Which Size Self Storage Unit Do I Need? A Complete Guide

Choosing the right storage unit size doesn’t have to be overwhelming. From small storage lockers to large units that fit vehicles, this complete guide explains what each option can hold, shares storage tips, and helps you find the best storage solution for your budget.

Are you trying to decide which storage unit size is right for you? With so many options, it can feel overwhelming to know how much storage space you actually need. Choosing carefully helps you clear your home, protect belongings, and avoid paying for extra space you won’t use.

Storage units range from a small storage locker for boxes and seasonal items to larger units that can hold the contents of a household or even vehicles.

This storage unit size guide explains how to estimate your needs, compare small, medium, and large units, and explore business and vehicle storage solutions. With practical storage tips, you’ll be able to find the best unit for your lifestyle and budget.

Why Choosing the Right Storage Unit Size Matters

Choosing the right storage unit size is about more than just square footage; it saves money, reduces stress, and ensures better protection for your belongings. Pick a unit that’s too small, and you’ll struggle to fit everything inside, possibly needing to rent a unit or make repeated trips. Go too big, and you’ll pay for extra space storage you don’t use.

The right self storage unit sizes strike a balance between affordability and efficiency. When items are organized correctly, the storage unit provides easy access without damage from overcrowding.

It’s also worth noting that U.S. self-storage facilities typically operate at around 85–90% occupancy, showing just how high the demand is. This makes choosing the right size upfront even more important.

Think of your storage unit as an extension of your home or office. A unit size for your needs should be practical, organized, and secure. In short, choosing the best storage unit size ensures your storage solution is cost-effective and tailored to your lifestyle.

How to Estimate the Size of Self Storage Unit You Need

Estimating the right size of self storage for your needs begins with taking inventory. Walk through your home or business and create a list of everything you need to store. Include furniture, appliances, and the number of boxes. This step helps you decide which storage unit can hold your items without wasting money.

Count boxes, furniture, and bulky items

Start with a simple walk-through of your space. Create a list of what needs storing, especially the large, awkward, or heavy items: beds, sofas, bookshelves, appliances, patio furniture, or gym equipment. Then estimate how many medium or large boxes you’ll need for everything else.

Try to group items by size or category, this helps you plan how they’ll stack. Items like mattresses should stay upright, while breakables may need to be kept on shelving or out of heavy piles entirely. Taking inventory also gives you a clearer sense of how much square footage you’ll really need, which avoids last-minute upsizing.

Use online size calculators or storage guides

Most storage facilities offer visual size guides online. These tools help you picture what fits into common sizes:

Unit Size	Comparable To	Fits
5×5	Small closet	Boxes, small chairs, seasonal gear
5×10	Walk-in closet/shed	Mattress, desk, small furniture, 15–20 boxes
10×10	Small bedroom	1-bedroom apartment contents
10×15	Large bedroom	2-bedroom home furniture and appliances
10×20	1-car garage	3-bedroom home or business equipment
10×30	2-car garage	Entire home, trailer, or contractor inventory

These tools let you visualize whether items will fit with breathing room or require stacking. Always plan a bit of extra space for walkways or future additions.

Ask the storage facility for recommendations

Storage managers know how much space people typically need for certain life events, moves, renovations, business storage, or seasonal swaps. Bring your list and ask what unit they recommend based on:

What you’re storing.
How often you’ll visit.
If stacking is safe for your items.
Whether you’ll need climate control or drive-up access.

Many facilities also let you tour empty units so you can see the dimensions before committing.

Small Storage Units (5×5, 5×10): What Fits Inside

Small storage units are ideal for people with limited belongings. A 5×5 unit is about the size of a closet, and it works perfectly for small boxes, seasonal décor, and personal items. With careful stacking, you can fit up to 25–30 boxes in a 5×5 unit.

Small storage units are best for people with minimal storage needs. If you’re storing personal items, seasonal gear, or a few small pieces of furniture, these compact units can provide just the right fit, without overpaying for space you won’t use.

