Storage Unit Sizes: How to Choose the Right One for Your Needs

Trying to find the perfect storage unit can feel overwhelming. With so many storage unit sizes to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? Pick one that’s too small, and you won’t have enough space. Go too big, and you might end up paying for more room than you actually need.

The good news? Figuring out the best storage size is easier than you think. In this guide, we’ll walk you through different storage unit sizes, what they’re best for, and help answer the common question: “What size storage unit do I need?”

Understanding Storage Unit Sizes

Storage units come in a range of sizes, from small closet-sized spaces to units big enough to fit an entire house full of furniture. The key is to pick the right size for your needs, whether you’re storing a few boxes, downsizing your home, or keeping things safe during a big move.

Most units fall into three main categories:

• Small storage units – Good for boxes, seasonal items, and small furniture
• Medium storage units – Great for apartments or storing extra furniture
• Large storage units – Ideal for whole-house storage, vehicles, or business inventory

Now, let’s break down each size so you can decide what works best for you.

Small Storage Units: Great for Boxes and Small Items

If you don’t have a lot to store but need a little extra space, a small storage unit might be the perfect solution. These units are ideal for personal belongings, seasonal items, and small furniture. They’re great for anyone who doesn’t want to take up space in their home or garage with things they don’t use every day.

5’x5’ Storage Unit

• About the size of: A small closet
  • Best for:
    • Boxes of personal belongings
  • Seasonal decorations (holiday lights, wreaths, tree ornaments)
  • Important documents, business files, or office supplies
  • Small furniture pieces like a nightstand or side table
  • A few pieces of luggage or storage bins

Who is this unit for?

This unit is ideal if you:

• Want to store a few boxes but don’t need a large space
• Run a small business and need a safe place for important documents
• Are a homeowner looking for a place to keep holiday decorations or keepsakes
• Need to store a few extra items while decluttering your home

Is this the right size for me?

If you have mostly small, stackable items, this size works well. However, if you’re planning to store anything larger, like a couch or mattress, you’ll need a bigger unit.

5’x10’ Storage Unit

• About the size of: A walk-in closet
• Best for:
  • Small furniture pieces, including chairs, desks, or a twin bed
  • Bicycles, camping gear, and other outdoor equipment
  • Small appliances like a microwave or mini fridge
  • 10-15 moving boxes

Who is this unit for?

This unit is perfect for:

• Apartment renters who need extra space for furniture and boxes
• College students looking for summer storage while moving home
• Small business owners who need extra storage for inventory or office furniture
• Homeowners with seasonal gear they don’t use year-round (skis, beach chairs, etc.)

Is this the right size for me?

If you’re storing a bed, small appliances, or several boxes, this unit is a great option. But if you need space for an entire room’s worth of furniture, you might need to go up a size.

Medium Storage Units: A Good Fit for Furniture and Apartment Moves

If you need more room for furniture, appliances, or multiple rooms’ worth of belongings, a medium-sized storage unit will give you the extra space you need. These units are perfect for renters, homeowners, and small business owners looking for additional storage.

10’x10’ Storage Unit

• About the size of: Half of a one-car garage
• Best for:
  • A one-bedroom apartment’s worth of furniture
  • Sofas, beds, dressers, and dining sets
  • Kitchen appliances like a refrigerator or stove
  • Around 20 medium-sized moving boxes

Who is this unit for?

This unit works well for:

• Renters in between moves who need to store their furniture
• Families remodeling their home who need a temporary storage solution
• Small business owners looking for extra space for office furniture or inventory

Is this the right size for me?

If you’re storing furniture from a one-bedroom apartment or need a medium amount of storage, this is a solid choice. However, if you’re storing belongings from a larger home, consider a bigger unit.

10’x15’ Storage Unit

• About the size of: A large bedroom
• Best for:
  • A two-bedroom apartment’s worth of furniture
  • Large furniture items like sectionals, dining tables, and king-size beds
  • Business inventory and office furniture
  • Large appliances like washers, dryers, and refrigerators

Who is this unit for?

A 10’x15’ storage unit is great for:

• Homeowners in the middle of a home renovation
• Families moving and needing to store extra furniture and appliances
• Small businesses with a growing inventory that need storage

Is this the right size for me?

If you need to store multiple rooms’ worth of furniture, this unit is a good fit. But if you need even more space—especially for vehicles or bulkier furniture—you may want to consider a large storage unit.

Large Storage Units: Ideal for Moving or Business Use

If you’re moving, storing a vehicle, or need a large amount of space for business storage, a large storage unit is the way to go. These units offer enough space to fit the contents of multiple rooms or even a whole house.

10’x20’ Storage Unit

• About the size of: A standard one-car garage
• Best for:
  • The contents of a three-bedroom home
  • Cars, motorcycles, or small trailers
  • Large appliances and multiple mattresses
  • Business inventory or equipment

Who is this unit for?

This unit is perfect for:

• Families moving cross-country who need to store their belongings
• Car owners looking for a secure place to store a vehicle
• Businesses that need extra warehouse space for inventory

Is this the right size for me?

If you’re storing an entire home’s worth of belongings or need space for a vehicle, this unit is a great fit. But if you need even more space for large storage needs, consider the next size up.

10’x30’ Storage Unit

• About the size of: A two-car garage
• Best for:
  • The contents of a four- or five-bedroom home
  • Large vehicles, boats, and trailers
  • Businesses with a lot of inventory or equipment

Who is this unit for?

