One of the most common questions people ask before renting a self storage unit in Melbourne is, “How much space do I need?”
You do not want to pay for space you will never use. You also do not want to find out halfway through unloading that everything will not fit.
Most people need less space than they think. Planning ahead helps you choose the right unit and avoid paying for extra space.
Start With a List
Before looking at storage unit sizes, make a list of everything you want to store. Large items matter more than the number of boxes.
Think about:-
- Sofas and armchairs
- Beds and mattresses
- Dining tables and chairs
- Fridges and washing machines
- Boxes and tubs
- Bikes
- Sporting equipment
- Outdoor furniture
Knowing what is going into storage makes choosing the right size much easier.
Small Units Are Great for Boxes and Household Items (2 to 4 m²)
Small units work well if you are clearing some space at home or storing items you do not use every day.
People often use them for:-
- Christmas decorations
- Camping gear
- Sports equipment
- Collectables
- Business records
- Boxes
Small units are also useful when preparing a property for sale or making room for a new baby or home office.
Medium Units Suit Most Flats and Smaller Homes (5 to 7 m²)
If you are moving out of a one or two bedroom flat or home, a medium unit is often enough.
They can usually hold:-
- Beds and mattresses
- Sofas and lounge furniture
- White goods
- Dining furniture
- Televisions
- Boxes and personal belongings
Taking furniture apart and storing mattresses upright helps save space.
Large Units Are Ideal for House Moves (8 to 15+ m²)
Moving home, renovating or downsizing?
Larger units are suitable for the contents of three or four bedroom homes.
- Large furniture
- Appliances
- Bedroom suites
- Outdoor furniture
- Boxes and personal belongings
Many people use self storage while moving house or carrying out renovations.
RACV has published an article called “10 hacks to take the stress out of moving house“, which includes practical tips on packing, decluttering and planning ahead.
Businesses Use Self Storage Too
Self storage is not only for households. Many companies use business storage to free up valuable space.
Businesses often store:-
- Stock and inventory
- Marketing materials
- Tools and equipment
- Office furniture
- Paperwork and files
Extra storage space can be cheaper than moving to larger premises.
Simple Ways to Save Space
How you pack your unit matters.-
- Use strong boxes.
- Label everything clearly.
- Put heavy boxes at the bottom.
- Store mattresses upright.
- Take furniture apart where possible.
- Use the full height of the unit.
- Leave a gap so you can reach important items.
How Much Can You Fit Into a Storage Unit?
People are often surprised by how much they can fit into a storage unit.
A small unit can hold boxes, sports equipment and household items. A medium unit can usually hold the contents of a one or two bedroom home. Larger units are suitable for family homes, furniture and bulky items.
Using sturdy boxes and stacking items carefully helps make the most of the available space.
Can I Change Unit Sizes Later?
People often start with one size and then realise they need more or less space.
Your storage needs can change. A growing family, a house move or a renovation can all affect how much room you need.
If you are unsure ask the storage team. Moving to a different unit is often possible.
What If I’m Between Sizes?
Think about access as well as floor space.
You may fit everything into a smaller unit but reaching items at the back can become difficult.
Leaving a small walkway saves time. Nobody wants to empty half the unit just to find the Christmas decorations.
Common Mistakes People Make
People often forget about:-
- Outdoor furniture
- Bikes and sporting equipment
- Garden tools
- Boxes stored in the garage
- Using the height of the unit
Some people book more space than they need. Others underestimate and run out of room. A quick conversation before booking can help avoid both problems.
Still Not Sure?
The Victorian Government’s Better Health Channel highlights the benefits of reducing stress and creating more space at home.
At Total Self Storage we provide secure storage for homes and businesses across Melbourne.
If you are unsure which size you need please contact us. We will help you find the right fit.
There is no point paying for more space than you need.
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