Trying to figure out what size storage unit you need can feel a bit like guesswork. Numbers on a website—25 sq ft, 50 sq ft, 100 sq ft—don't really tell you much on their own. This guide is here to change that. We'll translate those abstract figures into real-world examples so you can find the perfect fit for your things, hassle-free.

How to Choose the Right Storage Unit Size

The secret to getting it right is to stop thinking about square feet and start thinking in familiar terms. For instance, a small 25 sq ft unit is roughly the size of a large walk-in wardrobe. Suddenly, that makes sense, doesn't it? A 100 sq ft space, on the other hand, is much closer to a standard single-car garage.

Visualising the space this way is the best first step. It immediately helps you sort your needs into a couple of simple categories. Just storing a few boxes and maybe a bike? The "wardrobe" size is probably where you want to look. Putting the entire contents of a two-bedroom flat away while you move? You should definitely be starting your search in the "garage" size range.

A Quick Glance at Common Sizes

To get you started, here’s a simple breakdown of the most common storage unit sizes and what they can realistically hold. Think of it as a cheat sheet for making a quick initial judgement.

• Small Units (Under 50 sq ft): Perfect for students needing somewhere for their stuff over the summer, for decluttering a single room, or for stashing seasonal gear like skis or garden furniture. These are your 'extra cupboard' or 'garden shed' equivalents.
• Medium Units (50-100 sq ft): Our most popular choice, these are ideal for storing the contents of a one or two-bedroom flat. This is firmly in the 'Luton van' or 'single garage' category.
• Large Units (100+ sq ft): Built for the big stuff. Think full house moves, business inventory, or bulky equipment. These are comparable to a 'double garage' or even larger.

Quick Reference Storage Unit Size Chart

To make things even clearer, here’s a table that breaks down the common sizes, what they compare to, and what you can expect to fit inside.

Unit Size (sq ft)	Real-World Comparison	What It Can Hold	Perfect For
25 sq ft	Large walk-in wardrobe	A double mattress, a small sofa, several boxes	Storing items from a studio flat, student belongings
50 sq ft	Standard garden shed	Contents of a 1-bedroom flat (sofa, bed, appliances, boxes)	Small flat moves, decluttering a spare room
75 sq ft	Luton van	Contents of a 2-bedroom flat or a large one-bedroom house	Moving home, long-term storage for a small family
100 sq ft	Single-car garage	Contents of a 2-3 bedroom house (furniture, white goods)	Full house moves, storing business stock
150+ sq ft	Double-car garage	Contents of a 4-bedroom house or for significant business inventory	Large-scale residential moves, commercial storage needs

This chart should give you a really solid starting point. You can instantly see which category best lines up with your project.

Of course, visualising is one thing, but for a more precise calculation based on exactly what you have, an online tool can be a massive help. You can get a personalised recommendation by using our handy storage space calculator—it’s the best way to make sure you don't end up paying for space you simply don't need.

Top Tip from Experience: The single biggest mistake people make is underestimating how much room their belongings actually take up. Always, always measure your largest items first—I'm talking about sofas, wardrobes, and mattresses. Knowing those dimensions is the key to getting your choice right the first time.

In the next few sections, we'll dive even deeper into what fits inside each of these unit sizes, with detailed lists and real-life scenarios. Use this guide to feel confident you're picking the most efficient and cost-effective storage for whatever you've got.

Visualising What Really Fits in Your Storage Unit

Square footage gives you a starting point, but it doesn't really paint the full picture. A 50 sq ft unit might sound a bit abstract, but when you realise it's roughly the capacity of a standard Luton van, it suddenly makes a lot more sense. To truly pick the right size, you need to think beyond the flat numbers and start picturing the space in three dimensions.

This is where understanding volume becomes your secret weapon. A typical storage unit is around 8 feet high, which gives you a surprising amount of vertical space to play with. Thinking in cubic feet—that's length x width x height—is how you unlock a unit's true potential. Often, it means you can get away with renting a smaller, more cost-effective space.

From Small Lockers to Single Garages

Let's break down the common sizes with some practical, UK-centric analogies to make them feel more real. Try to imagine you're standing inside each one, planning where everything will go. This kind of mental walkthrough is a crucial step in finding the perfect fit.

The key thing to notice is that storage needs generally fall into one of three distinct categories. This makes it much easier to figure out which size range is right for you before you get bogged down in the specific measurements.

A Detailed Look at What Fits

Going beyond simple comparisons, let's get into the nitty-gritty of what you can realistically pack into each of the most popular unit sizes. This isn’t just about the floor space; it’s about smart organisation.

