Finding the Right Storage Unit Size and Why It Matters

Choosing the right storage space doesn't have to be complicated. Our storage size guide breaks down each unit's dimensions to help you determine the ideal fit for your items, whether you're storing a few seasonal boxes or an entire household.

How Storage Unit Sizes Work?

Storage units are measured by their length and width, giving you an accurate idea of their footprint. So, a 5×10 unit equals 50 square feet. Height is also an important factor, as it defines how much space your unit has for stacking items.

When you understand how storage unit sizes work, you can choose the right solution for your requirements:

  • Footprint: The basic measurement for a storage unit. For example, a 5 ft by 10 ft unit is 50 square feet.
  • Height: Standard units are about 8 ft tall, allowing you to use vertical space for additional storage.
  • Choosing the Right Size: Remember, size matters. Smaller units are ideal for storing items from one or two rooms, while larger units can accommodate multiple rooms.

Before you choose a unit, make a list of the items you'll store and factor in your future requirements for additional space.


Storage Unit Size Chart

There are plenty of storage unit sizes to choose from, enabling you to store a range of items. For example, smaller units are more affordable and are ideal for a few boxes, while larger units can accommodate larger items and vehicles.

Storage unit sizes, comparable spaces, typical items, and average monthly prices
Storage Unit Size Square Feet Comparable Space Typical Items You Can Store Avg. Monthly Price
5×5 25 sq ft Small closet The contents of a small closet, including clothing and boxes. $38.14
5×10 50 sq ft Walk-in closet The contents of a large walk-in closet, including bedroom sets and seasonal clothing. $57.06
10×10 100 sq ft Bedroom Large appliances, furniture, with plenty of space to stack boxes. $92.43
10×15 150 sq ft Large bedroom Large appliances, mattress, furniture, and boxes. $119.21
10×20 200 sq ft 1-car garage Furniture, large appliances or equipment, and a standard car. $141.38
10×25 250 sq ft Large garage Multiple mattresses and bedroom sets, outdoor equipment, plenty of boxes. $160.92
10×30 300 sq ft Master suite Trucks, boats, and the contents of an entire home or business. $179.87

How to Choose the Right Self Storage Unit Size?

Choosing the right size storage unit ensures your items are kept safe and prevents future costs. For example, a small storage unit might save money initially, but if you have a lot of items, you'll either need to rent a second space or upgrade to a medium storage unit.

Here are the most important steps to take when choosing a storage unit:

  • Make an Inventory: Focus on your larger items first, including major appliances, sofas, beds, and heavy equipment. Then consider how many boxes you'll need to store. Remember, you can stack boxes in storage spaces to create additional space.
  • Think About Accessibility: When choosing a storage facility, accessibility is an important factor. For example, you might need 24/7 access or drive-up options. The unit itself should have enough space available for you to access items without having to unload or unstack everything.
  • Consider Future Needs: A small storage unit might meet your temporary needs, but the space can fill up quickly. For example, when you need to add seasonal clothing, major appliances like refrigerators, or outdoor equipment, choosing a larger unit can save money in the long term.

Things to Consider:

  • Whether you have furniture or boxes to store.
  • Consider whether you'll need 24/7 access.
  • Think about how long you'll store items (seasonal, temporary, or long-term storage).
  • Determine whether a standard storage facility or one that offers climate-controlled features is best.

Special Storage Types

Many storage facilities also offer special storage units, including climate-controlled features and covered outdoor options. If you're looking for a storage unit for vehicles, it's important to consider size, accessibility, and security.

Storage Unit for Cars

A vehicle storage unit can protect your vehicle from the elements and give you peace of mind that it's in a safe location.

What Size Storage Unit Do I Need for a Car?

The best storage unit size for a car is usually 10×20, as it matches the size of a single garage and can offer some extra space to move around. However, if you want to store a car with other belongings, opting for a larger car storage unit can be beneficial.

Storage for Motorcycles

Motorcycle storage units keep your bike dry, secure, and protected from the elements and theft during off-season periods.

