{"id":4414,"date":"2024-12-19T08:30:46","date_gmt":"2024-12-19T07:30:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/blog\/what-size-storage-unit-should-you-choose\/"},"modified":"2026-08-05T14:41:49","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T12:41:49","slug":"what-size-storage-unit-should-you-choose","status":"publish","type":"article-de-blog","link":"https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/en\/blog\/what-size-storage-unit-should-you-choose\/","title":{"rendered":"What size storage unit or self-storage facility should you choose?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choosing the right size for a storage unit is often the first source of concern when moving, renovating, or reorganizing your living space. However, before you even reach for your calculator, it\u2019s essential<a href=\"https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/en\/blog\/a-practical-guide-for-individuals-how-to-choose-the-right-storage-unit\/\">to identify the best storage solution for individuals<\/a> (self-storage unit, traditional storage facility, or basement). Once you\u2019ve made that decision, the key is to avoid two common pitfalls: underestimating the volume of your belongings or paying unnecessarily for empty space.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finding the perfect balance is the key to managing not only your budget but also your time. A storage unit that\u2019s too small and packed to the brim will waste hours of your time searching for items and increase the risk of breakage. On the other hand, smartly optimizing your storage can let you downsize from an M-size unit to an S-size unit\u2014 <strong>resulting in an average savings of over 550 CHF per year<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you need to store your skis and winter tires for the summer, store the boating equipment you use on Lake Geneva, or securely store all the furniture in your home, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step by step.<\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Understanding the Crucial Difference Between Area (m\u00b2) and Volume (m\u00b3)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most common mistake is to think of a storage unit as just a room where you place your furniture on the floor. In reality, a storage unit is a cube, and you need to make the most of every dimension. <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Area (m\u00b2):<\/strong> Floor space (width x length).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Volume (m\u00b3):<\/strong> The actual capacity of your storage unit (area \u00d7 height).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Stockeet, our storage units feature generous ceiling heights (nearly 2.70 meters to 3 meters). A tiny storage unit with a floor area of just 2 m\u00b2 actually offers you a volume of nearly 6 m\u00b3\u2014the equivalent of the cargo area of a large utility van! It\u2019s by understanding this vertical space that you\u2019ll achieve the greatest savings.  <\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Estimate Your Volume: The 4 Preparatory Steps <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don&#8217;t skip these steps\u2014they ensure a successful appraisal and damage-free storage.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 1: The Big Inventory and Sorting by Category<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Group your belongings into three categories:<\/p>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Heavy, disassemblable furniture:<\/strong> Beds, dressers, tables. (A disassembled double bed takes up one-third as much space.) <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Appliances (the foundation of your &#8220;Tetris&#8221;):<\/strong> Refrigerator, washing machine. They cannot be taken apart and will serve as the base. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Basic Logistics:<\/strong> Standard cardboard boxes, rigid crates.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 2: Anticipating &#8220;Non-Standard&#8221; Items (Items That Cannot Be Stacked)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the number one trap! Mathematical calculations don&#8217;t apply to objects with unusual shapes. A non-separable corner sofa, a piano, large plants, your bikes, or your stand-up paddleboards take up a lot of \u201cdead\u201d space around them. If you have several of these items, always opt for the next larger storage unit.   <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 3: Define Your Use Case (Cold Storage vs. Active Storage)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>&#8220;Dead&#8221; (long-term) storage:<\/strong> You can fill the storage unit 100%, from floor to ceiling. You&#8217;ll need a smaller storage unit. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>&#8220;Active&#8221; storage (regular access):<\/strong> Seasonal wardrobe, ski gear, or archives. Rent a storage unit with <strong>10 to 15% extra space<\/strong> to create a central aisle and avoid having to empty everything out every time you visit. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 4: The Air Gap<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To protect your solid wood furniture or leather sofas over the long term, leave a space of a few centimeters between the furniture and the walls of the storage unit to allow air to circulate. This ventilation takes up a little space, but ensures the longevity of your belongings. <\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4 Simple, Proven Methods for Calculating Your Space<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. The &#8220;Divide by 10&#8221; Rule (Tailored to Your Profile)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the fastest method for an entire home, but it needs to be adjusted based on your &#8220;clutter profile&#8221;:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Minimalist Approach:<\/strong> Divide the floor area of your home by 12.