Storage Unit Sizes Explained: How to Choose the Right One
In This Guide
- Key Takeaways
- How to Choose the Right Storage Unit Size
- Understanding Storage Unit Dimensions
- 5x5 Storage Unit
- 5x10 Storage Unit
- 10x10 Storage Unit
- 10x15 Storage Unit
- 10x20 Storage Unit
- Storage Unit Size Comparison
- How Much Storage Space Do You Need by Room?
- Should You Size Up?
- How to Make the Most of Your Storage Unit Size
- Frequently Asked Questions About Storage Unit Sizes
- Find the Right Storage Unit at FreeUp Storage
Key Takeaways
How to Choose the Right Storage Unit Size
Choosing a storage unit is easier when you think about your belongings first and dimensions second.
Before deciding on a size, ask yourself:
- How many rooms am I storing? Include closets, garages, attics, basements, and other spaces you're clearing.
- How much furniture do I have? Sofas, mattresses, dressers, dining tables, and appliances take up considerably more room than boxes.
- How often will I need access? If you plan to visit regularly, you'll want enough space for a walkway and easy access to frequently used items.
- Am I finished packing? Moves and decluttering projects have a way of uncovering more belongings than expected. If you're still sorting, leave yourself some flexibility.
- Can large items be disassembled? Taking apart bed frames, tables, shelving, and other furniture can reduce the amount of floor space you need.
If you're choosing between two storage unit sizes, don't automatically assume bigger is better. The goal is to find enough room for your belongings while avoiding space you won't use.
Understanding Storage Unit Dimensions
Storage unit dimensions are generally listed as width x depth in feet. For example, a 10x20 storage unit is approximately 10 feet wide and 20 feet deep, giving you about 200 square feet of floor space.
But floor space isn't the whole story.
Storage units also have vertical space, which can make a significant difference when you're storing stackable boxes, bins, or shelving. Ceiling heights vary by facility and unit type, so check the dimensions of your specific unit before relying on vertical storage.
Now, let's look at some of the most common storage unit sizes.
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5x5 Storage Unit
A 5x5 storage unit is one of the smallest standard sizes and works well when you only need a little extra room.
What typically fits in a 5x5?
- Moving boxes and storage bins
- Holiday decorations
- Luggage
- Small furniture, such as a nightstand or side chair
- Office supplies and document boxes
- Sports equipment
- Small appliances
- Seasonal clothing
A 5x5 may be right for you if:
- You're clearing out a closet or part of a room
- You need seasonal storage
- You're a college student storing belongings between semesters
- You need extra space for a studio or small apartment
- You're storing mostly boxes rather than large furniture
Think of a 5x5 as an extra closet away from home. It's useful for smaller storage needs, but it can fill up quickly once large furniture enters the picture.
5x10 Storage Unit
A 5x10 storage unit gives you twice the floor space of a 5x5 and can accommodate boxes along with several larger household items.
What typically fits in a 5x10?
- A mattress and disassembled bed frame
- Sofa or loveseat
- Dresser
- Small dining table and chairs
- Television
- Bicycles
- Moving boxes and storage bins
- Lawn and garden equipment
A 5x10 may be right for you if:
- You're storing belongings from a studio or small apartment
- You need temporary storage during a renovation
- You're storing furniture from one room
- You need extra space for hobbies, bikes, or seasonal gear
- You have a combination of furniture and boxes
If you're moving beyond boxes and smaller items but don't need space for an entire household, a 5x10 can be a practical middle ground.
10x10 Storage Unit
A 10x10 storage unit is a versatile option for household moves, downsizing, renovations, and business storage.
What typically fits in a 10x10?
- Bedroom furniture
- Mattresses and bed frames
- Sofa and living room furniture
- Dining table and chairs
- Major appliances
- Patio furniture
- Moving boxes and storage bins
- Small-business inventory
A 10x10 may be right for you if:
- You're storing the contents of a one-bedroom apartment
- You're moving or downsizing
- You're clearing several rooms during a renovation
- You need space for household furniture plus boxes
- You run a small business and need room for inventory or supplies
The square shape also makes a 10x10 easier to organize than some narrower units, especially if you want to leave a walkway through the middle.
Ready to reserve a size?
See current availability and pricing at a FreeUp Storage facility.
10x15 Storage Unit
A 10x15 storage unit offers considerably more room for larger moves and households with multiple rooms of furniture.
What typically fits in a 10x15?
- Multiple bedroom sets
- Living room furniture
- Dining room furniture
- Large appliances
- Patio furniture
- Office furniture
- Moving boxes and storage bins
- Business inventory or equipment
A 10x15 may be right for you if:
- You're storing belongings from a two-bedroom home or apartment
- You need to clear several rooms at once
- You're renovating a large portion of your home
- You need room for furniture, appliances, and boxes
- You want additional space to organize belongings and maintain a walkway
A 10x15 can also be worth considering if you're between sizes and expect to add more belongings during your rental.
10x20 Storage Unit
A 10x20 storage unit is designed for larger storage needs and can accommodate furniture and belongings from several rooms.
What typically fits in a 10x20?
- Furniture from multiple bedrooms
- Living and dining room furniture
- Large appliances
- Patio and outdoor furniture
- Moving boxes and storage bins
- Business inventory
- Larger equipment
A 10x20 may be right for you if:
- You're storing belongings from a multi-bedroom home
- You're between homes during a larger move
- You're renovating and need to clear much of your house
- You have several large pieces of furniture and appliances
- You need substantial space for business inventory or equipment
At select facilities, certain 10x20 units may also be suitable for vehicle storage. Vehicle storage rules and availability vary by location, so always confirm with the facility before reserving a unit for a car or other vehicle.