What Size Storage Unit Do I Need for a Motorcycle?

In most cases, a 5×10 unit is more than enough for a motorbike, and these units can also accommodate accessories like helmets.

Business Storage Units

Business storage units are used for stock, equipment, documents, or tools, helping free up workspace while keeping items organized and accessible. You'll find a range of sizes available, but the right one for your needs depends on your business and equipment.

What Size Storage Unit Do I Need for Business Storage?

Most businesses start with a 10×10 unit (100 sq ft), which is similar to a spare bedroom or small office. However, if you have more stock or will need to add to your storage in the future, a 10×15 unit might be the better option.

Small Storage Units

Small storage units usually range from 5×5 to 5×10. These units are popular for storing small seasonal items, boxes, or personal belongings when you want to free up space in your home.

5×5 Storage Unit

How Big is a 5×5 Storage Unit?

A 5×5 storage unit equates to 25 square feet. It's about the size of a small wardrobe or cloakroom.

What Fits in a 5×5 Storage Unit?

5×5 Storage units are ideal for seasonal items, a few boxes, and compact belongings. For example, you can store seasonal decorations, sports gear, and small furniture pieces.

5x5 storage unit picture

5×10 Storage Unit

How Big is a 5×10 Storage Unit?

A 5×10 storage unit is similar in size to a small bedroom or walk-in wardrobe. It offers enough space to store larger items while remaining compact. It's ideal for a studio apartment's worth of items or a single bedroom's furniture.

What Fits in a 5×10 Storage Unit?

You can store a queen mattress set, a dresser, a small sofa, or roughly 10-15 boxes plus a few pieces of furniture. It is best for small apartment clean-outs, office equipment, or temporary storage during moves.

Medium Storage Units

Medium storage units offer more flexibility, as they can accommodate more items. For example, when you choose a 5×5, 10×10, or 10×15 unit, you can store the contents in a small to large bedroom.

5x10 storage unit picture

5×15 Storage Unit

How Big is a 5×15 Storage Unit?

A 5×15 unit is roughly the size of a large walk-in wardrobe or a small spare room. It gives you more length than a 5×10, making it a practical option for storing bulkier furniture and extra boxes without taking up the space of a larger unit. It is ideal for the contents of a one-bedroom apartment or several larger household items.

What Fits in a 5×15 Storage Unit?

You can store a queen mattress set, a sofa, a dresser, a dining table, chairs, and roughly 15–20 boxes, depending on how efficiently the unit is packed. It is best for one-bedroom apartment moves, furniture storage during renovations, or keeping business stock and office equipment organized.

5x15 storage unit picture

10×10 Storage Unit

How Big is a 10×10 Storage Unit?

A 10×10 storage unit equates to 100 square feet. A 10×10 Storage unit is about the size of a bedroom. This is our most popular size!

What Fits in a 10×10 Storage Unit?

This unit fits the contents of a one-bedroom apartment or a small two-bedroom home. It accommodates a king mattress, a full living room set, or dining room furniture, plus boxes. You could also store a motorcycle, appliances, and seasonal inventory. This is best for a one-bedroom apartments, home renovations, or small business inventory.

10x10 storage unit picture

10×15 Storage Unit

How Big is a 10×15 Storage Unit?

A 10×15 ft storage unit equates to 150 square feet. It is about the size of a large bedroom.

What Fits in a 10×15 Storage Unit?

A 10×15 unit is spacious enough to hold furniture and belongings from a two-bedroom apartment or home. Perfect for storing an entire bedroom set plus living room furniture, or a garage full of tools and equipment. It can also accommodate items like pianos, jet skis, or substantial business stock. This is best for two-bedroom homes, garage contents, or growing businesses.

10x15 storage unit picture

Large Storage Units

Large storage units are best for storing the contents of a home or business. These units can easily accommodate a vehicle, bulky furniture, and heavy-duty equipment.

10×20 Storage Unit

How Big is a 10×20 Storage Unit?

A 10×20 storage unit equates to 200 square feet. This is about the size of a standard one-car garage.

