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A Detailed Guide to Self Storage Unit Sizes

Do you have quite a bit of your belongings after moving house that need to go into storage, but you have no idea which size storage unit you should get? In this article, you’ll find out what fits in your storage unit here at Corby Self Storage – and you can also check out our space calculator for a comprehensive interactive guide of what you can store in our units.

Shipping container storage is becoming an ever-popular option in storage space solutions. It's affordable, convenient, flexible, secure and easy to use, whether that is for personal storage or commercial storage. With lower overheads and average cost, container storage benefits from the same storage spaces at a significantly cheaper price than most storage facilities offer, with no sacrifice to the security of stored possessions. Our shipping container layout allows hassle free storage with each and every storage space having direct drive up easy access to your door, parking for loading, making access and commercial haulage delivery as easy as possible.

A Worldwide Business

Shipping containers come in set sizes as laid out by the International Standards Organisation

For greater detail on shipping containers used as self storage units then head over to our blog HERE or specifically for cars take a look at this If its boat storage then it is worth reading this blog

What You Can Store in Each of our Self Storage Unit Sizes?
The usual storage unit size of shipping containers used for self-storage are 20ft and 40ft containers. These sizes are popular with a reputable storage provider because they are readily available, cost-effective, and offer a good balance between storage capacity and accessibility.

A 20ft container is the most common size used for self storage units. It provides ample space for storing household or commercial items, while still being compact enough to fit in a small space.

A 40ft container is twice the size of a 20ft container, providing more space for larger or bulkier items. These containers are often used for long-term or permanent, storage facilities, and can be customised with added features such as shelving and racking.

Both 20ft and 40ft containers are made of durable steel and are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, making them suitable for outdoor storage. They also have standardized sizes and features, which allows for easy stacking box storage and transport.

Storage Container Sizes


Overall, the size of shipping container used for self-storage depends on the storage price and the specific storage needs of the individual or business. It's always a good idea to consult with a self storage expert to determine the best size and type of container for your storage needs.

320 sq ft Self Storage units

The information regarding the dimensions and size are as follows:
  • 320ft² (19.73 sq m) in floor area
  • 2720ft³ (77 cubic m) in volume
  • Around 4.8 tonnes in weight
  • 40ft x 8ft x 8ft 6 in dimensions

All of this information is very useful, but it can be difficult to visualise and really understand how much space it can hold. You should remember that there will always be a certain amount of space that hasn’t been used up within it, but here are some ideas of what can be fitted into your average 40ft unit:

·       Furniture: A 40ft container can hold the contents of a typical four to five-bedroom house, and store furniture, including sofas, chairs, tables, beds, and other furniture. You can also store appliances, such as a refrigerator, washer, and dryer although avoid introducing any items into the unit that are wet or damp. Consult our article How to prevent condensation build-up in Self Storage Units
·       Boxes: A 40ft container can hold around 400-500 medium-sized boxes, depending on how they are packed.
·       Vehicles: A 40ft container can store two cars, motorcycles, or small boats, depending on their size. You can also use it to store spare parts, tires, and other automotive accessories. If you are thinking about a motorcycle then this article may help

Car Storage
 
·       Equipment: A 40ft container can hold larger construction equipment, tools, machinery, and other heavy equipment.
·       Large items: A 40ft container can store larger items, such as pianos, pool tables, and other oversized household or commercial items.

You can book a 320 sq ft online HERE

160 sq ft Self Storage Units

An ordinary 20ft unit is the middle size self storage unit that is ordinarily available to you and is a common size for people who are using these units for storage.

  • 160ft² (14.86 sq m) in floor area
  • 1360ft³ (38.5 cubic m) in volume
  • Around 2.4 tonnes in weight
  • 20ft x 8ft x 8ft 6 in dimensions

It can be used for self-storage of various items, such as personal belongings such as furniture, boxes, vehicles, equipment, garden furniture, and other household or commercial goods. Here are some examples of what you can fit in a 20ft shipping container for self-storage:
·       Furniture: A 20ft container can hold the contents of a typical two to three-bedroom house, including a sofa, chairs, tables, beds, and other furniture. You can also store appliances, such as a refrigerator, washer, and dryer.

Careful Furniture Storage
 
·       Boxes: A 20ft container can hold around 200-300 medium-sized boxes, depending on how they are packed.
·       Vehicles: A 20ft container can store a car, motorcycle, or small boat, depending on their size. You can also use it to store spare parts, tires, and other automotive accessories.
·       Equipment: A 20ft container can hold construction equipment, tools, machinery, and other heavy equipment.
We have written a detailed guide How to Pack Things Safely in Self Storage Units to help you make the most of your unit. It's important to note that the number of items you can fit in a 20ft container will depend on the size and shape of the items, as well as how they are packed and stacked inside the container.

You can book a 160 sq ft online HERE

120 sq ft Self Storage Units

  • 120ft² (11.14 sq m) in floor area
  • 1020ft³ (28.88 cubic m) in volume
  • Around 1.8 tonnes in weight
  • 15ft x 8ft x 8ft 6 in dimensions

A 15ft (120 sq ft) shipping container is a less common size for self-storage, but it can be a good option for those who have slightly more items to store than what can fit in a 10ft container, but less than what would fit in a 20ft container. Here are some general examples of what can be stored in a 15ft shipping container:
·       Furniture: A 15ft container can fit a small to medium-sized sofa, chairs, a coffee table, and other smaller furniture items like lamps and decorative pieces.
·       Boxes: Depending on the size of the boxes, a 15ft container can hold anywhere from 75 to 150 boxes.
·       Sporting equipment: A 15ft container can hold equipment such as golf clubs, bicycles, and surfboards, as well as some larger equipment like kayaks or snowboards.

