What Size Storage Unit Do I Need for Moving or Decluttering?

Moving house or decluttering can be a real challenge, especially when it's time to work out how much storage space you'll need. If you're downsizing or just need a temporary storage spot during a move, picking the right unit size is key to keeping stress at bay.

At Rocket Self Storage, we get that finding the right storage solutions in Essex​ isn't a no-brainer. That's why we've put together this guide to help figure out the ideal size for your storage needs.

Storage unit sizes can be as small as 25 square foot lockers or as large as 300+ square foot units. The UK self-storage industry has taken off, growing from 18 million square feet in 2005 to a whopping 60 million square feet nationwide. That's a massive jump, and it shows just how important storage solutions have become.

In the UK, the 25 square foot storage unit is the clear winner. A lot of people use storage for things like seasonal decorations or getting rid of clutter, rather than storing an entire house's worth of stuff.

For a quick assessment, try this simple rule. A one-bedroom place usually needs around 50 square feet of storage space. For each extra bedroom, add 30-50 square feet. But this really depends on the stuff you own and how you like to store things. 

Small units, around 25-50 sq ft, are great for storing seasonal decorations, sports gear, or important business documents.

Medium units, measuring 75-150 sq ft, are ideal for people living in one to three-bedroom places, or for those moving temporarily. They can easily fit appliances and lots of boxes.

Large units, 200+ sq ft, are best for bigger homes, businesses, or long-term storage needs. They're perfect if you've got multiple rooms' worth of stuff that you need to stash away.

Factors That Influence Your Storage Needs

Temporary moves when selling a house often need bigger storage units. Recent data shows that nearly all self-storage customers in the UK use storage for short spells. In 2023, the industry's churn rate hit 98%, suggesting most customers need storage for a specific period.

Decluttering can start with small areas and expand as needed. You can choose our flexible storage plans with no cancellation fees, so you can adjust your space.

Home renovation usually needs storage space that's big enough, but not so big that you're wasting space and money.

Storing lots of furniture takes up more room. A three-piece suite, dining table, and all your clothes might need a 100 sq ft unit, even though the same amount of stuff in boxes could fit in a 75 sq ft space.

Document and box storage really helps you get the most out of your space. Typically, business customers can fit 1,000 archive boxes in a 400 sq ft unit.

If you need to access them regularly, leave some pathways inside your unit. That might mean going for a slightly bigger space than the minimum you need.

Our Benfleet, Essex, area caters to a diverse community with all sorts of storage needs. Looking at local housing, we see lots of residents using self-storage services in Essex, typically when they're moving home or freeing up space.

People in Essex love our ground-floor units. They make loading and unloading a breeze. Our doors are open from 6 am to 9 pm every day of the week.

The UK self-storage market's set to skyrocket, hitting £5.69 billion by 2030. Urbanisation and shifting lifestyles are driving this growth. Essex is near London but has more room to spare, and that's fuelled a big demand for storage.

If you're struggling with space at home or work, getting to grips with storage solutions can be a game-changer. It can give you the lowdown on how to make the most of the space you have.

Popular Storage Unit Sizes Explained

25 sq ft Units (5ft x 5ft)

Perfect for: Studio flat contents, seasonal items, small business storage

Capacity: 70-80 medium boxes or equivalent to a small garden shed

Ideal users: Students, small flat dwellers, seasonal storage needs

50 sq ft Units (10ft x 5ft)

Perfect for: One-bedroom flat contents, office storage, decluttering projects

Capacity: 120-140 medium boxes or transit van load

Ideal users: Young professionals, small office clear-outs, temporary storage

75 sq ft Units (10ft x 7.5ft)

Perfect for: Two-bedroom house contents, moving transitions

Capacity: 180-200 medium boxes or Luton van capacity

Ideal users: Small families, house movers, renovation projects

100 sq ft Units (10ft x 10ft)

Perfect for: Two to three-bedroom house contents, business inventory

Capacity: 240-260 medium boxes or single garage equivalent

Ideal users: Growing families, small businesses, long-term storage

Make the most of vertical space, and you'll have way more room to store your stuff. Since most homes have 8-foot ceilings, sturdy shelving can almost double your storage capacity.

Pack smart by keeping the things you need often at the front and seasonal items in the back. Keeping a list of what you've stored and where it is can be a big help.

Break down big furniture pieces when you can. Disassembling bed frames and wardrobes can really save space since they're easier to store.

Making Your Decision

Selecting the right storage unit size isn't as hard as it seems. When you take an honest look at your needs, think about your timeline, and figure out the flexibility options you have.

At Rocket Self Storage, we're all about making storage easy for you. We have units on the ground floor, so you can get in and out quickly. Plus, our extended hours mean you can access your stuff when it's convenient for you.

Time to get your self storage in Essex sorted? Drop by our Benfleet facility or give us a shout today to chat about what you need and find the ideal unit size for your move or declutter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the most popular storage unit size in Essex?

A: The 25 sq ft unit is our top choice, perfect for storing seasonal stuff and tackling small decluttering jobs.

Q: Can I change my storage unit size after booking?

A: No problem. At Rocket Self Storage, you can bump up or scale back your storage space any time. And don't worry - you won't be hit with cancellation fees.

Q: How do I calculate storage space for moving house?

A: Start with 50 sq ft for a one-bedroom property. For each extra bedroom, add 30-50 sq ft.

Q: What size unit do I need for business storage?

A: It really depends, but for most small businesses, a space around 100-200 sq ft is usually enough for storing inventory and equipment.

Q: Are there height restrictions in storage units?

Most units have 8-foot ceilings, so you can take advantage of vertical storage and shelving.