Choosing the right storage unit size is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Too small and you'll need to upgrade (costing you time and money). Too big and you're wasting money on space you don't need.
Here's a practical guide to help you pick the perfect size the first time.
Common Storage Unit Sizes
5x5 (25 sq ft) — Small
Fits: A few boxes, small furniture items, seasonal decorations, small appliances
Good for: Students, minimalists, storing a few specific items
Think of it as: A small walk-in closet
5x10 (50 sq ft) — Small-Medium
Fits: Contents of a small bedroom, mattress set, small furniture, boxes
Good for: Studio apartment contents, seasonal items, small moves
Think of it as: A small bedroom
10x10 (100 sq ft) — Medium
Fits: Contents of a 1-bedroom apartment, furniture, appliances, boxes
Good for: Most apartment moves, downsizing, medium-sized households
Think of it as: A standard bedroom
10x15 (150 sq ft) — Large
Fits: Contents of a 2-bedroom apartment or small house, large furniture, appliances
Good for: Family moves, larger households, business inventory
Think of it as: A large bedroom or small living room
10x20 (200 sq ft) — Extra Large
Fits: Contents of a 3-bedroom house, large furniture, appliances, vehicles
Good for: Full house moves, large families, vehicle storage
Think of it as: A one-car garage
How to Estimate What Size You Need
Step 1: Make a list of what you're storing
Write down everything: furniture, boxes, appliances, seasonal items, etc.
Step 2: Use our size guide above
Match your items to the descriptions. When in doubt, go slightly larger—it's better to have a little extra space than to be cramped.
Step 3: Consider how you'll pack
If you're stacking boxes efficiently, you can fit more. If you're storing large furniture that can't be stacked, you'll need more floor space.
Step 4: Think about access
If you need to access items regularly, leave an aisle. If everything is going in long-term, you can pack it tighter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Underestimating space
People often think they need less space than they actually do. It's better to go slightly larger than to realize you need to upgrade later.
2. Not considering height
Storage units are typically 8-10 feet tall. You can stack boxes and furniture, which means a 10x10 can hold more than you might think.
3. Forgetting about walkways
If you need to access items, leave space to walk. Packing everything wall-to-wall makes it hard to get to things later.
4. Not accounting for oddly shaped items
Large furniture, bikes, or awkwardly shaped items take up more space than you might estimate. Factor these in.
Real-World Examples
Sarah's situation: Moving from a 1-bedroom apartment. She has: bed frame, mattress, dresser, couch, coffee table, TV stand, 20 boxes, small appliances.
Best fit: 10x10 unit. This gives her room for all furniture and boxes with space to access items.
Mike's situation: Storing seasonal items: Christmas decorations, winter sports equipment, camping gear, 10 boxes of seasonal clothes.
Best fit: 5x10 unit. Perfect for boxes and seasonal items without wasting space.
Jennifer's situation: Full house move. 3 bedrooms of furniture, appliances, boxes, kids' items.
Best fit: 10x20 unit. Large enough for everything with room to organize.
Tips for Maximizing Your Space
- Disassemble furniture — Take apart bed frames, tables, and shelves to save space
- Stack efficiently — Put heavy items on bottom, lighter items on top
- Use uniform boxes — Same-sized boxes stack better than mixed sizes
- Store vertically — Stand mattresses and furniture on end when possible
- Fill empty spaces — Put small items inside dressers, drawers, and appliances
Still Not Sure? We Can Help
At East Side Self Storage, we've helped hundreds of customers choose the right size. We can:
- Walk you through your items over the phone
- Show you different unit sizes in person
- Help you estimate based on your specific situation
- Upgrade or downgrade your unit if you need to adjust
We offer month-to-month rentals, so if you realize you need a different size, you can change it. No long-term contracts required.