How to Choose the Right Storage Unit Size

Choosing the wrong storage unit size costs you money - too small and you will need to upgrade, too large and you are paying for empty space. This comprehensive guide helps you choose the perfect size the first time.

Why Choosing the Right Size Matters

Selecting the appropriate storage unit size is one of the most important decisions you will make when renting self storage. Get it wrong, and you could face:

• Wasted money - Paying for space you do not use every month
• Moving hassle - The inconvenience and cost of transferring to a larger unit
• Damaged items - Cramming too much into a small space can damage belongings
• Access problems - Not leaving enough room to walk through and find items

Understanding Storage Unit Sizes at Storage Genie

Storage Genie offers four main size categories designed to accommodate different storage needs. Here is what fits in each size:

Half Unit - Small Storage

Best for: 10-20 boxes, seasonal items, sports equipment, student storage

What fits:

• Seasonal decorations (Christmas trees, Halloween costumes, etc.)
• Sports equipment (golf clubs, skis, surfboards, bicycles)
• Student storage during university breaks
• Small furniture items (chairs, small tables, lamps)
• Archive boxes and documents
• Hobby supplies and craft materials

Think of it like: A walk-in closet or small bedroom corner

Single Unit - Most Popular Choice

Best for: 1-bedroom apartment contents, small office, growing families

What fits:

• Complete contents of a 1-bedroom apartment or flat
• Small office furniture and equipment (desk, chairs, filing cabinets)
• 30-50 boxes plus furniture
• Bedroom furniture set (bed, dresser, nightstands)
• Living room basics (sofa, coffee table, TV stand)
• Multiple bicycles or motorcycles

Think of it like: A standard single garage space

Double Unit - Large Storage

Best for: 2-3 bedroom homes, vehicles, business inventory

What fits:

• Full contents of a 2-3 bedroom house
• Cars, boats, caravans, or trailers
• Large business inventory and equipment
• Complete home contents during renovation or relocation
• Multiple rooms of furniture
• Large appliances (fridges, washing machines, dryers)
• Garden equipment and outdoor furniture

Think of it like: A double garage with high ceilings

Bulk Space - Commercial Storage

Best for: 50m²+ commercial needs, multiple vehicles, large-scale storage

What fits:

• Warehouse-style storage for businesses
• Multiple vehicles or large commercial vehicles
• Restaurant equipment and inventory
• Construction materials and equipment
• Large-scale product inventory

Think of it like: A small warehouse or industrial unit

Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing Your Size

Step 1: Make a Complete Inventory List

Walk through your home or business and list EVERYTHING you plan to store. Include:

• All furniture pieces with approximate dimensions
• Number of boxes (estimate high rather than low)
• Large items like appliances, mattresses, sporting equipment
• Vehicles or large equipment
• Seasonal items you will add or remove throughout the year

Step 2: Measure Your Largest Items

You do not need to measure everything, but measure your biggest items:

• Sofas and sectionals (length, depth, height)
• Beds and mattresses
• Wardrobes and large cabinets
• Dining tables
• Appliances (fridges, washing machines)
• Vehicles (if storing cars, boats, or caravans)

Step 3: Consider Vertical Space

Storage units have vertical space you can use. Items you can stack include:

• Stackable plastic bins and uniform boxes
• Suitcases and bags
• Furniture with surfaces (tables, dressers)
• Appliances as a base for lighter items on top

Pro tip: Bring or install shelving units to maximize vertical space and keep items organized.

Step 4: Add 10-15% Buffer Space

Always choose a unit slightly larger than your minimum requirements. This extra space allows you to:

• Walk through your unit to access items at the back
• Reorganize items as needed
• Add more items in the future without upgrading
• Stack items safely without overcrowding

Common Storage Scenarios and Size Recommendations

Downsizing or Between Homes

1-bedroom flat: Single Unit
2-bedroom home: Double Unit
3+ bedroom home: Double Unit or Bulk Space

Renovations

Single room: Half Unit
Whole home (living elsewhere): Double Unit
Partial home (still living there): Single Unit

Business Storage

Home office / Freelancer: Half Unit
Small retail / Office: Single Unit
Larger business / Contractor: Double Unit
Wholesale / Large operations: Bulk Space

Vehicle Storage

Motorcycle / Bicycle: Half Unit
Car / Bakkie: Double Unit
Caravan / Boat: Double Unit or Bulk Space
Multiple vehicles: Bulk Space

Money-Saving Tips for Storage Unit Sizing

1. Start Smaller If You Can

With Storage Genie's month-to-month leasing, you can always upgrade to a larger unit if needed. Starting with a smaller size and upgrading costs less than paying for unused space every month.

2. Declutter Before You Store

Sell, donate, or discard items you no longer need. Storing items costs money every month - if you have not used something in 2+ years, consider whether it is worth storing.

3. Disassemble Furniture

Take apart bed frames, remove table legs, and disassemble shelving units. This can reduce the space needed by 30-40% and allow for better stacking.

4. Use Uniform Box Sizes

Same-sized boxes stack efficiently and use vertical space better than random-sized containers. This can save you from needing a larger unit.

5. Pack Smart

Fill boxes completely to prevent crushing when stacked. Use dresser drawers and appliances to store smaller items. Hang clothes in wardrobe boxes to save space.

6. Utilize Furniture Interiors

Store items inside fridges, ovens, washing machines, drawers, and cabinets. This maximizes every cubic meter of your unit.

What If I Choose the Wrong Size?

Do not worry - Storage Genie makes it easy to adjust:

Too Small?

Upgrade anytime: With month-to-month leasing, you can move to a larger unit when one becomes available. Contact your facility manager to discuss availability.

Too Large?

Downsize when ready: If you realize you have too much space, you can move to a smaller unit. You will only pay the difference in monthly fees.

Seasonal Changes?

Some customers upgrade for seasonal needs (storing outdoor furniture in winter, adding holiday inventory) then downsize afterward.

How to Maximize Any Storage Unit Size

Create an Aisle

Leave a pathway down the center or side of your unit so you can access items at the back without moving everything.

Stack Strategically

Heavy, sturdy items on the bottom. Lighter, more fragile items on top. Place frequently needed items near the front.

Label Everything

Label boxes on multiple sides so you can see contents without unstacking. Create an inventory map showing where each category is located.

Use Shelving Units

Freestanding shelves let you organize boxes vertically and keep items off the floor. This improves access and protects against moisture.

Store Furniture Upright

Stand sofas and mattresses on their sides to save floor space. This is especially effective in taller units.