Storage Unit Size Guide

Use the guide below to help identify which size unit is best for your storage needs. Add your items to our storage unit size calculator to see which unit fits.

What Size Storage Unit Do I Need?

The right storage unit size depends on how many rooms you’re storing and how many large items you have. A 5x5 or 5x10 fits closet storage or a studio apartment. A 10x10 to 10x15 fits a one- or two-bedroom apartment, and a 10x20 or larger fits a three-bedroom house or a car. Use the calculator above for a personalized estimate, or follow the steps below.

Picking the right storage space is key to decluttering without overspending. Choose a unit that’s too small, and you risk running out of room and needing to upgrade. Pick one that’s too large, and you pay for unused space.

How to Estimate Your Storage Needs

To get the best fit, 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 or outdoor parking spaces)
  • Business: Equipment, tools, inventory, and vehicles

Measure larger items and consider how often you’ll need access. Planning ahead helps make sure your unit can fit future items or seasonal storage. Then compare your list to the storage unit sizes chart below.

What Size Storage Unit Do I Need for a Car?

A 10x20 storage unit is about the size of a one-car garage, so it’s a common choice for storing a car. For trucks, vans, campers, or boats, start with a 10x20. A 10x30 gives you extra room for longer vehicles or added gear, and drive-up units make it easy to pull in and out.

Vehicle storage options and size restrictions vary by location, so check with your local Storage Star before you move in. Explore car storage, motorcycle storage, RV storage, and boat storage to learn more.

Find the Right Storage Unit Size with Our Storage Unit Size Guide

Choosing the right storage unit size doesn’t have to be confusing. Whether you’re storing the contents of a studio apartment, seasonal decor, or even a five-bedroom house, this storage unit size guide is designed to help you confidently select the best fit for your needs. From small furniture and dressers to vehicle storage, our guide covers all your storage options.

Storage Unit Sizes Chart

Size
Dimensions
Comparable To
Common Items Stored*
Example Items Stored in a Unit Together*
9 sq ft

Small locker or cubby

Seasonal decorations, personal items, a few small boxes, backpacks, document bins, wine

3 to 5 moving boxes, a duffel bag, and a small file bin

25 sq ft

Hall closet

Small seasonal items, storage boxes, record collections, keepsakes, file cabinets, twin mattress, end tables, chairs

6 to 8 boxes, small shelf, nightstand, holiday decor

50 sq ft

Walk-in closet

Contents of a small bedroom: full mattress, dresser, 10 to 15 boxes, small appliances, closet storage items

Mattress set, 10 boxes, small chair

75 sq ft

Large walk-in closet or small bedroom

Living room furniture, kitchen storage, multiple storage containers, seasonal décor, bikes, lamps

Queen bed, dresser, TV stand, 12 boxes

100 sq ft

Standard bedroom

Bedroom set, sofa, dining room set, washer and dryer, closet organization, kitchen organization items

Couch, queen bed, dresser, 15 boxes, washer and dryer

150 sq ft

Large bedroom

Contents of 2 to 3 rooms: multiple mattress sets, dressers, refrigerators, boxes, shelves, business inventory

Two beds, sofa, fridge, dining set, 20+ boxes

200 sq ft

One-car garage

Three-bedroom house contents, couches, large appliances, dining table, patio furniture, vehicle storage

Living room set, bedroom sets, fridge

250 sq ft

Large one-car garage

Contents of a four-bedroom house, large appliances, multiple furniture sets, vehicle storage

Living room set, two bedroom sets, boxes, plus a car or small boat

300 sq ft

One and a half car garage

Five-bedroom house contents, vehicle storage for campers, boats, and trailers; inventory or commercial storage

Full house contents, or a camper, boat, or trailer plus tools and boxes

400 sq ft

Two-car garage, or a warehouse bay

Contents of a 4- to 5-bedroom home, vehicle storage for RVs, boats, or trailers, business inventory on pallets or shelving, and outdoor or recreational gear

A full home’s furniture and appliances, plus an RV or boat and trailer, with shelving for business inventory

*“Common Items Stored” lists common items that might be stored in each unit size, not all at once. 

*“Example Items Stored in a Unit Together” gives a more realistic idea of what a unit can typically hold together.

Once you know your size, find a storage unit near you to compare the sizes at your closest Storage Star.

Storage Unit Size Guide: What Fits in Each Unit?

At Storage Star, we offer a wide range of self-storage unit sizes with features like drive-up access, climate-controlled storage, and flexible leases at modern, secure storage facilities across the country. Use the reference guide below to determine which storage unit you’ll need.

Storage Lockers (3x3 to 4x5)

Ideal for: Documents, keepsakes, seasonal items, or a few small boxes

Paperwork and file storage

Keepsakes and small valuables

Seasonal decorations

Wine storage

Backpacks and duffel bags

Small sports gear

Great for renters who just need a little extra room

A 3x3 storage unit is about the size of a small locker or cubby. A 4x5 storage unit is a little smaller than a hallway closet.

