5x15 Storage Unit: What Fits? What Doesn't?

5x15 Storage Unit: What Fits? What Doesn't?

Danielle Bucella Danielle Bucella
6 minute read

Listen to article
Audio is generated by AI and may have slight pronunciation nuances.

Table of Contents

If you’re running out of space at home or in the office, a 5x15 storage unit might be exactly what you need. This popular storage size strikes a balance between compact and roomy—perfect for stashing everything from seasonal gear to small furniture. But just how big is a 5x15 unit, and what can you actually fit inside? In this guide, we’ll break down the dimensions, what fits (and what doesn’t), pricing, and who should consider renting one.


How big is a 5x15 storage unit?

A 5x15 storage unit is 5 feet wide by 15 feet deep. That will give you 75 square feet of floor space. The average storage unit is approximately 8 feet high, providing approximately 600 cubic feet of storage space.

A 5x15 storage unit falls into the “small storage” category. It’s comparable in size to a large walk-in closet and is about half the length of a standard garage. 


What items fit in a 5x15 storage unit?

A 5x15 may appear small, but, surprisingly, it can hold quite a lot! It’s great for household and business storage needs. A 5x15 self-storage unit can hold:

  • Contents from a dorm room or a small apartment or studio

  • Small couch or loveseat

  • Mattress, bed frame, and box spring

  • Dresser

  • Several boxes

  • A motorcycle or bikes


What won’t fit in a 5x15 storage unit?

Large items typically will not fit in this small storage unit. Some items that will not fit in this size storage unit include:

  • Large dining room set with more than 4-6 chairs

  • Oversized headboards or footboards, especially those with a canopy

  • Full living room sets

  • Sectional sofa

  • Multiple couches

  • Commercial freezers

  • Large business inventory, including full shipments on pallets or bulky storage boxes

  • Canoes, small boats, and jet skis

  • Ride-on lawnmowers and tractors

While some 5x15s may have drive-up access, they cannot accommodate a vehicle. Cars, trucks, and SUVs are too large. If you’re looking for vehicle storage, consider renting a 10x20 drive-up storage unit.


How much do 5x15 storage units cost?

5x15s are often quite affordable, but prices do vary! Like all storage spaces, the price will be dependent on location, time of year, availability, and whether you’re renting climate-controlled storage.

Here’s a glimpse of 5x15 storage unit prices at various Storage Star locations (as of July 2025):

LocationTypePrice
Anchorage, AK
Indoor, standard$134/month
Vacaville, CAIndoor, air-cooled, elevator access$111/month
Colorado Springs, COIndoor, climate-controlled, ground floor$61/month
Loveland, COIndoor, climate-controlled, ground floor$83/month
Austin, TX
Indoor, climate-controlled, elevator access$52/month
Dallas, TXIndoor, climate-controlled, elevator access$55/month
Laredo, TXIndoor, climate-controlled, ground floor$143/month

Who should use a 5x15 storage unit?

A 5x15 is a great storage solution for almost anyone seeking extra space. We recommend this size storage space if you’re:

  • Moving from a one-bedroom apartment or studio: During a transition from a small rental, a 5x10 will provide enough space for your furniture, boxes, and small appliances. A 5x15 can also hold all mattress sizes, including a king and queen-size bed

  • Needing Student Storage: College students may need temporary, month-to-month storage between semesters, while studying abroad, or interning in another city. A 5x15 is affordable and can hold more than a 5x5 or 5x10.

  • Renovating: Temporarily store your furniture and household items while remodeling a room

  • Small Business Owners: A 5x10 can accommodate your extra business inventory, marketing materials, files, tools, or seasonal items. Month-to-month leases mean you can move into a larger unit, like 10x10 storage units, as your business scales

  • Frequent Travelers: Use a small storage solution to house your travel gear - and even seasonal equipment, such as golf clubs, skis, kayaks, and camping gear

  • Snowbirds: Store your seasonal belongings and other personal items while living somewhere else for a portion of the year

  • Motorcycle Enthusiasts: Need a home for your motorcycle? A 5x15 can accommodate your bike! 

Climate-Controlled 5x15 Storage Units

If you need to store sensitive items, select a climate-controlled storage unit. These units are typically maintained at a temperature between 55°F and 80°F. This range is critical as temps below 55°F risk freezing and condensation. In contrast, temps over 80°F can lead to warping, melting, and other damage.

Select a climate-controlled unit if you’re storing wood or leather furniture, electronics, artwork, antiques, stamps, delicate clothing and fabrics, your wine collection, documents, and other important collectibles.


How does a 5x15 compare to a 5x5 storage unit?

While both are considered small storage options, a 5x15 will give you 75 square feet of floor space. A 5x5 is much smaller, with only 25 square feet.

For both unit sizes, utilize the vertical space of the unit. It will provide you with additional square feet of storage space, without having to size up to a medium size storage unit.

Other Storage Unit Sizes to Consider

Unsure of the best unit size for you? We got you! 

Here’s a quick and handy unit size chart that will give you a glimpse into our most popular unit sizes and what works with them:

Unit Size
Comparable To
Best For
Commonly Stored Items
5x5 - 25 sq. ftSmall ClosetStudents, seasonal storageBoxes, small decor, seasonal items, sports equipment, golf clubs
5x10 - 50 sq. ft.Walk-In ClosetStudio renters, studentsMattress, small dresser, boxes, bicycles, other small furniture
10x10 - 100 sq. ftHalf a Garage1-2 bedroom apartment, moving or renovatingBedroom set, appliances, dining sets, multiple medium to large boxes
10x15 - 150 sq. ft.2/3 of a Garage2-3 bedroom home, relocating, deploymentMultiple bedroom sets, dining room furniture, sofas, appliances
10x20 - 200 sq. ftStandard Garage3-4 bedroom home, vehicle storageAll size furniture, sectional sofa, larger appliances, business inventory, vehicles, trailers and small RVs, small boats

To determine the best size for your storage needs, use our handy unit size guide! If you still need help with selecting your unit, you can visit a nearby Storage Star location for a tour of our self-storage facility and to view different unit sizes.


Have storage needs? Next Steps: Rent Now!

Need to store items? Looking for a storage location near you? Then you can look no further than Storage Star. Our convenient self-storage facilities offer a wide range of storage unit types and sizes. Additionally, our flexible month-to-month rental agreements, online bill payment, and excellent customer service will help ensure you have a top-tier experience.

Begin your self-storage journey today! Check our availability online, rent your unit, and move in quickly! Find a Storage Star facility near you now.

FAQs

What size mattress fits in a 5x15 self-storage unit?

A 5x15 can fit any standard mattress size, including a twin, full, queen, king, or even California king. We recommend storing your mattress on its side, standing up. This will provide you with extra room for a bed frame and box spring, as well as other small furniture and boxes.

What size moving truck do I need for a 5x15 storage unit?

We recommend renting a 10 to 15-foot moving truck. This should be sufficient to transport everything that would fit in this small storage unit.

Is a 5x15 unit available with climate control?

Yes! Many Storage Star locations offer climate-controlled 5x15 storage units. These units will help protect your belongings, such as electronics, antiques, wood and leather furniture, documents, and delicate fabrics. They maintain a consistent environment (temperature and humidity).

Are there 5x15 drive-up storage units?

Yes! Storage Star facilities that offer drive-up storage may have 5x15s available for rent. Find a Storage Star location near you and check out current availability. Drive-up units are an excellent option if you frequently visit your unit or need to load and unload bulky, heavy items.

« Back to Blog