How Much Storage Space Do I Really Need? A New Zealand Guide to Choosing the Right Storage Unit
Choosing a storage unit can feel a little overwhelming if you’ve never rented one before. One of the most common questions we hear is:
“What size storage unit do I actually need?”
The good news is that most people don’t need as much space as they think. With careful packing and stacking, you can often fit far more into a storage unit than you’d expect.
Whether you’re moving house, renovating, travelling overseas or simply creating more space at home, this guide will help you choose the right storage unit while avoiding the cost of paying for space you don’t need.
Why Choosing the Right Size Matters
Renting a storage unit that’s too small can make access difficult and increase the risk of damaging your belongings.
On the other hand, choosing a unit that’s much larger than necessary means paying for unused space each month.
Finding the right balance will help you:
- Save money
- Keep your belongings organised
- Make it easier to access items
- Protect your furniture and boxes during storage
What Are You Storing?
Before choosing a storage unit, make a quick list of everything you plan to store.
For example:
- Furniture
- Moving boxes
- Appliances
- Bikes
- Business stock
- Office furniture
- Seasonal decorations
- Sports equipment
- Camping gear
- Clothing
If you’re unsure whether you’ll add more items later, it’s worth allowing a little extra space rather than packing every centimetre of the unit.
A Rough Guide to Storage Unit Sizes
Every facility offers slightly different unit dimensions, but the following guide gives you a good starting point.
Small Storage Units
Ideal for:
- 10–20 moving boxes
- Suitcases
- Sports equipment
- Seasonal decorations
- Small furniture
- Student storage
Best for:
- Apartment residents
- Students
- Decluttering a spare room
Medium Storage Units
Suitable for:
- Contents of a one to two-bedroom home
- Washing machine
- Fridge
- Queen bed
- Dining table
- Sofa
- Multiple moving boxes
Best for:
- House moves
- Renovations
- Families needing temporary storage
Large Storage Units
Perfect for:
- Three to four-bedroom homes
- Large furniture
- Outdoor furniture
- Garage contents
- Business inventory
Best for:
- Long-term storage
- Businesses
- Families between homes
Five Tips to Fit More Into Your Storage Unit
A little planning can make a surprisingly big difference.
1. Use Uniform Boxes
Boxes that are the same size stack safely and make better use of the available space.
Avoid overfilling large boxes with heavy items, as they become difficult to move.
2. Take Furniture Apart
Removing table legs, bed frames and shelves can dramatically reduce the amount of space furniture occupies.
Keep screws and fittings in labelled bags taped securely to the furniture.
3. Store Vertically
Mattresses, sofas and tables can often be stored upright if they are properly protected.
This creates more usable floor space for boxes and smaller items.
4. Fill Empty Spaces
Use drawers, wardrobes, washing machines and other appliances to store lighter belongings.
Every little bit of space counts.
5. Leave Yourself an Access Aisle
If you’ll need regular access, leave a narrow walkway through your unit.
It takes up a small amount of space but saves a lot of time later.
Should I Choose a Bigger Unit Just in Case?
Sometimes, yes.
If you’re:
- renovating over several months
- expecting to inherit furniture
- moving house in stages
- storing business stock that changes regularly
then having a little extra room can make accessing your belongings much easier.
However, if you’re simply storing household furniture for a fixed period, there’s usually no need to rent significantly more space than you require.
Can I Stack Everything?
Most household items can be stacked safely if packed correctly.
A good rule is:
- Heavy boxes on the bottom
- Lighter boxes on top
- Fragile items protected separately
- Furniture covered with protective blankets
- Valuable items stored securely
Avoid stacking unstable piles that could shift over time.
What Items Shouldn’t Go Into Storage?
While self storage is ideal for most household and business belongings, some items should never be stored.
These include:
- Hazardous chemicals
- Petrol and fuel
- Gas bottles
- Fireworks
- Perishable food
- Living plants
- Illegal goods
If you’re unsure about a particular item, simply ask our friendly team before moving in.
Still Unsure? Our Team Can Help.
Many people underestimate how much will fit into a storage unit.
Our experienced team can help you choose the right size based on what you’re storing, helping you avoid paying for space you don’t need while ensuring everything fits comfortably.
If you find you need more—or less—space, we can arrange a transfer to a different-sized unit (subject to availability).
Why Choose Safe Store?
At Safe Store, we believe renting storage should be simple.
When you store with us, you’ll enjoy:
- Transparent online pricing
- Flexible storage options
- Secure facilities with CCTV and PIN-coded gate access
- Convenient locations across Auckland and Tauranga
- Friendly local staff ready to help
- Clean, purpose-built storage units
Whether you’re storing a few boxes or the contents of an entire home, we’ll help you find the right solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my storage unit is too small?
If you can’t safely stack boxes or leave room to access your belongings, you’ve probably chosen a unit that’s too small.
Is it better to go one size larger?
If you’ll be accessing your belongings regularly or expect to add more items, choosing the next size up can be worthwhile.
Can I change storage units later?
Yes. If your storage needs change and another unit is available, we can arrange to transfer your storage agreement to a different-sized unit. This gives you the flexibility to upsize or downsize as your requirements change.
How long can I rent a storage unit?
You can rent a storage unit for as little or as long as you need, whether that’s a few weeks during a move or several years for long-term storage.
Find the Right Storage Unit Today
Still not sure what size you need? See a wide range of our sizes here.
Get in touch with the friendly team at Safe Store. We’ll help you choose the right storage unit for your needs and answer any questions before you move in.
With transparent pricing, flexible storage options and convenient locations across Auckland (Pakuranga, Papatoetoe & Westgate) and Tauranga, finding the perfect storage solution has never been easier.
Get a quick quote here or go ahead and check out our instant pricing before you book!