In short
- Start from what you want to store, not from square metres.
- Our units range from lockers up to around 30 m².
- Most households fit in 4 to 13 m²: a small room is about 4–7 m², a two-bedroom home about 11–13 m².
- Keep 10–20% free space and use the full height of the unit.
- You can switch to a smaller or larger unit later.
How do I choose the right size?
A simple method works for almost everyone:
- List your largest items first. Beds, sofas, wardrobes, tables and appliances take the most space.
- Estimate your boxes. Count the boxes you have and the ones you still need to pack.
- Compare with the size guide below. Match your list to the examples.
- Add 10 to 20% extra. You need room to reach your things.
- Think in height. Units are tall, and stacking boxes safely makes the most of the space.
What fits in which size?
< 4 m²Boxes and a few pieces of furniture
A desk, a few chairs, a bike and a good number of boxes.
Example: 1 m² unit
4–7 m²A small room
A bed, a wardrobe and a stack of boxes.
Example: 6 m² unit
8–10 m²A one-bedroom home
The furniture and boxes of a one-bedroom apartment.
Example: 10 m² unit
11–13 m²A two-bedroom home
A sofa, beds, a dining table and plenty of boxes.
Example: 12 m² unit
> 13 m²A large home or a small business
Most of a three-bedroom home, or stock and equipment for a business.
Example: 20 m² unitIndicative examples. Our units range from lockers up to around 30 m². Exact unit sizes in Portugal will be confirmed before opening.
Size guide at a glance
| Size | What fits | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| < 4 m² | Boxes, a desk, a few chairs, a bike | A few boxes, seasonal items, a student room |
| 4–7 m² | A bed, a wardrobe, a fridge and boxes | A studio, a small room, a small renovation |
| 8–10 m² | The furniture and boxes of a one-bedroom apartment | A one-bedroom move |
| 11–13 m² | A sofa, beds, a dining table and plenty of boxes | A two-bedroom move or a home renovation |
| > 13 m² | Most of a three-bedroom home, or stock and equipment | A family move or a business |
How can I use the space efficiently?
- Stack boxes of the same size and put the heaviest at the bottom.
- Use the full height of the unit, but keep stacks stable.
- Take large furniture apart and stand tables and mattresses on their side.
- Keep the items you need most near the door.
- Leave a small walkway so you can reach everything.
- Use shelving for small items, boxes of books and tools.
What about bulky or special items?
Bulky items need a closer look at the length and height of the unit, not just the floor area:
- Bikes and e-bikes: stand them upright or hang them to save floor space.
- Kayaks, surfboards and skis: measure the longest item and check how it fits.
- Musical instruments such as a piano: they take floor space and need careful handling.
- Large appliances: fridges, washing machines and dryers fit well in the corners.
Examples for common situations
- A student room or a few boxes: under 4 m².
- The contents of a studio: 4–7 m².
- A one-bedroom move or renovation: 8–10 m².
- A two-bedroom home: 11–13 m².
- A family home, a piano or a business with stock: more than 13 m².
Common mistakes when choosing a size
- Choosing too small: you end up unable to reach your things, or you need a second unit.
- Forgetting the height: tall units can hold much more than the floor area suggests.
- Not counting the boxes: boxes take more room than most people expect.
- Choosing too big: you pay for space you don't use.
What if I choose the wrong size?
With flexible contracts you can switch to a smaller or larger unit later. If you are unsure, our team will help you choose when booking opens.
Read more: What is self-storage? →
Frequently asked questions
How big is a 5 m² storage unit?
A 5 m² unit is about the size of a small room, for example 2 by 2.5 metres. It fits a bed, a wardrobe and a stack of boxes.
Can I fit a sofa in a small unit?
In many cases, yes. A sofa fits in a unit of around 4 to 7 m² together with a few boxes, but check the dimensions of your sofa and plan the layout.
What is the largest unit available?
Our units range from lockers up to around 30 m². Exact unit sizes in Portugal will be announced before opening.
Should I take a bigger unit to be safe?
Only if you need the extra room. A little extra space helps you reach your things, but a unit that is too big means paying for space you don't use. You can always switch later.
How many boxes fit in a unit?
It depends on the size of the boxes and how high you stack them. Standard moving boxes stack well, so using the full height of the unit makes a big difference. Ask our team for advice when booking.
Last updated: October 2026 · By the Storo team