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Nearly everyone shopping for a storage unit rental ends up asking themselves: how much storage space should I get? If you’re in the market for storage, you’re probably wondering the same. We’re here to tell you that while determining storage space needs can seem daunting – especially if this is the first time you’re considering self-storage – it’s actually pretty straightforward. With a little work on the front end, you can rest assured that the storage unit you rent will not only fit your items but also give you the right amount of space to actually access them.
In this blog, we’re going to take a look at a typical storage unit size comparison between small and medium. If you’re weighing the pros and cons of a 5×10 vs. 10×10 storage unit, or something similar, you’re in the right spot. We’ll examine how to choose between sizes, how to measure the volume of your belongings, and answer some storage unit size FAQs. So bust out your measuring tape and let’s get to work!
Storage Unit Size Comparison
At CubeSmart, we offer storage units for rental in four size categories: small, medium, large, and vehicle. Within these segments, there are different dimensions to choose from:
- Small Storage: Mini-storage lockers, 5×5, and 5×10 units
- Medium Storage: 10×10 and 10×15 units
- Large Storage: 10×20 and 10×30 units
- Vehicle Storage: 15’, 20’, 26’, and 30’ spaces
Except for mini storage and some of the vehicle storage units, the heights are typically 8 feet. This gives plenty of space to store vertically either by carefully stacking items or using shelving units for additional accessibility. Units are available either with drive-up access (and roll-top garage doors) or in the larger CubeSmart facility, which always features wide hallways and elevators to make getting your goods in and out in a snap.
5×10 vs. 10×10 Storage Unit
An extremely common storage unit size comparison our customers make is between the 5×10 and 10×10 units. So, let’s break them down to see what each offers individually and what type and volume of belongings might fit well.
5×10 Storage Unit
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A 5×10 unit is similar in size to a medium walk-in closet, cargo van, or garden shed. At five feet wide, ten feet deep, and eight feet high, it provides 400 cubic feet of space. Not to sound too much like the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland, but this size is well-suited for a small number of large items or a large number of small items. Think office equipment, chairs, sports gear, fans, lamps, coffee tables, holiday décor, and luggage.
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10×10 Storage Unit
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A 10×10 storage unit is ten feet wide, ten feet deep, and eight feet high, which equals 800 cubic feet of space – double the size of the 5×10 unit. Roughly the size of a small bedroom or half of a one-car garage, this size can hold the contents of a one-bedroom apartment or small office. Among the items you can comfortably fit inside are a king-sized mattress set, dressers, a washer and dryer, a refrigerator, couches, desks, and filing cabinets.
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Determining Storage Space Needs
Now that you know the differences between a 5×10 and a 10×10 storage unit, it’s time to figure out what size is right for your storage needs today – and into the future.
First, give thought to why you need storage. Is it due to a remodel, move, or another other short-term project? Or will you need it to store items over a longer period, and perhaps even indefinitely? Think about how frequently, if at all, you’ll want or need to move items in and out of the space. Also consider whether your items will need climate-controlled storage. Hint: They probably will. A surprising amount of personal possessions – from clothing to furniture – need protection from swings in heat and humidity.
Keep scrolling for additional tips about other factors to consider when conducting a storage unit size comparison to determine the best fit for you and your things!
Choosing Storage Unit Dimensions: Factors to Consider
Picking a storage unit size and vendor can be overwhelming. You need to think about cost, location, and security – not to mention how you will move your items in and out, overall accessibility, and, in some cases, the length of the lease (don’t worry—at CubeSmart, we offer maximum flexibility with our month-to-month options).
When it comes to choosing storage unit dimensions, there are three key factors to consider:
Volume of Belongings
Ask any elementary school student: volume is how much space something occupies and can be found by multiplying width by depth by height. Before choosing the storage unit size right for you, you’ll need to at least have a rough idea of the volume of your possessions.
To get a head start, look for moving company websites that can provide standard volumes of household items along with moving calculators to better help you narrow in on specifics. If all your belongings are in stackable boxes, it will be easy to figure out volume. If not, you’ll need to give thought not just to what you want to fit in the unit – but how it will fit in the unit. Storing a coffee table on its side, for instance, will likely give you more room to work with than keeping it horizontal with just a few items stacked on top.
Future Storage Needs
To make the storage rental process go as smoothly as possible, it’s important to think about what you will need for storage today and how that might change tomorrow. For instance, if you are planning to use your unit to store inventory for a small business, what do you expect that volume to look like three months or six months from now? If you’re storing belongings during a remodel or move, will you gradually need less space as you transfer items back into your home?
While moving between storage units is certainly something that can be done – and done relatively easily if you rent from companies with a lot of on-site options – you may decide that sizing up from the beginning will ultimately save you from the stress and hassle of switching units later.
Accessibility
The third factor to take into consideration when determining storage space needs is accessibility. Do you plan on frequently moving items in and out of your unit? Will you need (or prefer) drive-up access or will an internally situated unit work? What time of day will you need to access your items? Also think about tools: would having the ability to use a pushcart, dolly, and/or moving truck be of assistance? Many storage unit rental providers don’t offer such amenities, so if they’re important to you – and will help you store and access your belongings more readily – be sure to ask!
Eight Storage Unit Size FAQs
- Is a 5×10 or 10×10 storage unit better?
The short answer: it depends. Be realistic about the volume of items you want to store and how much additional space you might need to maneuver comfortably within the unit. - Can I fit a couch in a 5×10 storage unit?
Absolutely. We recommend storing couches vertically if possible. - How many rooms will a 10×10 storage unit hold?
A 10×10 storage unit can hold the contents of three rooms (the size of a one-bedroom apartment or small office). - How many boxes can fit in a 5×10 storage unit?
A 5×10 storage unit can fit around 20 large boxes. Alternatively, it could hold a few larger pieces and several small and medium boxes. - How does the cost vary between different storage unit sizes?
Storage unit costs vary based on when and where the items need to be stored. Other features specific to unit types, like drive-up access or climate control, can also affect the price. Your best bet is to either book online today for a reserved rate or visit your local CubeSmart to talk to a store manager in person. - What happens if I choose wrong and my belongings don’t fit?
If your belongings don’t fit inside the storage unit you’ve rented, you have one of two choices: reduce the number of belongings you want to store or rent a larger storage unit. One of the many advantages of renting from a self-storage provider with national coverage is that they will typically have more rental options available either at your current location or a nearby one. - Can and should I stack items vertically in my unit?
Yes! Stacking vertically is one of our favorite storage organization hacks. Take advantage of the unit’s height by stacking boxes and installing freestanding shelves. - Does the size of storage unit I choose affect the insurance coverage?
Insurance is required for all items stored at CubeSmart, but the amount needed is related to the items you store – not the size of the storage unit.
We hope we’ve answered all your questions (and many more!) about choosing between a 5×10 and a 10×10 storage unit. Be sure to click through to read two of our recent blogs on choosing the perfect storage unit size and right sizing your unit for maximum space and efficiency. And don’t forget that you can always stop by your local CubeSmart location to talk with a store manager about options and availability.