Ideal for Boxes, Small Furniture, and Seasonal Items

A 5×5 unit (25 sq. ft.) is the size of a small closet. It’s perfect for:

5–15 boxes stacked vertically.
Luggage, fans, or window A/C units.
Small bookshelves, chairs, or nightstands.
Off-season items like snow gear or holiday décor.

A 5×10 unit (50 sq. ft.) is like a large walk-in closet. It comfortably holds:

A twin mattress set or small sofa.
A dresser or compact desk.
Several suitcases or plastic bins.
Sporting gear, tools, or business samples.

You can enhance these units with vertical shelving or rolling carts to maximize floor space and make access easier.

Best for Students and Minimal Storage Needs

These units are often used by:

Students storing dorm items during summer break.
Travelers or digital nomads between leases.
Apartment renters needing overflow space.
People decluttering but not downsizing fully.

For short-term needs like school breaks, moving prep, or seasonal storage, small units strike a perfect balance between size and cost. They’re also the most affordable, often starting as low as $87–$120/month for a 5×10, depending on location and amenities.

Medium Storage Units (10×10, 10×15): What Fits Inside

Medium-sized storage units are ideal for people moving out of apartments, downsizing from a house, or storing business inventory and office equipment. These sizes offer enough space to accommodate large furniture and appliances while still allowing room to organize and move around.

Perfect for Apartment or Small Home Contents

A 10×10 unit offers 100 sq. ft. of space, roughly the size of a small bedroom. It can hold the contents of a typical one-bedroom apartment, including:

A sofa and coffee table
Dining room set
Mattress and box spring
Dressers and nightstands
20–40 stackable boxes
Office desks, chairs, and bookshelves

This size is a smart fit for people transitioning between apartments, moving in with a partner, or preparing a home for sale. It also works well for those storing furniture during remodeling projects or after downsizing to a smaller home.

Storing Appliances, Mattresses, and Bulkier Items

A 10×15 unit expands the space to 150 sq. ft., comparable to a large bedroom or den. It’s great for bulkier items or higher-volume storage, including:

King-size bed, headboard, and frame
Full-size refrigerator and other large appliances
Sectional sofas or multiple armchairs
Large mirrors, paintings, or equipment
40–60 boxes or storage bins

Pricing: A 10×10 typically rents for around $150/month, while a 10×15 averages $225-$240/month, depending on location and features.

This size is commonly used by families in transition, long-distance movers, or professionals storing equipment that’s too large or valuable to leave in a garage. When organized with shelves and labeled containers, a 10×15 unit can function like a well-arranged warehouse aisle.

Note: Pricing figures are based on industry averages reported by self-storage operators and market surveys. Actual monthly rates vary significantly by city, facility features (such as climate control), and promotional discounts.

Large Storage Units (10×20, 12×30): What Fits Inside

Large units are designed for full households, businesses with inventory overflow, or vehicle storage. If you’re moving out of a multi-bedroom house or storing trailers, shelving, or machinery, these are the sizes to consider.

Suitable for Full House Moves or Business Inventory

A 10×20 unit (200 sq. ft.) is about the size of a standard one-car garage. It fits the contents of a 2–3 bedroom home, such as:

Full living and dining room sets
Multiple mattresses and dressers
Kitchen appliances and washer/dryer
Patio furniture, grills, and bikes
50–80 labeled boxes or business inventory

Stepping up to a 10×30 unit gives you 300 sq. ft., the space of a two-car garage. This size is ideal if you need to store:

Contents of a large home (3–5 bedrooms)
Construction or landscaping equipment
Office equipment and warehouse shelving
Trailers, ATVs, or backup fleet vehicles
Palletized business supplies

Pricing: A 10×20 typically rents for $224–$300/month, while a 12×30 averages $300–$350+/month, depending on location and facility features.

Many contractors, eCommerce sellers, and families relocating long-distance choose these units for their generous space and ability to store bulky or odd-shaped items. If you’ll need access often, it’s smart to leave a center aisle and group items by function or room.

Vehicle, Boat, and RV Storage Options

Storage facilities also cater to vehicle owners with options for indoor, covered, or outdoor parking. Whether you’re storing a classic car for winter or an RV during the off-season, selecting the right type of protection helps preserve your vehicle’s condition and value.

