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Have you ever needed a storage unit and found yourself asking, “What size storage unit do I need for everything?” Choosing the proper storage unit size doesn’t have to be confusing. Whether you’re storing the contents of a studio apartment, seasonal items, or even a five-bedroom house, knowing what size storage unit you need helps you save time, money, and hassle.
This guide will help you understand your storage needs, compare standard unit sizes, and make an informed decision. For a detailed, interactive experience, be sure to check out our Storage Unit Size Guide tool to find the perfect fit for your belongings.
Why Choosing the Right Storage Unit Matters
Picking the right storage space is key to decluttering without overspending. Choosing a unit that’s too small means you risk running out of room and needing to upgrade, while picking one too large means you pay for unused space. The right storage solution ensures convenient access to your valuables, efficient use of storage space, and a sense of peace of mind.
Common Storage Unit Sizes Explained
Here’s a quick reference table showing common storage unit layouts, what they’re comparable to, and typical items you can store. This helps you quickly estimate which size storage unit meets your storage needs:
| Size | Square Feet | Comparable To | What Will Fit?(Examples of Common Ideas) | Fits Example(What Can Fit Together) |
| 3x3 | 9 sq feet | Small locker or cubby | Seasonal decorations, personal items, a few small boxes, backpacks, document bins, wine | 3-5 moving boxes, a duffel bag, and a small file bin |
| 5x5 | 25 sq feet | Hall or utility closet | Small furniture, boxes, seasonal decorations, personal items, small sports gear | 6-8 boxes, small shelf, nightstand, holiday decor |
| 5x10 | 50 sq feet | Walk-in closet | Queen-sized mattress, dresser, 5-10 boxes, bike, seasonal items | Mattress set, 10 boxes, small chair |
| 5x15 | 75 sq feet | Large closet or small room | Small apartment contents, long furniture, business supplies, sports gear, seasonal storage | Queen bed, dresser, TV stand, 12 boxes |
| 10x10 | 100 sq feet | One-bedroom apartment | Bedroom sets, living room furniture, appliances, moving boxes, patio furniture | Couch, queen bed, dresser, 15 boxes, washer/dryer |
| 10x15 | 150 sq feet | Two-bedroom apratment | 2+ bedroom sets, appliances, dining table, lawn equipment, business inventory | Two beds, sofa, fridge, dining set, 20+ boxes |
| 10x20 | 200 sq feet | Small one-car garage | 3-bedroom house contents, multiple furniture sets, washer/dryer, vehicle storage | Living room set, bedroom sets, fridge |
| 10x30 | 300 sq feet | Large garage | Five-bedroom house contents, business inventory, vehicle storage (including trailers or small boats) | Full house contents or RV + tools + boxes |
"What will fit" lists common items that might be stored in each unit size, not all at once.
"Fits example" gives a more realistic idea of what a unit can typically hold together.
How to Estimate Your Storage Needs
To get the best fit for your storage needs, start by taking inventory of what you want to store:
Furniture: Beds, sofas, tables, chairs, dressers
Boxes: Categorize by size and number
Appliances: Refrigerators, washers, dryers
Seasonal Items: Holiday decorations, sporting equipment
Vehicles: Cars, motorcycles, boats, RVs (may require larger units with drive-up access)
Business Inventory: Equipment, tools, stock
Measure larger items and consider how often you’ll need access. Planning ahead helps ensure your storage unit can accommodate future items or seasonal storage.
Special Storage Needs to Consider
Size isn’t the only factor when choosing a storage unit. You’ll need to consider what you’re storing, how you’d like to access your items, and how long you’ll be storing things.
Climate-Controlled Storage Units protect valuables like electronics, wooden furniture, photographs, and documents from heat, humidity, and cold — perfect for sensitive or valuable items.
Drive-Up Self-Storage Units offer convenient access for heavy or bulky items and vehicles, with the ability to pull your vehicle right up to the unit.
Vehicle Storage Units vary by size and can accommodate everything from motorcycles to boats and campers.
Business Storage offers secure, flexible space for inventory, equipment, and supplies.
