The right storage unit size for a situation depends on three factors – the size and amount of the things you need to store, how long you need it for and what exactly the items are you’re storing. There are four main unit sizes offered across the storage unit business, and choosing the right one is important. That’s because furniture, appliances, tools and general boxes of possessions are not only different sizes, but can be stacked and arranged differently to maximize space.
For example, spaces can be packed more efficiently than you might think. So booking a 10×20 storage unit when you only need a 5×10 could cost you more than you needed to spend. Which can make all the difference to a business or personal project. A practical way to ensure this doesn’t happen, is to get a good estimate of the total volume and then match it to some of the typical household and small business scenarios outlined below.
Small Projects and Single Rooms Fit 5×10 Units
A top storage provider will have a range of storage unit sizes to fit most personal and small business needs. They will also offer 24/7 access, video surveillance and security, no matter which unit you choose. Customers can book and secure the unit online, before driving up with easy access whenever is convenient.
The smallest option will usually be a 5×10 storage unit, which is comparable to a large walk-in closet. 5×10 units will be able to fit the contents of a single medium sized room, unless it is packed with bulky furniture. A small one bedroom or studio apartment’s worth of stuff could well fit if arranged correctly.
A 5×10 unit, for example, could fit a mattress and a bedframe, a small sofa, one or two shelving units and a few small to medium boxes of possessions.
These units suit short term home improvement or redecoration projects in a single room, or people moving between studio apartments or shared housing. They can also be used for general storage of collectibles or decluttering.
What Fits in a 10×10 Storage Unit?
For people who don’t want to worry about maximizing space and efficient stacking, they should choose a slightly larger size. A 10×10 storage unit will comfortably fit everything from a common single or double bedroom, and even a one bedroom apartment.
A 10×10 unit is useful for home movers, and those renovating or redecorating entire apartments. A 10×10 is also big enough to fit a relatively large living room set in, for example. Which could suit people with larger homes that are having work done on one room.
A 10×15 storage unit is also an option. This suits fairly similar requirements to a 10×10 but slightly larger. It is ideal for someone needing to store what would typically be in a smaller two bedroom apartment, or a smaller house. One bedroom apartment owners who want extra storage space for peace of mind and easier access, might also consider a 10×15 unit.
For all of the options discussed in this article, customers will find flexible month-to-month rental agreements. This offers flexibility during projects like a fixer upper, where storage can be extended or ended as and when the new place is ready to move into. Renovation projects are often unpredictable, so flexible month to month storage means you won’t have yet another thing on your mind.
A 10×20 is for Larger Household Moves and Multi-Room Renovations
A 10×20 storage unit is typically the largest regularly available in most locations. These are an appropriate storage unit size for moving house. Or larger projects or jobs, that might require storing the contents of up to five or six rooms.
A 10×20 should be able to store the majority of stuff in a reasonable sized family home, including all furniture and boxes of loose possessions.
This is especially useful during temporary relocations while whole-home renovations are ongoing. Or in larger homes, if many rooms at once will be out of action. Storing furniture while work is ongoing keeps it protected from dust and site accidents.
So, in summary:
- 5×10 storage units are for single rooms, studio apartments or personal storage
- 10×10 and 10×15 units will fit two to three rooms for a small apartment move or redecoration
- 10×20 units are for medium family household moves, or storage during multi-room renovations on larger homes
What Items Need Climate Control Storage, and When it Isn’t Necessary
Climate controlled storage units are also an option for people who own valuables that are sensitive to changes in temperature. Things like old documents or electronics, artwork, jewelry or instruments are a good case in point. Another might be furniture items made with leather, or upholstered furniture with delicate fabrics like velour or suede.
Climate controlled units keep the air at a constant temperature and humidity, which prevents things like warping of soft plastic or degrading of sensitive fabrics.
Everyday furniture and general possessions kept in boxes for only a few months at a time, shouldn’t need climate controlled storage. Metal or hard plastic furniture, metal tools and general household storage options, for example, will be fine in a standard storage unit even in a hot location.