When it comes to car storage, facilities typically offer three choices indoor, outdoor, or covered. Each option balances cost, convenience, and protection differently.

Car Storage Options

The table below compares the most common car storage formats:

Storage Type	Description	Best For
Indoor Car Storage	Enclosed, locked units or garages with security systems; protects from weather, dust, UV rays, and theft	Classic cars, luxury vehicles, long-term storage
Covered Carport Storage	Roofed parking stalls without full walls; shields from sun and rain at a lower cost than indoor	Mid-range vehicles, seasonal storage, cost-conscious owners
Outdoor Car Storage	Open-air fenced lots with gate access and cameras; no climate protection	Short-term storage, work trucks, extra vehicles

Indoor options provide the highest protection, while outdoor and covered choices trade some protection for affordability and ease of access.

Boat and RV Storage Options

For larger vehicles like RVs and boats, the choice often comes down to long-term protection versus seasonal affordability.

Storage Type	Description	Best For
Covered Storage	Canopies or roofed stalls protect against rain, snow, and UV damage; reduces fading, mildew, and seal wear	Year-round RV owners, large boats, high-value vehicles
Uncovered Storage	Open-air fenced lots with surveillance; cost-effective but fully exposed to weather	Seasonal RV parking, off-season boat storage, budget-conscious users

Always factor in your local weather, vehicle value, and length of storage when deciding between covered and uncovered options.

Which Self Storage Size Do You Need for Business Use?

Self storage isn’t just for personal items, businesses across industries use it to free up office space, store overflow inventory, or keep equipment safe between jobs. Choosing the right unit depends on the nature of the business and how frequently you’ll access your items.

Storing office documents and records

If your business generates paperwork, contracts, tax files, archived client records, a 5×5 or 5×10 unit is often more than enough. These sizes fit:

Dozens of file boxes
Stackable bins of supplies
Compact shelving for labeling and access
Marketing materials or trade show displays

These units are ideal for professionals like attorneys, consultants, real estate agents, or therapists who need to store sensitive or seasonal materials offsite but still want secure access.

Inventory and stock for e-commerce

E-commerce sellers often outgrow garages and spare rooms. A 10×10 or 10×15 unit gives you room to store:

Product inventory
Packaging supplies
Returns or seasonal collections
Racks or shelves for sorting and packing

With a climate-controlled unit, you can safely store electronics, cosmetics, fabrics, or other products sensitive to heat or humidity. Organized properly, your unit can become a mini-warehouse that scales with your growth. This trend mirrors global retail shifts, as e-commerce sales continue to rise year over year.

Equipment and tools for contractors

Tradespeople; including landscapers, electricians, and general contractors, benefit from 10×20 or 10×30 units to store:

Tools, power equipment, and ladders
Palletized supplies or project materials
Generators, scaffolding, and workbenches
Spare fixtures or specialty parts

Drive-up access is especially useful for loading heavy equipment in and out. Many businesses also use storage units as mobile work depots, enabling efficient project staging and inventory rotation.

Businesses of all sizes benefit from self storage, and understanding typical users of storage facilities shows how the right unit depends on the items being stored.

Small business use: A 5×10 storage unit (50 square feet) or smaller storage locker is perfect for office files, boxes of documents, or supplies. This frees up valuable office floor space without losing access to important records.
E-commerce sellers: Units from 10×10 to 10×15 can store inventory, packaging materials, and shipping supplies. A climate-controlled unit protects sensitive products from humidity and temperature swings.
Contractors & trades: Larger units such as 10×20 or 10×30 work well for tools, ladders, and even small machinery. They provide the flexibility to store both everyday equipment and backup materials.

By following a storage unit size guide, businesses can match space to their growth without overspending.

Tips for Choosing the Right Storage Space Without Overpaying

Choosing the right storage unit isn’t just about dimensions, it’s about maximizing value for your money without sacrificing convenience or protection. A slightly smarter choice at move-in can save you hundreds over the course of your rental.

