Better Self Storage
How to Choose the Right Storage Unit Size (Without Turning Into a Human Pretzel)
First, here’s the formula for the mathematically challenged (aka everyone):
Storage unit size = length × width
So when you see a 5x10 unit, it means 5 feet wide by 10 feet deep—like a tiny walk-in closet that barely fits your secret snack stash.
If math makes you want to hide under the bed, don’t worry—we’ll walk you through what all these numbers really mean with examples and jokes.
5x10: The Walk-in Closet of Storage Units
What does 5’x10’ actually mean?
It means you’ve basically rented a small walk-in closet. Like the one where you hide the snacks so your kids don’t find them.
Fits:
- A studio apartment’s worth of stuff (or your shoe collection if you’re fancy)
- Seasonal decorations, bikes, or that kayak you swore you’d use every weekend (but didn’t)
- A twin bed, a dresser, and maybe a lamp… if you’re good at playing Tetris with your stuff
10x10: The Goldilocks Unit
The most popular size. Why? Because it’s a perfect square — just like your favorite pizza box. And who doesn’t love pizza?
Fits:
- 1-2 bedroom apartments (or a small pile of “I might need this someday” stuff)
- A couch, some boxes, a mattress, and all your mismatched Tupperware
- You, if you want to walk in, grab a thing, and walk out without triggering a domino effect
10x15: The Underappreciated Hero
This size is like that friend who’s quietly awesome but doesn’t get enough credit.
Fits:
- Larger two-bedroom apartments or small homes with no garage
- Couch, dining set, mattresses, and the kitchen sink (well, maybe not literally)
- Anyone who owns more kitchen gadgets than cooking skills
10x20: The One-Car Garage Party
Think of this as the party pad of storage units—big enough to fit your car, or a couple of jet skis on a trailer, or the full contents of a small 3-bedroom house.
Fits:
- Your car (finally, a garage that isn’t your neighbor’s)
- Furniture, appliances, and your “I swear I’ll fix this treadmill” box
- Families who can’t decide if they want to move or just hoard more stuff
10x30: The Beast Mode Unit
You know how some people say, “Go big or go home?” Well, this is the “Go big and go home” unit.
Fits:
- A 4+ bedroom house’s worth of stuff (and then some)
- Multiple vehicles, business inventory, or your growing collection of inflatable holiday decorations
- Technically, yes, you could put a small swimming pool in here. Please don’t. Water and electricity don’t mix well, and we don’t want to be responsible for your indoor water park.
Pro Tip: Two Medium Units > One Giant One
If you’re storing your whole house and want to get to your stuff without an archaeological dig every time, rent two medium units instead of one giant one.
Why?
Because nothing says “fun” like stacking every box you own three feet high and then losing your phone under a mountain of lampshades.
Keep one unit for furniture and the other for boxes, and you’ll thank us when you find your favorite hoodie without needing a search party.
Storage Packing 101: Play Tetris Like a Boss
Packing your storage unit is basically Tetris but with couches, boxes, and lamps instead of blocks.
- Take apart your bed frame and tables. Bonus points if you can do it without losing screws.
- Put heavy stuff on the bottom, light stuff on top—unless you want a pile of smashed lamps.
- Use every inch: stack, flip, twist, and wedge stuff in all the nooks and crannies.
- Leave yourself a walkway unless you’re training to be a contortionist.
Still Not Sure? Just Ask Us!
If you’re wondering if your recliner, kayak, and eight boxes of “miscellaneous” will fit in a 10x15, give us a shout. We’ve seen it all—from classic cars to oversized inflatable unicorns. No judgment. Just storage solutions.
Because renting the wrong size unit is like buying jeans two sizes too small—painful, awkward, and a total waste of money.
