To choose the right box size, follow one rule: start from the volume of your belongings, not the floor area of your home. As a guide, count roughly 1 m³ for 10 standard boxes, 3 to 5 m³ for a studio, and up to 20 m³ or more for a large house. A self-storage box is a private storage space that you lock yourself and access whenever you like. At ParaBox in Geneva, our units range from 1 to 25 m². This guide helps you estimate your storage volume, compare the available box sizes and find the ideal one — with a size calculator to speed things up — so you only pay for the space you actually need.
Demand is high: according to Le Temps (November 2025), the storage market in Geneva is expanding fast, with limited available space and surging demand. In short, it pays to size accurately rather than over-book — so estimate carefully before you rent.
In short: studio → 3 to 5 m³ · 3-room apartment → 9 to 12 m³ · house → 15 to 20 m³ and up. For a precise figure in one click, use the ParaBox volume calculator.
What size box should you choose based on your home ?
The right box size follows from the floor area of your home and the volume you need to move. The larger your home, the more storage space you’ll need — but it ultimately depends on what you actually store. The table below gives a reliable starting range, to be refined with the exact contents of your home.
Home size → Storage volume guide
| Size of your home | Estimated storage volume | What you can store |
|---|---|---|
| Studio or 1-bedroom (15–30 m²) | 3 to 5 m³ | A few pieces of furniture, boxes and small items |
| 2-room apartment (30–50 m²) | 6 to 8 m³ | A sofa, a bed, a table and several boxes |
| 3-room apartment (50–70 m²) | 9 to 12 m³ | Large furniture (wardrobe, dining table) and many boxes |
| 4-room apartment (70–100 m²) | 13 to 15 m³ | Furniture, appliances and a large number of boxes |
| Large home / house (>100 m²) | 20 m³ and up | The full contents of a large home, bulky items included |
These estimates assume optimised, compact storage. Dismantling some furniture often lets you drop down a size — and lower the price.
The paraBox size calculator to find the right unit
Rather than guessing, let the calculator do the work. Our size calculator (volume simulator) automatically adds up your furniture and boxes, converts everything into m³, and tells you the matching box size. It’s the fastest, most reliable way to know exactly what size box to choose, with no risk of over- or under-estimating your storage space.
How do you estimate the volume to store?
Estimating the volume to store means converting the contents of your home into cubic metres. The method is simple: list your furniture and boxes, assign an approximate volume to each, then add it all up. That estimate then determines the storage size you need to book.
Estimate your home’s contents, room by room
To store the contents of a home with no surprises, use these volume equivalents:
| Type of item | Approximate volume |
|---|---|
| 10 standard boxes (55 × 35 × 30 cm) | ≈ 1 m³ |
| Sofa or wardrobe (dismantled) | 2 to 3 m³ |
| Table, bed, chest of drawers | 1 to 2 m³ each |
| Large appliances (fridge, washing machine) | 1 to 2 m³ each |
| Seasonal items (skis, bike, garden gear) | 1 to 2 m³ |
| Boxes of clothes and books | stack them, count separately |
Adding these volumes together gives you a realistic estimate of your total storage volume.
Which furniture to store and how to measure It
Not all furniture is stored the same way. To decide what to put in the box and make the most of the space, first measure its three dimensions (length × width × height), then ask whether it can be dismantled. A dismantled wardrobe or table lies flat against the wall and frees up valuable volume. Protect fragile surfaces (covers, blankets) and keep heavy items at the bottom of the stack.
Online simulator and quote request
Once your volume is estimated, you have two options: confirm your choice directly with the simulator, or request a quote for tailored advice. Our team double-checks your volume estimate and confirms the ideal storage size. The quote is free and comes with no commitment — you know the price before you decide.
What types of box are available at paraBox ?
ParaBox offers a full range of box sizes, from 1 to 25 m², covering every need — from a single box to store to a full self-storage room for an entire move. Here are the main types of storage box and what they mean in practice.
| Box type | Area | Approx. usable volume | Real-world equivalent | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box XS | 1–2 m² | 2 to 5 m³ | A garden shed | A few boxes, a cellar, short-term storage |
| Box S | 3–4 m² | 7 to 10 m³ | A small office | A studio, equipment, seasonal items |
| Medium box | 5–8 m² | 12 to 20 m³ | A single garage | A 2–3 room apartment with furniture |
| Large box | 10–15 m² | 25 to 37 m³ | A double garage | A large home, a move |
| Storage room | 20–25 m² | 50 m³ and up | A full room | The complete contents of a house |
Box XS and Box S: For small volumes
The Box XS and Box S are designed for small volumes: a few boxes, the contents of a cellar, seasonal gear or a studio’s belongings. A Box XS is comparable to a garden shed, a Box S to a small office. These are the perfect formats for short-term storage, when you only need to keep the essentials.