This unit is best for:

• Large families who need space for all their home’s furniture and belongings
• Homeowners undergoing long-term renovations and needing extra storage
• Businesses that require a large storage space for equipment and bulk inventory

Is this the right size for me?

If you need maximum storage space for personal or business use, this is the largest standard option available and will provide the most flexibility.

Choosing the Right Storage Unit

Picking the right storage unit size depends on what you need to store, how often you need to access it, and your budget. If you’re still unsure, ask yourself:

• What am I storing? – List your biggest items and how many boxes you have.
• How long will I need storage? – If it’s long-term, leave some extra space for organization.
• Do I need climate control? – For electronics, furniture, or documents, it’s a must.
• Will I need to access my stuff often? – If so, don’t pack it too tight—leave room to move around.

Still not sure which unit is right for you? Reach out to U & Me Moving and Storage for expert advice on choosing the perfect storage solution for your needs.

What Size Storage Unit Do I Need?

Choosing the right storage unit size is important. If you pick one that’s too small, you’ll struggle to fit everything inside. If you go too big, you’ll end up paying for space you don’t actually need. So how do you figure out the perfect size?

Start by asking yourself a few key questions:

1. What Are You Storing?

Before choosing a storage unit, make a list of the items you plan to store. Think about both large and small belongings, and whether they can be stacked or need extra space.

• Furniture – Are you storing just a few chairs and a coffee table, or an entire living room set?
• Appliances – Will you need space for a refrigerator, washing machine, or stove?
• Boxes – How many boxes do you have? Will they be neatly stacked, or do you need space to sort through them?
• Outdoor Equipment – Bikes, lawnmowers, and camping gear can take up more space than you think.
• Vehicles – If you need to store a car, motorcycle, or boat, make sure the unit is large enough and allows vehicle storage.

If you’re storing the contents of a one-bedroom apartment, a 10’x10’ unit might be a good fit. But if you’re storing a whole house’s worth of furniture, you’ll need at least a 10’x20’ unit.

2. How Long Will You Need Storage?

The length of time you plan to keep your belongings in storage can impact the size you choose.

• Short-term storage (less than 3 months) – You may be able to pack items tightly, using all available space.
• Long-term storage (3+ months) – If you’ll need to access things regularly, leave space to walk inside the unit.

If you’re storing things for a few weeks between moves, you might not need extra room for organization. But if you plan to keep things in storage for a year, you’ll want to leave enough space to access boxes without unpacking everything.

3. Do You Need Climate Control?

Some items need to be stored in climate-controlled units to avoid damage from heat, humidity, or cold.

• Yes, choose climate control if you’re storing:
  • Electronics (TVs, computers, gaming consoles)
  • Wooden or leather furniture (so it doesn’t warp or crack)
  • Important documents, books, or photo albums
  • Musical instruments
  • Artwork or collectibles
• No, you can skip climate control if you’re storing:
  • Metal tools or equipment
  • Plastic or metal furniture
  • Cars, bikes, or lawnmowers
  • Items that won’t be damaged by temperature changes

If you’re storing family heirlooms, a climate-controlled unit is worth the investment. But if you’re just keeping holiday decorations or extra furniture, a standard unit should be fine.

4. Will You Need to Grab Things Often?

If you plan to visit your storage unit regularly, make sure you have enough room to move things around without unpacking everything.

• If you need frequent access:
  • Leave a walkway so you can reach boxes in the back.
  • Store frequently used items near the front.
  • Use shelves or storage racks to keep things organized.
• If you’re storing things long-term and won’t need access often:
  • Stack items tightly to maximize space.
  • Place heavier boxes at the bottom and lighter ones on top.
  • Disassemble furniture to save space.

If you’re storing seasonal clothing and only need to grab things twice a year, you can stack everything tightly. But if you’re storing business inventory and need to access products weekly, you’ll want a bigger unit with room to move around.

5. What’s Your Budget?

Larger storage units cost more, so it’s important to find a balance between getting enough space and staying within your budget.

• Ways to save money:
  • Only store what you truly need—don’t pay for space you won’t use.
  • Stack boxes efficiently to fit more into a smaller unit.
  • Share a unit with a friend or family member if you both have a few items to store.

If your budget is tight and you’re debating between a 5’x10’ and a 10’x10’, try stacking your items vertically in the smaller unit to save money. But if you need frequent access, paying for extra space might be worth it.

Still Unsure? Try These Solutions

If you’re not sure which storage unit size is right for you, here are some ways to get a better idea:

• Visit a storage facility – Seeing the units in person can help you visualize how much space you need.
• Use an online storage calculator – Many storage companies offer tools to estimate the right size based on what you’re storing.
• Ask a storage expert – Contact the facility and describe what you need to store. They can recommend the best size for you.

Choosing the right storage unit size comes down to how much you’re storing, how often you’ll need access, and whether you need climate control. By asking yourself these questions, you can avoid wasting money on a unit that’s too big or struggling with one that’s too small.

Choosing the Right Storage Facility

Beyond picking the right storage unit size, it’s just as important to choose a storage facility that meets your needs. Here’s what to look for:

• Security Features – 24/7 surveillance, gated access, and secure locks
• Climate Control Options – Keeps temperature-sensitive items safe
• Convenient Access – Look for a place with easy access hours and drive-up options
• Good Reputation – Read reviews to make sure it’s a trustworthy, well-maintained facility

Find the Right Storage Solution Today

Choosing the right storage unit size doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re moving, downsizing, or just need extra space, U & Me Moving and Storage has secure, reliable storage options to fit your needs.

Contact us today to find the perfect storage unit or explore our options here.