One of the most common questions when looking for self-storage is:
Choosing the right size can prevent unnecessary costs or running out of space. In this practical guide, we show you what fits into 3m², 5m², and 7m² storage units, complete with real-world examples and common situations. At the end, we explain how you can discover your ideal size in just a few minutes using the BigBox calculator.
How to Choose the Right Size
Before making a decision, you should consider:
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Amount of furniture
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Number of boxes
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Type of objects (large or small)
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Storage duration
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Potential for organization inside the unit
General rule: better organization = better use of space.
📦 3 m² Storage Unit – Small but Efficient
Ideal for:
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Extra home storage
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Students
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Minor moves
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Seasonal items
What fits:
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✔ 15 to 20 medium boxes
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✔ 1 bicycle
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✔ Travel suitcases
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✔ Small furniture (chairs, small tables)
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✔ Equipment / tools
Typical scenario:
Perfect for those who need to free up space at home without storing large, bulky items.
📦 5 m² Storage Unit – The Most Versatile Size
Ideal for:
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House moves
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Renovations
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Families needing extra storage
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Intermediate storage
What fits:
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✔ Sofa
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✔ Disassembled bed
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✔ Table and chairs
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✔ 20 to 30 boxes
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✔ Home appliances
Typical scenario:
Storing the contents of a 1-bedroom apartment (T1) or part of a 2-bedroom apartment (T2).
📦 7 m² Storage Unit – Space for Larger Volumes
Ideal for:
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Complete household moves
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Families
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Businesses
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Inventory & stock storage
What fits:
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✔ Complete set of furniture
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✔ 30 to 40 boxes
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✔ Large household appliances
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✔ Bulky equipment
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✔ Business materials/archives
Typical scenario:
Storing the majority of a home's contents or managing a business's commercial inventory.
Quick Comparison
|
Size |
Ideal for |
Capacity |
|
3 m² |
Light storage |
Boxes + small objects |
|
5 m² |
Moves / renovations |
Furniture + boxes |
|
7 m² |
Large volumes |
Complete home contents / commercial stock |
🧮 How to Know Exactly What Size You Need
If you are still in doubt, the easiest way is to use the BigBox calculator.
👉 https://bigbox.pt/pt/go/calculadora
With this tool, you can:
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✔ Select the objects you want to store
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✔ Get an estimate of the required space
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✔ Avoid choosing a unit that is too small or too large
It is a quick, practical, and no-obligation way to make the best decision.
Tips to Maximize Your Space
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✔ Use uniform boxes: It makes stacking them much easier and safer.
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✔ Take advantage of vertical height: Stacking items correctly from floor to ceiling maximizes the unit's potential.
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✔ Disassemble furniture: This dramatically reduces the volume items take up.
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✔ Create access aisles: Leave a small path so you can find and retrieve items without having to move everything out.
What If You Choose the Wrong Size?
One of the key advantages of flexible self-storage solutions is the ability to:
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Upgrade to a larger space
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Downsize to a smaller space
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Adjust as your needs change
👉 The important thing is to get started and adjust as you go.
Your ideal size will always depend on your specific needs, but understanding what fits in each option helps you make a much more informed decision. And when there is a tool designed to make that choice easy, the process becomes even simpler. More than just space, it's about finding the right solution for your current situation.
