Advertising Disclosure

How to Choose the Right Size Storage Unit

How much will my move cost?

Let us help match you

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

    • Please enter 2 or more characters

    Please tell us where you're moving from

    • Please enter 2 or more characters

    Please tell us where you're moving to

    Please select or enter a date

    Please tell us how much stuff you have

    Please tell us your name

    Please tell us your phone number

    Thank you!

    Your movers will contact you shortly.

    Written by: All Movers Team

    AllMovers team provides expert insights, mover comparisons, and practical resources to help you make informed moving decisions. Whether you need company reviews, relocation tips, or expert guidance, we’ve got you covered. Read more

    Reviewed by: Jason Walker

    Jason Walker is a moving expert with personal and professional experience, sharing tips, guides, and reviews to make your relocation stress-free. Read more

    Last Update: 06/05/2026

    You know what? I still have a vivid memory of my college years at UT Austin. I was moving out of a dorm and into my first real apartment, and I had this brilliant idea that everything I owned could fit into the back of my friend’s pickup truck.

    Spoiler alert: It didn’t.

    We ended up renting a storage unit last minute. I panicked, guessed at the size, and rented a 5×5 unit. It looked big enough to me.

    Two hours later, I was playing a high-stakes game of Tetris, trying to shove a futon frame into a space clearly meant for boxes and golf clubs. I ended up having to leave my desk behind. It was a logistical nightmare.

    Now, working with All Movers and helping my sister Megan manage her photography gear (she has so much equipment), I’ve learned that eyeing it doesn’t work. Storage is geometry, not magic.

    Key Takeaways
    • Visualize the space: A 5×10 is a walk-in closet; a 10×20 is a one-car garage.1
    • Vertical space is your friend: You aren’t just paying for the floor; you’re paying for the height. Stack to the ceiling.
    • Cars need 10×20 minimum: Don’t try to squeeze a sedan into anything smaller.
    • Leave an aisle: If you pack it wall-to-wall, you’ll never find your holiday decorations again.
    • When in doubt, go one size up: The price difference is usually small compared to the headache of running out of room.

    Best Overall Value Best Overall Value

    United Regions Van Lines

    5.0

    • Nationwide availability
    • Clear pricing, no hidden fees
    • Premium door-to-door service

    Need Help? Call Now

    877-794-4947
    • Nationwide availability, over 25 years of experience, premium door-to-door service
    American Relocation Experts

    4.7

    • Reliable moving & Storage solutions
    • Top-quality services, trained staff
    • Reliable moving & Storage solutions, top-quality services, trained staff

    If you are standing in the middle of your living room, looking at your stuff and wondering, “Will this actually fit?” – I’ve got you covered. Let’s break down the math so you don’t end up leaving your desk behind like I did.

    Why Choosing the Right Size Matters

    How to Choose the Right Size Storage Unit

    It might seem obvious – you don’t want to pay for air, and you don’t want to run out of room. But it’s more than just the monthly bill.

    If you pick a unit that is too small, you are forced to stack things dangerously high or cram furniture together, which causes scratches and dents. I’ve seen people stack heavy boxes on top of sofas because they ran out of floor space, permanently warping the cushions.

    On the flip side, paying for a 10×30 when you only need a 10×15 is throwing away cash. In Nashville, the price difference could buy you a nice dinner out every single month.

    Common Storage Unit Sizes & What Fits in Them

    Let’s translate these numbers into real-world terms. Most facilities have 8-foot ceilings, so keep that in mind.2

    5x10 Unit (50 Sq. Ft.)

    • Think of it as: A large walk-in closet.
    • Best for: Studio apartments, dorm rooms, or clearing out a garage.
    • What fits:
      • One queen-sized mattress set (box spring included)
      • A dresser
      • A TV and stand
      • Several large boxes
      • Note: A motorcycle usually fits here comfortably.

    10x10 Unit (100 Sq. Ft.)

    • Think of it as: Half of a standard one-car garage.
    • Best for: A one-bedroom or small two-bedroom apartment.
    • What fits:
      • King-sized mattress
      • Living room suite (sofa, coffee table, chairs)
      • Appliances (refrigerator, washer/dryer)
      • Dining room table and chairs
      • lots of boxes

    10x15 Unit (150 Sq. Ft.)

