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    Storage Unit Size Calculator UK

    Wondering "what size storage unit do I need?" Use our free calculator to estimate how much space you need for your furniture and boxes when moving house.

    Person organising moving boxes in a clean, bright self-storage unit

    Quick Answer| Last updated: May 2026

    As a general rule, a 1-bedroom flat needs a 35-50 sq ft unit, a 2-bedroom house needs a 75-100 sq ft unit, and a 3-bedroom house requires a 150-200 sq ft unit. If you have bulky furniture or white goods, always size up slightly to ensure everything fits safely.

    Storage Space Estimate

    Select the closest match to what you plan to store to find your ideal unit size.

    Your storage size estimate will appear here.

    Fill in the details to see how much space you need.

    Storage Size Guide: What Fits?

    As a general guide, here is a breakdown of common self-storage unit sizes in the UK and what they can hold.

    10 sq ft to 25 sq ft

    • Size: Large walk-in wardrobe / Small shed
    • Ideal for: Student moves, seasonal items, or decluttering.
    • Capacity: Holds 20-40 medium boxes, small furniture items like chairs or a single mattress.

    35 sq ft to 50 sq ft

    • Size: Standard Transit Van
    • Ideal for: Studio flat or 1-bedroom flat contents.
    • Capacity: Bed, sofa, white goods, and about 40-50 boxes.

    75 sq ft to 100 sq ft

    • Size: Luton Van / Small single garage
    • Ideal for: 2-bedroom house contents.
    • Capacity: Multiple beds, wardrobes, large sofas, dining set, white goods, and 60+ boxes.

    150 sq ft+

    • Size: Large single garage or double garage
    • Ideal for: 3 or 4-bedroom house contents.
    • Capacity: Full household contents, large garden furniture, extensive boxes, and large appliances.

    Advice for Storing Furniture Safely

    Dismantle What You Can

    Take apart beds, dining tables, and large wardrobes. This saves a massive amount of space and reduces the risk of damage during transit. Keep all screws and fittings in a labelled bag taped to the main piece of furniture.

    Clean and Dry Everything

    Never put damp items into storage. Ensure washing machines and fridges are completely defrosted, drained, and dry. Leave fridge doors slightly ajar to prevent mould and bad odours.

    Protect Soft Furnishings

    Cover mattresses, sofas, and armchairs in proper protective plastic covers to prevent dust and moisture damage. Do not wrap them so tightly that they cannot breathe, as this can cause condensation.

    Stack Smartly

    Place heavy, sturdy items (like chests of drawers or washing machines) at the bottom. Stack lighter boxes on top. Leave a small aisle down the middle of your unit so you can access items at the back without emptying the whole unit.

    Short-Term vs Long-Term Storage

    • ✓

      Short-Term Storage (Under 3 months): Often used when there is a gap between selling your old house and buying the new one. Pack items you need access to near the front. You can pack things slightly tighter as they won't be there for long.

    • ✓

      Long-Term Storage (Over 3 months): Requires more careful packing. Ensure excellent airflow between items, avoid resting heavy items on soft furnishings for long periods, and consider upgrading to a slightly larger unit so you have space to move around and find things.

    Step-by-Step: How to Choose a Storage Unit

    1

    Inventory Your Items

    Make a list of all large furniture pieces and estimate the number of moving boxes you will have.

    2

    Use Our Calculator

    Enter your property size and furniture amount into our calculator to get an estimated square footage requirement.

    3

    Consider Access Needs

    If you need to access items regularly while they are in storage, size up by 10-20% so you can leave an aisle down the middle of the unit.

    4

    Compare Local Facilities

    Check prices, security features, and opening hours of local self-storage providers before booking.

    How Storage Affects Moving Costs

    Adding storage to your move will increase your costs in two ways:

    • The Storage Fee: You will pay a weekly or monthly rental fee for the unit itself. Prices vary wildly depending on location (London is significantly more expensive than the North) and facility amenities (climate control, 24/7 access).
    • Double Handling: Your removal company has to load the van, unload it into storage, and then (weeks or months later) load it back into the van and unload it at your new house. This means you are essentially paying for two moves.

    Some removal companies offer containerised storage at their own secure warehouses, which can sometimes be cheaper than renting a self-storage unit, as they bring the container to your house, load it, and seal it until delivery day.

    Assumptions & Limitations

    Disclaimer: The storage sizes provided by this calculator are estimated guide recommendations based on UK industry averages and standard property volumes. They are designed for planning purposes only.

    • Actual space requirements may vary significantly based on your specific furniture sizes, how densely items are packed, and whether you can stack items to the ceiling.
    • We strongly recommend consulting with a self-storage facility manager to confirm the exact unit size needed for your specific belongings before signing a contract.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about storage unit sizes and moving house.

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