What Can I Fit in a 3×3 Storage Locker

If you find yourself with too much stuff lying around your apartment, you may have already considered renting a storage unit to free up some space. However, maybe you don’t have enough stuff to fill a 5’ x 5’ storage unit and don’t want to pay for space you’re not using. In that case, a 3×3 storage locker is a perfect fit for your needs.

A 3×3 storage locker can hold about 9 square feet of items, similar to what would fit in a large closet or half a bedroom. This available space depends on what you store and how you organize it, so in this article, we’ll go into what you can fit in a storage locker and how to get the most out of the limited space it offers.

What kinds of items can I put in a 3×3 storage locker?

Let’s go over a few types of items you can easily fit inside the 9 square feet that a storage locker affords you.

Clothes and personal items

Extra clothes you’re not using at the moment are a perfect fit for a 3×3 storage locker, especially when properly packed and folded. Free up some closet space by storing seasonal clothing (such as sweaters during the summer, or swimwear during the winter) for 1-2 people in your locker, or stack 3-4 wardrobe boxes of more delicate clothing inside.

Shoes, accessories, and other personal items you aren’t wearing or using can fill in any extra space in your locker. For even better organization, you can store your clothes in a small dresser or other container, then put the container in the locker to further free up space in your home. Just remember to store delicate clothes in garment bags and use pest repellents to make sure everything comes out in the same condition it went in.

Documents, papers, and other media

One sheet of paper doesn’t take up much space, but when they collect over time, you can find yourself with a mess on your hands–one that a 3×3 storage locker can help you tackle. Small to medium-sized filing cabinets can easily fit in a locker, but more important documents should be stored in acid-free storage boxes before you put them in a unit. This will protect them from any unwanted damage while keeping them organized and easy to stack.

Photos, posters, and other documents of sentimental value can also be stored in a locker, keeping them safe and secure while giving you extra space at home. You can even store books and other media in a small locker as long as you give them the proper care to prevent temperature and humidity damage.

Small appliances and other electronics

You won’t be able to put an oven or refrigerator in a small storage locker, but old appliances you can’t or don’t want to get rid of will easily fit; think microwaves, toaster ovens, blenders, or coffee makers. Computer equipment and accessories can also fit in a locker, especially more recent tech that’s engineered to take up less space.

Televisions around 32” and as large as 40” can also be stored in a 3×3 locker, along with older, unused game systems and other entertainment center items. Anything electronic can be damaged by temperature and humidity changes, though, so consider seeking out climate-controlled storage lockers if you’re planning on storing any of these devices.

Sporting goods and hobby items

If the weather isn’t right for your sport of choice, or you’re taking a break from cycling or golfing, a 3×3 storage unit is perfect for keeping your sporting goods organized. One or two standard-sized road or mountain bikes will fit in a locker, as will a couple of sets of golf clubs and bags. Skis, snowboards, and other winter equipment can also safely be stored in a locker.

3×3 lockers are good for more than just athletic hobbies, though. An artist or crafter with more supplies than they know what to do with can put anything that isn’t essential in a locker, from easels to workbenches. Musicians can also store larger instruments in a locker, such as an old guitar or an electronic keyboard; these instruments will last much longer if you opt for climate control.

Small furniture and other household items

Any household items you keep around but don’t need immediately can benefit from being stored in a 3×3 locker. Nightstands, small end tables, desk chairs, small accent chairs, and coffee tables are among the smaller items you should consider for a storage locker. Lamps and other small décor items can also go into storage if you aren’t using them.

Alongside small kitchen appliances, infrequently used cleaning supplies like vacuum cleaners, brooms, and dusters can easily fit in a locker. Kitchen and cooking items that you don’t find yourself using will also fit well; just remember, any electronic items should be stored in a climate-controlled locker to prevent moisture damage.

3×3 lockers will also accommodate your seasonal and holiday decorations, saving you space in your garage or attic while giving you easy access to them when the time comes. If your decorations are delicate, you may want to rent a climate-controlled locker to protect them from humidity or temperature damage.

What factors might affect my storage capacity in a 3×3 locker?

Ceiling height

Many 3×3 storage lockers have lower ceilings than other units, giving you much less vertical space than a full storage unit and enabling storage facility providers to put multiple lockers in a single column. If you opt for one of these lockers, be sure what you’re packing can fit inside.

You can also find storage lockers with the standard 8-foot ceiling found in most full-size storage units, and some even have a 10-foot ceiling for extra space if you’re willing to pay for it. You’ll get the most out of these units by carefully vertically stacking your items and boxes, and being mindful of the unit’s height before attempting to store something too tall or long for it.

Item shape

Storing your items in boxes or bins will help you fit them all together in your storage locker when the time comes. If you have irregularly shaped items you can’t fit in a box, make sure you prioritize the boxes, then store these other items in any extra space left in the locker. Use the same size boxes for all of your items if you can, as these are easier to stack and fit together.

