Storage unit size guide
Storage units are sized in feet — width by length — from small 5x5 closets to large 10x30 units that hold an entire household. Here's what each size typically fits.
Storage unit size by what it holds
| Size | Typically holds |
|---|---|
| 5x5 | A few boxes, small furniture — closet-sized |
| 5x10 | Studio apartment's worth of boxes and small furniture |
| 10x10 | 1-bedroom apartment |
| 10x15 | 2-bedroom apartment or small house |
| 10x20 | 3-bedroom house, including large furniture and appliances |
| 10x30 | 4+ bedroom house, or a full household plus vehicle/large items |
How to choose the right size
- Match to your home size as a starting point, using the table above
- Size up if you plan to access the unit regularly and need room to move around and organize, not just stack floor to ceiling
- Consider ceiling height — most units offer 8-10 feet, which affects how much vertical stacking is realistic
- If storing a vehicle, boat, or RV alongside household items, you'll likely need a unit on the larger end, or a dedicated vehicle storage option — see our vehicle and boat storage guide
How size affects cost
Monthly cost scales fairly directly with size — larger units cost proportionally more, though exact pricing depends heavily on location and local demand. See our self-storage unit cost guide for typical price ranges by size.
Common sizing mistakes
- Underestimating boxes — boxes take up more room stacked than people expect; leave margin beyond just "furniture plus a few boxes"
- Forgetting aisle space — if you'll need to access items regularly, you need room to walk in and move things, not just floor-to-ceiling stacking
- Not accounting for irregular items — bikes, sports equipment, and oddly shaped furniture eat more effective space than their footprint suggests
- Choosing based on price alone — a too-small unit that forces a second rental usually costs more than sizing correctly the first time
Frequently asked questions
What size storage unit do I need for a 1-bedroom apartment?
A 5x10 or 10x10 unit typically fits a 1-bedroom apartment's worth of furniture and boxes. If you have larger furniture or a lot of boxes, size up to 10x15.
Is it better to get a slightly bigger unit than I think I need?
Usually yes — a unit that's too small means paying for a second one or leaving items out, while one size up costs relatively little more per month and gives you room to actually access and organize your things.
Do storage unit sizes include ceiling height?
The listed dimensions (like 10x10) refer to floor space; most standard units have 8-10 feet of ceiling height, which affects how much you can actually store by stacking. Ask specifically if vertical space matters for your situation.
How much does storage unit size affect the monthly cost?
Cost scales fairly directly with size — a 10x20 unit typically costs roughly double a 10x10 in the same facility, though exact pricing varies by location and demand.