Here’s how to make sure you’re not spending more than you need to:

Visit the facility in person

Photos can be misleading, and amenities often vary from one location to another. A site visit lets you assess:

Cleanliness and lighting (especially at night).
Security measures like cameras, fencing, and keypad entry.
Layout and accessibility for your vehicle.
Actual unit dimensions, sometimes 10×10 isn’t truly 100 sq. ft.

Pro Tip: Ask to see the actual unit you’ll be renting, not just a model.

Go one size up, but strategically

When in doubt, renting a unit one size larger can be more cost-effective than cramming. An extra 25 sq. ft. gives you:

Breathing room for walking paths and shelving.
Reduced risk of damaging furniture or stacked boxes.
The flexibility to store more later without upsizing or renting a second unit.

This is especially smart for families, e-commerce sellers, or tradespeople whose storage needs might grow.

Weigh the value of climate control and indoor access

Paying a bit more for climate-controlled or indoor hallway units can save money long-term if you’re storing:

Electronics, photographs, documents.
Upholstered furniture, musical instruments, or wooden pieces.
Seasonal clothing or outdoor gear.

These units offer better insulation, more security layers, and protection from pests, dust, and humidity.

Match unit type to your access needs

Drive-up units are ideal for contractors, movers, or frequent access, park right at the door, load up, and go.
Indoor units are better for long-term or sensitive items and are often cheaper if you don’t need regular access.

Also check for hidden access charges (e.g., after-hours fees or elevator-only access). Facilities vary.

Take advantage of move-in deals and bundled pricing

Ask about:

First month free or discounted rates for multi-month contracts.
Promotions that waive admin or lock fees.
Bundled pricing that includes insurance or climate control.

By balancing these factors, you can select a unit that provides the right balance of cost, protection, and convenience while considering the average price of storage units. A well-chosen unit whether it’s a small 5×10 storage for personal belongings or a large 10×30 for household goods ensures your items are safe and accessible without overspending.

Final Thoughts: Picking the Best Size Self Storage Unit for Your Needs

Choosing the right storage unit is more than just a space decision. It’s about peace of mind, protecting what matters, and knowing that every item you’ve packed away is secure, accessible, and stored with care. Whether you’re between moves, scaling your business, or simply clearing up space at home, the right-sized unit simplifies the process and saves you from unnecessary stress and overspending.

With the global self-storage market projected to grow from US$57.7 billion in 2023 to over US$83 billion by 2030, demand for storage solutions will only continue to rise, making smart size choices more important than ever.

At RecNation, we’ve worked with thousands of customers to find self storage solutions that fit just right. From compact 5×5 units for personal keepsakes to large 10×30 units for full-home moves or commercial equipment, every space is clean, secure, and designed with your convenience in mind.

When in doubt, visiting one of our locations can make all the difference. You’ll get a clear sense of the space, see the quality of our facilities, and get direct answers from our on-site storage experts. No guesswork. No pressure. Just smart, straightforward advice.

FAQ

What size storage unit do I need for a studio apartment?

A studio usually fits in a 5×10 or 10×10 unit. The right storage space depends on how much you need to store. A 5×10 works for minimal furniture and boxes, while a 10×10 offers extra space for larger items or appliances.

How do I determine the right storage unit size for my needs?

List everything you need to store and measure large items. A storage unit size guide, online calculators, or staff at storage facilities can advise on whether you need a small locker or larger unit. Use storage tips like disassembling furniture to save room.

Can a 5×5 storage unit fit a large wardrobe?

A 5×5 unit is about the size of a small closet. It fits boxes, décor, or a compact wardrobe, but not a large dresser or armor. For that, you’ll need to store in a 5×10 unit or larger to ensure your items have proper storage space without overcrowding.

What can I store in a 10×20 storage unit?

A 10×20 unit is about the size of a one-car garage. It offers enough storage space for the contents of a three-bedroom home, including large furniture, appliances, and dozens of boxes. It’s also a flexible storage option for business inventory or seasonal equipment.

Are there storage units available for vehicle storage?

Yes, most storage facilities offer vehicle storage for cars, RVs, and boats. Options vary depending on whether you need indoor storage for maximum protection, outdoor parking for affordability, or covered storage for a balance of safety and cost.