Storage Unit Space Calculator

Understanding Storage Unit Sizes: A Comprehensive Guide

Whether you're moving, decluttering, or just need extra space, a storage unit can be an invaluable asset. But choosing the right size is crucial to avoid paying for unused space or cramming your belongings into a unit that's too small. Our calculator above is designed to give you a good starting point, and this guide will help you understand the common sizes and what they typically hold.

How to Use Our Storage Calculator

Simply enter the quantity of each item type you plan to store into the fields above. The calculator will then sum up the estimated cubic footage required and recommend a suitable storage unit size. Remember, this is an estimate; efficient packing can sometimes allow you to fit more into a smaller space.

Common Storage Unit Sizes Explained

5x5 Unit (25 sq ft)

• What it fits: Equivalent to a small closet. Ideal for personal items, boxes, seasonal decorations, sporting equipment, small furniture items (like a nightstand or chair), and documents.
• Typical Use: Dorm room storage, decluttering a small apartment, storing seasonal gear.

5x10 Unit (50 sq ft)

• What it fits: Roughly the size of a walk-in closet. Can hold the contents of a studio apartment or a small 1-bedroom apartment, including a mattress set, sofa, chairs, dressers, boxes, and small appliances.
• Typical Use: Storing items during a move from a small apartment, extra business inventory, small furniture pieces.

10x10 Unit (100 sq ft)

• What it fits: About half the size of a standard one-car garage. This unit can usually accommodate the contents of a 1-bedroom apartment or a small 2-bedroom home. This includes major appliances (refrigerator, washer, dryer), a dining room set, a living room set (sofa, loveseat, chairs), and multiple boxes.
• Typical Use: Moving from a 1-2 bedroom home, storing larger furniture, long-term storage for a family.

10x15 Unit (150 sq ft)

• What it fits: Comparable to a large bedroom. Perfect for the contents of a 2-bedroom house or a larger apartment. You can typically fit larger furniture pieces, multiple appliances, patio furniture, and many boxes.
• Typical Use: Storing items from a 2-bedroom home during a move or renovation, larger equipment.

10x20 Unit (200 sq ft)

• What it fits: The size of a standard one-car garage. This unit can hold the contents of a 3-bedroom house, including major appliances, full living and dining room sets, bedroom furniture, and numerous boxes. Some even fit small vehicles or boats.
• Typical Use: Storing a full household during a move, long-term storage for larger families, vehicle storage.

10x30 Unit (300 sq ft)

• What it fits: Equivalent to a very large garage. This is ideal for a 4-5 bedroom house, or even more, including multiple bedroom sets, oversized furniture, appliances, and a significant number of boxes. It can often accommodate a car, boat, or other recreational vehicles along with household goods.
• Typical Use: Storing an entire large home's contents, commercial storage, multiple vehicle storage.

Tips for Maximizing Your Storage Space

• Plan Ahead: Create an inventory and sketch a layout for your unit before you start loading.
• Disassemble Furniture: Take apart beds, tables, and desks to save space and make them easier to move.
• Stack Vertically: Utilize the height of your unit. Place heaviest boxes on the bottom and lighter, more fragile items on top. Use sturdy, uniform-sized boxes.
• Leave an Aisle: If you need to access items frequently, create a small aisle down the middle or along one side.
• Label Everything: Label boxes clearly on multiple sides, noting contents and which room they belong to.
• Protect Your Valuables: Use appropriate packing materials (bubble wrap, packing paper) for fragile items. Consider climate-controlled units for sensitive items like electronics, wooden furniture, or artwork.

What Not to Store in a Storage Unit

While storage units offer great flexibility, there are certain items you should never store due to safety, legal, or practical reasons:

• Perishables: Food, plants, or anything that can spoil, attract pests, or rot.
• Flammable or Hazardous Materials: Gasoline, propane tanks, paint, chemicals, cleaning supplies, and aerosols.
• Living Things: Pets, plants, or any other living organisms.
• Illicit or Stolen Goods: This is illegal and will lead to severe consequences.
• Irreplaceable Valuables: Highly sentimental items, important documents, or very expensive jewelry should ideally be kept in a bank safe deposit box or a secure, climate-controlled environment with appropriate insurance.
• Firearms: Check local regulations and storage facility policies carefully.

By using this calculator and following these guidelines, you can confidently choose the right storage unit and ensure your belongings are stored safely and efficiently.