    • Think of it as: A large master bedroom.
    • Best for: A two-bedroom apartment or a small house.
    • What fits:
      • Contents of three bedrooms
      • Large items like pianos or sectional sofas
      • Business inventory (file cabinets, desks)
      • Note: This is often the “sweet spot” for people who aren’t sure if a 10×10 is enough.

    10x20 Unit (200 Sq. Ft.)

    • Think of it as: A standard one-car garage.
    • Best for: A multi-bedroom house or vehicle storage.
    • What fits:
      • Contents of a 3-to-4 bedroom house
      • A car, SUV, or pickup truck (with a little room left for boxes)
      • Appliances, patio furniture, and lawn equipment all at once.

    10x30 Unit (300 Sq. Ft.)

    • Think of it as: A deep two-car garage.
    • Best for: Large 4-5 bedroom homes or commercial storage.
    • What fits:
      • Everything from a large house
      • A vehicle + a trailer
      • Small boats
      • Construction equipment

    Get matched with the best mover for your needs!

    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7

      • Please enter 2 or more characters

      Please tell us where you're moving from

      • Please enter 2 or more characters

      Please tell us where you're moving to

      Please select or enter a date

      Please tell us how much stuff you have

      Please tell us your name

      Please tell us your phone number

      Thank you!

      Your movers will contact you shortly.

      Step-by-Step: How to Estimate the Space You Need

      Okay, don’t just guess. Here is the logistical approach I use when helping friends plan their moves.

      1. Make a Detailed Inventory of Your Belongings

      Grab a notepad or your phone. Go room by room. Write down the big stuff: beds, sofas, tables, dressers. Count the boxes. Honestly, seeing it on a list changes your perspective. You might think you don’t have much, but when you write “3 bookcases, 2 desks, 1 treadmill,” the list gets long fast.

      2. Measure Large and Bulky Items

      My dad, the engineer, taught me this: “You can’t compress wood.”

      Your clothes can be squished into bags. Your solid oak dining table cannot. Measure the length and width of your biggest pieces. If your sofa is 9 feet long, it literally will not fit in a 5×10 unit (which is only 5 feet wide and 10 feet deep) unless you stand it on end – and even then, check the ceiling height!

      3. Estimate Based on Rooms or Load Size

      A good rule of thumb I use at All Movers:

      • 10-15 foot moving truck: Usually fits in a 10×103
      • 20-foot moving truck: Usually needs a 10×20
      • 26-foot moving truck: Needs a 10×30

      4. Account for Extra Room - for Access & Future Storage

      Here is the mistake everyone makes: They calculate the exact square footage of their items packed like sardines.

      But do you need to get to your Christmas tree in December? Or your camping gear in July?

      If you pack a 10×10 wall-to-wall, you will have to empty the entire unit to reach the box in the back. I recommend adding 15-20% extra space to create a small aisle down the center.

      5. Check Unit Dimensions & Ceiling Height with the Facility

      Not all 10x10s are created equal. Some have structural support columns inside that eat up space. Some have roll-up doors that limit how high you can stack right at the entrance. Always call the facility and ask, “Is the unit a clear span, or are there obstructions?”

      Special Considerations That Affect Size Decision

      The "Vertical" Factor

      Most people forget they aren’t just renting floor space; they are renting cubic feet. If you have sturdy boxes and shelving units, you can stack up to the 8-foot ceiling. This can sometimes allow you to rent a smaller unit (like a 5×10 instead of a 10×10) if you are willing to stack high.

      Oddly Shaped Items

      Kayaks, ladders, and sectional sofas are space killers. A kayak might be thin, but if it’s 11 feet long, it won’t fit in a 10×10 unit (unless you angle it diagonally, which kills the rest of your space).

      Climate Control vs. Standard

      This doesn’t affect the size directly, but climate-controlled units often have internal hallways. This means you don’t have “drive-up” access. You’ll be using a cart and an elevator. If you have a massive, heavy piano, maneuvering it into an indoor 10×10 might be harder than a drive-up unit, requiring more wiggle room to turn corners.

