Storage Unit Sizes and How to Choose One

By Amanda Lutz Updated May 18, 2023

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Whether you’re downsizing, relocating, or just need some extra space, storage units provide a flexible solution to your storage needs. However, it can be difficult to determine the right storage unit size for your items. To help you make an informed decision, we scoured the websites of top moving companies and self-storage facilities to bring you this detailed guide to storage unit sizes.


Storage Unit Sizes and Costs

The most common storage unit sizes range from 5-by-5 feet to 10-by-30 feet (25 to 400 square feet) with many variations in between. Small storage units are perfect for storing seasonal decorations and sports equipment long term, while medium and large units work well for short-term storage during a move. The largest sizes also work well for storing business inventory or commercial equipment.

Note: The average costs listed below were calculated using quotes we pulled from publicstorage.com and storage.com. We looked up the price of each storage unit size in five different cities (New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Houston, and Orlando) and averaged them together. However, not all sizes were available in every city, and prices could be significantly lower in more rural areas than in these large metropolitan areas.

5′ x 5′ Storage Unit

A 5-by-5-foot storage unit, also known as a storage locker, is one of the smallest units available. It’s perfect for storing sports equipment and seasonal items, such as holiday decorations, camping gear, or winter clothing. About the size of a closet, a 5-by-5-foot unit can fit a few boxes and small furniture items, such as a dresser. This makes it a great solution for college students who need to store dorm furniture and decor between semesters.

5′ x 10′ Storage Unit

A 5-by-10-foot storage unit is the size of a large walk-in closet or a small room—large enough for the contents of a single bedroom or a small studio apartment. It’s the perfect size for storing medium-size appliances, such as a washer and dryer, or larger sports equipment, such as bicycles or kayaks. A 5-by-10-foot unit can also be used for business storage. It can easily hold 100 banker boxes or 30 medium-size moving boxes with room for an aisle down the middle.

10′ x 10′ Storage Unit

A 10-by-10-foot storage unit is ideal for storing the contents of a one-bedroom apartment, including large furniture items and a few dozen boxes. It can also serve as a garage for smaller vehicles, such as motorcycles or ATVs, if you need to free up some garage space. This unit is a popular choice for those who are moving or downsizing and need a temporary storage solution. It’s a little smaller than an average 10-by-12-foot bedroom and about half the size of a standard one-car garage.

10′ x 15′ Storage Unit

A 10-by-15-foot storage unit is large enough to hold the contents of a small house or two-bedroom apartment. Slightly smaller than a standard one-car garage, it’s ideal for storing a motorcycle plus an assortment of tools and recreational gear. You could also use this size unit to temporarily store the contents of your downstairs living area during a remodel. It can fit a king-size bed, a sectional couch, a refrigerator, and several large boxes.

10′ x 20′ Storage Unit

A 10-by-20-foot storage unit is roughly the size of a one-car garage and the smallest size that is recommended for vehicle storage. If you use it as a garage, you should be able to fit a small car or boat plus a few boxes or a shelving unit in the back. Without a vehicle taking up space, you can fit 80 to 100 moving boxes or the contents of a multi-bedroom house. Alternatively, you could use it to store items that you don’t use year-round, such as lawn mowers, kayaks, yard tools, and patio furniture.

10′ x 25′ Storage Unit

A 10-by-25-foot storage unit is a spacious option for those who need to store an antique vehicle or the contents of a four-bedroom house. It is slightly larger than a one-car garage with plenty of space for a boat, a pair of water skis, or ATVs. This unit is ideal for those who need to store their belongings during military deployment or a gap between their move-out and move-in dates. It can also be used as extra warehouse space for a small business.

10′ x 30′ Storage Unit

A 10×30 storage unit is the largest standard storage unit size available. It can hold the contents of a fully furnished four-bedroom home plus a standard garage, giving you enough room to store your vehicle and belongings between home closings. Alternatively, you could use it to store commercial equipment, several large appliances, business inventory, or a camper or RV. Few items will be too large to fit in 300 square feet of space.

20′ x 20′ Storage Unit

A 20-by-20-foot storage unit is the size of a cozy 400-square-foot studio apartment or a two-car garage. This unit size has 100 more square feet and a wider entrance than a 10-by-30-foot unit, making it the perfect option for storing large equipment or multiple vehicles. It also works great as a small warehouse for business inventory or equipment. However, large storage units this size are relatively uncommon. For instance, U-Haul and CubeSmart only list units up to 10-by-30 feet.


Our Recommendation

Choosing the right size self-storage unit can be challenging, but with careful planning and measuring, you can find the perfect unit for your needs. Many storage facilities and long-distance moving companies have storage unit size guides on their websites to help. In most cases, you can easily switch to a different size if you outgrow your original unit or find it has more storage space than you need.

For those with minimal storage needs, a small 5-by-5-foot storage unit is ideal, while those looking to store a vehicle or business inventory may need a larger 10-by-30 or 20-by-20-foot unit. If you need to store the contents of multiple rooms during a remodel or move, consider a 10-by-10 or 10-by-20-foot unit. As you narrow down your options, factor in the amount of space you need, your budget, and the value of the items you’re storing.


Storage Unit FAQ

What’s the best way to organize a storage unit?

Here are the best ways to organize a storage unit:

  • Maximize vertical space with shelving.
  • Use stackable storage bins.
  • Label all boxes and bins clearly.
  • Create an aisle down the center for easy access.
  • Place frequently used items near the front
  • Protect larger items with furniture covers.
  • Keep seasonal items toward the back.
  • Stack lighter boxes on top of heavier ones.

What is the most popular storage unit size?

The most popular storage unit size is 10-by-10 feet, which is about half the size of a spare bedroom. This size is commonly used for short-term storage during an apartment move, to free up space in the garage, or to store items during a room remodel.

Are storage units worth it?

Whether storage units are worth it depends on your individual circumstances and needs. For many people, storage units provide a convenient and safe place to store items that they may not have space for at home—whether they are moving, downsizing, or just looking for extra storage. If you have items you don’t want to part with or that you only need to access occasionally, a storage unit may be a good option.

What are the standard dimensions of a storage unit?

5 x 5: 5 feet wide by 5 feet deep, or 25 square feet5 x 10: 5 feet wide by 10 feet deep, or 50 square feet10 x 10: 10 feet wide by 10 feet deep, or 100 square feet10 x 15: 10 feet wide by 15 feet deep, or 150 square feet10 x 20: 10 feet wide by 20 feet deep, or 200 square feet10 x 30: 10 feet wide by 30 feet deep, or 300 square feet