Measure Your Belongings Before You Rent

The most reliable way to pick a storage unit size is to measure what you actually own, not guess based on how much space it feels like. Most people underestimate volume by 30 to 40 percent. Rent a unit that is too small and you will waste money returning items or renting a second unit. Rent one that is too large and you pay for empty air every month.

Start by listing the large items: furniture, appliances, boxes of books, seasonal decorations. Measure the length, width, and height of each piece in inches. For a sofa, measure it as it will sit in the unit — if it is 84 inches long, 36 inches deep, and 32 inches tall, that is the footprint you need to account for. Do the same for a dresser, desk, bed frame, or refrigerator. Write these numbers down.

For boxes and loose items, count them. A standard moving box is roughly 18 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 16 inches tall — about 4,600 cubic inches per box. If you have 50 boxes, that is roughly 230,000 cubic inches, or about 133 cubic feet. A 5-by-5-foot unit is 300 cubic feet, so 50 boxes alone would fill most of it.

Key Takeaways

  • Measure large furniture and count boxes before renting, because most people underestimate how much space they need by 30 to 40 percent.
  • A 5-by-5-foot unit holds roughly one bedroom's worth of furniture plus 50 to 75 boxes; a 10-by-10-foot unit holds a two-bedroom apartment.
  • Leave at least 20 percent of the unit empty so you can move around and access items at the back without moving everything in front.
  • Climate-controlled units cost more but protect wood furniture, electronics, and documents from heat, cold, and humidity damage.
  • Visit the facility in person and look at an actual unit before signing, because unit quality and layout vary even within the same size.

Standard Unit Sizes and What They Hold

Storage facilities offer units in standard sizes, and knowing what each one typically holds helps you avoid renting blind. A 5-by-5-foot unit (25 square feet, 300 cubic feet) holds roughly one bedroom's furniture — a bed frame, dresser, nightstand, and desk — plus 50 to 75 moving boxes stacked to the ceiling. It will not fit a sofa and a full bedroom set together. This size works for someone storing seasonal items, a small apartment's overflow, or a single room from a house.

A 5-by-10-foot unit (50 square feet, 600 cubic feet) holds one bedroom's furniture plus 100 to 150 boxes, or a living room and bedroom set without boxes. It is the most common size rented by people in transition — moving between homes, downsizing, or storing items during a renovation.

A 10-by-10-foot unit (100 square feet, 1,200 cubic feet) holds roughly a two-bedroom apartment's contents: two bedroom sets, a sofa, dining table, kitchen boxes, and 200 to 300 additional boxes. This is the size most families choose when storing a full household.

A 10-by-15-foot unit (150 square feet, 1,800 cubic feet) holds a three-bedroom home's contents or a two-bedroom apartment plus a car or motorcycle. A 10-by-20-foot unit (200 square feet, 2,400 cubic feet) holds a three-bedroom house with a vehicle or a small business's inventory.

Account for Access and Stacking

Do not fill a unit to the ceiling and wall-to-wall. You need space to walk, to reach items at the back, and to pull out a box without moving ten others. Plan to leave at least 20 percent of the unit empty — that means if you calculate you need 80 cubic feet of space, rent a unit that is 100 cubic feet or larger.

Stack boxes no higher than five or six feet, even if the unit ceiling is eight feet tall. Boxes on top of boxes can crush the ones underneath, and you may not be able to reach items safely if they are stacked to the ceiling. Furniture should be placed against walls, not in the middle of the floor, to maximize the walking path down the center.

If you plan to visit the unit monthly or more often, you need more open space than if you are storing items for one year and never opening the door. A unit you will access frequently should be 30 to 40 percent empty. A unit you will seal and leave alone can be packed more tightly.

Climate Control and Protection

A standard unit has no temperature or humidity control. In summer, a metal unit can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. In winter, it can drop below freezing. Wood furniture swells and shrinks with humidity changes, leather cracks, electronics fail, and documents yellow and become brittle. If you are storing anything that cannot tolerate heat, cold, or moisture — wood antiques, vinyl records, photographs, electronics, important papers — a climate-controlled unit is worth the extra cost.

