How to Estimate the Right Storage Space Sizes for Your Needs

If you have a lot of belongings but limited space, you’re likely thinking about the best possible way to stash them. In most cases, renting storage units is the best option, but determining the right space sizes is important to avoid overpaying for storage.

In this brief guide, we’ll outline strategies you can employ to determine the size of your storage unit you need. We’ll also offer unit size recommendations and other helpful considerations.

How Much Space Do You Really Need?

The size you choose when renting a storage unit depends entirely on what and how much you need to store.

You should follow these steps to determine the right size:

1. Estimate the volume of your belongings.
2. Consider how you’ll arrange the unit.
3. Leave room for accessibility.
4. Plan for future needs.

1. Estimate the volume of your belongings.

A good first step is to take inventory of the items you want to store. Measure both large and small furniture like couches, beds, coffee tables, and dressers and calculate the total cubic footage (more on this later). Don’t forget to account for smaller items as well; they add up quickly!

Once you have an estimate of the total volume, you’ll have a better idea of what size unit will suit your needs.

2. Consider how you’ll arrange the unit.

Think about how you want to organise everything in the space. If you need to stack boxes or position large appliances a certain way, you’ll need enough room to manoeuvre.

Keep in mind that a unit’s stated size only refers to its exterior dimensions. Due to the thickness of the walls, the actual interior space will be at least a few inches smaller in each direction.

3. Leave room for accessibility.

Make sure you choose a unit that’s large enough to still allow easy access to all your belongings after everything has been moved in. You need a large walk-in closet, not a space you’ll struggle to get to certain items or have trouble moving around. A good rule of thumb is to add at least 10–25% more space than your initial volume estimates to ensure accessibility and convenience.

4. Plan for future needs.

If your storage needs are long-term, consider upsizing to give yourself room to grow — extra space should be about half the size of what you originally need. It’s much easier to move into a slightly larger space than to transfer all your belongings to a new unit down the road.

Think about items you may need to add in the coming months and years, and choose a size that will still have some available space. The extra room will save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.

With some careful planning and a realistic assessment of how much space you truly need, you can find a store room size that perfectly suits your needs. Choosing the right size and adopting smart organisation strategies will make accessing and managing your extra space easy and streamlined. If you’re not sure what size you’ll need for your home items, check out some common room dimensions and recommended unit sizes below!

Recommended Storage Unit Sizes Based on Room Dimensions

The storage size you’ll need largely depends on the size of the house you’re moving the items from.

The following sizes are ideal if you’re evacuating all the goods from a particular building:

1. For a 1-bedroom Apartment (Around 600–750 Sq Ft)

A 5×10 or 5×15 storage unit should suit your needs nicely. These provide 50 to 75 square feet of space, perfect for the contents of a typical 1-bedroom or small studio apartment. You’ll have room for boxes of clothing, linens, books, and other items from your living room, bedroom, and kitchen. A unit this size is also budget-friendly, so you can store stuff from a one-bedroom apartment without breaking the bank.

2. For a 2-bedroom Home (Around 900–1,200 Sq Ft)

Consider a 10×10 or 10×15 storage unit for a 2-bedroom house. These units offer 100 to 150 square feet, enough for the contents of a couple of bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchen. You’ll have space for furniture like chairs, tables, dressers, and boxes. A medium unit in this size range is a popular, versatile size and can accommodate the needs of many homeowners and renters.

3. For a Large House (1,500 Sq Ft or More)

If you have a bigger home with 3 bedrooms or more, you’ll likely need a large storage unit like a 10×20, 10×25 or even 10×30 (about the size of a standard one-car garage). These provide 200 to 300 square feet of space or more, suitable for larger furniture, seasonal items, recreational equipment, and boxes from a whole house. While pricier, a bigger unit will ensure you have ample room for all your belongings so you can declutter your large living space.

Whether you just need a little extra space or are moving and need short-term storage to store items from your home, choosing the right size storage unit for your needs will give you peace of mind. Check out our self storage units to determine the ones that fit your budget. And while it’s always better to get a size larger than you think you need, calculating the exact size of your belongings can help you cut down on unnecessary rental costs.

Factoring in Your Belongings’ Dimensions

Assessing a storage room’s standard size in metres square or square feet can help you determine if a unit is the right fit for your items. To ensure you choose the correct size for your items, you’ll need to get up close and personal with your belongings.

Here is how to calculate the needed dimensions:

1. Measure everything.
2. Calculate the cubic footage.

1. Measure everything.

First, make a list of all the items you want to store, then measure their width, length, and height in inches. For large furniture like couches, beds, and dressers, measure them when they’re disassembled; it’ll make them much easier to move into your unit! Write down each item’s dimensions.

2. Calculate the cubic footage.

Next, multiply each item’s width, length, and height in inches. Then divide each total by 1,728, which is the number of cubic inches in a cubic foot. This will tell you the cubic footage of each item.

For example, if you have a box that’s 24 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 16 inches high:

• 24 in x 18 in x 16 in = 6,912 cubic inches.
• 6,912 cubic inches / 1,728 cubic inches per cubic feet = 4 cubic feet.

Do this for all your belongings and add up the totals to get the overall cubic footage.

Measuring and calculating your store room size may seem tedious, but it’ll ensure you get a storage unit that’s just right for all your stuff — no more, no less. With the proper space secured, you can rest easy knowing your belongings are protected. But why are self storage units the right solution for storing your beloved items in the first place?

Renting Affordable Self Storage for Extra Items in Singapore

Despite implementing different storage ideas, storing items in Singapore can be challenging due to limited living space. Fortunately, self storage facilities like Storefriendly offer an affordable solution for businesses and individuals needing extra space.

The benefits of renting a self storage unit include climate control, protection against changing weather conditions, and easy access to your property. 

1. Climate Control

Singapore’s hot and humid weather can damage many items in storage. Look for a facility like Storefriendly that provides climate control and temperature regulation. This protects everything from electronics and leather furniture to wood and paperwork. Climate control, along with 24/7 security, also deters pests and prevents mould or mildew buildup.

2. Convenience and Access

Choose a storage facility located conveniently close to where you live or work. Look for extended access hours so you can get to your unit whenever needed. Storefriendly provides keypad gate access and online account management, allowing customers to access their units at any hour of the day.

Self storage is an easy, affordable solution when you need extra space in Singapore. Do some planning to determine the right space sizes and features you need to properly store your belongings. With options like Storefriendly, you can keep your items safe, secure, and accessible without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the size of a storage room?

Storage room sizes vary widely, typically ranging from 5-by-5 feet to 10-by-30 feet (25 to 300 square feet). Small units handle seasonal items, while larger ones are ideal for moving.

What is the most common storage unit size?

The most common storage unit size is 10’x10’ (100 square feet). This versatile, medium-sized unit can comfortably store the contents of a two-bedroom apartment, including boxes and totes.

How to estimate the storage space needed?

To estimate the storage space needed, start by making a list of your items and measuring their dimensions. Then, calculate the square footage by multiplying the length and width of each item. For example, items measuring 5ft by 4ft require at least 20 square feet.

Conclusion

Sizing how much storage unit space you need for your items is the first step towards a seamless storage process. Take inventory of your stuff, consider how you’ll access it, and leave room for future growth.

Aim for space sizes that are not too big or too small. The right fit will make your storage experience smooth and stress-free. With these insider tips, you can rent a unit with confidence.

Get a quote today to find an option that matches your storage needs!