The Secret to Picking the Perfect Storage Container Size

When choosing a storage container, size matters. Too small, and your stuff won’t fit; too big, and you’re paying for space you’ll never use. But don’t panic! Choosing the right size can be easier than it sounds.

At Safestore Containers, we’re proud to offer secure and reliable storage solutions in a range of sizes in East Tamaki, Glendene, and Onehunga. 

Whether you need a place to put a few boxes or your entire household inventory, we’re here to help with our straightforward guide to picking the perfect storage container size.

1. Assess What You’re Storing

This might seem like an obvious one, but forgetting to account for everything one needs to store happens more often than you might think! So, before you begin considering container dimensions, you be clear on exactly what you’re storing. Do you need to store furniture? Boxes of clothes? Seasonal stuff like winter jackets or camping gear? Or maybe stacks of paperwork?

Write everything down in categories. Start with the big items like furniture and then move on to smaller things like boxes and bags. This can help you estimate the internal dimensions of the container you’ll need.

2. Consider the Quantity and Size of Your Items

Now think about the quantity of things on your storage list. If you’re storing one bedroom worth of belongings, you won’t need the same size container as if you’re packing up an entire three-bedroom house.

Consider how bulky your items are, too. For instance, a couch will take up a lot more space than a few bags of clothes. Storage containers fill up quicker than you may think, too. It catches a lot of people out! So, when in doubt, it’s better to go slightly bigger than risk squashing your items into a too-small space.

3. Understand Storage Container Measurements

Now for the nitty-gritty: how are storage containers measured? Most storage facilities list their containers’ cubic capacity, along with their internal dimensions. The internal dimensions typically refer to the internal length, internal width, and internal height of the container.

Here’s a quick breakdown of Safestore Containers’ sizes to help you get an idea of what each one can hold:

• SMALL UNIT: 2.4m long x 1.5m wide x 2.4m high (8.5 cubic metres)

This is a perfect unit size for storing the contents of a one-bedroom apartment, for example. A few boxes, a couple bits of furniture, and some smaller items can fit comfortably.

• MEDIUM UNIT: 3m long x 2.4m wide x 2.4m high (17 cubic metres)

A medium size storage container can typically hold the contents of a one or two-bedroom apartment. If you’ve quite a few boxes and several items of furniture or larger items, this size can be a good option.

• LARGE UNIT: 6m long x 2.4m wide x 2.4m high (33 cubic metres)

If you’re needing to pack up and store an entire house of contents, or even your car, you’ll likely need a large storage unit.

• EXTRA LARGE UNIT: 9m long x 2.4m wide x 2.4m high (50 cubic metres)

Need space for a car and everything in your house, or maybe all your excess business stock? An extra large storage container can ensure you have ample room.

4. Think About Access and Organisational Needs

Access to your items is just as important as size. If you’re storing things long term and don’t need to go into the container often, it’s not as much of a big deal. But if you plan on retrieving things occasionally, it’s important to ensure there’s enough space for you to get in and out, and move around easily.

Consider how you organise your stuff in your storage container too. Storage containers crammed to the brim or piled too high can be a bit of a hassle to manage.

5. Don’t Forget About Future Needs

You might not need a massive storage unit now, but what about later? Think about whether your storage needs might change in the next few months. Will you add more items? Need room for more furniture or seasonal gear?

If you’re storing things long-term or expect to keep adding to the pile, it’s a good idea to choose a slightly larger storage unit now. That way, you won’t find yourself scrambling for space later on, or worse, having to move everything into a larger unit.

6. Consult with the Storage Provider

If you’re still feeling unsure about what size storage container to choose, it can help to consult the experts! Storage facilities often offer a range of storage container sizes, and can offer advice on which size is best for your specific needs. Their experience can help you avoid the headache of choosing the wrong size.

Secure Storage Containers in Auckland

Essentially, choosing the right storage container size boils down to understanding what you’re storing, how much of it you’re storing, and whether your storage needs might change in the future. Start by assessing your items, then think about how bulky they are. Always factor in a bit of extra space to avoid squeezing your stuff in and not being able to move around in your storage unit. And don’t forget to plan ahead for future storage needs!

At Safestore Containers, we offer a variety of storage unit sizes to suit both home and business storage needs across our three Auckland locations: East Tamaki, Glendene, and Onehunga. Whether you’re storing a couple of boxes or need space for the contents of your entire house, we’ve got you covered with our small to extra-large units.

If you’re unsure about the right size, don’t worry! Our friendly team is here to help you choose the perfect container for your belongings. We also offer free quotes to make the process even more straightforward. Contact us today!