How Much Storage Space Do You Actually Need? (Simple Size Guide Explained)

Finding the right amount of storage space can be tricky. Many people either overestimate how much room they need and end up paying for unused space, or underestimate it and struggle to fit everything in.

At Kings Lynn Self Storage, we keep things simple with just two storage container sizes: 10ft and 20ft. Whether you're moving house, renovating, decluttering, or looking for business storage, this guide will help you choose the right container and make the most of every inch of space.

Which Storage Container Do You Need?

10ft Storage Container

A 10ft container is ideal for smaller storage requirements and can comfortably hold the contents of a one-bedroom flat or several rooms' worth of furniture and boxes.

Typical Uses for a 10ft Container

✅ Contents of a one-bedroom flat

✅ Furniture from one or two rooms

✅ Student belongings

✅ Around 50–70 moving boxes

✅ Seasonal items and household clutter

✅ Small business stock and equipment

What Can Fit Inside?

A 10ft container can typically accommodate:

• Bed and mattress

• Sofa

• Chest of drawers

• Dining table and chairs

• Several large boxes

• Small appliances

• Garden furniture

With smart packing, many customers are surprised by how much a 10ft container can hold.

20ft Storage Container

If you're moving house, storing business inventory, or need space for a large volume of belongings, a 20ft container offers plenty of flexibility.

Typical Uses for a 20ft Container

✅ Contents of a 3–4 bedroom house

✅ Large house moves

✅ Long-term storage

✅ Business inventory and stock

✅ Commercial equipment and tools

✅ Furniture during renovations

What Can Fit Inside?

A 20ft container can typically accommodate:

• Multiple beds and mattresses

• Sofas and armchairs

• Appliances and white goods

• Dining furniture

• Wardrobes

• Hundreds of boxes

• Business stock and equipment

Quick Storage Size Guide

If you're unsure which option is right for you, here's a simple rule of thumb:

Choose a 10ft Container If:

• You're storing the contents of a flat

• You're decluttering your home

• You're a student between terms

• You need temporary storage during decorating or renovations

Choose a 20ft Container If:

• You're moving from a family home

• You're storing multiple large furniture items

• You need business storage

• You want additional room for accessing items during storage

Self Storage Packing Checklist

Before moving your belongings into storage, make sure you're fully prepared.

Essential Packing Materials

☐ Strong cardboard boxes

☐ Packing tape

☐ Bubble wrap

☐ Packing paper

☐ Furniture covers

☐ Dust sheets

☐ Permanent marker pens

☐ Stretch wrap

☐ Padlock

☐ Tool kit for dismantling furniture

Before You Store

☐ Clean and dry all items

☐ Empty and defrost appliances

☐ Dismantle large furniture

☐ Label every box clearly

☐ Protect fragile items

☐ Create an inventory list

☐ Separate items you'll need regular access to

Moving Day Checklist

☐ Load heavy items first

☐ Stack boxes securely

☐ Use vertical space

☐ Leave a small access aisle

☐ Check fragile items are protected

☐ Lock and secure your container

Top Packing Tips to Maximise Storage Space

Packing properly can often mean fitting significantly more into your container while keeping everything safe and accessible.

1. Disassemble Large Furniture

Beds, tables, desks, wardrobes and shelving units can take up a lot of unnecessary space.

By dismantling them before storage, you'll free up valuable room and make loading much easier.

Pro Tip: Put screws and fittings into labelled bags and tape them to the furniture item.

2. Use Every Inch of Vertical Space

Many people focus only on floor space, but container storage offers plenty of height too.

Store items upright where safe:

• Mattresses

• Sofas

• Headboards

• Garden furniture

• Tables

Stack boxes securely to maximise the available height.

3. Pack Heavy Items at the Bottom

Creating stable stacks helps protect your belongings and allows you to utilise more of the available space.

A simple rule:

Heavy boxes below, lighter boxes above.

This prevents crushed boxes and reduces movement during storage.

4. Fill Empty Spaces

One of the best storage tricks is to use the empty space inside furniture.

Store smaller items in:

• Wardrobes

• Cupboards

• Drawers

• Washing machines

• Large storage trunks

This maximises capacity without taking up additional floor space.

5. Use Uniform Box Sizes

Boxes of similar dimensions are easier to stack and create a much more efficient use of space.

Random-sized boxes often leave gaps throughout the container.

6. Create Storage Zones

Think about what you'll need access to.

A simple loading plan:

Front of Container

• Frequently needed items

• Business stock

• Seasonal belongings

Middle

• Furniture

• Appliances

Rear

• Long-term storage

• Items you won't access often

This makes unpacking far easier.

7. Leave a Walkway

If you'll need access to your belongings during storage, don't pack every inch of space.

Leaving a narrow walkway can save hours of searching later.

8. Protect Fragile Items Properly

Storage should be secure, but delicate items still need protection.

Use:

• Bubble wrap

• Packing paper

• Blankets

• Furniture covers

Clearly label fragile boxes and avoid placing heavy items on top.

Need Help Choosing?

Many customers underestimate just how much can fit into a properly packed storage container. By dismantling furniture, using vertical space, and planning your layout carefully, you can maximise every square foot available.

At Kings Lynn Self Storage, we're always happy to help you choose between our 10ft and 20ft storage containers and share practical advice on packing efficiently.

Whether you're moving home, creating extra space, renovating, or need business storage, contact Kings Lynn Self Storage today for a free quote and friendly advice.