Self Storage Unit Sizes

Choosing the right storage unit size sounds simple… until you’re stood there thinking: “Will all of this actually fit?”

At Smartbox Self Storage, we offer a wide range of indoor and outdoor storage units from 15 sq. ft to 320 sq. ft, across our locations in Leicester, Corby, Desborough, Oundle and Stamford. Whether you’re storing a few boxes, a full house, or business stock, this guide will help you choose the right size — without overpaying or running out of space.

First things first: what does “square feet” actually mean?

Think of square footage as floor space, not volume.

A good mental shortcut:

• 25 sq. ft = roughly a small garden shed

• 100 sq. ft = about half a single garage

• 200 sq. ft = similar to a full single garage

Most units also have high ceilings, so you can stack vertically, which is where smart packing makes a huge difference.

Choosing the right storage unit isn’t just about the square footage; it’s about how you’re actually going to use the space.

If you’re planning on dropping off a heavy sofa and not touching it for six months, those indoor units in Leicester are a lifesaver for keeping things pristine. On the flip side, if you’re a tradesperson in Corby needing to grab tools at 6 AM, being able to pull your van right up to the door of an outdoor unit is a total game-changer.

We’ve tried to build the Smartbox Self Storage sites around the way people actually live and work, making sure that whether you’re moving house or growing a business, the process feels less like a chore and more like a helpful extension of your own space.

Indoor vs Outdoor Storage at Smartbox

Before we get into sizes, it’s worth understanding how our locations differ:

• Indoor units (Leicester, Oundle) Located inside a secure building — ideal for household goods, furniture, and long-term storage.
• Outdoor drive-up units (Corby, Desborough) Direct vehicle access — perfect for heavy items, tools, or frequent access.
• Indoor drive-up containers (Stamford) A hybrid setup — container-style storage undercover, with drive-up convenience.
• Indoor & outdoor containers (Corby)

Indoor drive-up containers (Stamford) A hybrid setup — container-style storage undercover, with drive-up convenience.

All options are designed to be secure, accessible, and easy to use, with Smartbox’s tech-led access system making storage straightforward and flexible.

Storage Unit Sizes Explained (With Real-Life Examples)

15 sq. ft – “The Cupboard”

Best for: Minimal storage, students, decluttering

• Around the size of a small cupboard or cloakroom
• Fits: 10–15 boxes, suitcases, small furniture (bedside table, chair)

Real-life use: Perfect if you’re clearing space at home or storing seasonal items.

25 sq. ft – “The Walk-In Wardrobe”

Best for: Studio flats, student storage

• Comparable to a small walk-in wardrobe
• Fits: 20–30 boxes, small desk or chest of drawers, bikes

Real-life use: Perfect if you’re clearing space at home or storing seasonal items.

35 sq. ft – “The Spare Room Overflow”

Best for: Partial room storage

• Fits: contents of a small room, mattress, shelving, multiple boxes

Real-life use: Ideal during renovations or when one room needs clearing out.

50 sq. ft – “The Studio Flat”

Best for: Small home moves

• Roughly half a single garage (compact version)
• Fits: sofa, mattress, appliances, 10-20 boxes

Real-life use: Great for storing the contents of a studio or small 1-bed flat.

75 sq. ft – “The One-Bed Flat”

Best for: Moving or downsizing

• Fits: full living room setup, bedroom furniture, white goods

Real-life use: Common choice for people moving house or between rentals

100 sq. ft – “Half a Garage”

Best for: 1–2 bedroom homes

• One of the most popular sizes.
• Fits: furniture from a 1–2 bed home, fridge, washing machine, sofas, beds, boxes

Real-life use: The safe middle ground if you’re unsure — enough space without going oversized.

125 sq. ft – “The Growing Household”

Best for: Larger moves or shared storage

• Fits: contents of a 2-bedroom home, bulky furniture, multiple appliance

Real-life use: Common for relocations, long-term storage, or major life transitions.

160 sq. ft – “The Business + Home Hybrid”

Best for: Large homes or business use

• Fits: large household contents, business stock or equipment

Real-life use: Tradespeople, e-commerce businesses, or families needing extra breathing room.

200 sq. ft – “The Garage Equivalent”

Best for: 3–4 bedroom homes or commercial storage

• Comparable to a full single garage
• Fits: full house contents, pallets, stock, tools, equipment

Real-life use: Ideal for businesses scaling stock or families storing everything during a move.

How to Choose the Right Size (Without Guessing)

Here’s the honest truth: most people either underestimate or overpay.

A better way to decide:

• If you’re storing boxes only → go smaller than you think

• If you’re storing furniture → size up

• If you need access regularly → leave space to walk inside

• If it’s long-term storage → stack tightly and optimise space

And if you’re unsure, it’s always better to speak to someone who understands how storage actually works in practice.

A Quick Note on Price vs Value

In areas like Leicester, where storage demand is growing and customers are often price-conscious, it’s tempting to just pick the cheapest unit.

While it’s tempting to just hunt for the lowest price, especially in growing areas like Leicester, the real value of your storage experience comes down to more than just the monthly bill. It’s about getting it right the first time so you aren’t shuffling boxes later.

At Smartbox, we believe true value is found in:

• Choosing the right size from the start.
• Having seamless access whenever you need it.
• The peace of mind that comes with top-tier security.

By combining quality service with smart technology, we make sure your storage journey is effortless and stress-free, rather than just another chore on your to-do list.