When you start looking into self-storage, the first question you might have is, “What size storage unit should I rent?” The answer depends on what you have to store. Storage units come in many sizes, ready to hold just a few boxes up to everything inside a large home, or even vehicles like cars, boats, and RVs. By understanding the different unit dimensions, common uses for each size, and extra features you might need, you can pick the unit that best fits your needs-saving you space and money.
This easy-to-follow guide explains standard self-storage unit sizes, common uses for each, and helpful advice for picking the right one. We’ll go from extra-small lockers to large units made for homes and vehicles, so you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to store your items without hassle.
How Are Storage Unit Sizes Measured?
The size of a storage unit helps determine what you can fit inside-and how much it will cost. While unit sizes seem straightforward, there’s more to think about than just the numbers you see. Other factors, like ceiling height and whether a unit is indoors or outdoors, also matter and can affect how much a unit really holds and how easy it is to access your stuff.
For example, indoor units might have different heights or door sizes, and outdoor access could make moving big things easier. Paying attention to these differences helps you get the most from your storage rental and keeps surprises to a minimum.
Common Sizes and Square Footage
Storage units are listed by their length and width in feet (like 5×5 or 10×10). Multiply those numbers to get the square footage. For example, a 5×5 unit offers 25 square feet of floor space, while a 10×10 unit provides 100 square feet. This helps you picture how much area you’ll have.
Remember, sizes may vary a little between storage companies. Always double-check the actual dimensions with the provider and, if you can, look at the unit in person. Also, the true space available is best measured in cubic feet by including the height, not just the floor area.
Usual Storage Unit Heights
Most storage units are about 8 feet tall. This gives you a lot of room to stack boxes and furniture, using all the space from top to bottom. For instance, a 5×5 unit with an 8-foot ceiling gives you 200 cubic feet of storage.
Some facilities offer higher ceilings (helpful for tall items like wardrobes or for stacking extra high), and others-especially in city locations-may have units shorter than standard. If you have tall or stackable items, always ask about ceiling height before renting.
Indoor vs Outdoor Units
Indoor units are inside a building. They protect your items from weather, but may require using hallways, stairs, or elevators to reach them. Outdoor (drive-up) units are accessed directly from outside, so you can park your car right at the door, making it easier to load and unload, especially with heavy things. For vehicle storage, some “units” may just be outdoor parking spaces marked off for you to use.
Comparing Different Storage Unit Sizes
Once you know how sizes are measured, you’ll see units grouped as small, medium, or large, with special options for storing vehicles too. The key is to find a unit big enough for your items, but not so big you’re paying for empty space. Planning now will save you time, money, and trouble later on.
Standard Storage Unit Sizes
Here’s a quick-glance table of popular sizes, square footage, estimated volume, a size comparison, and types of belongings they often hold. Size and capacity may vary by storage company, so check with the facility before renting.
| Unit Size | Square Feet | Cubic Feet (8’ tall) | About the Size Of | Commonly Fits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Locker | 25 sq ft | 100 cu ft | Small Closet (Shorter Height) | Boxes, seasonal decorations, small gear |
| 5×5 | 25 sq ft | 200 cu ft | Walk-in Closet | Closet contents, small furniture, some boxes |
| 5×10 | 50 sq ft | 400 cu ft | Large Closet/Shed | Studio apartment, mattress, dressers, 10-20 boxes |
| 5×15 | 75 sq ft | 600 cu ft | Large Walk-in Closet | 1-bedroom apartment, bedroom set, 20-30 boxes |
| 10×10 | 100 sq ft | 800 cu ft | Average Bedroom/Half Garage | 1-2 bedrooms, appliances, couch, 30-40 boxes |
| 10×15 | 150 sq ft | 1200 cu ft | Large Bedroom | 2-bedroom home, large items, 40-60 boxes |
| 10×20 | 200 sq ft | 1600 cu ft | Single-Car Garage | 3-bedroom home, full furniture sets, appliances |
| 10×25 | 250 sq ft | 2000 cu ft | Tall-Single Garage | 4-bedroom home, multiple bedroom sets |
| 10×30 | 300 sq ft | 2400 cu ft | Extended Garage | 4-5 bedroom home, vehicle, large business storage |
What Fits in Each Size?
Small units like lockers and 5x5s are good for a few boxes, clothes, or holiday decorations. They are handy for decluttering or keeping small things safe during a move.
Medium units, such as 5×10, 5×15, or 10×10, can fit the contents of a studio or one-bedroom apartment, including mattress sets and several pieces of furniture plus boxes.
Large units such as 10×15, 10×20, 10×25, and 10×30 are meant for whole homes or businesses. They can store furniture, many boxes, full appliances, and sometimes vehicles.
How to Pick the Best Size
Start by listing everything you plan to store, including sizes for big items. Check their actual dimensions. Also, think about the height of each item and if things can be stacked. Use online size guides or talk to the storage provider-it helps to look at a unit in person if possible before signing up.
Guide to Small Storage Units
Small storage units are great for clearing up space at home, keeping things tidy, or handling a small move. Although small, these spaces hold more than you may think and are usually the most affordable option.