Student Storage provides seasonal solutions ideal for storing dorm belongings during breaks.
Tips for Efficient Use of Your Storage Space
Use shelving to maximize vertical space.
Disassemble large furniture to save room.
Pack boxes tightly and label contents.
Leave walking space inside the unit for easy access.
Use pallets or plastic flooring to protect items from moisture.
How to Reserve Your Storage Unit
Once you determine your ideal size storage unit, reserving a storage unit is easy. Use our interactive storage unit size guide tool to browse available self-storage units and pick the perfect fit. Many locations offer:
Convenient drive-up access
Flexible month-to-month leases
Online reservations and payments
Find the Perfect Storage Unit for Your Needs
So, what size storage unit do you need? The answer depends on how much you're storing, the types of items you have, and how often you’ll need access. Storage Star facilities offer a wide range of storage unit sizes to help you organize your life with confidence.
Use our storage unit size guide, consider your storage needs, and let us help you find the perfect fit. And if you need help deciding, our friendly team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today.
FAQs
How do I know what size storage unit I need?
Estimate based on your inventory and the approximate sizes listed above. Use our storage unit size guide tool for more personalized help.
Can I change unit sizes later if needed?
Yes, at Storage Star you can! Our facilities offer flexible leases allowing you to upgrade or downsize as your storage needs change. Ready to get started? Find a storage unit near you.
What if I underestimate my storage needs?
It's easy to move to a larger unit or reserve additional space at most facilities.
What size storage unit do I need for a large walk-in closet?
A 5x5 storage unit (25 square feet) is about the size of a large walk-in closet and is perfect for smaller units of storage. It can hold small furniture, seasonal decorations, personal items, moving boxes, and even a twin or queen-sized mattress if tightly packed. This is one of the best small storage units for people looking to store items from a small apartment or during a short-term move.
What size storage unit do I need for a one-bedroom apartment?
If you're storing belongings from a 1-bedroom apartment, a 10x10 storage unit (100 square feet) is ideal. It can hold the contents of a bedroom set, living room furniture, kitchen appliances, and moving boxes. This falls under the category of medium storage units and is one of the most popular storage options at our storage facility for people downsizing or in between homes.
What size storage unit do I need for a two-bedroom apartment?
For a two-bedroom apartment, a 10x15 storage unit (150 square feet) offers enough extra space to store multiple bedroom sets, a full living room setup, larger appliances, and dozens of moving boxes and moving supplies. This is one of the larger medium storage units, giving you plenty of room to organize and access your belongings as needed.
What size storage unit do I need for a one-car garage?
A 10x20 storage unit (200 square feet) is roughly the size of a one-car garage and is classified among large storage units. It's ideal if you need to store items from a three-bedroom house, including queen-sized mattresses, large furniture, a washer and dryer, and even a small vehicle. These storage options are popular with families who need extra space during a renovation or relocation.
What size storage unit do I need for a three-bedroom house?
A 10x30 storage unit (300 square feet) is the best fit for storing the contents of a three-bedroom house or larger. This large storage unit provides enough room for multiple bedroom sets, appliances, living room furniture, outdoor equipment, and seasonal decorations. It’s also a great solution for storing a vehicle or boat along with personal items and boxes.
What size storage unit do I need for furniture sets?
If you're storing furniture sets, the size depends on how many rooms you're storing at once. A 10x10 storage unit is ideal for a typical bedroom set or a combination of patio furniture and boxes.
For multiple furniture sets, like a bedroom, dining room set, and living room furniture, go with a 10x15 or 10x20 storage unit. These medium to large storage units provide plenty of square feet to store items safely and keep everything organized, especially when combined with moving supplies like furniture pads or bubble wrap.
What size storage unit do I need for larger vehicles?
To store larger vehicles such as trucks, vans, campers, or boats, you’ll want a 10x20 storage unit or larger. A 10x30 storage unit offers even more extra space for longer vehicles or additional gear. These drive-up self-storage units make it easy to pull in and out, and many locations offer vehicle storage with convenient access. Always check with our storage facility to confirm availability and any size restrictions for vehicle storage.