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Standard Profile:<\/strong> Divide by 10. (Example: 50 m\u00b2 apartment \/ 10 = 5 m\u00b2 storage unit). <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hoarder Profile (lots of furniture\/decor):<\/strong> Divide by 8.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you need help assessing your specific needs (moving company, professional, renovator, etc.), feel free to read our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/en\/blog\/7-profiles-that-need-a-cubicle\/\">finding the storage unit that best fits your needs<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. The carton-counting method<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perfect for students or storage. A standard box holds about 0.1 m\u00b3. To make the most of this space, be sure to follow our <a href=\"https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/en\/blog\/moving-packing-successfully-step-by-step\/\">step-by-step guide to packing boxes successfully<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Calculation:<\/strong> 40 boxes = 4 m\u00b3. Add to that the dimensions of your small accent furniture. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. The Utility Truck Method<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a very reliable comparison. If you\u2019ve calculated your volume correctly to <a href=\"https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/en\/blog\/hiring-a-removal-van-how-to-make-the-right-choice\/\">rent a 12 m\u00b3 utility van<\/a> packed to the brim, you\u2019ll logically need a storage unit of about 12 m\u00b3 (which is roughly a 4 m\u00b2 floor space at Stockeet). <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Your Moving Company&#8217;s Estimate<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re working with professionals, use the exact volume (in m\u00b3) listed on their quote to select your space.<\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Comprehensive Equivalency Chart: Find Your Perfect Box<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/16.png\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"924\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/16.png\" alt=\"Comparative infographic showing storage unit sizes from XS to XXL, with volumes in m&#xB3;, floor areas in m&#xB2;, and examples of furniture that can be stored.\" class=\"wp-image-6241\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/16.png 924w, https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/16-300x162.png 300w, https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/16-768x416.png 768w, https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/16-150x81.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 924px) 100vw, 924px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Box Category<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Estimated Area &amp; Volume<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Perfect for storing&#8230;<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Starting Rate<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Box XS<\/strong><\/td><td>1 to 2.5 m\u00b2 (3 to 7 m\u00b3)<\/td><td>Decluttering a studio apartment. 20 to 30 boxes, stackable chairs, seasonal sports equipment, suitcases. <\/td><td>Starting at 54 CHF\/month<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Box S<\/strong><\/td><td>3 to 4.7 m\u00b2 (8 to 14 m\u00b3)<\/td><td>Small apartment (1-2 rooms). 2-seater sofa, disassembled bed, refrigerator, washing machine, ~30 boxes. <\/td><td>Starting at 98 CHF\/month<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Box M<\/strong><\/td><td>5 to 6.7 m\u00b2 (15 to 20 m\u00b3)<\/td><td>2-3-room apartment. Corner sofa, bedding, major appliances, disassembled wardrobes, ~60 boxes. <\/td><td>Starting at 144 CHF\/month<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Box L<\/strong><\/td><td>7 to 9 m\u00b2 (21 to 27 m\u00b3)<\/td><td>Large apartment (3-4 rooms). Large pieces of furniture, gardening tools, bicycles, ~100 boxes. <\/td><td>Starting at 189 CHF\/month<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Box XL<\/strong><\/td><td>9.2 to 12.6 m\u00b2 (28 to 38 m\u00b3)<\/td><td>Medium- to large-sized home. Professional-grade equipment, ideal for <a href=\"https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/en\/blog\/e-commerce-optimize-your-logistics-with-a-box\/\">optimizing e-commerce storage<\/a> and managing the flow of goods <\/td><td>Starting at 252 CHF\/month<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Box XXL<\/strong><\/td><td>15 to 23.5 m\u00b2 (45+ m\u00b3)<\/td><td>Business relocations, heavy-duty logistics, very large volumes.<\/td><td>Starting at 379 CHF\/month<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>(Note: Prices are approximate and subject to availability. With Stockeet, you can change your box size without any administrative fees if your needs change.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>10 Tips from Pros to Make the Most of Your Space (and Your Budget)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Take apart bulky furniture:<\/strong> Beds and wardrobes will take up much less space. Store heavy boards vertically against the walls. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Make the most of empty spaces:<\/strong> Don&#8217;t waste space! Fill the drum of your washing machine, your drawers, or your suitcases with small items of clothing or books. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Refrigerator tip:<\/strong> Use the inside of your defrosted fridge to store light items, but leave the door slightly ajar (with a piece of cardboard) to prevent mold.