Whether you’re undergoing a spring clean or relocating an entire warehouse, getting your head around your storage needs can be tricky. When a two-bedroom apartment can require just as much storage space as a four-bedroom house, guessing your storage needs can lead to overspending or running out of room mid-move. Two things no one wants to hear whilst they’re up to their eyeballs in packing tape and bubble wrap.
Fear not, however; there are ways of finding out exactly how much storage space you’ll need, and they’re probably a lot easier than you think.
Firstly, it’s important to understand the two main sizing options that storage companies offer: module storage (10cbm) and container storage (37cbm). Companies may offer other options, such as self-storage crates for much smaller loads, but modules and containers are the real heavy hitters in the storage world.
Module Storage vs. Container Storage
As well as the two obvious size differences, module and container storage also have a couple of differences that are worth taking note of. Made of wood, module storage is like the Mazdas ’ CX-3s of storage units - they’re compact, they’re reliable, and they’re easy to transport around. But if you’re looking for lots of space, then you’re probably looking in the wrong direction. Whereas container storage, crafted from premium-grade steel, is more like Toyota Hiluxes of storage. Often made from repurposed shipping containers, container storage has the durability, space and quality that keeps all your belongings safe and secure come rain, hail or shine.
But what about space?
Well, here's where things get real because space is obviously the overriding factor that'll determine whether you choose the cosy module storage or the whopper container storage. At 10 cubic meters, module storage is a relatively small storage unit that's the perfect size for all the extra stuff that you don’t want to keep in your home or office space.
What items are best stored in module storage?
- Seasonal items such as decorations or winter coats, etc.
- Electronic equipment
- Sports or hobby equipment
- Work tools
- Paperwork or office supplies
- Keepsakes/antiques
Alternatively, at 37 cubic metres, container storage is the perfect solution for those larger items. If you’re looking to renovate your home, change offices or even relocate an entire warehouse, and you need somewhere to keep everything safe in the process, then container storage is the unit for the job.
What to keep in container storage:
- Large home furniture
- IT equipment
- Office furniture
- Professional gym equipment
- Entire house belongings
How do I calculate how much storage space I need?
Right, here's where things get interesting and thankfully, much simpler than you'd expect. A bit like packing for a holiday, people often fall into two categories - you either bring half your wardrobe for a weekend trip, or you're convinced that one tiny suitcase can handle a month-long adventure. But guestimations are not the way to go when it comes to selecting a storage unit.
Creating an inventory
To successfully store anything, the first step is to make sure every item is listed. A good rule of thumb? Start by walking through your space room by room, and note every item in that room that will need storing. Got a garage full of tools, a loft packed with Christmas decorations, or an office that's become a glorified storage cupboard? Stick it on the list.
Then get as detailed as you can. If you know the measurements of furniture items, jot those down too (you may need them later). Even try compartmentalising your inventory list into subcategories, per room, to make sure that nothing is forgotten.
Calculating Storage Requirements
Now, before jumping ahead, you should probably know that any good storage provider will often have a storage calculator or people on hand to help work out whether you’ll need container or module storage.
However, if you’re still set on working it out yourself, then there are two things you should know:
- Storage is always worked out in cubic meters.
- Cubic meters are calculated by doing - length x width x height.
With this calculation, you will be able to work out roughly how much storage space you really need. Although here’s a tip you may want to consider: always add around 20% to whatever you think you need. Whether it's last-minute additions, awkward-shaped items that don't stack well, or just the general chaos of life, that extra buffer space will be your saving grace in a moment of panic.
Making the Final Call
At the end of the day, once all the calculations are complete, there’s only really one thing left to consider, and that’s cost. With module container costing just roughly half of the price* of container storage but with under a third of the storage size, choosing between 10cbm and 37cbm comes down to honest self-assessment. Are you just having trouble letting go of that exercise bike you swore you'd use (but it's now an expensive clothes hanger)? Or are you undergoing a year-long, entire office transformation?
The beauty of modern storage solutions is that they're flexible. Whether you need small storage units for life's extras or big storage units for major transitions, there's an option that fits both your stuff and your budget.
Most importantly, when your calculator gives up and you find yourself in a sea of boxes, there are always storage experts on hand to provide you with as much or as little help as you need.
*Please note: Pricing may vary between storage providers. We recommend discussing full cost breakdowns with your chosen storage company before finalising any booking.
