The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Size Storage Unit

Renting a storage unit is a great way to clear out clutter, stage a home for sale, or keep your belongings secure during a big move. But once you start looking at options, you quickly run into the hardest part of the process: figuring out exactly what size you actually need.

Rent a unit that is too small, and you’ll find yourself playing a frustrating game of Tetris with your furniture. Rent one that is too large, and you are essentially paying to store empty air.

To help you get it right the first time, we’ve put together this simple guide to understanding storage unit sizes and exactly what you can fit inside them.

The Most Common Storage Unit Sizes (And What Fits Inside)

When visualizing storage space, it helps to compare the dimensions to standard rooms in a house. Here is a breakdown of the industry standard sizes:

1. The 5’ x 5’ Unit (25 Square Feet)

Think of this as: A standard walk-in closet. Best for: Seasonal items, college dorm room essentials, or business inventory. What fits: A twin mattress set, a small dresser, a few small boxes, seasonal clothing, or a bicycle. If you just need to clear out a crowded closet at home, this is your go-to size.

2. The 5’ x 10’ Unit (50 Square Feet)

Think of this as: A large walk-in closet or a small half-bathroom. Best for: Storing the contents of one small room or a studio apartment. What fits: A queen-sized bed, a dresser, a TV, a loveseat, and several medium-to-large boxes. This is incredibly popular for college students moving home for the summer or young professionals between small apartments.

3. The 10’ x 10’ Unit (100 Square Feet)

Think of this as: Half of a standard one-car garage. Best for: A one- to two-bedroom apartment. What fits: Two bedrooms' worth of furniture (beds, dressers, nightstands), a couch, a dining room set, major appliances like a refrigerator or washer/dryer, and plenty of boxes. This is the most versatile and popular size for residential moves.

4. The 10’ x 15’ Unit (150 Square Feet)

Think of this as: A large bedroom or a slightly short one-car garage. Best for: A two- to three-bedroom house or large apartment. What fits: Three bedrooms of furniture, couches, large dining tables, pianos, large-screen TVs, multiple major appliances, and large stacks of boxes.

5. The 10’ x 20’ Unit (200 Square Feet)

Think of this as: A standard one-car garage. Best for: A three- to four-bedroom house, or storing a vehicle. What fits: Everything from a standard home move. It comfortably holds living room furniture sets, dining room sets, bedroom sets from multiple rooms, patio furniture, all major appliances, and dozens of boxes. It can also typically hold a compact car or small boat, depending on the facility's vehicle storage rules.

Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Storage Space

Selecting the right size is only half the battle. How you pack your unit dictates how much you can actually fit. Before you decide to upgrade to a larger, more expensive unit, try these space-saving strategies:

• Go Vertical: You aren't just renting square footage; you are renting cubic footage. Stack heavy boxes on the bottom and lighter boxes on top. Stand couches on their ends (if safe to do so) to save floor space.

• Disassemble Furniture: Take the legs off tables, remove the cushions from couches, and break down bed frames. Tape the screws and hardware in a bag directly to the furniture so you don't lose them.

• Use Your "Hollow" Spaces: Don't leave empty space inside your furniture! Fill dressers, filing cabinets, refrigerators (leave the door slightly cracked for airflow), and ovens with small boxes, books, or soft items like linens.

• Leave an Aisle: If you are renting a 10'x10' or larger, always pack with a small walkway down the middle. This allows you to access items in the back of the unit without having to completely empty it first.

Still Unsure What Size You Need?

If you are stuck between two sizes, a good rule of thumb is to always round up. Having a little bit of extra space to easily maneuver and organize your belongings is almost always worth the small difference in monthly cost.

At LockerBlox, we are here to make your storage experience as seamless as possible. Ready to reclaim your space? Browse our available units today to find the perfect fit for your needs!