• 25 sq ft Unit (Approx. 5ft x 5ft): Think of this as a large walk-in wardrobe. It’s absolutely perfect for storing the contents of a student bedsit or for finally clearing out that cluttered spare room. You could comfortably fit a double mattress (stood on its side), a small armchair, a bicycle, a television, and about 15-20 medium-sized boxes.

• 50 sq ft Unit (Approx. 10ft x 5ft): This is your garden shed or Luton van equivalent. It's spot-on for the contents of a one-bedroom flat, easily swallowing larger items like a sofa, a double bed and frame, a washing machine, and a dining table with chairs, plus several dozen boxes.

This size is a really popular choice for people between moves or doing a small renovation. It offers a fantastic balance between space and cost.

Remember, efficient packing is just as important as choosing the right size. Stacking boxes correctly, dismantling furniture, and using protective covers can dramatically increase how much you can fit.

Scaling Up for Bigger Needs

When you're dealing with the contents of an entire house, the visualisation process becomes even more important. Underestimate your space here and you could be facing a major logistical headache on moving day.

A 75 sq ft unit is often the go-to for a two-bedroom flat. It will hold everything from the 50 sq ft list, plus the extra furniture like wardrobes, chests of drawers, and everything from the second bedroom. It also gives you a comfortable amount of room to leave a small walkway for access.

The 100 sq ft unit is comparable to a standard single garage and is a common choice for anyone moving from a two or three-bedroom house. This space can handle bulky white goods like a fridge-freezer and dryer, large sofas, multiple beds, and garden furniture, all alongside a huge number of boxes. For businesses, this size is often used for archived documents or excess stock.

The Power of Smart Packing

No matter which size you choose, how you pack will ultimately determine if everything fits. Dismantling furniture like bed frames and tables is non-negotiable—it saves an enormous amount of awkward, wasted space. Learning how to pack your storage unit a step-by-step guide will help you make the most of every square inch, ensuring you use the vertical space effectively and keep your belongings safe.

By picturing the space with these real-world examples, you can move from abstract measurements to a solid plan. This approach turns a potentially stressful decision into a straightforward task, making sure you pick a unit that is neither too small for your needs nor too large for your budget.

Exploring Small Storage Units Up to 50 sq ft

Think of small storage units as a personal extension of your home—like a secure walk-in wardrobe or an extra loft space you can access anytime. They're the perfect answer when you just need a bit more room to breathe, offering a cost-effective way to declutter without committing to a massive space. You'd be surprised just how much these compact units can hold.

It’s incredibly common for people to overestimate how much space they actually need, especially for smaller jobs. If you take a moment to really think about what you're storing, you can avoid paying for an inch more than necessary. Let's break down the most common small sizes to help you picture exactly what they can do for you.

Under 25 sq ft Storage Lockers

The smallest options available, often called storage lockers, are typically under 25 sq ft. Picture an oversized cupboard or the boot of a large family car. They’re a brilliant choice for very specific storage needs, especially when you don't have any bulky furniture to worry about.

These lockers are a real hit with students who need a secure spot for their books and belongings over the summer holidays. Small businesses also find them incredibly useful for archiving documents, which frees up precious office space without the expense of a larger unit.

A typical 25 sq ft unit can comfortably hold:

• A double mattress (if you stand it on its side)
• A small armchair or a desk chair
• A bicycle or other sports gear
• Around 15-20 medium boxes filled with books, clothes, or kitchenware

The Versatile 35 sq ft Unit

Stepping up a little, the 35 sq ft unit offers a noticeable boost in space and flexibility. This size is roughly equivalent to a standard garden shed, giving you enough room to clear out a small spare room or pack away seasonal items that clutter up your home for most of the year.

Say you're turning a spare bedroom into a home office. This unit is the ideal size to hold the room's old contents—like a single bed, a small wardrobe, and several boxes—while you get the reorganisation done. It’s an excellent, practical choice for short-term projects.

Real-World Scenario: A family uses a 35 sq ft unit to store all their bulky winter gear. This includes four sets of skis, snowboards, boots, and heavy coats, plus their summer camping equipment. It keeps their garage and wardrobes clear and organised all year round.

The Popular 50 sq ft Unit

The 50 sq ft unit is one of the most frequently rented small sizes, and for good reason. It hits that perfect sweet spot between capacity and affordability. This space is comparable to a large walk-in wardrobe or half a standard single garage, making it big enough to hold the entire contents of a studio or a small one-bedroom flat.

If you’re moving out of your first flat, this is probably the size for you. It can handle larger pieces of furniture alongside all your boxes, making it a go-to choice for common life events like moving home or tackling a minor renovation project.