Medium Box: The versatile choice
The medium box is the most popular format. It comfortably holds the furniture and boxes of a two- to three-room apartment. It’s the right compromise when you’re torn between two sizes: large enough to move around inside and stack neatly, without paying for space you won’t use.
Large box and storage room: For a large home or a move
For a large home or a full move, go for a large box or a genuine self-storage room. A large box is equivalent to a double garage and absorbs most of a house; the storage room goes further, holding a full room or more. These formats suit long-term storage as well as short-term storage during renovations.
How to choose the right box size for a move ?
For a move, the ideal box size is the one that holds all your belongings during the transition, without wasted space. The logic is the same — estimate the volume — but the stakes are twofold: store everything while keeping your budget under control.
Estimate the volume of a move
Before you move, take a room-by-room inventory and convert it into m³ (see the method above). That estimate determines your box size. If you’re hesitating between two sizes, choose the right one while factoring in furniture you can dismantle: a home that looks bulky often fits into a more compact storage space once optimised.
Choose a flexible box during renovations or the transition
A move often comes with the unexpected: shifting dates, renovations that overrun. At ParaBox, contracts are flexible with no fixed term: you can adjust your box size if needed (subject to availability) and cancel whenever you like, with no fees. Booking takes a few clicks online — just enter your postcode / city and start date to get a free, no-commitment quote.
Our tips for choosing the right storage box
Beyond volume, a few simple tips will help you avoid common mistakes and save space — and therefore money. Here’s our practical guide, distilled into proven advice.
Tips to optimise the available space
- Stack smartly: use the full available height of the box, heavy items at the bottom, light boxes on top.
- Standardise your boxes: same-size boxes stack better and use every m³.
- Dismantle bulky furniture: stored flat against the walls, it frees up considerable space.
- Compress textiles: clothes and bedding fit into vacuum bags.
- Leave an aisle: keep a walkway so you can reach your belongings without moving everything.
What to check before you rent
Choosing a box isn’t only about size. Before you rent a box, also compare:
- Access: hours (ideally 24/7), vehicle access, trolleys available.
- Security: CCTV, alarm, access control.
- Terms: flexible rental, no commitment, free cancellation.
- Price: when you book, you see the size and matching rate up front, with no surprises.
As a benchmark for the Geneva market, Le Temps (November 2025) puts the monthly rent of a 5 m² box at around CHF 100 to 200, with the price per m² falling as the size increases. A useful reference to judge whether an offer is fairly priced.
Mistakes to avoid
The most common mistake is renting too big “just in case” and paying for space you don’t use. Conversely, a box that’s too small forces you to stack poorly and pull everything out on each visit. The fix: estimate your volume seriously, then choose the right size — even if it means dismantling a few pieces of furniture to drop down a notch.
Why rent your box at paraBox in geneva ?
ParaBox is a self-storage centre located in the heart of Geneva, a stone’s throw from Cornavin station, with direct vehicle access. Our storage spaces are accessible 24/7, monitored by CCTV and alarm, and kept tempered and ventilated to protect your belongings. A wide choice of box sizes (from 1 to 25 m²) ensures a solution suited to every situation, from individuals to businesses.
Our service ranges from simple advice to a fully tailored solution: our team helps you assess your needs, choose the ideal size and book your box online. For businesses, ParaBox Pro offers professional and technical storage — equipment, goods, archives — under the same security and flexibility.
The local footprint is real: in a Le Temps feature (November 2025), ParaBox is described as a new player that opened a 1,000 m² site in central Geneva, with around 400 units across two floors — evidence of infrastructure built for Geneva demand.
FAQ — What size box should you choose?
What size box for a studio ? Count on 3 to 5 m³, i.e. a Box XS to S depending on how much furniture you have. A simulator refines the estimate in seconds.
How many m³ for 10 boxes ? About 1 m³ for 10 standard boxes (55 × 35 × 30 cm). Scale up with the number of boxes you need to store.
What’s the difference between m² and m³ for a box ? A box is rented in m² (floor area), but your belongings are estimated in m³ (volume). Benchmark: 1 m² of box ≈ 2.5 m³ of usable volume thanks to the height.
Can you change box size mid-rental ? Yes — at ParaBox you can adjust your box size at any time, subject to availability, with no fixed term.
How much does a box cost by size in Geneva ? The price depends on size and duration. As a guide, Le Temps cites CHF 100 to 200/month for 5 m²; the price per m² drops as the size increases.
How do you get a free, no-commitment quote ? Use the volume calculator or contact our team: you’ll receive an estimate and a free quote, with no commitment whatsoever.
