Picking the right storage unit can feel like guesswork. Go too small and your sofa ends up wedged against the door. Go too big, on the other hand, and you’re paying for empty air every week. As a family-run removals team based in Ilminster, we help people answer this question all the time. That’s why we’ve put together a simple room-by-room guide. Whether you’re moving across town or further afield to Bridgwater, Yeovil, Taunton, Exeter or Weston-super-Mare, this will help you plan with confidence.
Why The Right Size Storage Matters
First of all, size affects how safe your belongings are. Cramming furniture together can lead to scratches, dents and crushed boxes. Equally, an oversized space means wasted money. The sweet spot is a unit with enough room for everything, plus a small gap to walk through so you can reach things later. After all, there’s nothing worse than unpacking half the unit just to find one box of winter coats.
Storage Unit Sizes At A Glance
Most people think in rooms rather than square feet, so we’ve matched common sizes to everyday situations. Use this table as a starting point:
| Unit Size | Roughly Holds | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| 25 sq ft | A few boxes, a bike, small items | Students, decluttering |
| 50 sq ft | Contents of a small bedroom | Single room or garage overflow |
| 75 sq ft | A one-bedroom flat | Small moves, renovations |
| 100 sq ft | A two-bedroom home | Most house moves with a gap in dates |
| 150 sq ft | A three-bedroom home | Family homes |
| 200+ sq ft | Four bedrooms or more | Large homes & long-term storage |
Of course, these are guides rather than rules. A minimalist three-bed may fit into 100 sq ft, while a two-bed with a piano might need more.
A Room-By-Room Breakdown
To get a clearer picture, walk through your home and count the bulky items in each room. Here’s what typically takes up the most space:
- Living room: sofas, armchairs, TV units, bookcases and coffee tables
- Kitchen: fridge freezer, washing machine, dining table and chairs, plus boxed crockery
- Bedrooms: beds, mattresses, wardrobes, chests of drawers and bedside tables
- Garage & loft: garden furniture, tools, bikes, Christmas decorations and the boxes nobody has opened in years
Next, add roughly 10 boxes per room. Then, once you have a rough list, you can match it to the table above. Still unsure? Simply book a free home visit or video survey and we’ll measure it up for you.
How To Make The Most Of Your Storage Unit
Even the perfect storage unit can feel small if it’s packed badly. So, before moving day, follow these quick tips:
- Stack heavy boxes at the bottom and lighter ones on top
- Stand sofas on end where possible to save floor space
- Take beds and tables apart, keeping screws in labelled bags
- Leave a narrow walkway down the middle
- Put things you’ll need soon near the front
In addition, good packing makes a huge difference. Our professional packing service uses quality materials and careful wrapping, so boxes stack neatly and fragile items like china and glasses stay protected for as long as they’re stored.
When Does A Storage Unit Make Sense?
There are plenty of reasons people turn to a storage unit. For example:
- Your completion dates don’t line up
- You’re renovating or extending
- You’re downsizing but not ready to part with furniture
- You’re relocating for work and haven’t found a permanent home yet
Similarly, it’s a handy option during a long-distance removal, when you might move in stages. Rather than juggling two vans and two companies, we can handle the move and the storage together, which keeps things simple and saves you stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I access my storage unit whenever I need to? Access arrangements vary, so it’s best to check with us when you book. Either way, we’ll explain how it works upfront, so there are no surprises later.
What shouldn’t go into a storage unit? Generally, avoid perishable food, plants, flammable items such as paint thinners or gas bottles, and anything valuable that you’d struggle to replace. Instead, keep important documents and jewellery with you.
Secure Your Storage Unit With West Country Movers
So, what size storage unit do you need? For most homes, roughly 25 sq ft per room is a sensible guide. However, the easiest way to know for sure is to let us take a look. We offer free home visits and video surveys, transparent pricing and secure storage facilities from £10 per week + VAT. As a fully insured, family-run team, we’ll treat your belongings like our own. Get a quote today.
