Self-storage unit size guide

Find the right unit size for your storage needs. A practical guide to help you avoid common mistakes and optimize your space.

By Etienne ChampagneCo-founder of Stortech4 min readPublished on July 8, 2025

Picking the right unit size is often the hardest step when renting a self-storage unit. Rent one that's too big and you pay for wasted space; rent one that's too small and you're stuck managing a stressful lack of room. You may even need to transfer units mid-lease.

At Storfinder, we want to help you find the right size, without the hassle. Here's a simple guide to orient you.

5' x 5' (25 sq ft)

Comparable to a large closet. Ideal for a few boxes, small furniture, seasonal gear, or personal archives.

Examples of what fits:

  • 10-15 boxes
  • A chair, a small dresser
  • Tires, sports equipment

5' x 10' (50 sq ft)

Like a small walk-in or double closet. Perfect for the contents of a single room (office, studio).

Examples of what fits:

  • Single or double mattress
  • Desk, chair, boxes
  • Compact household appliances

10' x 10' (100 sq ft)

The most popular size. Enough to store the full contents of a 2 to 3½ apartment.

Examples of what fits:

  • Sofa, queen mattress
  • Dining table and chairs
  • Household appliances

10' x 15' (150 sq ft)

Ideal for 4 to 5½ apartments or small houses.

Examples of what fits:

  • Several bulky pieces of furniture
  • A full set of appliances
  • Several bikes, heavy equipment

10' x 20' (200 sq ft)

Comparable to a standard garage. Can hold the full contents of a medium-sized house.

Examples of what fits:

  • Full set of appliances
  • Outdoor furniture
  • A small car or recreational vehicle

A few quick tips

  • Stack smart: use all the available height
  • Disassemble furniture to maximize space
  • Plan a small aisle to move around easily if you need to access your things regularly

Conclusion

Choosing the right unit size means avoiding unnecessary fees and making your storage experience much simpler.

Need help quickly finding a unit available in the right size? Storfinder lets you compare every option available in your city in just a few clicks.

Find the perfect space with Storfinder.

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Etienne Champagne

Etienne Champagne

Co-founder of Stortech

Etienne Champagne is co-founder of Stortech, the AI-native management software for self-storage operators, covering booking, lease signing, payment, and access control end to end.

Less admin. More rented units.

Book a free 15-minute demo and see Stortech with your own numbers.

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