      Common Mistakes When Choosing a Storage Unit Size

      I’ve seen it all. Here are the traps to avoid:

      • The “Tetris” Fallacy: Thinking you can pack your unit as perfectly as a video game. In reality, table legs stick out, boxes sag, and things shift.
      • Forgetting the Door: I once had a client who rented a unit that was big enough inside, but the door was too narrow to fit their oversized armoire.
      • Ignoring the “Walk-Around” Room: If you are storing a classic car, you want enough room to open the door and get out, right? A 10×15 is technically big enough for a small car, but you’ll have to crawl out the window. Get the 10×20.

      Smart Tips to Save Money & Space When Renting a Storage Unit

      Disassemble Everything

      Take the legs off tables. Take the headboard off the bed frame. Disassemble the shelving units. A table with legs takes up 15 square feet of air. A table top on its side takes up 2 square feet.

      Use Drawers as Boxes

      Your dresser is a box. Fill the drawers with fragile items, books, or linens. Don’t move an empty dresser and then stack boxes of clothes next to it. That’s wasted space.

      Vacuum Seal Bags

      For clothes, bedding, and pillows, these are magic. My wife reduced ten bags of winter clothes into two small bins using vacuum bags.

      Quick Reference: What Size Unit for Common Use Cases

      If you are storing... You likely need...
      Motorcycle + Gear 5x10
      Studio / Dorm Room 5x10
      1-Bedroom Apt 5x10 or 10x10
      2-Bedroom Apt 10x10 or 10x15
      Standard Car (Sedan) 10x20
      3-Bedroom House 10x20
      Car + 1-Bedroom Apt 10x20 or 10x25
      4+ Bedroom House 10x30

      Planning a move? Find the perfect mover to match your needs and make your relocation stress-free!

      877-792-7972

      Best Practices

      Honestly, if you are on the fence between two sizes, call the manager at the facility. Tell them exactly what you have. They look at these units all day long. They will know if your King mattress will fit in that specific 5×10 unit or not.

      And when you load the truck, load the unit in your head first. Put the heavy, square furniture (appliances, dressers) at the back to create a solid base. Keep the things you might need (documents, seasonal clothes) at the very front.

      Finding the right storage unit is like finding the right pair of shoes. Too big and you’re stumbling; too small and you’re in pain. Measure twice, rent once.

      If you need help finding a reputable storage facility near you, check out our directory at National Movers. Whether you are tracking the top cities people are moving to or working through specialized logistics like how much does it cost to move a mobile home, we’ve done the homework so you don’t have to.

      Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

      How do I determine what size storage unit I need?

      Start with an inventory list. Count your large furniture first. Then, use the “Truck Rule”: If your stuff fits in a 15-foot truck, you need a 10×10. If it fills a 26-foot truck, you need a 10×30. When in doubt, layout your big items on your driveway to see how much footprint they take up.

      Is it better to get a smaller or bigger storage unit?

      It is almost always better to go slightly bigger. The stress of not being able to close the door on moving day is not worth the $20/month savings. Plus, a little extra room allows for airflow, which helps prevent mildew.4

      Can a 10x20 storage unit hold a car?

      Yes! A 10×20 is roughly the size of a standard one-car garage.5 It fits most sedans, SUVs, and pickup trucks.6 However, if you have a very long truck (like a crew cab with a long bed), measure it first. You might need a 10×25.

      Should I get a 10x10 or 10x15 storage unit?

      If you have a two-bedroom apartment, go for the 10×15. A 10×10 will be a very tight squeeze and will require you to stack everything perfectly to the ceiling. If you have large appliances (fridge, washer/dryer) in addition to furniture, you definitely need the 10×15.

      What is the most popular size of storage unit?

      The 10×10 is the most common and popular size.7 It’s versatile enough to hold the contents of a typical apartment or a significant amount of overflow from a house, making it the go-to for most movers.

      What are the 4 D's of self storage?

      In the industry, we often talk about the “4 D’s” that drive people to rent storage: Death, Divorce, Downsizing, and Dislocation (job change/moving). These are the major life events that suddenly leave people with more stuff than space. If you are going through one of these, give yourself grace – and plenty of extra storage space – to sort through things at your own pace.