Need to move and trying to figure out how much storage space you’ll need?
Picking the wrong storage unit size can be a costly mistake. Rent a unit that’s too small, and you’ll be making multiple trips to haul your belongings. Rent one that’s too big and you’ll be overpaying every month.
But here’s the good news.
Choosing the right storage unit size doesn’t have to be a headache. Follow this simple strategy and find the perfect size storage unit on your first try.
In this article we’ll cover:
- Why Storage Unit Size Actually Matters
- How To Calculate Your Storage Needs
- The Most Common Storage Unit Sizes
- Smart Tips For Maximizing Space
Why Storage Unit Size Actually Matters
Here’s a little-known fact…
Approximately 42% of renters rent a storage unit when moving into a new home. Almost half of all people moving are using temporary storage.
The problem?
A lot of people guess their storage needs and overpay every month. Or they run out of room mid-move and need to upgrade their unit, incurring additional fees and frustration.
Picking the right size from the start means:
- Saving money — you don’t have to overpay for wasted space
- Saving time — you don’t have to upgrade or downsize later
- Saving stress — everything fits easily without the uncertainty
Think about it like this… Would you rent a three bedroom home when you only need one bedroom? Of course not. Apply the same logic to your storage unit.
How To Calculate Your Storage Needs
The easiest way to quickly determine the right storage unit size?
Start with an inventory of the things you plan to store. The most effective method is to use a simple sizing chart that lays out room contents and maps to storage unit sizes. No more guesswork.
Here’s what to do:
Create a list of everything you want to put in storage. Break it down by room or type of item:
- Furniture pieces
- Boxes (estimate the quantity)
- Appliances
- Seasonal items
- Specialty items such as bikes or sports equipment
Be sure to count your boxes. Most people underestimate the number of boxes they end up with after packing. A good rule of thumb?
Expect to use approximately 5-10 boxes per room in your home.
Once you have your list, you can compare it to common unit sizes to see your match. Taking this simple planning step can save you hundreds of dollars over a typical storage rental.
The Most Common Storage Unit Sizes
Okay, so what sizes should you know about?
The good news is that the self-storage industry uses only a handful of standard unit sizes. That makes choosing the right size much easier.
Here’s the breakdown:
Small Units (5×5 and 5×10)
These are the smallest standard storage units available. A 5×5 storage unit is approximately the size of a closet. It’s great for storing a few boxes, small furniture pieces or seasonal decorations.
Moving up to a 5×10 unit gives you some additional flexibility. You can fit the contents of a small bedroom including:
- Mattress set
- Several boxes
- Small appliances
Think of a 5×10 as the size of a large closet or small storage room. Ideal for college students, apartment renters or people decluttering a single room.
Medium Units (10×10 and 10×15)
These sizes are the most common for most movers.
A 10×10 storage unit is the most popular size by revenue — and for a good reason. This size can hold about one to two rooms worth of furniture and boxes. You can store:
- Full bedroom set
- Living room furniture
- Multiple boxes
- Small dining table
The 10×15 unit gives you even more space. It’s perfect for storing the contents of a two-bedroom apartment or small home. You will have room for larger furniture and plenty of boxes without having to force everything to fit.
Large Units (10×20 and 10×30)
We’re now in the big boy territory.
A 10×20 unit will hold three to four rooms of furniture and is an ideal size for the contents of a three bedroom home. You will have enough space to:
- Walk between items
- Stack boxes efficiently
- Store large furniture and appliances
The 10×30 is effectively one-car garage size. Use this size to store an entire house worth of belongings and vehicles, equipment or business inventory.
Smart Tips For Maximizing Space
One last thing…
Even with the right size unit, poor packing techniques can waste a lot of space. Follow these tips to get the most out of every square foot.
Stack Strategically
Place your heaviest items on the bottom and lighter boxes on top. You can create stable towers to use the vertical space most efficiently. Leave a narrow walking path down the middle so you can access items stored at the back.
This sounds like a no-brainer but you’d be surprised at how many people just randomly stack things.
Use Uniform Box Sizes
Mixing all different sized boxes will create stacking hell. Use standard moving boxes that stack neatly. Your storage unit will look like a well-organized warehouse instead of clutter.
Disassemble Large Furniture
Tables, bed frames and shelving units take up less space when disassembled. Store mattresses and box springs on their sides along the walls. This simple trick can drop you down a whole unit size.
Fill Every Gap
Use hollow furniture as storage. Dresser drawers, appliances and cabinets can be filled with smaller items. Wrap breakables in clothing and linens to save on packing material and make use of every inch.
Create Zones
Group similar items together. All kitchen boxes in one zone, all bedroom items in another. Label everything clearly. Your future self will thank you when you need to find something specific.
The Real Cost of Getting It Wrong
Let’s face it for a second…
Storage units are not cheap. With over 11% of US households currently renting storage space, millions of Americans are paying monthly fees.
The average rental period is 14 months. Rent a unit one size too large and you could easily waste $50-100 each month.
Do the math:
You just threw away $700-1,400 over the rental period. On the other hand, a unit that’s too small means you’ll pay upgrade fees and move all your belongings again.
Make the extra effort to get it right the first time.
Everything Comes Together
Figuring out the perfect storage unit size for your move is not rocket science. You just need to be realistic about your belongings and compare them against standard storage unit sizes.
Keep these key steps in mind:
- Count your rooms and furniture pieces
- Estimate the number of boxes you need (don’t lowball yourself)
- Match your contents to a standard unit size
- Plan for smart packing and efficient stacking
Storage units provide the flexibility that makes moving so much less stressful. But only if you pick the right size at the beginning.
Take a few minutes to measure, count and plan. It will save you money and frustration later.