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Heavy items at the bottom:<\/strong> Place heavy appliances and boxes of books at the bottom to create a stable base.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Opt for standard moving boxes:<\/strong> Trash bags slip, absorb moisture, and don&#8217;t stack well. Moving boxes fit together perfectly. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Store vertically:<\/strong> Cover your mattresses and place them against the walls to free up the center of the room.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vacuum compression bags:<\/strong> For out-of-season textiles and comforters, removing the air reduces their volume by 70%.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Keep accessibility in mind:<\/strong> Place administrative documents or mid-season clothing near the door.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Don&#8217;t pack too tightly:<\/strong> Keeping your belongings safe is essential. Packing too tightly just to save 2 m\u00b2 could scratch or crush your items. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The door map:<\/strong> Draw a quick sketch of what\u2019s inside the storage unit and attach it to the inside of the door so you can find your way around months later.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group astuce is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><strong><strong>\ud83c\udf81 Exclusive Bonus:<\/strong><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Check-liste-PDF.docx\">Download our Inventory Checklist PDF<\/a><\/em> <em>A print-ready template to list your furniture, estimate how many boxes you\u2019ll need, and draw a floor plan of your future storage unit!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why choose Stockeet for your rental in French-speaking Switzerland?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/17.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"924\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/17.png\" alt=\"A customer holds up her smartphone, which has the digital unlocking app open, in front of her open Stockeet storage unit, number OB 058.\" class=\"wp-image-6256\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/17.png 924w, https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/17-300x162.png 300w, https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/17-768x416.png 768w, https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/17-150x81.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 924px) 100vw, 924px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to helping you make the perfect choice, Stockeet is committed to providing you with top-tier service designed to protect your assets.<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>24\/7 Access:<\/strong> Access your belongings at any time, including holidays, completely on your own thanks to our secure digital access system.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maximum security:<\/strong> Your belongings are protected by 24\/7 video surveillance, strict access control, and completely dry buildings to prevent any moisture-related issues.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Low, Transparent Prices:<\/strong> Take advantage of the most competitive rates in the region, with no hidden fees. Our flexible contracts let you stay in control of your budget. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Customized Support:<\/strong> Our expert advisors will help you assess your belongings so you can choose the ideal storage unit size. You only rent and pay for the space you actually need. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Don&#8217;t let doubt hold you back!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our expert Stockeet advisors are here to help you review your list of belongings and guide you toward the most suitable storage unit. Call us now for a quick estimate. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Would you like to get a feel for what it\u2019s like? Come visit our state-of-the-art self-storage facility in <strong>Aclens (just 15 minutes from Lausanne)<\/strong>. Our team will be happy to show you around and help you explore our different storage unit sizes!  <\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group article-cta is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-524f8de7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udcde Contact us today on: <a href=\"tel:+41218003000\">021 800 30 00<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"cta-button wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/en\/our-offers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more about our offers<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Not sure what size storage unit or self-storage space to choose? Check out our calculation methods and optimization tips to find the ideal size. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":6265,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"class_list":["post-4414","article-de-blog","type-article-de-blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article-de-blog\/4414","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article-de-blog"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/article-de-blog"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article-de-blog\/4414\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6842,"href":"https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article-de-blog\/4414\/revisions\/6842"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6265"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4414"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}