A 50 sq ft unit can typically fit:

• A double bed and mattress
• A two-seater sofa
• A small dining table with two chairs
• A washing machine or dishwasher
• A television and a small entertainment centre
• Approximately 20-30 medium boxes

By opting for one of these smaller units, you get precisely the space you need without overspending. Match your own inventory to these real-world examples, and you can confidently pick a unit that solves your storage puzzle.

Getting to Grips with Medium Storage Units: 50 to 100 sq ft

Once your storage needs go beyond just a few boxes and odd bits of furniture, you’re moving into the realm of medium-sized units. These spaces, ranging from 50 sq ft to 100 sq ft, are absolute lifesavers for anyone tackling a big life event. Think moving house, a major home renovation, or even a small business needing to store stock. They really hit the sweet spot, offering plenty of room without being excessively large.

These are the workhorses of the self-storage world. They’re big enough to comfortably swallow the contents of a one or two-bedroom flat, taking a huge amount of stress out of moving or renovating. Let's break down the most popular sizes in this category so you can get a better feel for what they can handle.

The Ever-Reliable 75 sq ft Unit

The 75 sq ft unit is an incredibly popular and versatile choice. A great way to visualise it is to think of the space inside a large transit van. This comparison makes it clear why it's the go-to for people clearing out a standard two-bedroom flat. It’s got the capacity for all the bulky furniture and appliances that just won't squeeze into a smaller space.

Picture everything in a typical two-bed home. This unit can hold it all, including those big, awkward items that are always a nightmare to move.

A 75 sq ft unit can generally fit:

• Two double beds with their mattresses
• A large three-seater sofa plus an armchair
• A dining table with four to six chairs
• Key white goods like a fridge-freezer and a washing machine
• Several wardrobes, chests of drawers, and bookcases
• Somewhere between 40-50 boxes of personal items

This makes it perfect for a family who needs to store everything securely while waiting to move into their new home. It’s a real peace-of-mind solution.

The Roomy 100 sq ft Unit

Moving up to a 100 sq ft unit feels like having your own single-car garage dedicated to storage. This size is the undisputed champion for families moving out of a two or even a three-bedroom house. If you're planning a full house move, this is often the best place to start looking.

The generous space means you don’t have to be a Tetris master to get everything inside. You can fit in large, awkwardly shaped furniture and still leave a little walkway to get to things at the back. This is a huge plus if you need to access your belongings during a longer-term stay.

Scenario Spotlight: Storing a Three-Bedroom House
We recently helped a family who were decorating their new home and needed to store the contents of their three-bedroom house for a couple of months. A 100 sq ft unit was perfect. It held three beds, a big L-shaped sofa, all their kitchen appliances, garden furniture, and more than 60 boxes, with room to spare. They could easily pop in and grab things whenever they needed them.

To make the most of a unit this size, especially during a hectic house move, a bit of forward planning goes a long way. Knowing a few smart tips on moving house packing will help you stack everything safely and use all that valuable vertical space.

Whether you're between homes, giving your property a makeover, or running a small business, a medium-sized unit gives you the flexible space you need for those bigger projects.

Large Storage Units for Home and Business: 100 sq ft Plus

When you've got a serious amount of stuff to store, you’ll be looking at our largest units. These spaces, starting from 100 sq ft and going all the way up to over 200 sq ft, are built for the biggest jobs. We're talking about entire house moves or significant business storage. Think of them as your own personal warehouse or a secure double garage, ready for pretty much anything you need to store.

These units are the go-to solution for storing everything from a three or four-bedroom house. They can comfortably swallow multiple large sofas, all your kitchen appliances, a full dining set, bedroom furniture, and even bulky garden items like patio sets and lawnmowers. You'll still have plenty of room left over for dozens of boxes.

More Than Just a House Move: Commercial and Business Uses

While they're a lifesaver for big domestic moves, these units are a real game-changer for businesses. They offer a flexible and much more affordable alternative to locking into a long-term commercial lease on a warehouse. It’s a secure space that can grow with you.

The demand for this kind of flexible space has been on the rise. The UK self-storage industry has grown significantly, with facilities now offering a huge range of sizes to meet both personal and business needs. There are now around 2,900 self-storage sites across the UK, with unit sizes ranging from tiny lockers to vast spaces over 200 square feet perfect for business stock. You can find out more about the growth of the UK's storage industry.

For a growing business, flexibility is everything. A large storage unit lets you manage inventory, tools, or archives without the commitment and overheads of traditional commercial property. It’s a smart, agile way to support your company’s growth.

How Businesses Use Large Storage

Large storage units offer practical solutions for all sorts of commercial needs, helping businesses run more efficiently. Their value is seen across different sectors, offering real benefits that can directly affect the bottom line.

