Storage Unit Size Guide: Find the Perfect Fit for Your Needs

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Knowing the exact space requirement helps a lot in renting a storage unit. It is hard to predict just the perfect size of a storage unit, especially in cases when renting personal or household items, furniture, or even a vehicle. This storage unit size guide will not only help you decide on the best unit to suit your needs, but it will also answer some general questions, such as “What size storage unit do I need?” and “What size storage unit for a car?”

Why Storage Unit Size Matters

Self-storage unit size is one of the main factors to consider when renting in order to find the perfect balance between value and convenience. A unit that is too small will leave you disorganized and cluttered, and one that is too big will cost more than it needs to. By understanding self-storage unit sizes, you will be able to ensure that you are only paying for what space you require.

How to Choose a Storage Unit

The first thing to consider in choosing the right storage unit is, of course, what you need to store. Take note of how many boxes, how many larger items like furniture, and what you will want easy access to. Once you have compiled a list of what you plan on storing, you are able to estimate how much space you will need.

Following are some common self-storage unit sizes and what typically fits inside them:

1. 5′ x 5′ Storage Unit

This is one of the small units available; it offers 25 square feet of space. It is roughly the size of a small walk-in closet and serves best for storing only a few boxes, very minimal furniture pieces, or seasonal items. If you are only decluttering or storing just a few items such as books, clothes, or decorations, this could be the best fit.

Fits:

  • Small boxes
  • Seasonal decorations
  • Small furniture (such as chairs, end tables)

Great for:

  • College students who want to store things they use in a dorm room during semester breaks
  • Those requiring minimal storage

2. 5′ x 10′ Storage Unit

At 50 square feet, this 5′ x 10′ unit is equivalent in size to that of a large walk-in closet. This size accommodates the contents of a small one-bedroom apartment: a mattress, a few small appliances, and several boxes. If you are in between moves or need to store some larger items along with boxes, this might be your best fit.

Fits:

  • Twin or full mattress
  • Small appliances
  • Boxes and bins

Great for:  

  • Downsizing or moving
  • Storing items from a small apartment or studio

3. 10′ x 10′ Storage Unit

This unit offers 100 square feet of space and can store the contents of a one- to two-bedroom apartment. It’s ideal for larger furniture, such as sofas, dining room sets, and larger appliances, along with boxes. If you’re moving or renovating a home, this size will give you ample room for most household items.

Fits:

  • Queen or king mattress
  • Living room furniture-sofas, coffee tables
  • Appliances-washer, dryer, refrigerator

Great for:

  • People storing the contents of a one- or two-bedroom apartment
  • Storing furniture and appliances

4. 10′ x 15′ Storage Unit

This storage unit is about the size of a large bedroom and measures 150 square feet. It would be able to store the contents of a two- to three-bedroom house, including larger furniture pieces, appliances, and a significant number of boxes. This is an excellent size for families who require storing a lot of household items while moving or renovating.

Fits:

  • Large appliances
  • Multiple pieces of furniture (beds, sofas, tables)
  • Large boxes and storage bins

Great for:  

  • Storage of the contents of a medium-sized house
  • Families that relocate or are renovating

5. 10′ x 20′ Storage Unit

A 10′ x 20′ unit has 200 square feet of space-the same size as an average one-car garage. That would hold the contents of a three- to four-bedroom house: large furniture, appliances, and numerous boxes. And it’s even big enough to fit a vehicle.

Fits:

  • Several large pieces of furniture dining sets, beds dressers
  • Appliances and boxes

Great for:

  • Storage of contents from a large house
  • A car, boat or small trailer storage

6. 10′ x 30′ Storage Unit

At 300 square feet, the 10′ x 30′ unit is one of the largest sizes available. For comparison, it is about the size of a two-car garage and can fit the contents of a large home, including several bedrooms of furniture, large appliances, and numerous boxes. This size is great for storing larger recreational vehicles or boats.

Fits: 

  • Entire households of furniture
  • Vehicles, trailers, or boats
  • Large collections of boxes and storage bins

Great for:

  • Long-term storage needs for large houses by families
  • Storage of more than one vehicle or large recreational items

Special Vehicle Storage Considerations

If you are storing a car, truck, or other vehicle, knowing what size storage unit for a car is important. For most standard cars, a 10′ x 20′ unit will suffice. Larger vehicles, such as SUVs, trucks, or even boats, may need a 10′ x 30′ unit. Always measure your vehicle before choosing a unit so you can ensure the fit is appropriate.

Best Storage Unit Sizes for Vehicles:

  • 10′ x 20′ – Ideal for standard cars, motorcycles, and small trailers.
  • 10′ x 30′ – Ideal for larger vehicles, boats, and RVs  

Selecting the Correct Unit Size: Valuable Tips

There are a few helpful tips when choosing the right storage unit in size. Here is how to make the best decision:

  1. Inventory Your Belongings: List what you will store. This will help you understand better how much space you may need.
  2. Consider Needs for Access: If some of the items you will be storing require frequent access, then a slightly larger unit can be chosen so that you may keep everything in order and easy to reach.
  3. Consider Your Future Needs: Especially in case you will need more storage soon, you can already rent a slightly larger unit instead of having to change everything later on.
  4. Seek Professional Advice: You can seek the advice of a storage professional. In fact, many storage facilities have their resident experts that will help in determining the correct size that fits your needs.

Conclusion

The right storage unit is all about getting enough space for all of your belongings without overpaying for unused rooms. This storage unit size guide breaks down common sizes so you can determine what to look for when asking yourself the question, “What size storage unit do I need?” Whether it’s a few boxes, the contents of a home, or even a car, this understanding of self-storage unit sizes will assure you that the perfect fit for your needs will be found.

With due consideration to your special needs and how you will arrange and measure your item, you should confidently be able to select a storage space that will best suit your needs.

If you’d like to discover the latest information about the moving and relocation world, please also check other industry news from Asian Tigers Group.

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