Tips on Calculating How Much Storage You Need

Estimating how much storage space you need can feel like a shot in the dark — until you realize there’s a method to the madness. Here are four smart tips to help you calculate how much storage you really need — without overpaying or running out of room.

Take a Complete Inventory

Before diving into size options, start by making a list of everything you plan to store. Boxes, furniture, appliances, sporting gear, all of it. Having a full inventory not only helps estimate space but also keeps you organized when packing and unpacking.

Include categories such as seasonal items, documents, or fragile goods that may require special containers. A thorough list will also help you decide how items should be grouped and stored. For whole-home storage, a rough guide is to plan for about 5–10% of your home's square footage. A two-bedroom apartment often fits into a standard 10' x 10' unit, for example.

Measure the Big Stuff

Your bulky items like beds, sofas, dining tables are what will take up the most room. So before renting a storage unit, grab a tape measure and jot down key dimensions like width, depth, and height.

Knowing whether certain items can be stored vertically or must lie flat helps make the most of your space. Don’t forget about odd-shaped items like bicycles or tall shelving units, which can be tricky to fit. Larger pieces that don't break down easily (like dressers or exercise equipment) often determine what size unit you’ll need, so be sure to account for them first when estimating space requirements.

Stack Smart (But Leave Walkways Open)

Efficient stacking is the secret to maximizing your space, but you still need to think about accessibility. If you’re stacking to the ceiling, group heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones at the top. Uniform box sizes help create stable, easy-to-manage stacks that won’t topple over.

Use furniture pads or blankets between delicate items to prevent damage. Consider labelling all boxes on multiple sides so you can find what you need at a glance. And don’t forget to leave a narrow walkway down the centre of your unit to give you access to everything without having to unload half the space just to grab one item.

Size Up If You’re Unsure

If you're deciding between two sizes, it’s almost always better to go one size larger. A slightly bigger unit allows for better airflow, easier organization, and space to add more items later without the stress.

More room also means you can leave breathing space around furniture or electronics, reducing the risk of damage over time. Think ahead to whether you’ll be rotating seasonal gear or adding items from a future move.

Additionally, in colder regions across Canada, heated storage units are often necessary to protect sensitive belongings, such as electronics, musical instruments, and wooden furniture. A factor worth considering when estimating the space required for climate-controlled options.

A Little Planning Goes a Long Way

Getting your storage size right starts with a clear plan: knowing what you have, measuring the big pieces, and allowing a little extra space for easy access. A small investment in planning now can save you a lot of hassle down the road.

Need help choosing the perfect unit? Contact Storage on Terminal — we’re here to make storage simple, secure, and stress-free.

Choose a storage unit ranging from several sizes of storage units ranging from our mini storage units up to our large container units with the best self storage unit value in the downtown core of Vancouver.