Many online storage calculators are available to determine what size unit you'll need.
Since LLMs (large language models) can 'see' items in photos and videos and answer questions about image or video contents, we wondered if AI could be an additional input to estimating the required dimensions for a self-storage unit.
This way, online unit size estimation could be based on uploading one or more photos of items rather than inputting a lot of text.
We tested this approach with the following LLMs:
OpenAI's ChatGPT
Google's Gemini
Google's Project Astra, scheduled for release in 2025, may take this concept to the next level by allowing people to take a video of items around their house and ask for a catalog and storage unit size estimate.
ChatGPT Estimations
We uploaded a photo and prompted ChatGPT o1 with this:
What size storage unit do I need for the items in this photo? Please list all the items you see, along with your estimated dimensions.
Here is the response:
Below is a breakdown of the main furniture and décor items visible in the photo, along with approximate dimensions and a recommended storage unit size. Of course, these estimates may vary slightly from the actual measurements, but they should be close enough for planning purposes.
Itemized List with Estimated Dimensions
Three‐Seat Sofa (white slipcover)
Approx. 84″ wide × 35″ deep × 32″ high
Standard three‐cushion length. Because of the slipcover style, the arms aren’t bulky, but do account for some extra width.
Pair of White Armchairs
Each approx. 30″ wide × 30″ deep × 34″ high
Mid‐century style wooden arms and legs. They are relatively slender but will still occupy a 2½ ft × 2½ ft footprint each.
Round Glass Coffee Table
Approx. 36″ diameter × 18″ high
Glass top with a metal (or possibly wood) frame. Round tables often require careful packing to avoid glass breakage.
Two Small Side Tables
One (round top, wood finish): approx. 18″–20″ diameter × 20″ high
One (small rectangular stool/side table): approx. 16″ wide × 12″ deep × 16″ high
Blue/White Area Rug
Appears to be around 6′ × 9′
Could be folded or rolled for storage.
Floor Lamp (metal pole lamp)
Approx. 60″–66″ (5–5½ ft) in height
Table Lamp (on the end table)
Approx. 26″ high including the shade
Shade diameter around 14″–16″
Throw Pillows and Blankets
Vary in size, typically 16″–20″ square for the pillows
These can be compressed or packed in boxes.
Framed Wall Art (above the sofa)
Approx. 24″ × 30″
May require a mirror‐carton or flat art box for safe transport.
Potted Plant (indoor houseplant)
Approx. 2½–3 ft tall including the pot
For storage, you’d typically remove live plants, but if it’s an artificial plant, keep in mind the volume of the pot and foliage.
Fireplace Tools (leaning by the fireplace)
Approx. 30″ high rack with tools
Fairly slender; can be bundled together for storage.
Curtains and Curtain Rods
Hard to estimate precisely, but standard floor‐length panels.
If you plan to store these, they can be folded into a standard moving box.
Recommended Storage Unit Size
Likely Minimum: 5′ × 10′ (50 sq ft)
If you pack carefully (and possibly stand the sofa on its end), you can fit these items into a 5×10, but it will be tight. You’ll have limited walk‐around space, and you’ll need to stack chairs or tables carefully.
More Comfortable Fit: 10′ × 10′ (100 sq ft)
This size gives you extra room to maneuver, stack items safely, and access them if you need to pull anything out later. It’s the “standard” recommendation for a full living room set plus décor.
If you only need short‐term storage and plan on tightly packing everything once, a 5×10 might be enough. But if you want easier access or are storing more items later (like boxes or additional décor), a 10×10 is the safer choice.
As with most AI output, verifying what the AI tells you is always a good idea.
ChatGPT can also serve up DALL·E images. We asked the LLM to generate an image of the items from the photo inside the appropriately sized storage unit.
However, the GPT comically returned an image that showed an entire living room setup inside a storage unit.
We'll try this feature again in the future.
Author's Note: ChatGPT o1 requires a paid subscription.
Using a GPT
If you have a ChatGPT login, try this Storage Unit Size Estimator GPT. No prompt is needed—attach one or more photos and click the 'Send' message button.
Google's Gemini Space Estimate
We prompted Gemini with:
What size storage unit do I need for the items in this photo? Please estimate the dimensions of each item you catalog.
Here is the detailed reply:
Okay, let's break down the items in the photo and estimate the storage unit size needed. Keep in mind this is an estimate based on visuals, and actual dimensions may vary.
Furniture & Rugs:
Sofa:
Type: Looks like a 2-3 seater sofa with wide arms and cushions.
Estimated Dimensions: 7 feet (84 inches) long, 3 feet (36 inches) deep, 3 feet (36 inches) tall
White Armchair (Right):
Type: Standard armchair with back cushion.
Estimated Dimensions: 3 feet (36 inches) wide, 3 feet (36 inches) deep, 3 feet (36 inches) tall
Armchair with Wooden Arms (Left):
Type: Mid-century style armchair.
