Tips from Amanda, our self storage expert

Need help picking the right storage unit? We asked Amanda, our self storage expert, to share her top tips for choosing the right unit for your home or business.  

Ask Amanda
What's the biggest mistake people make when choosing a storage unit? 

Amanda says
Going too big or too small. Too big and you're paying for unused space. Too small and you can't fit everything - or worse, you start stacking boxes too high. 

Here's Amanda's guide to finding the right fit: 

1. Take stock of your belongings 

Ask Amanda
Where should I start?

Amanda saysMake a full list or inventory of the items you want to store. Include furniture, boxes, appliances and anything else you plan to put in storage. 

Her tips:

• Group items by size and frequency of access. 
• Note which items are fragile or valuable, as they might need extra space or protective packing. 
• For businesses, count stock, equipment, and paperwork carefully - don't forget seasonal items.

2. Estimate how much space you'll need 

Amanda says
A good rule of thumb: Imagine your items fitting into space of your current room or office. Storage units are usually measured in square feet or meters and most storage providers give examples to help. 

A quick guide:

• Small unit (25-50 sqft): Ideal for a few boxes, small furniture or seasonal items. 
• Medium unit (50-100 sqft): Perfect for a one-bedroom flat or small business stock. 
• Large unit (100+ sqft): Suited for a family home, multiple rooms, or large business storage.

Pro tip from Amanda: It's better to slightly overestimate than underestimate - you can always organise efficiently and maximise the space.

3. Consider how you'll access your items 

Ask Amanda
Does the way I access my items affect what size I should pick?

Amanda says
Absolutely! If you plan to go in and out frequently, you'll want space to move around. Don't cram everything in tight corners - it makes access difficult and increases the risk of damage 

Her tips:

• Keep frequency-used items near the front of the unit.
• Leave a small aisle or path for easy entry.
• Consider stacking boxes vertically, but keep heavy items on the bottom.

4. Think about future needs 

Amanda says
You need to think ahead. Will you need more space in 3-6 months? Is your business expanding? Are you planning to store seasonal items?

• Pick a unit that gives you flexibility 
• Avoid cramming your unit to maximum capacity from day one.
• Reassess your storage needs periodically, you can always upscale or downsize.

5. Get expert advice 

Ask Amanda
What if I'm still unsure?

Amanda says
Reach out to a member of our team! Our Pickfords Self Storage team can help you choose the right size unit based on your requirements and budget. We can make sure you don't pay for space you don't need. 

Choosing the right size storage unit is all about planning, estimating, and thinking ahead. Follow Amanda's tips and you'll save money, protect your belongings and make the most of your storage space. 

Need more advice? Contact your local Pickfords Self Storage facility or click here for more tips from Amanda.