Storage Unit Size Calculator
Estimate the storage unit size you need by listing your items.
Boxes
Furniture & Appliances
Understanding Your Storage Unit Needs with a Calculator
Deciding on the right size storage unit can be tricky. Renting a unit that's too small means you won't fit everything, leading to extra hassle and potential additional costs. On the other hand, renting a unit that's too large means you're paying for unused space. This Storage Unit Size Calculator is designed to help you find the perfect fit by estimating the total volume of your belongings.
How the Calculator Works
Our calculator takes into account the approximate volume of common household items, from various box sizes to large furniture and appliances. By inputting the quantity of each item you plan to store, the tool sums up their individual volumes to give you a total estimated cubic footage. It also includes a small buffer to account for irregular shapes and the need for some maneuvering space within the unit.
You can also provide a general estimate of your home size or input a custom volume for miscellaneous items not listed, making the calculation as comprehensive as possible.
Common Storage Unit Sizes and What They Hold
Storage units are typically measured in square feet, but their capacity is truly about cubic feet (length x width x height). Most standard units have an 8-foot ceiling height. Here's a general guide:
- 5×5 (25 sq ft): Comparable to a small closet. Ideal for a few boxes, seasonal items, small furniture pieces (e.g., a dresser or small desk), and sports equipment. Total volume: ~200 cubic feet.
- 5×10 (50 sq ft): Similar to a walk-in closet. Can hold the contents of a studio apartment, including a mattress set, sofa, chairs, boxes, and small appliances. Total volume: ~400 cubic feet.
- 10×10 (100 sq ft): The size of an average bedroom. Suitable for a 1-bedroom apartment or small office, including major appliances, furniture, and many boxes. Total volume: ~800 cubic feet.
- 10×15 (150 sq ft): Roughly the size of a large bedroom. Can store the contents of a 1-2 bedroom apartment or small house, including appliances, larger furniture, and numerous boxes. Total volume: ~1200 cubic feet.
- 10×20 (200 sq ft): The size of a standard one-car garage. Perfect for a 2-3 bedroom house, accommodating major appliances, multiple furniture sets, and a significant number of boxes. Can often fit a car or small boat. Total volume: ~1600 cubic feet.
- 10×30 (300 sq ft): Equivalent to a large one-car garage. Ideal for a 3-4+ bedroom house, capable of storing an entire household's worth of furniture, appliances, and boxes, or even a vehicle with extra space. Total volume: ~2400 cubic feet.
Tips for Maximizing Your Storage Space
- Disassemble Furniture: Beds, tables, and desks take up less space when taken apart. Keep all hardware in labeled bags.
- Pack Smart: Use uniform box sizes for easier stacking. Fill boxes completely to prevent crushing, but don't make them too heavy to lift.
- Label Everything: Clearly label boxes on multiple sides with their contents and destination room.
- Create an Aisle: Leave a small pathway to access items at the back of your unit.
- Stack Vertically: Utilize the full height of your unit. Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter, more fragile items on top.
- Protect Your Items: Use furniture covers, blankets, and bubble wrap for delicate items. Consider climate-controlled units for sensitive belongings like electronics, wood furniture, or artwork.
- Inventory: Keep a detailed list of everything you've stored, perhaps with photos, for insurance purposes and easy retrieval.
By using this calculator and following these tips, you can confidently choose a storage unit that meets your needs without overspending or running out of space.