Which safe deposit box size should you choose, and at what price?

Choosing a safe deposit box means, first of all, choosing a height. Here are the real dimensions of the four sizes in the strongroom, their yearly price, and practical pointers, item by item, to find the one that suits you.

Why is height the only dimension you need to choose?

The four boxes in the Dottignies (Mouscron) vault share the same footprint: 330 mm wide by 500 mm deep. That rectangle is larger than an A4 sheet (210 × 297 mm) and even an A3 sheet (297 × 420 mm), the sizes defined by the ISO 216 standard: the footprint is not the constraint for an everyday document, whichever size you pick. The decision therefore comes down to a single question: how much height do you need?

• 240 eurosper year, small box, height 100 mm
• 280 eurosper year, medium box, height 160 mm
• 300 eurosper year, large box, height 210 mm
• 350 eurosper year, extra large box, height 330 mm

Converted into volume, these dimensions give a useful order of magnitude, an interior volume calculated from the dimensions, as an indication only: about 16.5 litres for the small box, 26.4 litres for the medium box, 34.7 litres for the large box and 54.5 litres for the extra large box. The calculation is simple, height × 330 mm × 500 mm, and does not replace a measurement taken inside the box: it is there to compare the sizes with one another, not to fill a box to the millimetre. The extra large box thus offers more than three times the volume of the small box, and the large box roughly twice.

What can you store in each size?

All four sizes share the same footprint and differ only in height: the right size therefore depends on what you bring, and first of all on the tallest item once it is closed in its case or box. For each category below, the approach is the same: measure the item in its closed packaging, compare that measurement with the published heights of 100, 160, 210 and 330 mm, then confirm the opening and the size at the branch.

Documents

A will, contracts, title deeds, passports, notarial deeds, family photographs: the footprint shared by all the boxes, 330 × 500 mm, exceeds A4; for documents, the question is therefore the height of the pile. Measure the pile, folder, binder or archive box once closed, compare that height with the four published heights, then confirm the opening and the size at the branch.

Jewellery

An individual case, a jewellery box with drawers or trays: measure each container closed, keep the tallest, compare that measurement with the published heights of 100, 160, 210 and 330 mm, then confirm the opening and the size at the branch.

Coins and bars

Coins in tubes or capsules, bars in sealed packaging: measure each package closed, compare that measurement with the published heights of 100, 160, 210 and 330 mm, then confirm the opening and the size at the branch. The comfort of laying coins out flat to count them in the privacy booth argues for a margin of height rather than a box filled to the brim. A certified bar bought on the premises can, incidentally, pass from the counter to the strongroom without leaving the building.

Digital media

For digital media, measure the device and its closed protective case, then confirm the opening and the size at the branch.

Bulkier valuables

A luxury handbag in its dust bag, a tall presentation box, a bulky item: measure it closed, in its protective cover, compare that measurement with the published heights of 100, 160, 210 and 330 mm, then confirm the opening and the size at the branch.

How to choose with confidence: the three-measurement method

1. Gather what you plan to deposit and measure the tallest item, closed.
2. Draw a 330 × 500 mm rectangle on a table and lay your items out on it.
3. Think about the year ahead. If you hesitate between two sizes, both annual prices can be read directly in the table below, and the final choice is confirmed at the branch, before signing.

What does each size cost, and how is the rental paid?

The sizes in the strongroom and their prices (interior volume calculated from the dimensions, as an indication only)

Size	Height	Width	Depth	Indicative volume	Price
Custody under number (non-nominative box)	Shared secure area, insured up to 10 million euros				10 euros per month
Small safe deposit box	100 mm	330 mm	500 mm	about 16.5 litres	240 euros per year
Medium safe deposit box	160 mm	330 mm	500 mm	about 26.4 litres	280 euros per year
Large safe deposit box	210 mm	330 mm	500 mm	about 34.7 litres	300 euros per year
Extra large safe deposit box	330 mm	330 mm	500 mm	about 54.5 litres	350 euros per year

Each size has its price, payable in advance for a year or longer, by bank transfer or in cash within the legal limits. When payment is made by transfer, the key is handed over and the box becomes accessible once the amount has been credited. One month before the renewal date, Gold & Silver Company invites the tenant to renew, remotely by email and bank transfer, or at the branch. To end the contract, a registered letter with ten days' notice is enough; any year begun is due, since the contract is annual and payable in advance. The full price list appears on the safe deposit box rental page of the official website.

All four sizes are open to private individuals and businesses alike, whatever their nationality; a company's contract is drawn up in the name of the legal entity.

What about custody under number at 10 euros per month?

Alongside the four boxes, Gold & Silver Company offers a non-nominative formula, custody under number: the client has no box in their name, their valuables are kept under a number, within a shared custody area that enjoys the same security arrangements as the boxes, and insurance covers them up to 10 million euros. The formula is offered at 10 euros per month, payable in advance like any rental. An identity document is presented when subscribing, as for a box.

What all the sizes have in common

Whatever the size, the box sits in the same vault, certified INCERT grade 3, behind a strongroom door with a time lock, under surveillance 24 hours a day, and renting requires no bank account. Opening hours, access without an appointment, the privacy booth and the proxy are detailed on the page about accessing your box. In 2012, Gold & Silver Company opened the first private vaults outside the banking system in Belgium; the company is also a foundry and refinery approved by the Royal Mint of Belgium.

The volumes in litres are an interior volume calculated from the dimensions, as an indication only, not a measurement taken box by box; the published dimensions say nothing about the available opening or the fit of a specific item. Measure the item closed and confirm the opening and the size at the branch before signing.