Fragile or delicate items will require extra packing material, whether you’re storing them in a box or on their own, and as such, need extra space to accommodate it. It’s best to store these items in their boxes and keep them on top of any stacks so there’s no risk of other boxes crushing or damaging them.

Access and organization needs

When you’re organizing items in your storage locker, think about which ones you need access to most often, and place those closer to the front. A 3×3 locker doesn’t leave a lot of room to get inside and move around, so arrange your items in a way that you can get to whatever you need right after opening the door.

For maximum organization and efficiency, dedicate different spaces in the locker to different categories of items so they’re even easier to find at a glance. A tight, efficient organization system will give you a little more space to work with.

Packing efficiency

Smart storage unit renters know how to pack items in boxes to maximize the space within, and how to pack those boxes into a small space. 

For example, try using items you’re already packing, such as towels or less delicate clothes, as padding for more fragile items. Make sure you’re using a uniform box or tub size as mentioned above, so your boxes are guaranteed to fit together in your locker.

Remember to use every bit of vertical space you have, whether you’re using a low-ceiling locker or a 10’ high one. Stack heavier and less delicate items below lighter and more fragile ones to prevent crushing damage.

How can I maximize the space in a 3×3 storage locker?

Vertical storage strategies

If your storage locker has an 8’ to 10’ ceiling, making the most of your vertical space will allow you to fit more inside. A shelving unit or rack system from a place like the Container Store will allow you to secure your belongings on sturdy shelves, and stackable boxes and bins make it easier to use vertical space. Wall-mounted racks are also available; check with your storage provider to see if they’re allowed in your unit.

Boxes and containers

Choosing the right containers will make your storage journey much easier, from picking uniform box and bin sizes for easier stacking to using clear plastic containers so you can see what’s inside at a glance. Storing fabric items such as clothes and sheets in vacuum-sealed bags will save even more space, and if you’re storing a smaller dresser or other furniture with drawers, put items inside them for an easy multi-purpose solution.

Organizing and labeling

Make a detailed list of everything you’re storing in your locker so it’s easy to find, access, and store each item as needed. Write clear labels on your boxes and color-code similar boxes so they’re easy to keep together, and map out your locker’s layout so you know what kinds of items are stored where. These methods will also help you when you’re swapping out items and planning out seasonal rotations; for example, when the weather gets cold, replacing a box of sweaters with a box of bathing suits.

Packing order and placement

When you’re packing and loading your storage locker, remember to keep heavy items on the bottom of your stacks and light items on the top. Put your least-used and least-accessed items toward the back of the locker, and if you can, leave some space for you to walk in and get items out. Protect fragile items with bubble wrap or other cushioning–you can further save space by cushioning with casual clothes or towels you may otherwise be storing somewhere else.

What if I need a larger unit than a 3×3 locker?

Different situations require different storage needs, and you may find a locker isn’t big enough for what you’re trying to put away. Here are a few times to consider renting a larger unit.

Items that won’t fit

If what you’re storing is too large for a 3×3 locker on its own, it’s worth renting a larger unit. A few items that won’t fit in a locker include:

• Large furniture, such as couches, beds, dining tables, or full-size dressers.
• Major appliances, such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, or ovens.
• Multiple mattresses or box springs.
• Large pieces of sports and recreational equipment, such as kayaks, exercise bikes, or weight machines.

Situations that need more space

A 3×3 locker, as mentioned before, can only fit the contents of a large closet or half a bedroom. If you’re moving house and need to store everything while you move, you’re going to need much more space. You’ll also need a larger unit if you’re storing several people’s belongings, if you’re keeping inventory for a business, or if you’re taking care of a large collection of valuables.

Units for slightly larger storage needs

A few options for the next step up from a small locker include:

• 5’ x 5’ mini storage units. These units can fit the contents of a small bedroom and give you a little more space to store larger items.
• 5’ x 10’ small storage units. For a larger room’s contents or larger equipment needs, these units will give you plenty of space.
• Climate-controlled units. Not all storage facilities offer climate control in their small lockers, so seek out a larger unit with temperature and humidity control if you need to protect certain items from environmental damage.

Cost-benefit analysis

The price of a locker vs. a full-size unit will always depend on a number of factors: location, amenities, climate control, and insurance, for example. The easiest way to compare these prices is by using our built-in search tool, looking at quotes, then calculating the unit price per square foot for each available size and determining which is the best deal for you. You can also expect to pay less per month for longer-term storage, as long as you pay up front.

Where should I look for 3×3 storage lockers?

If you live in an apartment or dorm, need to store a few seasonal items, or need somewhere safe to put important documents, a 3×3 storage locker is perfect for you. Large furniture, business inventory, and the contents of multiple rooms will most likely need something a little bit larger. Make sure you take inventory of everything you’re storing, and consider how much you expect to store in the future before making a decision.Whatever size or need you’re looking for, Storage.com can help you find the right unit. Use our search tool to compare the best storage facilities near you, or give us a call at (833) 280-0939 to speak with an expert and get personalized help.