Storage Unit Sizes: Complete Guide
Not sure what size storage unit you need? This guide breaks down every common size, what fits inside, typical costs, and how to choose the right one for your situation.
Quick Answer
For most people: A 10x10 unit ($100-200/month) fits a 1-2 bedroom apartment. When in doubt, go one size up—the extra $20-40/month is worth the convenience of not cramming everything in.
Storage Unit Size Comparison
| Size | Sq Ft | Comparable To | Fits | Avg Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5x5 | 25 | Small closet | Boxes, small furniture, seasonal items | $50-75 |
| 5x10 | 50 | Walk-in closet | Studio apartment, mattress set | $75-125 |
| 10x10 | 100 | Half garage | 1-2 bedroom apartment | $100-200 |
| 10x15 | 150 | Large room | 2-3 bedroom home | $150-275 |
| 10x20 | 200 | 1-car garage | 3-4 bedroom home, vehicle | $200-350 |
| 10x30 | 300 | 1.5-car garage | Large home, multiple vehicles | $300-450 |
In This Guide
1. 5x5 Storage Units (25 sq ft)
Think: Small closet or bathroom-sized
Best for: College students, seasonal item storage, document archives
What Fits in a 5x5
- 20-30 medium moving boxes
- Small dresser or chest
- Seasonal decorations
- Sports equipment (golf clubs, skis)
- Business files and documents
- Small mattress (twin, stored on side)
Cost: $50-75/month | Climate-controlled: Add $15-25/month
2. 5x10 Storage Units (50 sq ft)
Think: Walk-in closet or half of a parking space
Best for: Studio apartments, one-bedroom moves, business inventory
What Fits in a 5x10
- Contents of a studio apartment
- Queen or king mattress set
- Sofa or loveseat
- Dining table with chairs
- Multiple dressers
- Washer OR dryer (not both)
- 40-50 medium boxes
Cost: $75-125/month | Climate-controlled: Add $20-35/month
3. 10x10 Storage Units (100 sq ft) — Most Popular
Think: Half a one-car garage or a small bedroom
Best for: 1-2 bedroom apartment/condo, home staging, between moves
What Fits in a 10x10
- Full bedroom set (bed, dresser, nightstands)
- Living room furniture (sofa, loveseat, coffee table)
- Dining set
- Washer AND dryer
- Refrigerator
- Many boxes and miscellaneous items
- Motorcycle or small recreational vehicle
Why it's most popular: The 10x10 hits the sweet spot for most people—enough room for a full apartment but not so large that you're paying for empty space.
Cost: $100-200/month | Climate-controlled: Add $30-50/month
4. 10x15 Storage Units (150 sq ft)
Think: Large bedroom or small living room
Best for: 2-3 bedroom home, families, small business inventory
What Fits in a 10x15
- Everything in a 10x10, plus...
- Additional bedroom set
- Patio furniture
- Lawn equipment
- Large appliances
- Kids' furniture and toys
Cost: $150-275/month | Climate-controlled: Add $40-65/month
5. 10x20 Storage Units (200 sq ft)
Think: One-car garage
Best for: 3-4 bedroom home, car storage, business equipment
What Fits in a 10x20
- Full contents of a 3-4 bedroom home
- Car, truck, or SUV
- Boat (small to medium)
- Business equipment and inventory
- Construction materials
Cost: $200-350/month | Climate-controlled: Add $50-80/month
6. 10x30 Storage Units (300 sq ft)
Think: 1.5-car garage or very large room
Best for: Large homes, multiple vehicles, commercial use
What Fits in a 10x30
- Full contents of a 4-5+ bedroom home
- Multiple vehicles
- RV or large boat
- Extensive business inventory
- Commercial equipment
Cost: $300-450/month | Climate-controlled: Add $75-120/month
7. How to Choose the Right Size
Quick Decision Guide
- Just boxes and small items? → 5x5
- Studio or 1-bedroom? → 5x10 or 10x10
- 2-bedroom home? → 10x10
- 3-bedroom home? → 10x15
- 4+ bedroom home? → 10x20 or larger
- Storing a vehicle too? → 10x20 minimum
Pro tip: When in doubt, go one size up. The cost difference is typically $20-40/month, but a cramped unit is hard to access and increases damage risk from items being stacked too tightly.
8. Tips to Maximize Your Unit
- Disassemble furniture: Beds, tables, and shelves take less space broken down
- Use uniform boxes: Same-size boxes stack better and maximize vertical space
- Fill hollow items: Put small items inside drawers, appliances, luggage
- Leave an aisle: You'll need to access items without moving everything
- Stack smart: Heavy items on bottom, fragile on top, frequently-needed items near door
- Use shelving: Freestanding shelves make small units much more efficient
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