Guide to choosing the right Self-Storage Unit Size

Figuring out what size storage unit you need is difficult, especially if this is your first time renting one. Too little space can leave you with nowhere to put your belongings, while too much will cost you extra money.   

In this article, we’ll share a storage unit size guide so you can determine which size is best for your needs.

Take Inventory 

Before you can choose a storage unit size, you need to know exactly what you want to put in it. If possible, measure the square footage of your items. If you can’t do that, consider how many rooms’ worth you need to store. 

Is it just one bedroom? A studio apartment? Inventory for your small business?

Self-storage units tend to be about 8 feet tall, whether they’re the size of a big closet or large enough for everything in your house. Width and depth dimensions are usually in 5-foot increments. 

Using these standards, figure out which size is closest to the footprint of the items you need to store. Remember, strategic stacking can save lots of space. 

Of course, you can always talk to the storage facility staff to see what they recommend. They’ll be able to suggest the best size and tell you what’s currently available.

Self-Storage Unit Size Guide

Small Self-Storage Units

The smallest self-storage units are actually lockers and about half the height of a regular storage unit. The next size up will be tall enough for you to stand in. Small units can usually be filled with one car load. 

Locker Self-Storage Unit

A locker is ideal for storing a few boxes and small collections. Our lockers are 5 by 5 feet and stacked with other lockers to maintain high availability and typically located near the entrance.

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Lockers are great for storing:

• Dorm contents, minus furniture
• Seasonal clothing
• CD collections

Small Self-Storage Unit

Small self-storage units have the same dimensions as a locker but are as tall as a larger storage unit--about the size of an average closet. With 5-foot by 5-foot floors, these may not hold an entire rooms’ worth of furniture, but will hold small furniture and several boxes. 

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Whether you’re a college student needing to store more than a few things for the summer or hoping to get all those holiday decorations out of the house, this is a perfect option for you. 

Small self-storage units are great for storing:

• A full-size mattress
• Seasonal decor and equipment
• College apartment items, including small furniture 
• Large collections

Medium Self-Storage Units

Medium self-storage units are larger than a regular closet but smaller than a one-stall garage. You will probably fill them with a trailer or small moving truck. If you’re clearing out a room for long-term guests, or need storage for a small home or studio apartment, try one of these.  

You’ll need at least a medium self-storage unit if you need to store a queen or king mattress. These are also great for storing motorcycles.

Smaller Mid-Sized Self-Storage UnitGenerally 5 feet by 10 feet, these storage units are a perfect way to clear general home clutter. From excess furniture like a dresser and queen mattress to the boxes of toys you’re not ready to part with, this will give you the room to reclaim your space. 

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Smaller mid-sized units are great for storing:

• Kitchen table and chairs
• Motorcycle
• Seasonal items, including decor, equipment and clothing
• Contents of a one-bedroom apartment

Larger Mid-Sized Self-Storage Unit

Generally 10 feet by 10 feet, these storage units will hold the contents of an entire small home. If you’re in the middle of a complicated move, major renovation or switch to a minimalist lifestyle, this is the solution for you. 

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Large mid-sized units are also helpful for business and commercial storage. Keep excess inventory or replacement electronics with plenty of space for safe placement and aisles for easy access to anything you need. 

Large mid-sized units are great for storing:

• Appliances
• A grand piano
• Contents of an average single-family home
• Large pieces of furniture

Large Self-Storage Units

The largest self-storage units are for when you need to store absolutely everything you own, or at least the absolute largest thing you own, like a vehicle. These storage units will hold what you transport in a large moving truck, or a vehicle that has to be driven to the facility. 

Large Self-Storage Unit

Typically 10 feet by 20 feet, these self-storage units can hold all of your belongings between closings during a large home move or extensive renovation. The depth allows you to place your belongings strategically, with space for ventilation and aisles for easy access. 

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Larger businesses can use these units for inventory, extra furniture, replacement electronics and more. We highly recommend climate-controlled self-storage units for these kinds of items. 

Large storage units are great for storing:

• The contents of a large home
• Commercial/business storage
• Appliances
• Oddly-shaped, awkward items
• Vehicles, such as cars and small boats
• Large pieces of furniture

Parking Space

While a parking space isn’t an option for anything you want fully protected from the elements, it can be perfect for keeping that extra car or seasonal RV out of your driveway. It’s also an added level of protection that your vehicle won’t get on the street.

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Parking spaces are great for storing:

• A car you’re saving for a new driver
• Recreational and professional seasonal vehicles
• Vehicles you only drive a few times a year

No matter which self-storage option you select, save on space and your belongings by:

• Packing efficiently
• Leaving space between stacks to access what you need 
• Keeping a list of what you’ve stored. 

Hopefully, this storage unit size guide helps you decide which unit will work for you. 

If you’re considering Storage Post, give us a call and we’ll be happy to guide you on the right size for your stuff. And, if you get to our facility and realize you’ve chosen the wrong size, talk to our friendly staff right away and we will be happy to help.