Moving into a new home or clearing out extra clutter should feel like a fresh start, but finding a place for everything can quickly become overwhelming. Selecting a self-storage unit is one of the easiest ways to simplify your move, yet many people struggle to figure out how much space they actually need.
Choosing a unit that is too small leaves you struggling to fit your belongings safely, while paying for extra square footage you will never use drains your monthly budget. Whether you are transitioning between houses, clearing out a garage, or downsizing, this guide breaks down storage sizes so you can select the perfect unit with confidence.
Small Storage Units (5’x5′ to 5’x10′)
Small storage units are ideal for minor organization projects, seasonal storage, or storing items from a single small room.
- 5’x5′ (25 sq. ft.): Similar in size to a standard walk-in closet. It comfortably holds several medium-sized boxes, seasonal clothing, sports gear, small luggage sets, and modest accent furniture like nightstands or end tables.
- 5’x10′ (50 sq. ft.): Roughly the size of a large walk-in closet or half-bathroom. This unit can fit the contents of a studio apartment or a single full bedroom, including a queen-sized mattress set, dressers, small appliances, and multiple stacked storage totes.
Medium Storage Units (10’x10′ to 10’x15′)
Medium units offer the perfect balance for homeowners and renters who are in the middle of a move or completing a home renovation project.
- 10’x10′ (100 sq. ft.): Equivalent to half of a standard one-car garage. A 10’x10′ unit easily accommodates the furnishings of a typical one- or two-bedroom apartment, such as living room sofas, dining table sets, major kitchen appliances, and dozens of boxes.
- 10’x15′ (150 sq. ft.): Slightly larger than a standard bedroom. This space easily stores the contents of a two-bedroom home or a large apartment, including extra-large furniture pieces, outdoor patio sets, and bulky equipment.
Large Storage Units (10’x20′ to 10’x30′)
If you are moving a full multi-bedroom house or need dedicated space for commercial inventory and vehicles, large units offer maximum capacity.
- 10’x20′ (200 sq. ft.): The size of a standard one-car garage. This unit holds the full contents of a three- to four-bedroom home, including major appliances, full bedroom suites, bulky sectionals, and outdoor gear.
- 10’x25′ & 10’x30′ (250–300 sq. ft.): Extra-large garage spaces that can store everything from a large five-bedroom home to full commercial inventory, construction materials, or even personal vehicles and small boats.
Essential Packing Strategies to Maximize Your Unit Space
- Utilize Vertical Height: Stack boxes from heaviest on the bottom to lightest on top. Take advantage of tall ceilings by standing mattresses upright and disassembling bed frames or table legs.
- Create an Aisle: Always leave a small walkway through the center of your storage unit. This simple step ensures you can easily reach items stored in the very back without having to unload everything in front.
- Label Every Box Clearly: Mark the top and sides of every container with its contents and designated room so unboxing at your new location is effortless.
Selecting the right unit size saves you time, effort, and money. Contact our local storage team today to discuss your moving needs or tour available unit sizes in person!