Maximising Space: What Can You Fit in a 120 Sq Ft Storage Unit?

Choosing the Right Storage Unit Size

Choosing the right storage unit size can be tricky—too small, and you’re cramming things in with no room to spare; too big, and you’re overpaying for unused space. A 120 sq ft storage unit is one of the most versatile self storage sizes available, providing ample space for both personal and business needs. But how much can you actually fit in it?

This guide will help you visualise what you can store in a 120 sq ft storage unit, breaking down its dimensions, storage potential, and practical uses. Whether you’re decluttering, moving house, or need long-term business storage, we’ll also provide expert advice on how much storage space you need, how to pack efficiently, and what is the best storage unit for you based on your requirements.

Understanding Self Storage Sizes: What Does 120 Sq Ft Look Like?

Ever rented a storage unit that was too small, forcing you to cram everything in? Or one too big, leaving you paying for unused space? The 120 sq ft storage unit is a perfect middle ground, offering generous space without unnecessary costs. But what can you actually fit inside?

A 120 sq ft storage unit is roughly the size of a single garage and offers approximately 960 cubic feet of space. With dimensions of 15ft x 8ft x 8ft, it’s slightly larger than a Luton box van, making it ideal for personal storage and business use. Please note that all units over 10 Sq Ft are approx 7.5 to 8 feet high.

How Does a 120 Sq Ft Unit Compare to Other Self Storage Sizes?

What Can You Fit in a 120 Sq Ft Storage Unit?

This size is ideal for home movers, businesses, and long-term storage needs. Here’s a breakdown of what you can fit inside:

Household Storage

Three-seater sofa, armchairs, dining table with chairs, wardrobes, chest of drawers, king-size bed with mattress.
Fridge freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, small kitchen appliances.
120-144 large moving boxes neatly stacked.
Seasonal items like Christmas decorations, garden furniture, suitcases and sporting goods.

Business & Office Storage

Ideal for e-commerce businesses needing extra stock and inventory space.
Office furniture like desks, filing cabinets, chairs, whiteboards.
Event equipment including exhibition stands, banners, promotional materials.
Trade tools, small machinery and workbenches.

Vehicle & Outdoor Gear

Cars and motorbikes (check with the facility as some storage providers don’t allow vehicle storage)
Camping and sports equipment like tents, kayaks, ski gear, bicycles and golf clubs.

How to Choose the Right Storage Unit: What is the Best Storage Unit for Me?

Ask Yourself These Questions:

How much storage space do I need? Make a list of everything you plan to store.
Do I need regular access to my items? If so, leave an aisle for easy access.
Am I storing bulky furniture or stackable boxes? Boxes stack efficiently, but furniture takes up more space.
How long do I need storage for? Remember, short-term needs differ from long-term storage solutions.

Packing a 120 Sq Ft Storage Unit: Maximising Your Space

Use Stackable Boxes: Opt for sturdy, uniform-sized boxes that can be stacked neatly to maximise your vertical storage space. This not only helps keep everything organised but also ensures you can fit more into your storage unit without wasting space. Avoid overloading boxes to prevent damage or difficulty in lifting.
Disassemble Large Items: Take apart bulky furniture like tables, bed frames, and sofas. For example, remove table legs and store them flat to save space, and stand sofas vertically to free up floor area. Keep all screws, bolts, and small parts in labeled bags and tape them securely to the corresponding item to avoid losing them.
Label Everything: Clearly label all sides of your boxes with a description of their contents, such as “kitchenware” or “winter clothes.” This will make finding specific items much quicker and easier when you need them, especially if you’re storing things for an extended period and forget what’s inside.
Use Shelving: Consider adding free-standing shelving units to your storage space, especially for long-term storage. Shelves allow you to keep frequently used or fragile items off the floor for easier access and better protection. They also help maintain organisation, so you don’t have to dig through stacks of boxes.
Create an Aisle: If you’ll need frequent access to your storage space, leave a narrow aisle down the middle to reach items stored at the back. This prevents the hassle of having to move multiple boxes and furniture each time you need something.

Where to Get Self Storage Insurance in the UK

While self storage facilities take security seriously, self storage insurance provides extra peace of mind. Some providers include insurance in their rates, while others require you to arrange your own. Options include:

Specialist Storage Insurance: Companies like Insurastore and Surewise offer tailored policies.
Home Insurance Add-Ons: Some home insurance providers cover belongings in storage.
Storage Facility Providers: Many self storage companies offer in-house insurance options.

At Space Centre Self Storage, we offer FREE Storage Insurance for goods up to the value of £3000. If you need more cover, we recommend contacting your insurance provider for more information and remember to compare quotes.

Let’s Summarise

A 120 sq ft storage unit offers plenty of space to store items from a 2-3 bedroom house or for business use. It’s slightly larger than a Luton box van and provides around 960 cubic feet of storage space. When choosing the right storage unit, consider your specific needs, such as access frequency, duration of storage, and type of items being stored.

To maximise your space, use stackable boxes, disassemble large items, label everything clearly, use shelving units and create an aisle for easier access. Lastly, make sure to get insurance coverage for added peace of mind. At Space Centre Self Storage, we offer various sized units with competitive rates. Here are the price and size guides for our branches in Stroud, Bristol, Stonehouse and Glouceter.

A 120 sq ft storage unit is a versatile and practical option, offering enough room for furniture, business stock, or even seasonal storage. If you’re still unsure how much storage space you need, give us a call and our storage experts can help you find the perfect fit.