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Ever heard the term “storage locker”? While it may bring you back in time to the bustling, fluorescent-lit halls of your high school, we’re not talking about those lockers. Storage lockers are compact units for storing things like documents, luggage, or off-season clothing.
In this article, we’ll review common storage locker sizes and help you decide whether you need a storage locker vs. a storage unit.
Or, if you’re ready to explore a Storage Star self-storage facility near you, just select a location to browse available units.
What Is a Storage Locker?
Storage lockers are small self-storage spaces. They are typically around 3’x3’ or 3’x5’, although slightly larger options are available. These mini units can accommodate light storage needs and are often used for:
Seasonal items: Holiday-themed decor like wreaths or Halloween costumes
Personal items: Bulky winter clothing, camping gear, luggage, and hobby supplies.
Business inventory: Documents, small boxes of merchandise, samples, or office overflow.
Specialty items: Collectibles, family keepsakes, or even small wine collections.
Storage lockers provide a secure place to store your items, and they’re often more cost-effective than renting a full-size storage unit.
What Is a Storage Unit?
Self-storage units are larger than a locker and offer more functionality. They start at around 5’x5’, but their sizes vary greatly, even reaching up to 15’x45’ and beyond. Size and availability depend on your local facility. But most people use small- or mid-size storage units for:
Household items: Large pieces of furniture, lawn equipment, sports gear
Commercial goods & services: Bulky boxes, work tools
Vehicles: Commercial trucks or parking overflow for your home
Personal watercraft: Boats and boat trailers, jet skis, kayaks
Specialty gear: ATVs, UTVs, dirtbikes, motorcycles, golf carts, RVs and campers
What’s more, you can often find units that are climate-controlled, so your things will be protected in all seasons. And if you’re storing a vehicle or bulky furniture, you’ll enjoy the convenience of drive-up access to your storage unit.
So, if you need to store more than a few boxes of decorations or clothing, you’ll want a storage unit vs. a storage locker.
Storage Locker Sizes vs. Storage Unit Sizes
Before you rent a space, it’s important to consider what you’ll be storing and the quantity of items you need room for. Here’s a quick breakdown.
Type | Typical Size | Ideal For |
Storage Locker | 3’x3’ to 3’x5’ | Boxes, small furniture, seasonal decor, wine |
Small Storage Unit | 5’x5’ to 5’x10’ | Studio/apartment items, business inventory |
Medium Storage Unit | 10’x’10’ to 10’x15’ | 1-2 bedroom homes, larger items |
Large Storage Unit | 10’x20’ to 10’x30’ | Full homes, vehicles, large equipment |
At Storage Star, we understand that needs change – especially as you accumulate more things. That’s why we offer flexible month-to-month rentals, so you’re not locked into a long-term contract! When you need to scale up (or down), simply let us know, and we’ll work with you to lock in your new unit.
Choosing Between a Storage Locker and a Storage Unit
Once you know you’re ready to rent a storage unit, it’s amazing how many additional items you realize you could be storing. That set of antique dinnerware that no one ever uses, but your grandmother passed on to you. The record collection your father spent his entire life curating, but you can’t stand. The massive Santa Claus light display that haunts your garage 11 months out of the year.
So let’s walk through a few questions you can ask yourself to help you determine whether you need a storage locker vs. a storage unit:
Storage Locker vs. Storage Unit: Quick Decision Table
Question to Ask Yourself | If You Answer “Yes,” You Likely Need… | Why This Matters |
Do you only need to store a few small or medium items? | Storage Locker | Perfect for boxes, décor, clothes, or hobby items without paying for extra space. |
Are you storing large furniture or big equipment? | Storage Unit | Full-size units offer the space and height needed for couches, mattresses, appliances, etc. |
Is your budget tighter and you want the most affordable option? | Storage Locker | Lockers are typically the lowest-cost self-storage option. |
Do you need frequent, easy access to your items? | Storage Unit | Units offer walk-in access, wide doors, and more room to move around. |
Are you storing things long-term and want room to grow? | Storage Unit | Extra space makes it easier to add new items over time. |
Are you mostly storing personal keepsakes, documents, or seasonal items? | Storage Locker | Ideal for smaller, valuable, or rarely-used belongings. |
Do you need to store anything oversized, heavy, or awkwardly shaped? | Storage Unit | Units accommodate bulky items like bikes, furniture, instruments, or tools. |
Is climate control a must-have? | Either — but units offer more options | Many facilities have climate-controlled units; some offer climate-controlled lockers, but availability varies. |
As for what size storage unit you’ll need, that’s a different story. Check out our self-storage size guide, or find a Storage Star near you to see what’s available at each facility.
Lock It Down in a Storage Locker
Lockers are a small, convenient, and secure option for storing a few items. Specialty lockers can keep your wine, collectibles, or valuable items safe. On the other hand, standard units offer flexibility and space for larger items.
Storage Star has a range of sizes, as well as specialty units, designed to fit your needs. Our facilities have gated 24/7 access and are monitored around the clock.
Whether you need a compact storage locker or a full-size unit, Storage Star makes it easy to store your belongings safely. Find your local facility today.
FAQs
How much does a storage locker cost per month?
The monthly cost of a storage locker rental depends on the facility, availability, and whether you’re eligible for any discounts. For example, the Napa Storage Star on Deviln Road currently has climate-controlled wine storage lockers available at $27/month. To find out how much storage is near you, find your local facility and browse available units.
What are common storage locker sizes?
Most storage lockers range from 3’x3’ to 3’x5’. Anything larger is considered a compact or small storage unit. But storage lockers can also be as small as 2’x2’. Sizes vary depending on the facility. Think of them more like a walk-in cabinet/closet, rather than a room.
The ceiling height is often shorter than a standard storage unit as well. However, you should still have enough room to stack bins or boxes. They’re perfect if you need compact, accessible storage without paying for unused square footage.
Can I store wine in a storage locker?
Absolutely! Some facilities offer dedicated storage for wine bottles, but most storage lockers are great for wine storage. Just make sure the unit is climate-controlled to preserve your collection better.
Do all Storage Star facilities have storage lockers?
No, but many of our facilities have smaller units available, like a 4’x5’ or 5’5’. To find out what storage lockers or units are available near you, find your local Storage Star and browse the units online.
Can I upgrade from a storage locker to a larger unit?
For sure! We offer monthly rentals, so if your needs change, then we can easily get you set up in a larger unit.
