Estimating how much space your belongings will occupy before they are packed and stacked is genuinely tricky. The square footage that looked right on a size chart can feel different once furniture and boxes are in front of you. Whether you are storing a few items during a move or planning longer-term storage, knowing which unit size fits your situation saves you from paying for space you do not need or running short on space when it matters.
Here is a breakdown of the most common storage unit sizes and what fits comfortably in each one.
The Most Common Storage Unit Sizes
The 5 x 5 Storage Unit
This is the smallest standard size, roughly equivalent to a medium closet. A 5 x 5 unit fits:
- A twin mattress or smaller, such as a crib
- Several small to medium moving boxes
- A bedside table or two, or small seasonal items like deck chairs and beach gear
This size works well for seasonal storage or a small number of items from a single room. For anything larger than a college dorm room, you will likely need more space.
The 5 x 10 Storage Unit
The equivalent of a walk-in closet, a 5 x 10 unit is the right size for a furnished bedroom. It fits:
- A queen bed, dresser, and bedside tables
- A smaller sofa
- Several mid-sized moving boxes
Think of it as the contents of one bedroom packed into the center of the room. This size is a reliable fit for a one-bedroom city apartment.
The 10 x 10 Storage Unit
This is a substantial unit, comparable to a small single-car garage bay. A 10 x 10 can hold:
- Two queen bedroom sets including dressers and bedside tables
- Or one bedroom set plus living room and dining room furniture
- A number of small to medium moving boxes
A well-furnished one-bedroom apartment fills this unit comfortably. Note that a 10 x 10 is also the smallest size that accommodates a king mattress.
The 10 x 15 Storage Unit
The size of a standard one-car garage, the 10 x 15 is the right starting point for two-bedroom apartments. It fits:
- Two bedroom sets
- Living room and dining room furniture
- A solid number of moving boxes
If you have a lot of furniture and want straightforward access to your items without having to restack everything, consider sizing up to the next option.
The 10 x 20 Storage Unit
For multi-bedroom homes with a full complement of furniture, the 10 x 20 is a reliable starting point. This unit handles:
- Oversized items including large sofas, a refrigerator, and a washer and dryer
- A dining room set and multiple bedroom sets
- Small, medium, and large moving boxes stacked strategically
This size also works well for awkwardly shaped items like multiple bicycles, kayaks, or a canoe. If you are planning to store a vehicle, this is the minimum size to consider. Confirm with the storage facility that vehicle storage is permitted, as policies vary.
The 10 x 30 Storage Unit
The largest standard unit, equivalent to a one-and-a-half-car garage. Large, densely furnished homes should start here. A 10 x 30 accommodates:
- Oversized furniture, full dining sets, and multiple bedroom sets
- Large quantities of boxes stacked to ceiling height
- Specialty or oversized items that would not fit efficiently in smaller units
Packing your items in sturdy, uniform boxes allows you to stack them efficiently and make full use of the vertical space in a unit this size.
Storage Help From FlatRate Moving
Choosing the right storage unit size is easier when you have a clear picture of what you are storing and how long you plan to store it. If you are moving and storing at the same time, coordinating both through one company simplifies the process considerably.
FlatRate Moving helps you book the right storage unit and moves your belongings directly into it. Our crews handle the packing, transport, and placement so your items are stored properly from the start. We serve locations across New York City, New Jersey, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, and Washington DC.
Call us at 212-988-9292 or visit our storage page to explore unit options and get a guaranteed flat price for your move and storage. Happy Moving Day.