The time has come. Your big move awaits, and like many, you need to store some of your belongings to make the logistics work. Getting your possessions into storage can seem like an overwhelming proposition, especially if you’ve never done it before. You’re probably asking yourself, “what size storage unit do I need?”
Fear not, we can help! It’s actually a pretty straightforward process. Your first step is getting clear about what exactly you want to store. Are we taking the piano to the new digs, or storing it? Do your childhood mementos belong in storage, or will they be joining you in your new home?
The reason you need to think through these questions first is that you don’t want to pay for more storage than you need, but you also don’t want to end up shoving boxes into the top corner of a storage unit because you underestimated the amount of items you want to store.
In this article, we’ll provide everything you need to know about storage unit sizes, so you can make the correct decision with no stress. Then, we’ll walk you through the questions you need to answer before you can decide on the right size.
Without further ado, we present the ultimate self storage size guide. May it be your trusty companion as you prepare for your next adventure.
Use these links to jump to the learn more about the size you need
- What is a storage locker?
- What is the smallest size storage unit?
- What size storage unit do I need for a 1 bedroom apartment?
- What size storage unit do I need for a 2 bedroom house?
- What size storage unit do I need for a 3 bedroom house?
- What size storage unit do I need for a 4 bedroom house?
- What size storage unit do I need for a 5 bedroom house?
- What size storage unit do I need for a 6+ bedroom house?
- What is the largest storage unit size usually available?
- What size of storage unit do I need?
Small Self-Storage Units
How big is a storage locker?
Think of this as just what it implies – a locker. Typically no bigger than 4’x5′, with a lower ceiling height than a storage unit.
What can I fit in a storage locker?
A storage locker is ideal if you only have a few things to put in storage, for short term storage.
How big is a 5’x5′ Storage Unit?
A 5’x5′ storage unit is the smallest storage unit, and is about 25 sq ft. Think of a large hallway closet or a small bathroom. (A standard storage unit is 8’ tall; this applies to all the units covered in this guide).
What can I fit in a 5’x5′ storage unit?
You can fit a small mattress set, a dresser, and several boxes. Or, you could store 15-20 regular size boxes with items like holiday decorations, camping supplies, out-of-season clothing, gardening or sports equipment.
How big is a 5’x10′ Storage Unit?
A 5’x10′ storage unit is 50 sq ft. Think of this as medium size walk-in-closet.
What can I fit in a 5 x 10 storage unit?
You can fit the furniture from a typical studio or one-bedroom apartment, including a queen-size mattress set, dresser, TV, love seat, bike and several boxes. Or, you could store 30+ regular-size storage boxes.
Can a motorcycle fit in a 5’x10′ storage unit?
Yes. You can store one motorcycle in a 5’x10′ self-storage unit, along with helmets and other equipment. If you need to store multiple motorcycles, you’ll likely need a larger storage unit.
Medium Self-Storage Units
Medium sized storage units are ideal if you are renovating, moving between apartments or need to clear out a couple of rooms. These units tend to fit the contents of a one to two bedroom apartment.
How big is a 5’x15′ storage unit?
A 5’x15′ storage unit is about 75 sq ft. Think of this as being a similar size of a small bedroom.
What can I fit in a 5’x15′ storage unit?
You can fit the items you’d typically find in a one- to two-bedroom apartment, or a regular 500 sq ft home. This includes bedroom furniture, washer and dryer, refrigerator, love seat, television and several boxes. Or, you could store 35+ regular boxes.
How big is a 10’x10′ storage unit?
A 10’x10′ storage unit is 100 sq ft. Think of an average-sized bedroom, or roughly half of a one-car garage.
What can I fit in a 10×10 storage unit?
This is the most commonly-used type of storage unit. You can fit the contents of two bedrooms and a family/dining room in a 10’x10′ storage unit, including items like dining sets, entertainment centers, dressers, nightstands, sofa, loveseat, coffee tables, bookshelves, and more with room for additional boxes. Or, you could store up to 140 medium-sized boxes (fewer regular-sized boxes) if you don’t need to store large furniture items.
Can a car fit in a 10×10 storage unit?
