Select the Right Space: Your Guide to Self Storage Unit Sizes

Issue: Nov 2024

Select the Right Space: Your Guide to Self Storage Unit Sizes

Since there is no standardisation when it comes to self storage unit sizes, it can be confusing picking the right one, regardless of your level of familiarity with storage.

This guide has been put together for newcomers to get a fuller understanding of how to figure out what storage unit size they need. It also includes a few tips and tricks that even storage experts will find valuable.

We will start by discussing how you can measure and calculate how much space you will need. Then we will discuss how you can use StorHub’s size estimator to pinpoint the exact unit at our facility that will fit all your stuff.

Measuring Your Items

A person with a measuring tape in a living room

It is essential to take correct measurements of the items you wish to store. It will allow you to:

  • Keep items safe from incidental damage when trying to move bulky items into too small a storage space.
  • Save money on storage costs associated with picking an oversized storage unit.

Essential Tools for Measuring

  • A tape measure is essential for simple and accurate measurements. Mobile measuring apps can be a helpful way to get quick general measurements, but they are not as accurate as a traditional tape measure.
  • A notebook and pen or Smartphone to keep track of your measurements.
  • Masking tape or painters' tape can be used to mark off the dimensions of your furniture items or storage boxes within a storage unit so you can get a clear picture of the floor space that will be taken up.
  • Screwdrivers, wrenches, and other tools needed to assemble and disassemble furnishing items for easier measurement and storage.

If you need any measuring tools or other packaging materials, a great place to visit will be the StorHub packaging shop.

Step-by-Step Measurement Process

A person physically measuring a piece of furniture

Get The Dimensions

The measurement process starts with gathering the basic dimensions of an item.

1. Length: Measure the length along the longest side of an item. For example, if you have a couch or armchair, you will measure from armrest to armrest.
2. Height: The height of an object determines the vertical space it will take up. This is important to note as it affects how much you can stack in a storage unit.
3. Width/Depth: Measure along the shortest part of the item. For example, with most furniture this means measuring from the front side that faces you to the back side which faces the wall.

Measuring Irregular Items

  • When measuring the dimensions of an item with an irregular shape, for example, a round table or an armchair with curved or rounded armrests, always measure the distance between the widest points.
  • If a furniture item has adjustable dimensions, for example, a recliner chair, take a measurement of the item in both the collapsed and expanded positions.

Calculating How Much Space You Need

To accurately figure out how much space your items will take up in a storage unit you need to calculate the total volume taken up by each item. The formula is:

Volume (m³) = Length (m) Height (m) X Width (m)

Let's say for example you want to convert a bedroom into a home office and want to store the contents in a storage facility. The bedroom contains a 1 m³ single bed, a 0.5 m³ box of linen and 2 0.5 m³ boxes of bedroom accessories.

To calculate the self storage unit dimensions you will need, simply add up the volumes of your items:

1 m³ + 0.5 m³ + 0.5 m³ + 0.5 m³ = 2.5 m³

Storage unit space is usually given as square metres, which is the total floor space available. To work out the storage unit’s total volume you need to multiply the square footage with the unit’s height. On average a room’s height is about 2.4 m.

So, to calculate:

Storage Unit Size = Volume of your items / The height of the storage unit

From our example, the values are:

Storage Unit Size = 2.5 m³ / 2.4 m

That means with a 1.5 m2 unit we can store the basic contents of a small bedroom.

Using the StorHub Size Estimator

Using the StorHub Size Estimator

Once you have done your basic volume calculation, you can use the StorHub size estimator to get an accurate idea of what sized storage unit you will need to rent to fit your belongings.

The StorHub Space calculator provides you the dimensions of all our available storage units along with an analogous description of the self storage sizes to better visualise it.

Simply select the size that you need, check the prices or if there are discounts on offer. You can also see what amenities are available for each of the specific units for example:

  • Lift access
  • Security alarms
  • Forklift usage
  • 24-hour access
  • Receipt and dispatch services

And if you need any packaging materials, including moving boxes, tape, bubble wrap or more, visit the StorHub Box Shop for great value and quality.

Common Problems When Picking Self Storage Unit Sizes

  • Make sure you understand the different unit types on offer at a storage facility. Check the internal dimensions of a unit along with its location within a storage facility. For example, a drive-up unit on the ground floor means you can more easily store bulky furnishings. Also, note the size of doorways and entryways.
  • Future storage needs are also important to consider when you pick your storage unit dimensions. What may be just enough storage room today may not be enough tomorrow.

For best results, it may be simpler to speak to one of StoreHub’s storage specialists who can give you expert advice based on their years of industry experience.

Breakdown of Storage Unit Sizes

A StorHub employee

Let's break down the general storage space sizes and what you can store in them.

Small Storage Units

Small storage units are about the size of a cupboard or walk-in wardrobe. They are ideal for decluttering your home and storing seasonal clothing or bedding. The larger units can fit the contents of a studio apartment or a 1-bedroom home when packed correctly.

StorHub small self storage units are available in the following sizes:

  • 2.25 m2 (1.5m x 1.5m)
  • 3.3 m2 (2.2m x 1.5m)
  • 4.5 m2 (1.5m x 3m)
  • 6 m2 (3m x 2m)
  • 7.5 m2 (3m x 2.5m)

Medium Storage Units

Medium storage units are about the size of a half or three-quarter garage. They can comfortably fit the contents of a 1-to-2-bedroom home.

Medium StorHub storage units are available in the following sizes:

  • 9 m2 (3m x 3m)
  • 10.5 m2 (3m x 3.5m)
  • 9 m2 (3m x 3m)
  • 12 m2 (3m x 4m)
  • 13.5 m2 (3m x 4.5m)

Large Storage Units

Large storage units range in size from a full to a double garage. They can be used to store the contents of a 3-bedroom home. Our 32 m2 unit can even be used for tradesman or business storage purposes.

Large StorHub storage units are available in the following sizes:

  • 18 m2 (3m x 6m)
  • 22.5 m2 (3m x 7.5m)
  • 27 m2 (3m x 9m)
  • 30 m2 (5m x 6m)
  • 31 m m2 (3m x 10.5m)
  • 32.8 m2 (5.8m x 6m)

StorHub also has large storage spaces of 36 m2 and up which falls under our Micro Warehousing classification.

Storage Made Simple with StorHub

The exterior of a StorHub facility

StorHub is one of Australia's premier storage facilities with a wide range of self storage unit sizes to help you store excess furniture, or provide temporary storage during renovations. We also cater to a variety of business storage needs.

Visit our StorHub Rouse Hill facility when you are ready to rent storage space and see for yourself our pristine facilities and value-adding amenities that are designed to make your life simpler.

Keep an eye on your stuff 24/7