Storage Unit Size Comparison
Here's a quick way to compare common storage unit sizes:
| Unit Size | Approx. Sq. Ft. | Comparable To | Often Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5x5 | 25 | Small walk-in closet | Boxes, seasonal items, small furniture |
| 5x10 | 50 | Large walk-in closet | Studio or small-apartment storage, furniture |
| 10x10 | 100 | Half a one-car garage | One-bedroom apartment, household furniture |
| 10x15 | 150 | Large bedroom / partial garage | Two-bedroom home, larger moves, business inventory |
| 10x20 | 200 | One-car garage | Multi-bedroom home, larger storage needs |
These are general estimates rather than guarantees. Furniture dimensions, box sizes, ceiling height, shelving, and how you arrange your belongings can all affect what fits.
How Much Storage Space Do You Need by Room?
Another way to estimate your storage needs is to look at the rooms you're clearing.
Use the examples below as a starting point rather than adding each recommendation together. Belongings from several rooms can often be arranged more efficiently when they're stored in the same unit.
Bedroom
A typical bedroom may include a mattress, bed frame, dresser, nightstands, lamps, mirrors, clothing, and boxes.
Starting point: 5x10, depending on furniture and box count.
Living Room
Living rooms often contain some of the largest pieces you'll need to store, including sofas, sectionals, coffee tables, entertainment centers, bookshelves, rugs, and televisions.
Starting point: 5x10 to 10x10.
Kitchen and Dining Room
Dining tables, chairs, small appliances, boxed dishes, cookware, and larger appliances can take up more space than expected.
Starting point: 5x10 to 10x10.
If you're storing a refrigerator or freezer, empty, clean, and defrost it first and leave the door slightly open while in storage.
Garage or Workshop
Garages can vary significantly depending on what's inside. Tools, shelving, lawn equipment, outdoor furniture, bicycles, and storage bins can quickly add up.
Starting point: 10x10 or larger for substantial garage storage.
Always check facility rules before storing lawn equipment, tools, or other items that may contain fuel or hazardous materials.
Home Office
A desk, office chair, filing cabinets, bookshelves, computer equipment, and document boxes may fit into a smaller unit if packed efficiently.
Starting point: 5x5 to 5x10.
Not sure which size fits?
Your nearest FreeUp Storage team can help you compare options.
Should You Size Up?
Not necessarily.
If your belongings fit comfortably in a smaller unit and you won't need regular access, there's little benefit in paying for unused space.
A slightly larger unit may make sense, however, if:
- You're still packing and expect to add more items
- You want to leave a walkway
- You'll need regular access to your belongings
- You have large or awkwardly shaped furniture
- You don't want to stack items too high
- You're planning to store additional belongings later
If you're stuck between two sizes, think about how you'll use the unit, not just whether everything can technically fit inside.
A tightly packed unit can work well for long-term storage when you rarely need anything from it. If you're going in every few weeks, some breathing room can make a big difference.
How to Make the Most of Your Storage Unit Size
Once you've chosen a size, a few simple packing decisions can help you use the space efficiently:
- Disassemble tables, bed frames, and other large furniture when possible.
- Use sturdy, similarly sized boxes that stack safely.
- Put heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter ones on top.
- Use shelving to take advantage of vertical space.
- Keep frequently used belongings near the front.
- Leave an aisle if you'll need regular access.
- Label boxes on more than one side so you can identify them without moving everything.
The goal isn't to fit as much as physically possible into the unit. It's to store your belongings safely while still being able to find what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions About Storage Unit Sizes
What size storage unit do I need for a two-bedroom apartment?
A 10x10 or 10x15 may work for many two-bedroom apartments, depending on how much furniture you have, the number of boxes you're storing, and whether large items can be disassembled. If your apartment is heavily furnished or you want room for a walkway, you may need more space.
What size storage unit do I need when moving?
That depends primarily on the size of your home and how much you're taking with you. Smaller moves may fit in a 5x10 or 10x10, while multi-bedroom homes may require a 10x15, 10x20, or larger unit. Make an inventory of your largest belongings before choosing.
Can a couch and mattress fit in a 5x10 storage unit?
Many standard couches and mattresses can fit in a 5x10, but dimensions matter. Measure your largest furniture before reserving and account for additional boxes, furniture, or belongings you'll be storing alongside them.
What size storage unit do I need for college?
If you're storing boxes, dorm furniture, clothes, and a few small pieces of furniture between semesters, a 5x5 may be enough. Students storing larger furniture, a mattress, or belongings from an apartment may want to consider a 5x10.
What size storage unit is best for business inventory?
It depends on the amount and type of inventory you're storing. A small business with boxes of supplies or documents may only need a 5x5 or 5x10, while businesses storing larger quantities of inventory, equipment, or display materials may benefit from a 10x10 or larger unit.
Can I switch storage unit sizes later?
Transfers may be available depending on the facility and current unit availability. If your storage needs change, contact your FreeUp Storage location to see what other sizes are available.
What storage unit sizes are available near me?
Available sizes vary by FreeUp Storage location. Check your nearest facility online to see current unit sizes, features, availability, and pricing.
Find the Right Storage Unit at FreeUp Storage
There's no single storage unit size that's right for everyone. The best fit depends on what you're storing, how much you have, and how you plan to use the space. Start by making a quick inventory of your largest items, estimating your number of boxes, and deciding whether you'll need regular access. From there, compare the available sizes at your nearest FreeUp Storage location.