Choosing the right storage unit size is one of the most important decisions you'll make when renting self storage. Pick a unit that's too small and you'll be cramming boxes on top of each other with no room to walk in. Pick one that's too big and you're paying for empty space every month. This guide breaks down the most common unit sizes, what fits inside each one, and how to figure out exactly what you need.
Common Storage Unit Sizes Explained
5×5 (25 sq ft) — The Small Closet
A 5×5 unit is roughly the size of a walk-in closet. It's perfect for seasonal items, a few boxes of documents, small furniture like end tables, or college students storing belongings over the summer. If you can fit everything into one truckload in a pickup, a 5×5 is likely all you need.
Best for: Seasonal decorations, small collections, college storage, business files
5×10 (50 sq ft) — The Walk-In Closet
Double the space of a 5×5, this size can hold the contents of a small bedroom. Think a mattress set, dresser, a few boxes, and some smaller furniture. It's one of the most popular sizes for people storing a partial room or seasonal gear like bicycles, golf clubs, and camping equipment.
Best for: One bedroom's worth of furniture, sporting equipment, seasonal gear
10×10 (100 sq ft) — The One-Bedroom Apartment
The 10×10 is the most popular self storage size nationwide, and for good reason. It holds the contents of a typical one-bedroom apartment — a full living room set, bedroom furniture, kitchen boxes, and appliances like a washer and dryer. If you're between apartments or renovating, this is usually the sweet spot.
Best for: Full one-bedroom apartment, small office contents, staging furniture during a home sale
10×15 (150 sq ft) — The Two-Bedroom Apartment
Need to store the contents of a two-bedroom apartment? A 10×15 gives you enough room for multiple rooms of furniture plus boxes and miscellaneous items. It also works well for businesses storing inventory, equipment, or trade show materials.
Best for: Two-bedroom apartment, growing family in transition, small business inventory
10×20 (200 sq ft) — The Small House
A 10×20 is roughly the size of a one-car garage. It can handle the contents of a two- to three-bedroom house, making it ideal for families relocating, storing during a home build, or consolidating a household. You'll have space for large appliances, multiple room sets, and plenty of boxes.
Best for: Two- to three-bedroom house, large furniture sets, major renovations
10×25 and 10×30 — The Large House
These larger units accommodate the contents of a three- to five-bedroom home. They're also popular for vehicle storage (cars, motorcycles, ATVs), contractor equipment, and businesses that need warehouse-style space without leasing commercial property. At 250 to 300 square feet, you'll have room to organize with aisles between items.
Best for: Large homes, vehicle storage, contractor tools and equipment, business warehousing
How to Estimate What Size You Need
Before you commit to a unit size, follow these steps to avoid renting too large or too small:
- Make a room-by-room inventory. Walk through your home or office and write down every major item you plan to store. Don't forget closets, the garage, and outdoor items.
- Use a storage calculator. Our free storage calculator lets you select items by room and instantly see the recommended unit size.
- Think vertically. Storage units have 8-foot ceilings on average. Stacking boxes and placing mattresses on their sides can save a surprising amount of floor space.
- Leave a walkway. If you'll need to access items frequently, rent one size up so you can leave an aisle down the center of the unit.
- Ask the facility manager. The team at your local Ark Self Storage location has helped hundreds of customers choose the right size. They can give you a recommendation in minutes.
Money-Saving Tip: Don't Oversize
It's tempting to rent a larger unit "just in case," but those extra square feet add up. A 10×15 costs 50% more than a 10×10 every single month. If you're on the fence between two sizes, try the smaller one first. At Ark Self Storage, there's no long-term contract, so you can always upgrade if you need more space.
Climate-Controlled vs. Standard: Does It Affect Size?
The unit type doesn't change the dimensions, but it can affect how you pack. Climate-controlled units maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level, which means you won't need extra packing materials like moisture absorbers or furniture covers that take up space. If you're storing sensitive items — electronics, wooden furniture, photographs, or documents — learn more about climate-controlled storage to decide if it's right for you.
Find Your Perfect Unit at Ark Self Storage
With eight locations across Georgia — from Savannah to Marietta — Ark Self Storage has the right size unit at a price that works for your budget. Every location offers ground-level drive-up access, 24/7 gate entry, and no deposit required to move in. Visit our locations page to find the facility nearest you and check current availability.