Renting the wrong storage unit costs money every month: too big and you pay for empty space, too small and you end up renting a second one. This calculator estimates the volume of your belongings from the size of your home, the floor area they need once stacked, the unit size to rent and the monthly rent.
The method
- Volume ≈ home area × furnishing factor × share stored
- Floor area = volume ÷ stacking height
- Unit size = the smallest standard unit at least that large
A normally furnished home holds about 1 cu ft of belongings per sq ft of floor area (0.3 m³ per m²), once furniture is disassembled and boxes are packed. Use 0.7 for a lightly furnished home and 1.3 for one full of belongings.
Example
A 1,000 sq ft apartment, normally furnished, holds about 984 cu ft. Stacked 8 ft high, that needs 123 sq ft, so a 10 × 15 ft unit (150 sq ft). At $1.20 per sq ft a month, the rent is about $180.
Common unit sizes
| Unit | Area | Usually fits |
|---|---|---|
| 5 × 5 ft | 25 sq ft | boxes, seasonal items, a small closet |
| 5 × 10 ft | 50 sq ft | a studio without large appliances |
| 10 × 10 ft | 100 sq ft | a one-bedroom apartment |
| 10 × 15 ft | 150 sq ft | a two-bedroom apartment |
| 10 × 20 ft | 200 sq ft | a three-bedroom home |
| 10 × 30 ft | 300 sq ft | a four- or five-bedroom home |
Most units are about 8 ft high, but you can rarely stack safely to the ceiling, which is why 7 to 8 ft is a realistic stacking height.
Packing to save space
- Disassemble beds and tables and stand mattresses on edge in covers.
- Use boxes of the same size: they stack higher and more safely.
- Put heavy boxes at the bottom and items you will need near the door.
- Leave a narrow aisle if you will need to reach things at the back.
Cost and contract
Prices vary widely: from under $1 per sq ft a month in rural areas to $3 or more in large cities, with climate-controlled units costing 25 to 50% more. Look for first-month deals, check for administration fees and insurance requirements, and ask about price increases after the introductory period.