Estimated Dimensions: 2.5 feet (30 inches) wide, 3 feet (36 inches) deep, 3 feet (36 inches) tall
Coffee Table (Glass Top):
Type: Round coffee table with a glass top and metal frame.
Estimated Dimensions: 3 feet (36 inches) diameter, 1.5 feet (18 inches) tall
Side Table (Smaller, between chairs):
Type: Small, round wooden table with three legs.
Estimated Dimensions: 1.5 feet (18 inches) diameter, 2 feet (24 inches) tall
Side Table/Stool (next to sofa):
Type: Small wooden table or stool with a shelf.
Estimated Dimensions: 2 feet (24 inches) wide, 1.5 feet (18 inches) deep, 1.7 feet (20 inches) tall
Area Rug:
Type: Flat-woven rug with a geometric pattern.
Estimated Dimensions: 6 feet (72 inches) wide, 9 feet (108 inches) long
Small rug near fireplace:
Type: Sheepskin rug
Estimated Dimensions: 2 feet (24 inches) wide, 3 feet (36 inches) long
Accessories/Other Items:
Floor Lamp (Tall by the armchair):
Type: Standard floor lamp with a fabric shade
Estimated Dimensions: .75 feet (9 inches) base diameter, 5 feet (60 inches) tall
Table Lamp (next to sofa):
Type: Table lamp with a rounded ceramic base.
Estimated Dimensions: .75 feet (9 inches) base diameter, 2 feet (24 inches) tall
Wall Art (framed picture above armchair):
Type: framed artwork
Estimated Dimensions: 2 feet (24 inches) wide, 1.5 feet (18 inches) tall
Wall Tapestry (on the right):
Type: Tapestry or rug hanging on the wall* Estimated Dimensions: 2 feet (24 inches) wide, 3 feet (36 inches) tall
Potted Plant:
Type: Medium-sized potted houseplant
Estimated Dimensions: 1 feet (12 inches) diameter, 3 feet (36 inches) tall
Fireplace Tools:
Type: Set of fireplace tools and stand
Estimated Dimensions: 1 feet (12 inches) wide, 1 feet (12 inches) deep, 2.5 feet (30 inches) tall
Estimating Total Storage Space:
To get a rough estimate, you can think in cubic feet. We can approximate the cubic feet for each large item and then see what unit would be appropriate for storing the whole lot.
Sofa: 7 ft x 3 ft x 3 ft = 63 cubic feet
Armchair (White): 3 ft x 3 ft x 3 ft= 27 cubic feet
Armchair (Wood): 2.5 ft x 3 ft x 3 ft = 22.5 cubic feet
Coffee Table: (We'll consider a rectangular approximation) 3 ft x 3ft x 1.5 ft = 13.5 cubic feet
Side Table (small): 1.5 ft x 1.5 ft x 2 ft = 4.5 cubic feet
Side Table/Stool: 2 ft x 1.5 ft x 1.7 ft = 5.1 cubic feet
Rug: (We’ll assume rolled) 6 ft x 1 ft x 1 ft = 6 cubic feet
Small Rug: (assume rolled): 2 ft x .5 ft x .5 ft = .5 cubic feet
Total (estimated) cubic feet: 142.1 cubic feet + space for smaller items and packing. Let’s round that up to around 170 cubic feet, for a bit of wiggle room for the smaller accessories, and to allow for some additional space that will be needed for packing materials etc.
Recommended Storage Unit Size:
Based on this rough estimate, here are my recommendations:
Minimum: A 5x10 storage unit is a popular size which is close to the 170 cubic feet of space we estimated you’d need. This option would involve packing all the items with care and in an efficient way, with little space to spare.
More Comfortable: If you want more room to move things around, you can get a 10x10 storage unit which provides about 800 cubic feet of space and will give you plenty of extra space to add more items at a later stage.
Important Considerations:
Packing: Plan how to pack. Disassemble items like the lamp bases if possible. Wrap all fragile items in moving blankets or bubble wrap to prevent damage.
Vertical Space: Utilize vertical space in your storage unit. Place the rug on top or against a wall, for instance. Place the stools, and plant on top of the armchairs (once wrapped).
Access: Leave a walkway inside the unit so you can reach everything. Don’t just pile everything in and block yourself out of being able to retrieve items at a later date.
Height: Storage unit heights vary, but generally start around 8 feet. Stack carefully to maximize space, making sure you consider the weight and stability of your stacked items.
Disclaimer: These are estimations. It's always a good idea to measure your larger items accurately if possible before securing a unit. When in doubt, it's better to go a little bigger. You can always store the extra space. It will just cost a little more.
Good luck with your move!
Sizing a unit is not an exact science. At this point, AI can serve as an additional input to predetermining the proper dimensions of a storage space.
As large language models advance, there may be a day when an AI becomes the go-to storage unit size calculator.
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