The smallest options are lockers and 5×5 units, but even a 5×10 unit can be surprisingly useful.
Lockers and Mini Units
Lockers offer about 25 square feet and around 100 cubic feet. They’re ideal for a few boxes, out-of-season clothing, books, small sports gear, or valuable small items. They work well for students between semesters or for anyone needing to store a little bit extra without using much space.
5×5 Storage Unit
The 5×5 unit is a bit like a big closet, offering 25 square feet and about 200 cubic feet with regular height. This is a popular pick for those with a handful of items or some small furniture. It’s good for small appliances, seasonal decor, luggage, or up to 35 small file boxes-just remember, most full-size couches won’t fit.
What Fits in a 5×5 Storage Unit?
- Closet contents (seasonal clothes, toys)
- Small electronics and small appliances
- Chairs or a small loveseat
- Holiday or outdoor items (garden gear, camping stuff)
- Office files (about 35 boxes)
- Sports equipment and luggage
5×10 Storage Unit
The 5×10 gives 50 square feet and around 400 cubic feet. This size is popular for people clearing out a bedroom or small apartment, and works for a mattress, dresser, small desk, up to 20 boxes, and even a three-seat couch. It’s flexible-students, people moving, and those renovating often rent this size.
What Fits in a 5×10 Storage Unit?
- Contents from a studio or small bedroom (bed, dresser, chair)
- 10-20 boxes
- Medium-sized furniture (couch, coffee table)
- Basic kitchen or office items
- Sports or garden gear
Guide to Medium Storage Units
Medium units are a good fit when you have more than a closet to store, but not an entire house. They’re useful during moves between apartments, for decluttering, or when putting furniture aside during remodeling work. Units in the 5×15 to 10×15 range give you enough space for beds, appliances, and boxes from 1-2 rooms.
5×15 Storage Unit
The 5×15 size (75 sq ft, 600 cu ft) is about as big as a large walk-in closet. It holds the furniture and boxes from a big bedroom or 1-bedroom apartment. You’ll have space for a bedroom set, dining table, and about 30 boxes, plus extras like patio furniture or exercise equipment.
What Fits in a 5×15 Storage Unit?
- Bedroom set, table, suitcase, dresser
- 30 moving boxes
- Office desk and patio items
- Small kitchen appliances
- Gym and large sports gear
10×10 Storage Unit
The 10×10 unit (100 sq ft, 800 cu ft) is as large as a small bedroom or half of a one-car garage. It fits contents from a 1-2 bedroom apartment, living room furniture, and appliances. There’s plenty of room for arranging items so you can get to what you need.
What Fits in a 10×10 Storage Unit?
- 1-2 bedroom sets, living room set
- Kitchen appliances
- Up to 40 large boxes
- Large musical instruments (like pianos)
- Office furniture and supplies
10×15 Storage Unit
A 10×15 unit (150 sq ft, 1,200 cu ft) fits a larger two-bedroom apartment or a small family’s needs. You can expect to fit 4 rooms of furniture, appliances, and up to 60 boxes inside. It’s also suitable for business storage or a mix of household and office items.
What Fits in a 10×15 Storage Unit?
- Multiple bedroom and living room sets
- Large appliances
- Up to 60 large boxes
- Business equipment and supplies
- Motorcycles or lawn mowers
Guide to Large Storage Units
Large units are designed for people who need to store a whole house’s worth of belongings. These units work well during big moves, home renovations, or if you need to free up a garage or warehouse. They offer enough space for big furniture, full home or large office moves, or even your vehicle in some cases.
10×20 Storage Unit
This size (200 sq ft, 1,600 cu ft) is similar to a small one-car garage. It can hold everything from a three-bedroom house-furniture, appliances, outdoor furniture, and lots of boxes.
What Fits in a 10×20 Storage Unit?
- 3-bedroom home contents
- Full sets of furniture and kitchenware
- Large electronics, TVs
- Washer, dryer, and refrigerators
- A vehicle (car, boat, motorcycle)
10×25 Storage Unit
Moving up, 10×25 units (250 sq ft, 2,000 cu ft) can handle everything from a four-bedroom home or serve business storage needs. Vehicles like trucks or SUVs may fit in this size, along with lots of household goods.
What Fits in a 10×25 Storage Unit?
- 4-bedroom home contents, all furniture
- Multiple large appliances
- Bigger vehicles: some small trucks or SUVs
- Business inventory
10×30 Storage Unit
The largest common unit (300 sq ft, 2,400 cu ft) is like an extra-long garage. It’s right for a four or five bedroom house, several large pieces of furniture, appliances, and appliances-plus room for a car or even a small boat, depending on the unit and facility.
What Fits in a 10×30 Storage Unit?
- 4-5 bedroom home contents
- Vehicles: vehicles, boats, small trucks
- Multiple large furniture sets
- Large exercise equipment
- Several big boxes
Vehicle, Boat, and RV Storage Sizes
Storing vehicles or RVs requires big spaces, and many storage places have special options, both indoors and outside. The unit you need will depend on your vehicle’s length-always measure it if you’re unsure.
