Working out how much storage space you need is one of the trickiest parts of renting a unit, and one of the easiest to get wrong. Choose too small and you're stacking boxes to the ceiling and wishing you'd sized up. Choose too big and you're paying for space you're not using.
At JNJ Storage in Pulborough, we help people find the right fit every day. Here's a straightforward guide to working out what size unit you actually need, before you commit to anything.
Start with what you're storing
The best place to begin is a quick mental inventory. Are you storing the contents of a whole house, or just clearing out a spare room? Is it mostly furniture, or lots of smaller boxes? A few large, awkward items take up very different space to a neat stack of archive boxes.
As a rough guide:
- A few boxes and small items - think a student's belongings over summer, or a single room clearout - usually fit into our smallest units of around 16 to 25 sq ft.
- A one or two-bedroom flat - furniture, appliances, and boxes - tends to need somewhere between 35 and 50 sq ft.
- A two to three-bedroom house - one of our most popular sizes - usually fits comfortably in 50 to 100 sq ft.
- A larger family home - with more furniture and belongings - often needs 100 to 150 sq ft or more.
Think in terms of van loads
If you're moving house, one of the easiest ways to estimate space is by the size of the van you're hiring. It's a reference point most people already understand:
- A small van load fits into roughly 16 to 25 sq ft.
- A transit van load needs around 35 to 50 sq ft.
- A Luton van - the big box-shaped removal vans - usually calls for 50 to 100 sq ft.
- A 7.5 tonne lorry load is more like 100 to 150 sq ft.
If you know what you're hiring to move your things, you already have a good idea of the unit size to ask about.
Don't forget access
Square footage isn't the whole story. It's worth thinking about how often you'll need to get to your belongings, and whether you'll need to reach items at the back.
If you're storing things you'll rarely touch, you can pack a unit right to the back and make the most of every inch. But if you'll be popping in regularly - swapping seasonal stock, retrieving business documents, or getting to that one box you always seem to need - it's worth leaving a little room to move around. Sizing up slightly can make a unit far more practical to live with.
And if you get it wrong? No problem
Here's the reassuring part: you're not stuck with your first choice. If you move in and find your unit is too small, or bigger than you really need, just let us know. We're happy to transfer you to a different size whenever we can, so you're never paying for space that doesn't suit you.
It takes the pressure off getting the decision perfect on day one. Start with your best estimate, and we'll help you adjust from there.
When in doubt, come and see for yourself
Numbers on a page only tell you so much. The single best way to judge whether a unit is the right size is to stand in one. Photos and floor plans help, but there's nothing like seeing the actual space to know it'll work for you.
That's why we're always happy to show people around. Pop in during opening hours and a member of our team will walk you through the different sizes, help you picture your belongings inside, and give you honest advice - even if that means recommending a smaller, cheaper unit than you expected.
Try our room size estimator
If you'd rather get a quick idea before you visit, our online room size estimator is a handy starting point. Match your needs by home size, van size, or number of boxes, and it'll point you toward the right unit in seconds.
And because our pricing is transparent with no deposit and no hidden costs, you'll know exactly where you stand from the start.
Get the right fit, first time
Choosing the right storage size doesn't have to be guesswork. Whether you use our estimator, come in for a look around, or just give us a call to talk it through, we'll help you find a unit that fits your belongings - and your budget.
Ready to find your space? Call us on 01403 700840 or visit us in Pulborough. We're always happy to help.