Choosing a storage space is a bit like ordering at a restaurant you've never visited. Order too little and you're still hungry; order too much and you pay for food you can't finish. Storage works the same way — book too small and your things won't fit, book too big and you pay for empty space every month. The trick is to estimate what you need before you book.
First, how storage space is measured
There are two common methods. With volume (cubic feet) — used by most full-service companies — they work out the volume of your things and you pay for that, so you only pay for the space you actually use. With unit size, you rent a fixed small, medium or large unit and fill it yourself; this is more common with self-storage, where you hold the keys and manage it. For most households the volume model is fairer, because you're billed for what you genuinely occupy.
The easy way: estimate by home size
If you don't want to measure anything, start with the size of your home as a rough guide:
- A few boxes and small items → a small space.
- A 1 BHK → a small-to-medium space.
- A 2 BHK → a medium space.
- A 3 BHK or full house → a large space.
Remember, two homes of the same size can hold very different amounts. A sparse 2 BHK may need less than a 1 BHK packed to the rafters. Use your home size as a starting point, then adjust from there.
The accurate way: estimate by what you're storing
For a sharper number, go through your things — thorough, not exact:
- Walk through your home and list the big items — beds, sofas, tables, wardrobes. These take up the most room, so they matter most.
- Count your boxes. Group books, clothes and kitchenware into standard cartons to gauge the space.
- Take photos. They help you — and your storage company — judge the space accurately.
- Note what comes apart. Beds and tables that disassemble pack tighter and save space.
Hand that list or those photos to a good provider and they'll give you an estimate you can actually trust.
Match your situation to a size
Sometimes it's easier to think in terms of what you're going through:
- Decluttering: usually a small space for the bits you're not ready to part with.
- Renovating: a small-to-large space, depending on how much of the home is being worked on.
- Moving home: often a medium-to-large space, depending on how much you own.
- Moving abroad: long-term storage — worth taking the time to get an accurate estimate.
The less space you use, the less you pay. A little planning before you book is the cheapest saving you'll ever make.
Tips to need less space
- Declutter first — if you haven't used something in two years, it can probably go.
- Disassemble beds and tables to pack them flat.
- Fill gaps with small items like books and clothes.
- Use uniform box sizes so everything stacks neatly.
- Keep things you'll need soon at home, not in storage.
Let the company do the math
With full-service storage you don't have to work this out alone. Share a list or photos with Easy My Storage and we'll calculate the exact volume — and the cost — before you commit to anything.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know what size I need?
Start with your home size for a rough idea, then refine by listing your large items and counting boxes. A full-service provider can confirm the exact volume from a list or photos.
Is storage priced by size or by volume?
Full-service storage is usually priced by the volume your goods occupy (cubic feet), so you pay for what you actually use. Self-storage is typically priced by a fixed unit size.
How much space does a 2 BHK need?
It varies with how much you own, but a 2 BHK's worth of belongings generally needs a medium-sized space. An accurate estimate depends on your actual furniture and box count.
What if I underestimate and need more space?
Good providers let you scale up. With volume-based pricing especially, adjusting is usually straightforward — just flag it early.
Can I reduce the space I need?
Yes. Decluttering, disassembling furniture and packing efficiently can noticeably cut the volume — and your monthly cost.
Key takeaways
- Start from home size for a ballpark, then refine by listing furniture and boxes.
- Volume-based pricing means you pay only for the space you actually use.
- Disassembling furniture and decluttering shrink your volume — and your bill.
- A full-service provider can confirm the exact size from a list or photos.
Not sure? Let Easy My Storage size it for you
You don't need a measuring tape or a spreadsheet. Just tell Easy My Storage what you'd like to store, send a few photos if you can, and we'll work out exactly how much space you need — and what it'll cost — before you commit to anything.
