What Size Storage Unit Do I Need? A Clear, Practical Guide from Store Park
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Choosing the right storage unit can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time renting one. Whether you're moving house, decluttering your home, managing business inventory, or simply need extra space, selecting the right size is key. At Store Park, we want to make this decision easy, practical, and stress-free. This complete guide walks you through everything you need to consider — from measuring your items to understanding common mistakes — so you can confidently pick the perfect fit.
Understanding Storage Unit Sizes
Storage units are generally measured in square feet and vary widely depending on the facility. At Store Park, we offer four main unit sizes to cater to every need, from personal storage to large-scale business operations:
- 40 sq ft – About the size of a large garden shed
- 80 sq ft – Similar to a small single garage
- 160 sq ft – Comparable to a standard one-car garage
- 775 sq ft – The size of a large double garage, ideal for warehouse-style use or commercial storage
All of our units come with 24/7 CCTV surveillance, coded gate access, and are located across Hull at convenient sites.
Step 1: Take Inventory of What You’re Storing
Start by making a detailed list of everything you plan to store. This helps estimate space requirements more accurately. Break your list into categories:
- Furniture: beds, tables, sofas, bookshelves
- Appliances: fridges, washing machines, microwaves
- Boxes: seasonal clothing, kitchenware, books
- Miscellaneous: bikes, sports gear, musical instruments
- Business Use: filing cabinets, inventory, tools
The more thorough your inventory, the easier it is to avoid under- or over-estimating the size needed.
Step 2: Determine the Purpose of Storage
Knowing why you're storing items influences the size you should choose:
- Moving Home: Temporary use allows tighter packing.
- Decluttering: Items may come in and out more often — choose space for access.
- Long-Term Storage: Leave room for walking space and future additions.
- Business Use: Need space for pallets, shelving, or workspace? Choose a larger unit.
Step 3: Visualise the Space
Thinking about storage in terms of real-life room sizes makes it easier to choose the right fit.
40 sq ft — Large Garden Shed
Perfect for students, seasonal items, or single-room decluttering. Fits:
- Single mattress or bed frame
- 10–15 moving boxes
- Bike or small desk
80 sq ft — Small Single Garage
Ideal for 1-bedroom flats or tradespeople. Fits:
- Double bed
- Sofa or armchair
- White goods
- Boxes and storage bins
160 sq ft — Standard One-Car Garage
Suitable for contents of a 2–3 bedroom home. Fits:
- Multiple beds
- Sofa set
- Dining table & chairs
- Appliances
- Seasonal items and many boxes
775 sq ft — Double Garage / Yard Space
Perfect for business use or large equipment storage. Fits:
- Pallets of stock
- Tools and equipment
- Workshop setup
- Vehicle storage
Step 4: Factor in Packing Materials and Box Sizes
Don’t forget that boxes, wrapping supplies, and packing materials also take up space. Tips:
- Use same-size boxes for easy stacking
- Label everything clearly
- Stack lighter boxes on top of heavier ones
- Leave aisle space if you need regular access
Store Park offers:
- Cardboard boxes in various sizes
- Bubble wrap rolls
- Packing tape and protective covers
- Padlocks and combination locks
Step 5: Consider How Often You’ll Access the Unit
Will you be using the unit as a storage shed, or regularly accessing items? This will affect your size choice:
- Frequent Access: Choose a slightly bigger unit and plan a layout that includes walkways.
- Rare Access: You can stack and fill it more tightly.
We recommend:
- Placing frequently used items near the door
- Storing heavy items on the bottom
- Installing temporary shelves
Store Park’s 24/7 access means you can reach your items anytime, day or night.
Step 6: Choose a Convenient Location and Think Ahead
Store Park operates four accessible locations in Hull:
- Clough Road (HU5 1SN)
- Marfleet Avenue (HU7 0XF)
- Hessle & Hull West
- Stepney Lane – Bridge Works
If you expect to add more items later, it may be better to rent a larger space now than to transfer everything to a bigger unit later. Our team can help you scale up or down anytime.
Step 7: Avoid Common Storage Mistakes
Many customers underestimate the amount of space they need. Watch out for these pitfalls:
- Overstuffing: Difficult to access and risks damage
- Poor Stacking: Can cause boxes to collapse or items to break
- No Aisles: Makes retrieving anything a nightmare
Simple rule: It’s better to have 10% too much space than 10% too little.
Step 8: Real-Life Use Cases
To help you visualise better, here are some real scenarios from our customers:
1. Student Storage (40 sq ft)
- A student from Hull University stores their bike, suitcase, books, and bedding over the summer.
2. Couple Moving Home (160 sq ft)
- A couple moving from a 3-bedroom home stores their furniture, kitchen appliances, and boxes during the transition.
3. Tradesperson (80 sq ft)
- A self-employed electrician stores tools, extra cables, and fittings in a secure 80 sq ft container, freeing up space in their van.
4. E-commerce Business (775 sq ft)
- A business owner selling home décor uses the large yard space for pallets of stock and packing materials. It saves warehouse rent and offers 24/7 access.
5. Small Family Decluttering (80 sq ft)
- A family clears out their garage to convert it into a home office. Seasonal décor, old toys, and furniture go into an 80 sq ft unit.
Step 9: Use a Storage Calculator (Coming Soon!)
Soon, Store Park will offer a smart online calculator. You’ll be able to:
- Input your items
- See a recommended unit size instantly
- Get suggestions for optimising space
Until then, just call us or message us — we’ll help you based on your item list.
Step 10: Try the Box Test
Still unsure what’s worth storing?
Try the Box Test:
- Pack questionable items into a box
- Seal and label it
- Wait 30 days
- Didn’t need anything? Probably safe to store or donate
This helps declutter and prioritise only what’s worth keeping.
Bonus Tips for Efficient Storage
Bonus Tips for Efficient Storage
- Disassemble large furniture: Bed frames, tables, etc.
- Use vertical space: Stack, but don’t overload
- Label everything clearly
- Store heavy items at the bottom
- Leave an aisle or walkway
- Place frequently used items near the door
- Keep a unit layout map: Simple sketch can save time
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I only have a few boxes and clothes. What size should I get?
A 40 sq ft unit will be ideal. It’s perfect for seasonal or student storage.
A 40 sq ft unit will be ideal. It’s perfect for seasonal or student storage.
Q: Can I store my tools and equipment safely?
Yes. Our containers are secure, weatherproof, and monitored 24/7.
Q: Can I store my motorcycle?
Yes. We offer ground-level, drive-up access units perfect for motorcycles.
Q: Can I rent short-term?
Absolutely. From one week to several months, our terms are flexible.
Q: I don’t know which size to choose. What should I do?
Contact us directly. Call 01482 390440 or message us via Facebook or WhatsApp — our team is ready to help.
Storage should simplify life, not complicate it. When you:
- Take inventory
- Think ahead
- Understand unit sizes
- And avoid common mistakes
You’re well on your way to choosing the right space.
At Store Park, we offer reliable, cost-effective storage solutions tailored to your needs. With secure locations, 24/7 access, and friendly customer service, we help you make space for what truly matters.
Still wondering what size storage unit you need? Contact us today — we’ll guide you to the perfect solution.