Climate-controlled units typically cost 30 to 50 percent more than standard units, depending on your region and the facility. A 5-by-5-foot climate unit might cost $80 to $120 per month instead of $50 to $80 for a standard unit. A 10-by-10-foot climate unit might run $150 to $250 per month. The cost adds up, but it prevents damage that would cost far more to repair or replace.

If you are storing only boxes of clothes, plastic storage bins, or items that tolerate temperature swings, a standard unit is sufficient. If you are storing furniture, documents, or anything valuable or irreplaceable, climate control is the safer choice.

Visit the Facility and Inspect the Unit

Unit quality varies widely, even within the same facility. A 10-by-10-foot unit at one location might have a concrete floor and solid walls; another might have a gravel floor and gaps around the door. Visit in person and ask to see an actual empty unit, not just a photo or a model unit. Check the floor for cracks, water stains, or soft spots that suggest moisture problems. Look at the walls and ceiling for signs of leaks, mold, or pest damage.

Open and close the door several times. Does it roll smoothly or stick? Are there gaps at the bottom or sides where water or pests could enter? Is the lock sturdy? Check the lighting — can you see the back of the unit clearly, or is it dark? Poor lighting makes it hard to find items and can hide damage or pests.

Walk around the facility. Are other units clean and well-maintained, or do they look neglected? Is there visible trash, broken equipment, or signs of poor management? A facility that maintains its grounds and units is more likely to protect your belongings. Ask the staff how often they inspect units, whether they have security cameras, and what their pest control policy is.

Calculate Total Cost and Compare Facilities

Storage unit pricing varies by location, season, and facility. A 5-by-5-foot unit in a rural area might cost $40 per month; the same size in a major city might cost $100 or more. Climate-controlled units cost significantly more. Some facilities offer a discount for the first month or a reduced rate if you sign a longer lease (6 months or a year). Others charge a deposit, an administrative fee, or a lock fee.

Calculate the total cost over the time you plan to store items. If you need a unit for 6 months at $60 per month, that is $360 before any fees. If you need it for 2 years, that is $1,440. Add any deposit or fees the facility charges. Compare this total across at least two or three facilities in your area, and factor in the condition and security of each one — the cheapest unit is not the best deal if it is damp or poorly maintained.

Ask whether the rate is locked in or whether it can increase. Some facilities raise rates annually. If you plan to store items long-term, a facility that locks in your rate for a year or more may save you money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size unit do I need for a one-bedroom apartment?

A 5-by-10-foot unit typically holds one bedroom's furniture plus 100 to 150 boxes. If your apartment also has a living room, sofa, or dining table, a 10-by-10-foot unit is safer. Measure your furniture first to be sure.

Can I store a car or motorcycle in a storage unit?

Yes, but the unit must be large enough. A standard car needs a 10-by-15-foot or 10-by-20-foot unit. A motorcycle needs a 5-by-10-foot unit. The vehicle must be in good condition, the fuel tank should be nearly empty, and the battery should be disconnected. Check with the facility first — some do not allow vehicles.

What should I not store in a standard unit?

Avoid storing items that are temperature-sensitive: electronics, vinyl records, photographs, important documents, plants, food, or anything with batteries or propane. Do not store anything flammable, hazardous, or illegal. Check your lease — most facilities prohibit weapons, explosives, and certain chemicals.

How much does climate control add to the monthly cost?

Climate control typically costs 30 to 50 percent more than a standard unit. A 5-by-5-foot standard unit at $60 per month might cost $90 to $100 with climate control. Prices vary by region and facility, so ask for quotes from multiple locations.

Should I buy a lock from the facility or bring my own?

Most facilities allow you to use your own padlock, and some require it. A few facilities sell locks on-site for a fee. Bring a sturdy padlock from home if you have one — it is usually cheaper and you control the key. If the facility requires their lock, ask what the fee is before you sign.