What size storage unit do I need?
You’ve decided you need a storage unit. You’ve found a facility – and now you’re staring at a list of sizes that mean absolutely nothing to you. Is a 1.5 × 2.5 big enough for a lounge suite? Will a 3 × 2 fit everything from the spare room? What even is an “8ft ceiling height” in practical terms?
Choosing the wrong size is the most common mistake people make when booking self storage. Too small and you’re cramming things in dangerously. Too big and you’re paying for floor space you’ll never use. This guide walks you through how to get it right – whether you’re mid-renovation in North Geelong, between houses in Lara, or just trying to reclaim your garage in Norlane.
Why size matters more than you’d expect
Storage unit sizes can look similar on paper and feel completely different in reality. A few centimetres of width can make the difference between fitting a fridge or not. And most people focus entirely on floor space – forgetting that a modern, purpose-built facility like ours has units approximately 8ft (2.4m) high. That’s a meaningful amount of vertical space that doubles your effective storage when you use it properly.
Think vertically. Shelving units, stacked boxes, and tall furniture pieces can all take advantage of the full ceiling height. Customers who plan for vertical storage get significantly more into a unit than those who only think about floor footprint.
The unit sizes available at Greenspace Storage
Here’s a breakdown of the sizes available, what fits in each, and who they suit best. Dimensions are approximate – exact availability varies, so check the space calculator or call the team to confirm what’s currently on offer.
Quick-reference sizing table
| Unit size | Floor area | Best for | Common Geelong scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 × 1.5m | 2.25m² | A few items, overflow boxes, seasonal gear | Clearing a study or box room before a tenant moves in |
| 1.5 × 2.5m | 3.75m² | One room’s worth of furniture and boxes | Moving out of a unit in North Geelong, storing while in transition |
| 1.5 × 3m | 4.5m² | Multiple appliances, mid-renovation clearout | Kitchen or bathroom reno in Lara – appliances out while works are on |
| 2 × 3m | 6m² | Full lounge or bedroom set, major household items | Downsizing in Norlane – keeping furniture before the new place is ready |
| 3 × 2.5m | 7.5m² | Full household contents, vehicle, large equipment | Selling the family home in Bell Post Hill and bridging the gap before settlement |
How to work out the right size in 4 steps
- Write down everything you’re storing. Don’t rely on memory. Walk through each room and list items by category: furniture, whitegoods, boxes, sporting equipment. The act of writing it forces you to be realistic.
- Flag your largest items first. A king-size bed, a fridge-freezer, a dining table – these set your floor space minimum. Everything else fits around them.
- Add 20% for packing reality. Things don’t stack as neatly as you hope. Boxes aren’t all the same height. Leave a buffer, or you’ll be cramming things in at the last minute.
- Use the space calculator. The space calculator on the Greenspace website lets you input what you’re storing and gives you a size estimate. It takes about two minutes and takes the guesswork out entirely.
The most common sizing mistake we see is customers choosing a unit based on floor space and forgetting about height. All our units are approximately 8ft tall – that’s a full extra layer of storage if you’ve got shelving or can stack boxes safely. A 1.5 × 3m unit used well can hold considerably more than people expect.
Matching your situation to the right size
The trigger for needing storage is usually a life event, not just a declutter. Here’s how the most common Geelong scenarios map to unit sizes.
| Situation | Likely unit size | Things to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Moving house Between settlement dates with nowhere for your stuff to go |
2 × 3m or 3 × 2.5m | You’ll want drive-up access for the big move day – ground floor units are ideal |
| Renovation Clearing a room or whole floor while works are happening |
1.5 × 3m or 2 × 3m | Renovations almost always run longer than planned – book flexible terms |
| Downsizing Moving to a smaller place, not ready to part with everything |
2 × 3m | Make a plan for what you’ll retrieve in 6 months versus what stays – don’t pay for indefinite storage on things you won’t use |
| Decluttering Creating space at home without getting rid of things |
1.5 × 1.5m or 1.5 × 2.5m | Smaller units suit this well – and you can always upsize if your clean-out goes further than expected |
| Students / temporary Moving back home between rentals or study placements |
1.5 × 1.5m or 1.5 × 2.5m | Short-term storage is available – no need to commit to a long lease |
Ground floor or first floor – does it matter?
At Greenspace Storage, units are available on both the ground floor (with direct drive-up access) and the first floor (accessed by lift). For most people, the size decision matters more than the floor. But there are a few situations where it’s worth thinking about.
| Ground floor (drive-up) | First floor (lift access) | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Heavy or bulky items, frequent access, big move days | Lighter items, less frequent visits, boxes and smaller furniture |
| Access | Drive directly to the unit door – unload straight from your vehicle | Lift access – free trolleys available on site |
| Typical use | Tradies, full household moves, appliances | Seasonal items, documents, clothing, smaller furniture |
What if I pick the wrong size?
It happens. You either underestimate how much stuff you have (very common) or overestimate and end up with more space than you need. The good news is that self storage is genuinely flexible – you’re not locked in the way you would be with a lease.
If you need to upsize, speak to the team and they’ll work out what’s available. If you’ve overestimated, you can look at moving to a smaller unit once you’ve had a chance to assess what you’re actually using. The key is not to leave it six months before you review it.
Still not sure? Two quick options
Use the space calculator. It’s on the Greenspace website and takes about two minutes. You tell it what you’re storing, it gives you a size recommendation. No guesswork, no commitment. Try the space calculator →
Call the team directly. If your situation is complicated – a full household move, a long renovation, or you’re storing something unusual – a quick call to 03 6163 1053 will get you a straight answer. The office is open Monday to Saturday, 9:30am to 4:30pm.
Greenspace Storage is located at 14 Success Court, Corio – about 20 minutes north of Geelong CBD. Units are accessible seven days a week, 7am to 10pm, including public holidays.