Picking the wrong size is the most common storage mistake. Too small and you are back in the van sorting through boxes. Too big and you pay every month for empty air. The good news is that most people fall into one of six sizes, and once you know roughly what fits in each, choosing is quick.
The quick answer
| Unit size | Roughly the same as | What fits |
|---|---|---|
| 25 sq ft | A large garden shed | 10-15 boxes, suitcases, a small chest of drawers |
| 50 sq ft | A walk-in wardrobe | Contents of a studio flat or a small van load |
| 100 sq ft | A single garage, half full | A 1-2 bed flat - sofa, bed, white goods, boxes |
| 150 sq ft | A single garage | A 2-3 bed house without the garden and loft |
| 200 sq ft | A 20ft shipping container | A 3-4 bed house, or business stock on shelving |
| 320 sq ft | A 40ft shipping container | A large house, or pallets and equipment for a business |
How to work out your size
Start with the big items, because they decide the floor space. Beds, sofas, wardrobes, fridges and washing machines take up most of the room. Boxes stack on top and around them.
- List the large furniture. Each sofa or double bed takes roughly 15-20 sq ft of floor space once it is stood up or dismantled.
- Count your boxes. A standard removal box takes about 2 sq ft of floor. Stacked four high, 40 boxes need around 20 sq ft.
- Add a walkway if you will need to get things out before the end. Allow 10-15% extra.
- Use the height. Most indoor units are 2.4m or higher. Shelving lets you use it without crushing boxes underneath.
Containers versus indoor units
Shipping containers come in fixed sizes: a 20ft container is around 160 sq ft of floor and a 40ft is around 320 sq ft. Indoor units come in many more sizes, so you can match your needs more closely. If you are between two sizes, a container yard often works out cheaper for the bigger option. Our container vs indoor guide covers the trade-offs.
Common mistakes
- Not dismantling furniture. Taking legs off tables and beds can save a whole size band.
- Forgetting the garden and loft. Lawnmowers, bikes, Christmas decorations and garden furniture add up fast.
- Booking the smallest possible unit. If you will be visiting often, a little extra room to move is worth it.
Not sure? Tell us roughly what you have when you request quotes. Local stores will suggest the right size, and many will let you move up or down a size if it does not fit.
