Choosing the Right Storage Unit Size
Why Getting the Size Right Matters
Storage unit pricing is almost entirely driven by size — so choosing correctly has a direct impact on your monthly costs. A unit that's one size too large for your needs could cost 40–60% more per month than the right size. Equally, an undersized unit creates problems: you can't fit everything in, you're forced to stack items dangerously, and you may damage belongings by over-cramming. The goal is to choose the smallest unit in which you can store everything comfortably with adequate access to retrieve items without unpacking the whole unit.
The most common storage sizing mistake is forgetting to account for vertical space. Most storage units in Thailand have ceiling heights of 2.4 m to 3.5 m, which means stacking boxes and furniture vertically can dramatically increase usable volume. A 5 sqm unit with a 2.5 m ceiling offers 12.5 cubic metres of space — enough for a well-packed one-bedroom apartment if you use the full height. Adding rented shelving (available at most Thai storage facilities for ฿200–฿500 per month) organises boxes efficiently and makes retrieval practical.
Unit Size by Home Type
As a practical guide: a small locker (1–2 sqm) is appropriate for student essentials — a few suitcases, boxes of books, a bicycle, seasonal clothing. A small unit (3 sqm) handles the contents of a Bangkok studio apartment — a single bed, a wardrobe, small appliances, and 15–20 boxes. A medium unit (5 sqm) is the most popular size and accommodates a full one-bedroom apartment including a double bed, dining set, sofa, fridge, and 25–35 boxes. A large unit (10 sqm) handles a two-bedroom or three-bedroom apartment comfortably, with room to walk in and access items without extensive reorganisation. The XL unit (20 sqm) is suited for four-bedroom homes, large condo contents, or small business inventory storage.
If you are storing exclusively furniture with no boxes, the volume calculation changes significantly — furniture does not pack as efficiently as boxes. A large sectional sofa alone occupies roughly the same floor space as 15 medium boxes. For furniture-heavy storage needs, we recommend calling our storage advisory team for a volume estimate based on your specific pieces rather than relying solely on room-type guides.
The Shelving Advantage
Rented shelving within your storage unit is one of the most effective tools for maximising a smaller unit. Standard shelving units (90 cm wide × 40 cm deep × 180 cm tall with 5 shelves) hold 25–30 medium boxes across two shelving units fitted side by side. For a 5 sqm unit, two shelving units along the back wall leave a clear central aisle for access and double the effective box capacity versus floor stacking. Ask your storage facility about shelving rental when booking — it typically costs less than ฿500 per month per unit and pays for itself by allowing you to choose a smaller (cheaper) storage room.
Reassessing Your Size Needs
Storage needs change over time. If you're initially uncertain, it's better to start with a slightly larger unit and downsize once you've established your actual needs. Most storage facilities in Thailand, including ThaiGo Moving's, allow mid-contract unit changes with 7–14 days notice — you can move to a smaller unit as you clear out items or a larger unit if you add more. Check this flexibility before signing any contract. For long-term storage customers (12+ months), conducting an annual review of what's being stored is valuable — there's rarely a reason to pay monthly storage fees for items you no longer want or need, and many items can be sold, donated, or disposed of during the annual review.