One more box and the hallway overflows. Whether for a move, a renovation or simply to reclaim space at home, renting a storage unit is often the right idea. But you still need to choose the right size. Too small and nothing will fit. Too large and you will pay every month for empty space. Here is how to estimate correctly.
Think in volume, not floor area
People often talk about "square metres" for a unit, but volume is what matters. A 12 m³ unit is concretely a space of about 4 m² on the floor with 3 metres of height — more than enough to stack boxes, a sofa and a wardrobe. Think in cubic metres, not floor area: that is the key to not overestimating your needs.
Small needs: from 1.5 to 2 m³
This is the ideal format if you have a few boxes, seasonal items (skis, bikes, winter clothing) or equipment you do not use daily. To give you an idea:
- 1.5 m³: the equivalent of a large cupboard. Perfect for 10 to 15 boxes.
- 2 m³: a little more room to add a suitcase, sports equipment or archives.
At C-BOX, these small units start from CHF 55 per month. It is the most accessible entry point for gaining space without breaking the bank.
Medium needs: from 9 to 18 m³
This is the most popular range, both for individuals in transition and for professionals. It fits a real household's worth of belongings:
- 9 to 12 m³: the furniture of a studio or small apartment. Ideal for a renovation or an in-between homes situation.
- 15 to 18 m³: the contents of a 3-room home, or a retailer's seasonal stock, or a tradesperson's equipment.
It is often in this range that advice makes the difference: a few extra cubic metres and the monthly budget climbs unnecessarily. A few less and organisation becomes a headache.
Large volumes: from 22 to 80 m³ and beyond
Here we enter professional storage or life situations that involve a lot of volume: inheritance, moving a large house, e-commerce stock, company archives.
- 22 to 30 m³: a complete 4–5 room home, or a substantial stock of goods.
- 35 to 80 m³: genuine warehouse spaces, designed for SMEs, tradespeople or e-commerce businesses that need regular access to their equipment.
The advantage of self-storage compared to a traditional warehouse? Flexibility. No long-term commitment, one month's notice, and a decreasing price per cubic metre: the larger your unit, the less each cubic metre costs.
The tip for estimating well: room by room
No need to measure everything. Go through what you want to store, room by room, and count in "big blocks":
- A 3-seater sofa ≈ 1.5 to 2 m³
- A wardrobe ≈ 1 to 1.5 m³
- A standard box ≈ 0.06 m³ (about 15 boxes per m³)
- A double bed with base ≈ 2 m³
- A bicycle ≈ 0.5 m³
Add it all up, include 10 to 15% margin to move around in the unit and access your belongings easily, and you will have a reliable estimate.
Not sure? Toni can help you choose
At C-BOX, you do not have to decide alone. Toni, our storage expert at the Belmont-sur-Lausanne and Fribourg sites, can assess your needs with you, show you the different sizes and guide you to the unit that truly fits your situation. No nasty surprises, no extra cubic metres.
And if your needs change, it is simple: you can switch unit size at any time, with no penalty.
Book your unit online in a few clicks, or contact Toni for personalised advice.
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