One of the most common questions we hear during house moves is: “What size storage unit do I actually need?”

When you are already juggling estate agents, removals and packing boxes, choosing the right self storage unit can feel like another headache. The good news? It does not need to be complicated – and a little planning goes a long way.

Start With How Much You’re Moving

The size of storage you need depends less on the size of your house and more on what you plan to store.

Ask yourself:

• Are you storing the whole house or just excess items?

• Are large items like sofas, wardrobes or white goods going in?

• Is this short-term storage between moves or longer-term?

Being clear on this upfront helps avoid paying for more space than you need.

A Simple Guide to Storage Unit Sizes

Here is a rough guide many people find helpful when moving house:

Small unit (around 25–35 sq ft)
Ideal for:

• Boxes and suitcases

• Small furniture

• Decluttering before a move

Medium unit (around 50–80 sq ft)
Ideal for:

• Contents of a one-bedroom flat

• Furniture, mattresses and boxes

• Temporary storage during a move

Large unit (100+ sq ft)
Ideal for:

• Contents of a two to three-bedroom house

• Larger furniture sets

• Storage during renovations or longer gaps between moves

This is a guide only – clever stacking can make a surprising difference.

Packing Makes a Big Difference

How you pack can reduce the size you need:

• Use uniform-sized boxes where possible

• Stack sofas and mattresses upright

• Dismantle furniture if you can

• Place heavier items at the bottom and stack vertically

Good packing often means you can choose a smaller unit than expected.

Short-Term vs Long-Term Storage

If you are using short-term storage between completion dates, you may only need space for larger items and non-essentials. For longer-term storage, you may want a little extra room to access items easily.

We always recommend thinking about access, not just volume.

Local Advice Beats Guesswork

At Sheeplands Self Storage, based in Wargrave, we help customers choose the right storage size every day. As a family-run self storage business, we take the time to understand what you are storing and how long you need it for – no upselling, no pressure.

We support house moves across Berkshire and surrounding areas including Henley-on-Thames, Twyford, Charvil, Woodley and Sonning.

Why Choosing the Right Size Matters

• Avoid paying for unused space

• Make moving day easier and quicker

• Keep belongings accessible and organised

• Reduce stress during an already busy time

Still Unsure? We’re Happy to Help

If you are moving house and unsure what size storage unit you need, the best approach is a quick conversation. Tell us what you are storing and we will guide you to a unit that fits – with flexibility if plans change.

If you need reliable self storage in Berkshire during a house move, our Wargrave site is here to help you choose the right space and move with confidence.