Here are a few common ways businesses put these spaces to work:

• Tradespeople: Plumbers, electricians, and builders find large units invaluable for securely storing their tools, equipment, and materials. It means they can keep their vans lighter and more secure overnight, while ensuring their supplies are organised and ready to go 24/7.
• E-commerce Brands: Online retailers can manage all their stock without needing a dedicated warehouse. A 150 sq ft unit can hold hundreds of products, acting as a central hub for receiving deliveries, packing orders, and handling seasonal peaks in demand.
• Office Relocations: Moving offices can be chaotic. A large unit provides a safe holding area for furniture, IT equipment, and archived files. This temporary space keeps everything protected during the move, preventing damage and minimising disruption to your business.

By providing this much capacity and flexibility, our large units are a critical resource for both families navigating major life changes and businesses looking for smarter, more adaptable ways to operate. They are so much more than just empty rooms; they're a practical tool for solving big storage challenges.

Pro Tips for Choosing the Right Size Every Time

Picking the right storage unit is about more than just cramming your stuff in; it’s about smart organisation. A bit of know-how can save you from the classic blunders: either paying for space you don’t use or, the ultimate moving day nightmare, realising you’ve run out of room. These tried-and-tested tips will help you get it right from the start.

First things first, and this is non-negotiable: make an inventory. You don't need a fancy spreadsheet; just grab a notebook or use your phone. Walk through your home, room by room, and list every major item destined for storage. Pay close attention to the big, awkward pieces like sofas, wardrobes, and mattresses.

Measure Twice, Rent Once

With your list in hand, it’s time to get out the tape measure. Knowing the exact dimensions of your three-seater sofa or king-size bed takes all the guesswork out of the equation. Honestly, this one simple step is the best way to make sure you’re even looking at the right size category.

Next, think upwards. Most storage units offer a ceiling height of around eight feet, and that vertical space is pure gold. This is where the ‘stacking principle’ comes in. By placing strong, heavy boxes at the bottom and stacking lighter ones on top, you can often fit everything into a smaller, more affordable unit. Taking apart furniture like bed frames and tables is another game-changer for using every last inch.

Key Takeaway: Always leave a walkway. It might feel like you're wasting precious space by leaving a narrow aisle, but you'll thank yourself later. Without it, grabbing that one box from the very back means unpacking the entire unit first.

Think About Tomorrow and Your Location

Finally, give a little thought to the future. If there's a chance you’ll be adding more things later, it’s often a smart move to rent a unit that’s slightly larger than what you need today. That small extra cost per month is usually far less than the headache and expense of upgrading to a bigger unit down the line. Our guide on the essential tips for choosing a self-storage unit has even more advice on planning ahead.

Keep in mind that unit availability can vary depending on where you are. The self-storage boom across the UK often follows population and business growth, so you might find a better selection in developing areas. For example, the South East is expected to expand its storage capacity significantly to meet rising demand.

Got Questions About Storage Unit Sizes? We've Got Answers

Even with all the charts and guides in the world, a few questions always pop up. It's completely normal. We hear the same queries time and again, so let’s tackle them head-on and get you feeling confident about your choice.

The biggest fear? Picking the wrong size. What if you turn up on moving day and it’s just too small? Or, what if you pay for a huge unit and only use half of it? Don’t worry. Most good storage places are pretty flexible. If your unit isn't quite right, you can usually upsize or downsize your rental agreement, as long as other units are available. Just have a quick chat with the facility manager.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Space

Another thing people often ask is how to squeeze every last bit of value out of their unit. The answer lies in how you pack. It’s all about being clever with your space.

Take apart anything you can – bed frames, tables, shelving. You’ll be amazed at how much room this saves. Always use strong, similar-sized boxes because they stack neatly and safely, right up to the ceiling. And a golden rule: heaviest boxes always go on the bottom. A bit of smart packing can often mean you can get away with a smaller, cheaper unit than you originally thought.

A Final Tip: Should you get a unit that’s a perfect fit, or one with a bit of wiggle room? If you can stretch the budget, go for the slightly larger option. It's almost always the better choice in the long run. That little bit of extra space gives you a walkway to get to things at the back and means you can add more items later without the hassle of moving all over again.

Many people also wonder whether to go for an indoor unit or an outdoor container. It really boils down to what you're storing and how often you need to get to it. Indoor units are better protected from the UK’s temperamental weather, making them ideal for sensitive things like electronics or wooden furniture. On the other hand, outdoor, drive-up containers are the ultimate in convenience—you can park right at the door. They’re a lifesaver for heavy items or for businesses needing to load and unload stock quickly.

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Ready to find the perfect storage solution for you? The team at MG Self Storage is here to help you get it right, without any fuss. Book your secure unit online today.