How to Estimate Your Storage Space?
Not sure where to start when it comes to estimating your storage (or moving) volume? Don’t worry. Whether it’s just a few boxes or an entire flat, we’ll guide you to find the ideal space… and most importantly, ensure you only pay for what you actually need.
Why Is It Important To Estimate Your Storage Surface?
Optimise your costs: only pay for the space you actually need.
Plan ahead: prepare for boxes, bulky or fragile items.
Choose the right storage solution: whether it’s a unit, a container, or a warehouse.
And if you miscalculate? No worries — at YouStock, our prices adjust based on the actual volume collected on the day.
Estimate The Storage Space You Need For Your Furniture And Objects
Examples of surface by type of container:
Not all containers take up the same amount of space, and that can make a real difference when choosing the right storage size.
Here are a few estimates to help you anticipate the space you’ll need based on the number of boxes, suitcases, or bags you plan to store.
💡 Our tip: use boxes of a similar size to make stacking easier and avoid wasting space.
| Space | |
|---|---|
| Standard box | 1 sq ft |
| Small box / book box | 1 sq ft |
| Wardrobe box | 4 sq ft |
| XL box / plastic storage box | 2 sq ft |
| Travel bag / cabin suitcase | 1 sq ft |
| Large suitcase | 2 sq ft |
Examples of surface by furniture or item:
No need to get your tape measure out and measure everything down to the last centimetre — some items tend to take up roughly the same volume, regardless of the model.
Here are average volumes for the most common items. Add yours together for a rough estimate of your total storage needs.
💡 Our tip: if possible, disassemble your furniture (beds, wardrobes, sofas). It helps reduce the overall volume, makes transport easier, and optimises your storage space.
| Space | |
|---|---|
| Chair | 2 sq ft |
| Fridge freezer | 16 sq ft |
| 2-seater sofa | 13 sq ft |
| Armchair | 5 sq ft |
| Coffee table | 3 sq ft |
| Rug - between 2 and 3 metres | 4 sq ft |
| Chest of drawers | 4 sq ft |
| Small bedside table | 2 sq ft |
An expert will get back to you to help you accurately assess your storage or moving project.
How to convert volume (m³) into surface area (sqft) ?
You’ve estimated your storage volume in cubic metres, but some services charge by square foot? No problem — here’s how to easily convert your result.
The formula to use
A practical example
Let’s say you need to store 8 m³ of items, and the storage unit has a ceiling height of 2.5 meters:
Surface area = (8 ÷ 2.5) × 10.764 = 3.2 × 10.764 = 34.44 sqft
You’ll need approximately 34.4 square feet of floor space to store your belongings.
Our expert tip 💡
If you don’t know the exact height of your storage space, use a standard height of 2.5 m (the typical height of a standard storage unit). This will give you a realistic estimate while you wait for the precise dimensions.
Enjoy the same experience as our customers 💙
FAQ – Estimation de volume de stockage
At YouStock, we understand that storing your personal items can be stressful. Beyond choosing the storage centre itself, it’s essential to select a space that truly matches your needs.
That’s exactly why we created our storage surface calculator — to help you with what can sometimes feel like a tricky task.
Thanks to this free online tool, you can estimate the surface area taken up by each of your items quickly and accurately.
It’s an essential step if you want to save money and avoid paying for a storage unit that’s too big!
Calculating the storage surface area of your belongings is essential to determine your rental cost, but it’s not the only factor to consider!
Here are some of the other elements our calculator takes into account during your pricing simulation — and areas where you can save on the final cost.
If you have time to pack your boxes yourself, go for it! Depending on the effort you’re willing to put in, this can slightly reduce your quote.
You could also opt for more basic packaging to cut costs, but we strongly advise against this if you value your belongings.
You can also reduce your quote by disassembling your furniture yourself, instead of relying on our professionals for that part.
But be aware: you’ll also need to be able to reassemble everything on your own.
The timing of your storage can also significantly impact your final price.
Seasonality plays a big role in pricing — and generally speaking, you’ll pay more during the summer months.
Make a list of your main furniture and the number of boxes.
Using our reference guide (see above), add up the volumes — and you’ll get a realistic estimate of your storage needs.
Otherwise, feel free to use our simulation tool to get a precise and free estimate.
Square feet (sqft) measure surface area — the amount of floor space something occupies. It’s commonly used in property and storage unit listings to describe how much space is available on the ground.
Cubic metres (m³), on the other hand, measure volume — the total three-dimensional space an item or group of items occupies, including height.
In short:
sqft = length × width (surface only)
m³ = length × width × height (full volume)
If you’re trying to determine how much you can store, m³ gives a more accurate estimate, especially when stacking items vertically.
No worries — our team will adjust your storage space on collection day.
You’ll only pay for what’s actually stored or moved.
Absolutely! A YouStock expert can assist you free of charge by phone or remotely.
Simply click on “Call me back” or “Talk to an expert” to book an appointment.
Yes, definitely. Our solution is flexible — you can add or remove items at any time.
Your rate will be adjusted according to the space you actually use.