What Size Storage Unit Do I Need? A Visual Guide

Trying to answer the question, "what size storage unit do I need?" is a lot simpler than most people think. It really just comes down to comparing your stuff to spaces you already know.

Think of it this way: a small unit (5x5) is pretty much the size of a walk-in closet. A medium unit (10x10) feels like a standard one-car garage, and a large unit (10x20) can swallow the contents of a multi-room house. That simple comparison is the best place to start.

Find Your Perfect Storage Unit Size Instantly

Picking a storage unit can feel like a total guessing game, but it doesn't have to be. Instead of getting bogged down in square footage and measurements, just think in terms of those simple, real-world analogies. This approach cuts through the confusion and helps you visualize exactly what will fit before you even touch a measuring tape.

The key is to figure out which of three buckets your needs fall into: small, medium, or large. Are you just storing some seasonal decorations and a few odd pieces of furniture? A small unit is probably your best bet. Moving everything out of a one or two-bedroom apartment? A medium unit strikes that perfect balance between having enough space and getting great value. But for those big moves or storing an entire household's worth of belongings, only a large unit is going to cut it.

This visual breakdown makes it much easier to see the options, grouping units into categories based on what people actually use them for—like decluttering a single room or moving a whole house.

As you can see from the infographic, matching your project to a size category is the quickest way to narrow down the choices.

Of course, if you want to get a bit more precise, our interactive storage unit size calculator can help you tally up your specific items for an exact recommendation. This tool is perfect for taking the guesswork out of that final decision.

Small Storage Units for Compact Needs

Sometimes, the answer to your storage problem is simpler than you think. You don't always need a massive space; you just need a little extra breathing room. That's where small storage units come in, acting like the spare closet or garden shed you wish you had.

These compact units, usually between 5x5 and 5x10 feet, are perfect for those in-between moments in life. Maybe you're a college student who needs to store dorm room stuff over the summer, or a family clearing out a single room before a renovation.

They give you just enough space to reclaim your home without forcing you to pay for square footage you’ll never use.

What Fits in a 5x5 Unit

Think of a 5x5 unit (25 sq. ft.) as a small walk-in closet. It's the go-to choice for stashing those items that are always underfoot but don't require a huge amount of space.

Here’s a realistic look at what you can comfortably pack inside:

• Seasonal Items: Holiday decorations, bulky winter coats, or sports gear like skis and golf clubs.
• Boxes of Documents: It's the perfect spot for archiving old files, tax records, or business paperwork you need to hang onto.
• Small Furniture: Things like an end table, a floor lamp, a small desk chair, or a nightstand will fit just fine.
• Personal Belongings: Got stacks of books, photo albums, or several medium-sized boxes of personal mementos? This is the spot.

What Fits in a 5x10 Unit

Stepping up to a 5x10 unit (50 sq. ft.) gives you the capacity of a large walk-in closet. This size is incredibly versatile, offering enough room to store the contents of a studio apartment or an average-sized bedroom.

A 5x10 unit is one of our most popular choices for people in small apartments. It can easily hold a queen-size mattress set, a dresser, and several boxes—freeing up a surprising amount of space at home.

This size is a favorite for anyone tackling a home organization project or needing a temporary spot for things during a small move. It provides that crucial extra space without making you commit to a larger, more expensive unit.

For more ideas on taming the clutter, check out our guide on the best storage for small spaces.

Medium Storage Units: The Versatile Go-To Choice

Sometimes you need more than an extra closet but aren't quite ready to store the contents of a five-bedroom house. This is where medium storage units shine. They hit that sweet spot between space and value, which explains why units from 10x10 to 10x15 feet are consistently our most popular rentals.

Think of a medium unit as being about the size of a standard one-car garage. That generous footprint makes it the perfect fit for clearing out a one- or two-bedroom apartment, easily swallowing furniture, major appliances, and a whole lot of boxes. You get plenty of breathing room without paying for space you just don't need.

And it’s not just for movers. We see tons of small business owners who find these units are just right for stashing inventory, equipment, or old files. It’s a smart, affordable alternative to pricey commercial warehouse space.

What Fits in a 10x10 Unit

A 10x10 unit (100 sq. ft.) is one of the most practical and popular sizes out there. It’s typically the right amount of space to hold everything from a one-bedroom apartment.

Here’s a quick look at what that really means:

• Living Room Furniture: A sofa, coffee table, entertainment center, and even a few bookshelves.
• Bedroom Set: A king-size mattress and box spring, a dresser, and a couple of nightstands.
• Major Appliances: A standard refrigerator, washer, and dryer.
• Additional Items: Bicycles, patio furniture, and around 15-20 medium-sized boxes.

What Fits in a 10x15 Unit

Stepping up to a 10x15 unit (150 sq. ft.) gives you a significant boost in flexibility. This size is usually perfect for a two-bedroom apartment or a small house. That extra depth really helps with creating aisles, so you can get to your stuff more easily.

A 10x15 unit can comfortably hold everything from a couple of bedrooms, a full dining room set, all your major appliances, and bulky furniture like couches, with plenty of room left over for stacks of boxes.

The popularity of these sizes isn’t just anecdotal. Market data shows that medium-sized units make up over 45-46% of the entire self-storage market. They are the clear favorite for people who need a reliable, adaptable space. For a closer look at visualizing different unit sizes, our simple guide to storage unit sizes breaks it down even further.

Large Storage Units for Major Moves and Businesses

When you’re staring down a big life change—like a cross-country move or a massive home renovation—the question of "what size storage unit do I need?" suddenly gets a lot bigger. This is exactly where our large storage units, typically 10x20 feet and up, come into play.

