How to Choose the Right Safe Deposit Box Size
Choosing a box size is the only real decision you’ll make when renting a safe deposit box — and most people overthink it. Here’s a simple way to get it right.
Start with what you’ll actually store
- Small boxes swallow jewellery, passports, certificates and envelopes of documents. If it fits in a shoebox’s worth of space, start here.
- Medium boxes handle document folders, laptops, cameras, tablets and boxed collectibles.
- Large boxes are for bulk: archive boxes, business stock and family collections.
Think ahead
Boxes are rented annually, and upgrading mid-term is usually a five-minute job. Still, if you know a wedding, inheritance or business shipment is coming, size up from the start — the price difference is smaller than a second box.
Consider how often you’ll visit
If you’ll rotate stock or documents regularly, a bigger box means fewer trips and more room to organise. Occasional storage? A small box keeps things snug and simple.
Four packing tips from the vault desk
- Keep a simple inventory — a phone photo of what goes in saves arguments later
- Store documents in sealed folders to protect against dust
- Keep jewellery in individual pouches to prevent scratching
- Label nothing on the outside that you wouldn’t want read aloud