Pack Belongings Carefully
·       Tools and equipment: A 15ft container can hold small to medium-sized tools and equipment, such as power tools, lawnmowers, and gardening equipment, as well as some larger items like generators or air compressors.
·       Documents and files: A 15ft container can hold a significant number of documents and files, making it a good choice for businesses or individuals who need to store paperwork.

It's important to note that the exact amount that can be stored in a 15ft container will depend on the specific size and shape of the items being stored. Additionally, as with any storage container, it may be more cost-effective to rent a larger container and only fill it partially when storing items, rather than renting a smaller container that may not provide enough space.

You can book a 120 sq ft online HERE

 80 sq ft Self Storage Units

  • 80ft² (7.43 sq m) in floor area
  • 680ft³ (19.16 cubic m) in volume
  • Around 1.2 tonnes in weight
  • 10ft x 8ft x 8ft 6 in dimensions

A 10ft (80 sq ft) shipping container is a smaller option for self-storage and can be a good choice from many storage providers for those who have a limited number of items to store or who are working with a smaller budget for storage prices. Here are some general examples of the storage prices and what can be stored in a 10ft shipping container:
·       Furniture: A 10ft container can fit a small amount of furniture such as a sofa, chairs, and a coffee table, as well as smaller items like lamps and decorative pieces.
·       Boxes: Depending on the size of the boxes, a 10ft container can hold anywhere from 50 to 100 boxes.
·       Sporting equipment: A 10ft container can hold equipment such as golf clubs, bicycles, and surfboards. If you are storing sports equipment then it might be worth reading our article ‘Creative Sporting Equipment Storage’
·       Tools and equipment: A 10ft container can hold small to medium-sized tools and equipment, such as power tools, lawnmowers, and gardening equipment.

Shelving To Maximise Storage


·       Documents and files: A 10ft container can hold a significant number of documents and files, making it a good choice for businesses or individuals who need to store paperwork.

It's important to note that while a 10ft container may seem like a good option for smaller storage needs, it may not be the most cost-effective choice for new customers. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to rent a larger container and only fill it partially.

You can book a 80 sq ft online HERE

40 sq ft Self Storage Units

  • 40ft² (3.71 sq m) in floor area
  • 340ft³ (9.62 cubic m) in volume
  • Around 0.6 tonnes in weight
  • 5ft x 8ft x 8ft 6 in dimensions

A 5ft (40 sq ft) shipping container is a very small option for self-storage and is not commonly used for personal or business storage needs. It is typically used for specialized purposes by reputable storage companies such as storing hazardous materials or as a small storage unit for outdoor events. Beware though, you will need to be careful as to what you do store so please read our storage guidance as some items are strictly prohibited in your storage agreement.

Given the small size of a 5ft container, the number of items that can be stored in it is very limited. Typically, a 5ft container can hold only a few small items such as:
·       Boxes: Depending on the size of the boxes, a 5ft container can hold up to 15 to 20 boxes.
·       Small furniture: A 5ft container can fit small items of furniture such as chairs, stools, or a small table.
·       Sports equipment: A 5ft container can hold small sports equipment such as golf clubs, tennis rackets, or skateboards.

Efficient Storage Spaces

 
·       Tools and equipment: A 5ft container can hold a small number of tools and equipment such as hand tools, gardening equipment, or small power tools.

You can book a 40 sq ft online HERE

What Are Self Storage Unit Costs


Self storage prices differ so we have put together a guide in which we look at the average storage costs in the UK and look at different size containers storage units over different periods of time.

It depends!


There are a number things to take into consideration when looking for how much does self storage cost monthly in the UK; the location of the self storage facilities, standard of the facilities, level of security offered and ease of access to name a few. However, we appreciate that for most people, the price of a self storage space will probably be the biggest factor when choosing a self storage facility for your belongings.

If you are not sure what exactly is involved in long term storage then have a read of our in depth article 'Long Term Self Storage Explained'

In our article, we’ve not only broken down the average monthly unit storage cost across the UK but have also included information to help you decide which storage facility is right for you when getting a self storage quote. Dive into the details and read the full article HERE. Alternatively, just click on the links above with each unit size to get an accurate quote and an up to date list of availability for our self storage units.

Click On the Link for the Unit


There are no hidden fees, additional costs or nasty surprises on a Corby Self Storage invoice. We have clear self storage prices and will always make sure you understand the total cost of self storage involved. You can have peace of mind you are dealing with a professional business having achieved full accreditation with the Self Storage Association

SSAUK.com


Ultimately, the decision to use a self storage unit or another of the options will depend on your individual needs and requirements. Whether you choose to rent a storage unit, use a garage, spare room, loft or basement, sell or dispose of stuff, or utilize a friend or family member's space, be sure to take the time to consider all your various storage options,before deciding. You can explore the pros and cons by reading this article'Alternative Options to Self Storage Facilities'

In conclusion, Corby Self Storage offers affordable, secure, and flexible container storage solutions for both personal and commercial use. The most common sizes used for self-storage are 20ft and 40ft containers, which are ideal for storing household or commercial items. The 20ft container is compact and can fit in a small parking space, while the 40ft container provides ample space for larger or bulkier items. It's always a good idea to consult with a self-storage expert to determine the best size and type of container for your storage needs. With Corby Self Storage, you can be confident that your belongings are in safe hands.

If you are thinking about indoor self storage as an option then read our article comparing Indoor Vs Outdoor

Professional Storage


If you need to find out how much each size self storage unit cost, Corby Self Storage can help with substantial savings. If you are looking for the best price or cheapest self storage unit prices in Corby, for a no obligation quote contact our friendly team on 01536 402116 to see what self storage prices offer or email info@corbyselfstorage.co.uk

Any other questions we can help with then click here
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