Think of these units as your own personal warehouse. They’re built to swallow the contents of a multi-bedroom house with room to spare. We're talking everything from a 3-4 bedroom home's furniture to bulky appliances like refrigerators and washing machines. They also have no problem handling oversized patio sets, entertainment centers, and even some vehicles.

The Go-To for Businesses and Big Projects

It's not just homeowners who need this kind of space. Large storage units are also a perfect fit for small businesses that need flexible, affordable space for inventory, equipment, or document archives. In fact, the business storage market is expected to jump from USD 797.8 million in 2025 to USD 1,455.8 million by 2035, showing just how practical they are compared to pricey commercial leases.

So, when you're weighing your options for a major project, here's a quick look at what a large unit can handle:

• Entire Households: Comfortably fits the contents of a 3-5 bedroom house, including all bedroom, living room, and dining room furniture.
• Major Appliances: Refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, and stoves all fit without a problem.
• Business Needs: Ideal for overflow inventory, construction equipment, extensive document archives, and trade show materials.
• Vehicles: Standard cars, motorcycles, and ATVs can often be stored right inside, keeping them safe from the elements.

Choosing a large unit is about giving yourself peace of mind. You’ll have more than enough room to organize everything with aisles for easy access, so you can forget the stress of running out of space on moving day.

If you plan on storing a larger vehicle like an RV, you'll need very specific sizing info, which you can find in this guide on metal building solutions for RV storage. For a complete look at what all our different locations have to offer, be sure to check out our guide to Endless Storage storage unit facilities. These massive spaces give you the flexibility and capacity to tackle any big storage challenge that comes your way.

How to Accurately Estimate Your Space Needs

Guessing your storage unit size is a recipe for headaches. You either end up paying for space you don’t need or, even worse, run out of room mid-move with a truck full of belongings.

There’s a much better way. Before you book anything, take a few minutes to create a quick inventory and visualize the space. Start by listing every major item you plan to store—furniture, appliances, and a rough count of your boxes. Perfection isn't the goal here; you just need a solid idea of what you’re working with.

Try the Grid Method

Got your list? Now for the fun part. Grab some painter’s tape and mark out the dimensions of a potential unit right on your floor at home. Let’s say you’re considering a 10x10 unit—tape out that square. This simple trick, often called the grid method, makes an abstract number feel real.

Next, start moving your items (or placeholder boxes) into your taped-off grid. This hands-on exercise gives you immediate feedback. You’ll know right away if your stuff will fit comfortably or if you need to size up.

This visualization step is crucial. It helps you plan for stacking, account for bulky or odd-shaped furniture, and most importantly, leave an aisle for accessing items at the back.

Maximize Every Square Foot

Choosing the right size is only half the battle; how you pack is just as important. With a few smart strategies, you can fit more into your unit and maybe even downsize to a more affordable option.

• Disassemble Furniture: Taking apart bed frames, tables, and bookshelves is a game-changer. It shrinks their footprint dramatically.
• Use Uniform Boxes: Stacking boxes of the same size is safer and more efficient. It lets you create stable towers that take full advantage of the unit's vertical height.
• Plan Your Aisle: Always leave a narrow walkway down the middle of your unit. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself later when you don’t have to unpack everything just to find one box.

By combining a simple inventory with a smart packing plan, you can pick the perfect unit with total confidence. For a deeper dive into making your move smoother, check out our guide on how to pack efficiently for storage.

Common Questions About Picking a Storage Unit Size

Even with a solid plan, a few questions can pop up that make choosing a unit feel like a huge commitment. Let's walk through some of the most common ones we hear, so you can lock in your choice with total confidence.

One of the biggest dilemmas is whether to rent a slightly larger unit “just in case.” While that logic seems safe, paying for space you don't use can add up fast. A good rule of thumb is to pick a size that will feel about 85% full once you’ve moved everything in. This gives you just enough breathing room for an aisle and proper airflow without wasting your money.

People also ask about ceiling height, and it’s a great question. Most standard storage units have ceilings around eight feet high, which is a crucial detail to remember. This vertical space is your secret weapon for getting the most out of a smaller unit—stacking boxes high and standing things like sofas on their end can dramatically increase how much you can fit.

Do I Need Climate Control?

This is a big one, and the answer really comes down to what you're storing and for how long. If your belongings include anything sensitive to big swings in temperature or humidity, then climate control is non-negotiable.

You’ll definitely want a climate-controlled unit for items like these:

• Wooden or leather furniture, which can warp, crack, or split in extreme temperatures.
• Electronics, photos, and important documents that can be ruined by moisture.
• Clothing and fabrics, especially for long-term storage, to prevent mold and mildew from setting in.

Standard units are perfect for sturdier, less-sensitive things, but for your valuables, that extra layer of protection is worth every penny. On average, a climate-controlled unit might run you 15-20% more than a standard one, but the peace of mind it offers is priceless.

Remember, the question "what size storage unit do I need?" is also about the type of space. Protecting your valuables from damage is just as important as finding enough room for them.

When Should I Downsize or Upgrade?

Life changes, and your storage needs might change right along with it. If you find yourself consistently paying for a unit that’s only half full, downsizing is a smart move that will put money back in your pocket. On the flip side, if your unit is so packed you can’t get to anything, it’s probably time for an upgrade.

Most facilities offer flexible, month-to-month leases, which makes switching sizes pretty painless. You can adjust your space up or down without getting locked into a long-term hassle.

Ready to find the perfect fit? Endless Storage makes it easy to store your items by the box, so you only pay for the space you actually use. Find your ideal storage solution at https://www.endless-storage.com.