How To Choose the Right Storage Unit Size
March 27, 2026
Renting a storage unit sounds simple, but it gets complicated fast when you’re standing in front of a list of unit sizes, wondering whether a 10×10 is too small or a 10×20 is overkill. Pick too small, and you’re playing a frustrating game of Tetris with your belongings. Pick too large, and you’re paying for […]
Renting a storage unit sounds simple, but it gets complicated fast when you’re standing in front of a list of unit sizes, wondering whether a 10×10 is too small or a 10×20 is overkill. Pick too small, and you’re playing a frustrating game of Tetris with your belongings. Pick too large, and you’re paying for square footage that just collects dust.
The good news? Choosing the right storage unit size doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Here’s what you need to know to get it right the first time.
What Size Storage Unit Do I Need?
Before you even look at unit sizes, take stock of what you’re planning to store. Walk through your home, garage, or office and make a rough list. Are you storing the contents of one room or an entire house? A few boxes of seasonal décor or a full set of living room furniture?
Grouping your items into categories, such as furniture, boxes, appliances, and outdoor equipment, gives you a much clearer picture of the space you’ll need. It also helps you think through how you want to organize the unit so that the things you need most are easiest to access.
Storage Unit Sizes and What Fits
Here’s a general breakdown of what fits in the most popular storage unit sizes:
- 5×5 units are best for a few boxes, seasonal items, or small furniture pieces.
- 5×10 is great for the contents of a small bedroom, plus sports equipment or bicycles.
- 10×10 units are the most popular size, comfortably fitting a one- or two-bedroom apartment’s worth of belongings.
- 10×15 or 10×20 units are ideal for larger homes, house staging, or storing a vehicle or oversized equipment.
Don’t Forget To Think Vertically
One of the biggest mistakes people make when estimating the space they need is only thinking in two dimensions. Storage units have plenty of height, too, usually eight to 10 feet. Stackable boxes, shelving units, and smart furniture arrangements can dramatically increase how much you fit into a unit without having to size up.
When To Choose Temperature-Controlled Storage
If you’re storing items that are sensitive to heat, such as wood furniture, electronics, artwork, musical instruments, documents, or wine, a temperature-controlled storage unit is worth the investment. Extreme heat can warp, crack, or damage belongings that might otherwise survive just fine in a standard unit.
Use Our Storage Unit Size Calculator
Still not sure what size you need? Take the guesswork out of it entirely with our storage calculator. Just enter the items you plan to store, and it’ll recommend the right unit size for you. You can also browse our storage size guide for a deeper look at what fits where.
Ready To Find Your Unit?
Once you know what size you need, finding the right location is easy. Total Storage Solutions has facilities across Arizona, California, Texas, and Utah, all with a variety of unit sizes to fit every need and budget.
When you rent with us, you may qualify for our free truck rental, making your move-in day a whole lot easier.
Find a Total Storage Solutions location near you and get started today. Because the sooner you’re organized, the sooner you can stop thinking about storage and get back to the things that matter.
