What Size Storage Unit Do I Need?
Check everything you're storing to get a personalized storage unit size recommendation.
What are you storing?
Storage Unit Size Guide
Choosing the right storage unit size can save you money. Here's a quick reference:
- 5×5 (25 sq ft) — Small closet worth of items, boxes, seasonal décor
- 5×10 (50 sq ft) — Studio apartment or small bedroom contents
- 10×10 (100 sq ft) — 1-bedroom apartment, most furniture included
- 10×15 (150 sq ft) — 2-bedroom home contents
- 10×20 (200 sq ft) — 3-bedroom home or vehicle storage
- 10×30 (300 sq ft) — Large home or commercial storage
Storage Unit Sizes and What Fits
| Unit Size | Sq Ft | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 5×5 (locker) | 25 sq ft | Boxes, seasonal items, small furniture |
| 5×10 | 50 sq ft | Studio apartment, 1-bedroom contents |
| 10×10 | 100 sq ft | 2-bedroom apartment contents |
| 10×15 | 150 sq ft | 2–3 bedroom home contents |
| 10×20 | 200 sq ft | 3–4 bedroom home, small vehicle |
| 10×30 | 300 sq ft | Large home, vehicle + household |
When estimating, it's almost always better to rent slightly larger than you think you need. Trying to jam everything into a too-small unit wastes time, damages items, and makes access difficult. A 10×10 unit that's half empty is still more useful than a 5×10 unit packed floor-to-ceiling.
Climate-Controlled vs. Standard Storage
Climate-controlled units maintain temperature (50–80°F) and humidity, protecting electronics, wood furniture, artwork, clothing, instruments, and documents from heat, cold, and moisture damage. They typically cost 25–50% more than standard units. Standard units are fine for non-sensitive items: plastic storage bins, metal tools, patio furniture, and items not affected by temperature swings.
In hot climates (Texas, Arizona, Southeast), climate control is strongly recommended for almost anything — summer temperatures inside a non-climate-controlled unit can exceed 120°F and rapidly deteriorate wood, leather, and electronics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size storage unit do I need for a 1-bedroom apartment?
A 1-bedroom apartment typically fits in a 10x10 ft storage unit, which holds one bedroom's furniture, a small living room, and several boxes.
What size storage unit do I need for a 3-bedroom house?
A 3-bedroom house typically needs a 10x20 or 10x25 ft storage unit to hold furniture from all bedrooms plus living and dining room contents.
Should I get climate-controlled storage?
It's worth the extra cost for wood furniture, electronics, photos, and documents, especially in regions with high humidity or temperature swings.
How much extra space should I add for boxes?
Add about 20% extra space beyond your furniture estimate — boxes are often underestimated and end up stacked around larger items.