No, a car cannot fit in a 10’x10′ storage unit. A 10’x20′ storage unit is the recommended size for most vehicles. ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles, however, can fit in a 10’x10′ storage unit.
See our car storage size guide to find the right size storage for your vehicle.
Large Self-Storage Units
Large storage units are the least popular since they are big enough to store the contents of an entire two to four bedroom home. Renters choose these sizes if they are moving a family to a new home or going on an extended trip or on leave, like military personnel or expats.
How big is a 10’x15′ storage unit?
A 10’x15′ storage unit is 150 sq ft. Think of this being close to the size of a small one-car garage.
What can I fit in a 10’x15′ storage unit?
You can fit the furnishings of a two-to three-bedroom bedroom house, including oversize items like large couches, entertainment centers, office furniture, big-screen TVs, dining sets, a refrigerator, and a washer/dryer. Or, you could fit roughly 60 regular-sized boxes.
Can a car fit in a 10’x15′ storage unit?
Yes, but only a small, compact car. A 10’x20′ storage unit is the recommended size for most vehicles. ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles, however, can fit in a 10’x10′ storage unit.
How big is a 10’x20′ storage unit?
A 10’x20′ storage unit is 200 sq ft. Think of this as being a similar size to a standard one-car garage.
What can I fit in a 10’x20′ storage unit?
You can fit the furnishings of a three-to four-bedroom bedroom house or apartment, including oversize items like workout equipment, large couches, entertainment centers, office furniture, big-screen TVs, dining sets, a refrigerator, and a washer/dryer. Or, you could fit roughly 100 regular-sized boxes.
Can a car fit in a 10’x20′ storage unit?
Yes, you can fit a car in a 10’x20′ storage unit. This includes most cars and some boats, but not trucks or large vans.
How big is a 10’x25′ storage unit?
A 10’x25′ storage unit is 250 sq ft. Think of a space that is somewhere between a one-and two-car garage.
What can I fit in a 10’x25′ storage unit?
You can fit the furnishings of a large four-bedroom bedroom house or apartment. This includes all the contents of four bedrooms, gym equipment, large sporting equipment like canoes/kayaks, game room furniture, large appliances, dining sets. If using medium boxes, you could fit up to 300 (fewer if you choose large boxes). A large truck, small RV/camper, or even a boat will fit in a 10’x25′ storage unit.
How big is a 10’x30′ storage unit?
A 10’x30′ storage unit is 300 sq ft. Think of this as similar to a standard two-car garage.
What can I fit in a 10’x30′ storage unit?
You can fit the furnishings of a large five-bedroom bedroom home in this size storage unit. In addition, you will likely be able to fit over 100 boxes, or more if you have less furniture to store. This is typically the largest storage unit available.
Can I fit an RV in a 10’x30′ storage unit?
Yes, many types of RVs do fit in a 10’x30′ storage unit. However, bear in mind that the standard height of a storage unit is 8’ tall. You can usually count on the fact that a smaller, class B motorhome will fit in a 10’x30′ storage unit, but be sure to check the measurements of your specific vehicle.
Factors to consider when choosing a storage unit size
So now that you have a cheat-sheet of the most common storage unit sizes and uses, what’s next? Time to start thinking about which of the items in your home will need to be stored for safekeeping. Grab a pen and paper and answer these quick questions to start narrowing down your self-storage options.
Amount and type of items to be stored
- Which pieces of furniture will you be storing?
- Which appliances?
- How many boxes/tupperwares/containers do you need to store?
- Will you be storing any vehicles?
Accessibility and ease of use
- Do you need to have regular access to the items in your storage unit?
- How far are you willing to drive to get there if so?
- Remember that you may end up wanting to swap things in and out, so consider a location that is close to your new home.
Budget for renting a storage unit
- What is your monthly budget for self-storage unit rental?
- Are there any storage options in your new home that you haven’t considered, like a crawl space or unused closet? This can help if you are deciding between two different self storage unit sizes.
Hopefully you have a better idea what size storage unit you need, but if you’re still unsure, speak to a manager at the storage facility and they will be happy to help you find the right size storage unit.
For more moving and storage tips, check out SelfStorage.com’s Moving Blog!
