. Click the links for our Dartmouth and Totnes space calculators.
- Ask your removal team. Removal companies are specialists in estimating the size needed to store items efficiently. If you are moving house, ask your removal team for their advice on how much space you will need.
Compare with spaces you already know. To help you visualise the available space, visualise the following:
- 25 square feet = a large cupboard
- 50 square feet = a standard garden shed
- 100 square feet = a single garage
- 200 square feet = a double garage
Common personal and business self storage scenarios
While every personal and business customer has unique storage needs, there are some common scenarios which have similar space requirements. For example:
- Short term storage during a house move (i,e., during the overlap between moving out and moving in). The contents of an average three bedroom house will fit snugly into a 150 square foot storage room.
- Protecting possessions during a loft renovation. A 50 square foot storage room is usually sufficient.
- Business storage (for stock overflow, tool storage and a flexible working space). A 75 square foot storage room should provide you with enough space for organisation and comfortable access. This is also the average size of unit rented by UK customers.*
Tips for maximising the use of your storage space
Once you’ve decided on the space you need, you can make the most of it with some simple storage tips. For example:
- Dismantle large items of furniture as much as possible before moving it into your storage room.
- Stack boxes safely and neatly, putting the heaviest ones on the bottom.
- Create walkways, especially if you will be frequently moving items in and out.
- Make use of available shelving and other storage fixtures.
- Use vacuum bags to protect soft furnishings and clothing.
As you can see, choosing the right amount of storage space doesn’t have to be a guessing game. By getting expert advice, visiting your chosen provider and comparing your storage needs with familiar spaces and common scenarios, you can save time and money.
If you want to have an informal chat and get some storage advice then get in touch to speak with the team.
*UK Self Storage Association
