Deciding which size storage unit to rent can be tricky, especially if you’ve never used one before. This quick guide will review the main sizes available, and hopefully make your decision easier.
8 Main Storage Unit Sizes
Smaller Storage Units
- 5×5 (25 Sq. Ft.)
- 5×10 (50 Sq. Ft.)
- 5×15 (75 Sq. Ft.)
Larger Storage Units
- 10×10 (100 Sq. Ft.)
- 10×15 (150 Sq. Ft.)
- 10×25 (250 Sq. Ft.)
- 10×30 (300 Sq. Ft.)
Note: The majority of self-storage units are eight feet high.
How Much Stuff Does Each Size Storage Unit Hold?
Smaller units are typically chosen for smaller homes, apartments, student, and office storage needs. Smaller units are also a great solution when only one room of the house needs to be stored (eg. during a renovation project).
5×5 Storage Unit
Often a recommended size for when “a closet-sized space” is needed. Can accommodate small furniture pieces, stacked boxes, a washing machine, and other small items.
5×10 Storage Unit
Usually able to hold the contents of a small one bedroom apartment: bed, some furniture (such as sofa, chair and end tables), lawn equipment and/or seasonal decorations. This size can also hold boxes of moderate bulk.
5×15 Storage Unit
Room to hold larger items such as washer and dryer set and other things from a small home or apartment. Couch, desk, such fit well in this size.
10×10 Storage Unit
It can hold up to a two bedroom small home or apartment. This size lends itself well to refrigerators couches, media centers, and even patio furniture.
10×15 Storage Unit
Plenty of room for a two bedroom apartment or home. This size can accommodate various appliances bedroom suits or living room suits and such. Kitchen sets are also able to fit well in here.
10×20 Storage Unit
Plenty of room for a two bedroom home with mattresses and all the table sets and other appliances that one might have to store. Of course there is still ample space for your boxes. This size unit also has enough space for vehicles such as cars, trucks, and smaller sized boats and campers.
10×25 Storage Unit
Space for storing just about anything that could be contained in a large home or apartment; including shelving and garage items. Appliances also find the wiggle room they need. This size unit also has enough space for vehicles such as cars, trucks, and medium sized boats and campers.
10×30 Storage Unit
Perfect for larger homes and all the extras that can be included. Couches, bedroom and other suits and appliances will be right at home while still maintaining space for your boxed goods. This size unit also has enough space for vehicles such as cars, trucks, and larger sized boats and campers.
Tyler Johnson says
That’s good to know that you can get a small unit that will fit a few things in it. I am thinking about moving and I would want to make sure that I could have all the stuff that won’t fit in the house put into storage. I only have a few boxes that won’t fit though, so I’ll have to think about getting one of those small 5×5 ones.
Freya Shaw says
Thank you. The important factor when searching for a storage unit is finding the exact unit size you need. There’s a wide variety of storage unit sizes at most facilities, ranging from the size of a closet all the way to the size of an extended garage.
Greta James says
Wow, thank you for informing me that a 10×30 unit is large enough to fit boats or trailers! Over the weekend, my godfather was telling me that he is planning on going to live with his daughter for about a year to help take care of her kids while she goes back to college. He is not quite sure what to do with all of his stuff while he is gone. I will have to help him look for storage units in our area!