When you need to store your valuables, no matter what they might be, the first thing you need to do is rent a storage unit. Before you can do that, there’s one choice you need to make that will significantly affect your self-storage experience: the size of the storage unit. To help you pick the suitable size storage unit, Move It Storage put together this handy storage unit size guide. Use it to choose the storage unit size that perfectly solves your needs.
What Size Storage Unit Do You Need?
The storage unit size you need is based on how much stuff you need to store. For example, if you’re a college student with a dorm full of things to store between semesters, you’ll probably need a 5×5 storage unit, the smallest size. On the other hand, if you’re storing the contents of a 4-bedroom, 3-bath home, you’ll probably need a 10×20 storage unit or possibly larger.
Are you storing a car in a storage unit? If so, a 10×20 storage unit might work. However, if you’re storing the same car and 2 rooms’ worth of stuff, a 10×25 storage unit might be a better choice. Every storage situation is different, of course, but at the end of the day, the amount of space your stuff takes up will be the most significant determining factor of what size storage unit you need. There are several others, however, as we’ll discuss next in our size guide.
Factors You Should Consider When Choosing a Storage Unit Size
Besides the amount of space your stuff takes up, you must consider several other factors when choosing a storage unit. They include the following:
1. How much stuff you’re storing
As we’ve already seen, the amount of stuff you need to store directly correlates to the size storage unit you need. More stuff means a bigger storage unit, and vice versa.
2. How often will you need to access your stuff
If you will store your things and only touch them again once you move out, you can rent a storage unit that fits everything with no extra space. However, renting a bigger unit with room to move around is a better choice if you visit your unit often.
3. How easily can your stuff be stacked
If you’re storing boxes and furniture you can stack up high; you can rent a smaller storage unit than if your things can’t be stacked. For example, if you own a bike rental and store your extra bikes in a storage unit, stacking them won’t be possible, so you’ll need a larger unit.
4. Do your things need climate-controlled storage?
Consider renting a climate-controlled storage unit if your things are valuable and delicate. That way, the temperature and humidity stay at a constant, safe level throughout the year.
5. Do you need drive-up or inside storage?
Drive-up storage units allow you to drive your car right up to them and load or unload your storage unit. (It’s super convenient.)
Storage Unit Sizes and What You Can Fit In Each
Below are several of the most common sizes of storage units and what items you can fit in each. Note that not every single item will fit as sizes of each item typically vary and this storage unit size guide is more for an idea on the general size of each different unit.
5×5 (200 cubic feet)
1 small bedroom or dorm, including:
- Single mattress
- Single box spring
- Single bed frame
- Night table
- Desk
- Chair
- Standing lamp
- Bicycle
- 5 large boxes
- 5 medium boxes
- 10 small boxes
5×10 (400 cubic feet)
1 large bedroom, including:
- Queen mattress
- Queen box spring
- Queen bed frame
- 2 night tables
- 2 standing lamps
- 2 large dressers
- Desk
- Chair
- Bicycle
- 10 large boxes
- 10 medium boxes
- 20 small boxes
10×10 (800 cubic feet)
2-bedroom apartment, including;
- 2 double mattresses
- 2 double box springs
- 2 double bed frames
- 4 night tables
- 4 standing lamps
- 4 large dressers
- Kitchen table
- 4 kitchen chairs
- Sofa
- Lounge chair
- Coffee table
- 2 side tables
- 2 desks
- 2 chair
- 2 bicycles
- 15 large boxes
- 20 medium boxes
- 30 small boxes
- Washer
- Dryer
10×20 (1600 cubic feet)
3-bedroom home, including:
- 1 king or queen mattress
- 1 king or queen box spring
- 1 king or queen frame
- 2 double mattresses
- 2 double box springs
- 2 double bed frames
- 6 night tables
- 6 standing lamps
- 6 large dressers
- Dining room table
- 6 dining room chairs
- 2 sofas
- 2 lounge chairs
- 2 coffee table
- 3 side tables
- 3 desks
- 2 chairs
- 2 large bicycles
- 2 small bicycles
- 25 large boxes
- 30 medium boxes
- 40 small boxes
- Washer
- Dryer
What Size Storage Unit Do You Need to Store a Vehicle?
Storing a vehicle demands that you measure it first to determine the dimensions. Based on those numbers, you should choose a storage unit that’s somewhat wider so that you can drive into and out of your storage unit with ease. Remember, you’ll also need adequate room on at least one side to open your vehicle’s door to get in and out. Here’s a quick guide:
10×15 storage unit- Compact car
10×20 storage unit- Midsize car
10×25 storage unit- Full-size car
Move It Self Storage
Store your belongings safely and securely with Move It Storage. Move It Storage offers many storage features, including vehicle storage and climate controlled storage. If you need to find storage near you, call Move It Storage today, stop by a local facility near you, or reserve a storage unit online. Whichever you choose, your valuables will be safe and sound when you store them with Move It Storage! We hope this storage unit size guide has been beneficial and provided the information you needed.