Up to 15’ Vehicle Storage
Units designed for vehicles up to 15 feet can fit motorcycles, jet skis, or small cars. These typically offer about 150 square feet. Always check the height and width for your specific vehicle.
Good for 10×15 Vehicle Units:
- Motorcycles, scooters, jet skis, ATVs
- Very small cars (measure first!)
- Lawn mowers or small utility vehicles
Up to 20’ Vehicle Storage
Most regular-sized cars, some SUVs, or small trucks fit in a 10×20 enclosed storage unit (about the size of a garage) or paved outdoor spot. This is a typical option for storing a car in a safe place for months at a time.
Good for 10×20 Vehicle Units:
- Standard cars (sedans, coupes)
- Small pickup trucks
- Multiple motorcycles or ATVs
- SUVs, larger cars (in an indoor unit)
Up to 26’ Vehicle Storage
Units or spots up to 26 feet long handle bigger trucks or small RVs, like camper vans or Class B vehicles, as well as small boats on trailers.
Good for 10×26 Vehicle Units:
- Large vans or camper vans (Class B)
- Small boats/trailers
- Multiple jet skis on trailers
Up to 30’ Vehicle Storage
A 10×30 unit or space is for long vehicles, Class A RVs, or bigger boats. It may also hold a work truck or commercial van. You can often add a few extra boxes around the vehicle if packed efficiently.
Good for 10×30 Vehicle Units:
- Large RVs/boats
- Large pickup trucks and work vehicles
- Trailers (flatbed/enclosed)
- Some large commercial vehicles
Boat and RV Storage (Up to 35’ and Up to 50’)
Special security parking locations or oversized enclosed units, up to 35 or 50 feet, are available for big boats, RVs, and luxury motorhomes. These spots might be covered, uncovered, or even heated/cooled in rare locations.
What fits in 35-foot or 50-foot units?
- Mid-sized and large Class A RVs and boats
- Travel trailers, fifth-wheel campers
- Enclosed car trailers
- Larger commercial vehicles and luxury motorhomes
Special Features That Affect Your Choice
Besides size, some features can help protect your items and make storage easier:
Climate-Controlled Units
These keep temperature and humidity steady. They’re best for wood furniture, electronics, art, records, photographs, and other things that can get ruined by heat, cold, or moisture. If you have valuables or sensitive items, climate control might be worth it, even if you get a smaller unit to fit your budget.
Drive-Up Access
Drive-up units let you park at the door, which makes unloading quicker and easier, especially with heavy or long items. It saves you from hauling things long distances inside the building, and you may be able to get by with a slightly smaller unit because it’s easier to arrange items inside.
Indoor vs Outdoor
Indoor (within a building) units give extra protection from the weather and sometimes include climate control. Outdoor units are usually cheaper and make loading big or heavy items less of a workout. Decide based on what you’re storing and how often you need to get to your stuff.
Tips for Choosing the Right Size Storage Unit
Picking the best storage size is more than matching your things to a set of measurements. Careful planning can save you money and make your storage experience smooth from start to finish:
Estimate How Much Space You Need
Don’t guess-make a list! Write down all furniture, the number and size of boxes, and anything odd-shaped or large. Think about how high you can stack. Measure big items to be sure, and even draw a rough plan if it helps. Use all the vertical space.
Pack and Load with Purpose
Break down large furniture when possible. Use boxes that stack easily, and fill them to keep from squashing. Label everything. Put the bulkiest things at the back and bottom, and leave a walkway if possible for finding things later. Place items you’ll need soon near the door.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Picking too small of a unit and running out of space midway
- Not thinking about how high you can stack inside
- Poor packing or leaving furniture in large pieces
- Forgetting about climate control for sensitive items
- Not visiting the unit first to check size and access
Frequently Asked Questions About Storage Unit Sizes
What size for a 1-bedroom apartment?
A 5×15 unit (75 sq ft, 600 cu ft) usually works. It fits a bedroom set, small table, and about 30 boxes. If you have less to store or pack very efficiently, a 10×10 (100 sq ft, 800 cu ft) might be plenty, too.
What size for a 2-bedroom apartment?
A 10×10 (100 sq ft, 800 cu ft) usually fits two small bedrooms or a living area, with space for appliances and about 40 boxes. For larger 2-bedroom apartments, a 10×15 unit is safer, especially if you have a lot of furniture.
What size for a 3-bedroom house?
Most people use a 10×20 (200 sq ft, 1,600 cu ft) for a 3-bedroom home, which fits the furniture, appliances, and up to 80 boxes. For extra room, especially with many big items, a 10×30 is a better fit.
Can I store a car, boat, or RV?
Yes, if the storage company allows it and you use the right size. Most cars fit in a 10×20 unit, while trucks and SUVs often need at least a 10×25 or 10×30. Boats and RVs usually require dedicated outdoor spots or very large units, from 10×30 to 10×50. Always check the facility rules for fuel/battery requirements.
How tall are storage units?
Most standard units are 8 feet high, which means you can safely stack items and use the whole space. Some locations offer taller units for oversized or stackable items. Small lockers or units in urban areas might be shorter, so it’s smart to check before renting.