Small Storage Units (5x5 to 5x10)

Ideal for: Closet storage, seasonal items, small apartment, or studio apartment

Boxes and bins

Small furniture (nightstands, lamps, chairs)

Seasonal decor

Patio furniture

Kitchen appliances

Up to one room of belongings

Great for students or short-term needs

A 5x10 storage unit fits about the same as a large walk-in closet.

Medium Storage Units (10x10 to 10x15)

Ideal for: One-bedroom apartment or two-bedroom apartment or home

Bedroom sets and mattress sets

Sofas, couches, and coffee tables

Dining room set

Dressers and shelving

Refrigerators, washer, and dryer

Bikes, lawn tools, or lawn mowers

Small business inventory

A bedroom set in a 10x10, or bedroom, dining room, and living room furniture together in a 10x15

A 10x15 storage unit is about the size of a large bedroom.

Large Storage Units (10x20 and up)

Ideal for: Three-bedroom house, four-bedroom house, or vehicle storage

Contents of a full home or large move

Multiple bedroom sets, large appliances, and living room furniture

Boxes, bikes, and tools

Vehicle storage for campers, cars, or small boats

Excellent for business storage or long-term use

A 10x30 storage unit is roughly the size of a large garage and can hold belongings from a 4-5 bedroom home.

Special Storage Needs to Consider

Size isn’t the only factor when choosing a storage unit. Consider what you’re storing, how you’d like to access your items, and how long you plan to store them.

Climate-controlled storage units protect valuables like electronics, wooden furniture, photographs, and documents from heat, humidity, and cold. They’re a good fit 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 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.

Need boxes, tape, or bubble wrap? Shop moving and packing supplies at your local Storage Star.

Storage Unit Size Guide FAQ

How do I know what size storage unit I need?

Use our storage unit size guide to estimate your needs based on the number of rooms and large items you plan to store. For example, a 5x10 unit is ideal for a studio apartment, while a 10x15 unit is better for a two-bedroom apartment or storing business inventory. You can also add your items to the storage unit size calculator at the top of this page for a personalized recommendation.

Do I need climate-controlled storage for my items?

Climate-controlled storage is highly recommended for temperature-sensitive items like wood furniture, electronics, and mattress sets. It’s also ideal for protecting seasonal decor, photos, and documents from heat and humidity.

Can I store a vehicle, camper, or lawn equipment?

Yes! Our large storage units and vehicle storage options can accommodate campers, cars, lawn mowers, and even small boats. Many locations offer drive-up access for easy loading and unloading. For larger vehicles such as trucks, vans, campers, or boats, you’ll want a 10x20 storage unit or larger. A 10x30 offers extra space for longer vehicles or additional gear. Check with your local Storage Star to confirm availability and any size restrictions for vehicle storage.

What’s the best storage solution for business use?

If you need space for business inventory, equipment, or file storage, we recommend a medium or large self-storage unit. These units are secure, flexible, and offer easy access, especially helpful if you’re running a small business or need overflow space from your office.

What size storage unit do I need for a one-bedroom apartment?

A 10x10 storage unit (100 square feet) is ideal for a one-bedroom apartment. It can hold a bedroom set, living room furniture, kitchen appliances, and moving boxes.

What size storage unit do I need for a two-bedroom apartment?

A 10x15 storage unit (150 square feet) fits most two-bedroom apartments. It offers room for multiple bedroom sets, a full living room setup, larger appliances, and dozens of moving boxes.

What size storage unit do I need for a three-bedroom house?

A 10x20 storage unit (200 square feet) is roughly the size of a one-car garage and fits the contents of a three-bedroom house. That includes queen-sized mattresses, large furniture, and a washer and dryer. For packing tips, see our guide to storage unit sizes for a 3-bedroom house.

Can I change unit sizes later if needed?

Yes, at Storage Star you can! Our facilities offer flexible leases, so you can upgrade or downsize as your storage needs change. If you underestimate your space, it’s easy to move to a larger unit or reserve additional space at most facilities. Ready to get started? Find a storage unit near you.

What is the smallest storage unit size?

Some Storage Star locations offer storage lockers as small as 3x3 (9 square feet), about the size of a small cubby. Lockers work well for documents, keepsakes, a few boxes, or wine. If you need more room, a 5x5 (25 square feet) is about the size of a hall closet.

What Fits in a Storage Locker?

A storage locker is typically a 3x3 or 4x5 unit. Lockers work well for documents, keepsakes, seasonal decorations, a few small boxes, and wine. If you need a bit more room for small furniture or sports gear, a 4x5 storage unit is a little smaller than a hallway closet.

What is the largest storage unit size?

The largest unit in this guide is a 10x40 (400 square feet), about the size of a two-car garage or a small warehouse bay. It can hold the contents of a 4- to 5-bedroom home, plus vehicle storage for an RV, boat, or trailer. Not all Storage Star locations offer this size, since it’s considered an extra-large specialty unit, so check with your local facility for availability.

Find the Perfect Storage Unit for Your Needs

Storage Star facilities offer a wide range of storage unit sizes to help you organize your life with confidence. Many locations offer:

  • Convenient drive-up access
  • Flexible month-to-month leases
  • Online reservations and payments

Ready to choose your size? Rent online at a Storage Star near you. If you need help deciding, our friendly team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today.