How to Estimate the Storage Unit Size You Need
At a glance
Whether you’re looking to feng shui away your clutter, stow your belongings while you move, or park your boat during the offseason, a storage unit is the best solution for securing your stuff.
But wasting money on a too-large unit or cramming everything into one that’s too small is not ideal. We’re here to help you choose the correct size—no matter what you plan to store.
The whole picture
From small units for dorm room belongings to massive ones that can hold everything from your home, there’s a storage unit size that’s just right for you.
But how do you determine what size you need? Use our guide to choose the perfect unit.
Storage unit size guide
| Total space (sq. ft.) | What it fits |
| 25 | Small personal items |
| 50 | 1-bed apartment |
| 100 | 1-bed home |
| 150 | 2- to 3-bed home |
| 200 | 3- to 4-bed home |
| 300 | 5- to 7-bed home |
Once you know what size you need, read our reviews of the best self-storage companies to find a reputable option for stashing your stuff.
Storage unit sizing FAQs
Wondering just how much of your college budget needs to go toward stashing your dorm goods for summer? Or how much space you’ll need to store the contents of your family’s five-bedroom home while you renovate? We have the answers.
If you’re more of the visual sort, use this animated storage space estimator to see what you can fit in each unit.
What size storage unit do I need for seasonal decor or extra home goods?
5 ft. x 5 ft. unit: 25 square feet
This closet-sized unit is great for stashing seldom-used seasonal decor, a twin-size bed, gardening goods, camping and outdoor recreation gear, and off-season clothing. Don’t expect it to fit furniture beyond a small dresser.
If you’re packing just the contents of your dorm room (without the furniture), this size should provide enough space.
PROTECT YOUR STUFF
PROTECT YOUR STUFF
Humidity and heat can damage your belongings—but you can protect them in a climate-controlled storage unit that regulates temperature. Not sure which one to choose? Use our Best Climate-Controlled Self-Storage Companies list to find a winner.
What size storage unit do I need for a 1-bedroom apartment or dorm room?
5 ft. x 10 ft. unit: 50 square feet
The size of a small walk-in closet, this unit holds a queen-size mattress set, dresser, and TV or up to 15 boxes of clothing or home decor from your dorm or apartment.
What size storage unit do I need for a 2-bedroom apartment?
10 ft. x 10 ft. unit: 100 square feet
The average bedroom measures 10 ft. x 12 ft.,1 so you can think of a 10 ft. x 10 ft. unit as either a bedroom or a small, one-car garage. These units hold two bedroom sets (including mattresses, nightstands, bed frames, and dressers).
If you’re looking to fit furniture from a family room, kitchen, and dining room alongside your bedroom items, consider opting for a larger size.
What size storage unit do I need for a 2- or 3-bedroom house?
10 ft. x 15 ft. unit: 150 square feet or 10 ft. x 20 ft. unit: 200 square feet
If you’re more of a minimalist, choose the 10 ft. x 15 ft. unit for your two- or three-bedroom home. This is just slightly smaller than a standard one-car garage, and it can hold three full bedrooms’ worth of furniture, several boxes, and a few bulky items like a couch or piano.
If your home is chock-full of furniture—or if you’d rather not play Tetris with your belongings—choose the larger 10 ft. x 20 ft. unit. When in doubt, it’s best to go bigger, and this unit holds three bedrooms’ worth of furniture plus dining room furniture, couches, and big-screen TVs.
What size storage unit do I need for a 5-bedroom house?
10 ft. x 30 ft. unit: 300 square feet
The granddaddy of storage units, the 10 ft. x 30 ft. is the size of a one-and-a-half-car garage and is the largest available at most facilities. Expect to fit the contents of a four- to five-bedroom home, including beds, appliances, furniture, a dining room set, and many boxes of personal belongings.
What size storage unit do I need for a king-size bed?
10 ft. x 10 ft. unit: 100 square feet
Queen-size space not enough for your king-size tastes? A 10 ft. x 10 ft. unit holds larger mattresses, an entertainment center, bigger appliances like washers and dryers, dining room furniture, and all the goods from your two-bedroom home or apartment.
What size storage unit do I need for a motorcycle?
5 ft. x 10 ft. unit: 50 square feet or 10 ft. x 10 ft. unit: 100 square feet
If you’re storing just one motorcycle and accessories like helmets and jackets, a 5 ft. x 10 ft. unit size is all you need. If you have multiple motorcycles and extra gear, choose a larger 10 ft. x 10 ft. or 10 ft. x 15 ft. unit.
When you’re shopping for a storage facility, look for these motorcycle-friendly amenities:
- Climate-controlled units
- Drive-up access for easy loading and unloading
- Video surveillance
- 24-hour access (so you can go for a ride whenever you like)
What size storage unit do I need for a car?
10 ft. x 20 ft. unit: 200 square feet
The size of a one-car garage, this unit can hold your classic Corvette over the winter, and you’ll still have space for extra stuff—like boxes, furniture sets, and seasonal home goods.
Some storage unit companies, like Extra Space Storage, offer outdoor and covered storage for vehicles and motorcycles. Read our full review of Extra Space Storage to learn more about its offerings.
What size storage unit do I need for a boat or RV?
10 ft. x 30 ft. unit: 300 square feet
Typically the largest unit a facility will offer, the 10 ft. x 30 ft. is the equivalent of a one-and-a-half-car garage and the best option for parking Boaty McBoatface indoors during the offseason. Many storage facilities also offer outdoor parking for boats, cars, and motorcycles with all the security features of indoor units.
While outdoor storage doesn’t provide full protection from the elements, it is the most affordable solution for stashing a car, boat, or RV away from your home. Facilities typically lease these as designated parking spots or allow you to park for free in an open lot.
Tips for packing your storage unit
When it comes to making your belongings fit, how you pack your storage unit is just as important as choosing the right size. The easiest way to save money on storage is to rent a smaller unit—but to fit everything in less space, you have to pack more efficiently.
Follow these tips to maximize your storage space:
- Use sturdy boxes. Choose heavy-duty moving boxes or plastic totes that will stand up to transport and protect your belongings from heat, humidity, and pests.
- Pile it up. Utilize your entire unit by stacking toward the ceiling, but don’t go more than four boxes high to avoid toppling. You can also use heavier furniture as a base for stacking.
- Stack correctly. Place heavier, sturdier items on the bottom and fragile items on top.
- Make an aisle. If you’ll be in and out of your unit, leave space to walk through it and find what you need.
- Organize logically. Place items you want easy access to at the front of your storage unit.
For more ideas, read our guide to how to pack a storage unit.
Recommended resources (H2)
If you still need help finding a self-storage unit, start your research with our guides and FAQs.
People also asked. . .
From packing to pricing, these articles offer even more info about self-storage:
Sources
- Reference.com, “What Is the Size of an Average American Bedroom?”
About Jenny Willden
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Taylor Anderson