What Fits in a 10×20 Storage Unit?

A 10×20 Storage Unit is large enough for a three-bedroom home's furnishings or a complete apartment with appliances. This unit easily fits multiple rooms of furniture, large appliances, pallet storage, and even a compact car or small boat. It is best for three-bedroom homes, major renovations, or vehicle storage.

10x20 storage unit picture

10×25 Storage Unit

How Big is a 10×25 Storage Unit?

A 10×25 storage unit equates to 205 square feet. This is about the size of a large one-car garage.

What Fits in a 10×25 Storage Unit?

A 10×25 Storage Unit is designed for larger homes and extensive storage needs. This unit accommodates furniture from a four-bedroom house, vehicles, and bulk items from your basement and garage. Ideal for long-term storage of household goods or substantial commercial inventory. This is best for four-bedroom homes, vehicle and boat storage, or business equipment.

10x25 storage unit picture

10×30 Storage Unit

How Big is a 10×30 Storage Unit?

A 10×30 ft storage unit equates to 300 square feet. This is about the size of a spacious master bedroom.

What Fits in a 10×30 Storage Unit?

A 10×30 Storage Unit provides maximum storage capacity. Perfect for the contents of a complete four- or five-bedroom home, international moves, or significant business inventory. This unit can handle multiple vehicles, furniture sets, and extensive collections. A 10×30 Storage Unit Best for large homes, international relocations, or major business storage needs.

10x30 storage unit picture

FAQs

How Tall are Storage Units?

A standard storage unit is about 8 ft tall, giving you plenty of space to stack boxes and make the most of the unit.

Which Storage Unit is the Largest?

The largest storage unit you'll find in standard facilities is around 10x30 ft (300 square feet). However, some units can exceed 500 square feet, making them ideal for storing the contents of a large business.

How Big of a Storage Unit do I Need?

It depends on your current and future needs. If you only need to store a few boxes, a 5x5 unit might suit your needs best. However, if you have more items in the future, choosing a larger size can be beneficial as it offers more flexibility.

What Size Storage Unit for a 1 Bedroom Apartment?

It depends on the size of your apartment and the items you want to store. For example, if you need to store bedroom sets, such as wardrobes, drawers, and bedding, a 10 x 10 unit should suffice. But if you have a large apartment with lots of belongings, opting for a larger size can be beneficial.

What Size Storage Unit for a 2 Bedroom Apartment?

A 10×10 ft unit (100 sq ft) should be enough for a 2-bedroom apartment, as it can hold appliances, furniture, and multiple boxes. However, it depends on how well you use the vertical space.

What Size Storage Unit for a 3 Bedroom House?

We usually recommend a 10x15 or 10x20 unit for a 3-bedroom house, as it can accommodate the contents of a family home, including white goods and larger furniture.

What Size Storage Unit for a 4 Bedroom House?

If you need to store the contents of a 4-bedroom house, a 10x25 or 10x30 unit provides more than enough space. You can fit multiple rooms of furniture, storage boxes, and appliances.

Can I store a vehicle in a storage unit?

Yes, you can - but the unit should be designed for vehicle storage. A standard car requires a minimum 10x20 ft unit, while boats and trucks will need more space.

Can a car fit in a storage unit?

Yes, a car can fit in a storage unit the size of a small garage. Again, it depends on the vehicle model and size, but a 10 x 20 unit is usually enough. However, you might not be able to accommodate other belongings.

Is it better to get a bigger storage unit?

It can be - especially if you want to enhance accessibility. For example, a larger unit can store bulky appliances like dryers and washers, as well as exercise equipment, while also accommodating clothing and other belongings.

However, there's a balance between choosing a unit that accommodates your growing needs and spending a lot of money on one you don't really need.

How many boxes fit in a 5×5 small storage unit?

Generally speaking, a 5 x 5 storage unit can accommodate around 5-19 standard boxes. However, it depends on size and whether you stack them correctly. If you need to fit items like tables, chairs, and appliances into the unit, you'll need to reduce the number of boxes.