We all want to get organized and put our lives in order. One way of achieving this feat is by renting a self-storage unit to store your belongings. There are different-sized storage units. But in this post, we will walk you through everything you need to know about using a 5×10 storage unit.
Whether you are a small business owner storing files, a college student stashing your stuff for the summer, or you are a homeowner waiting on renovations to be completed, self-storage units are ideal spaces. You can house your property (without needing to resort to your parent’s basement).
Let’s dive in.
5×10 Storage Unit Size and Types
How big is a 5×10 storage unit?
A 5×10 storage unit measures out to approximately 50 square feet, and it is typically 10 feet long and 5 feet wide. Simply put, a 5×10 self-storage unit is about the same size as a walk-in closet.
Most of these units have an 8-foot ceiling, giving you a total storage space of up to 400 cubic feet. Even so, the actual unit heights differ because of the unique dimensions of the self-storage facilities themselves. Visit your nearest Neighbor storage location to ascertain the exact dimensions of the units at open storage options.
What does a 5×10 self-storage unit resemble?
5×10 storage units vary in appearance depending on your local storage facility. From a size standpoint, these units are comparable to a walk-in closet. Typically, large closets are spacious enough for a person to comfortably stand in while going through their belongings. Keep in mind that what your 5×10 storage unit looks like will depend on your chosen amenities.
How many boxes can a 5×10 storage unit hold?
The size of the boxes and the manner in which you pack them will determine how many boxes can fit in a 5×10 storage unit. Suppose you’re just storing boxes. Then a 5×10 storage unit can hold approximately 20 large boxes with some extra space to spare. However, when you store the boxes with appliances or furniture, it is advisable to use a variety of large, medium, and small boxes to make the most of the space available to you.
What are the different types of 5×10 storage units?
There are different types of 5×10 storage units. The one you choose to rent will depend on your storage needs. Here is an outline of some of the most common 5×10 storage units:
5×10 indoor storage unit
These storage units are usually located inside a building with no direct access from the outdoors. Whereas you can’t drive right up to an indoor storage unit, they usually offer protection from various elements. Some of our 5×10 storage units have climate control features. As such, when you store your belongings, you won’t need to worry about them getting damaged due to temperature changes.
5×10 outdoor storage unit
Whereas these storage units are located within a building, they offer direct access from the outside. Rather than needing to enter a building to access your storage unit, you can drive your car right up to its door. This offers convenience when moving many items or when you’re paying movers by the hour. Even so, outdoor storage units have limited climate control features. Moreover, opening the door of your storage unit exposes your items to outdoor weather and other elements, making them vulnerable to dampness and dust.
5×10 climate-controlled unit
5×10 climate-controlled storage units minimize the effect of outside temperatures thanks to their air system that gets triggered when the temperature becomes unpleasant — approximately 50 to 80 degrees. This can give renters peace of mind that their belongings are not susceptible to damage due to temperature changes.
However, whereas the popularity of climate-controlled storage units seems to be growing rapidly, these units may not always be necessary or worth the extra cost depending on:
- What you are storing
- The weather conditions in your geographical area
- The time of the year
Some of the items that may require a climate control unit include antique fabrics, fine art, electronics, antique wood furniture, records, and paper products such as books and periodicals. That said, you should keep in mind that if you’re moving your belongings and storing them, they won’t be protected by climate control during the transportation period.
5×10 Storage Unit Packing
How do you pack a 5×10 storage unit?
Before you pack and organize a 5×10 storage unit, you need to get it ready to hold your belongings. Among the things you need to do include taking an inventory of your belongings and cleaning the storage space. After getting your storage unit ready, then comes the packing part. Here are some tips that can help you make the most out of your 5×10 storage space are:
Make a list of all the inventory
When placing several items in storage, it can be challenging to keep track of all of them. Whereas large items like a table or a sofa can be easily remembered, smaller items like clothes and pictures are often forgotten after a few weeks (or possibly months) in storage. Maintaining a list of all the items in the storage unit can help ensure that they are easily located whenever you need them.
Some best practices for listing your inventory include reporting each item in a spreadsheet and taking photos of the items in your storage unit.
Disassemble large pieces of furniture
Disassembling large pieces of furniture before placing them in storage will help you maximize your 5×10 storage space. This includes disassembling table legs and taking apart bed frames and headboards. Also, it is recommended that you store individual items in a vertical position towards the back end of your storage unit.
Place heavy items at the bottom
As you begin packing your belongings inside the storage unit, start with the heavier, larger items, such as heavy boxes and furniture. Place them towards the back of the storage unit on the bottom to ensure they don’t crush smaller or lighter items and boxes.
Frequently needed items should be placed towards the front
There is a high likelihood that you may need some items more regularly than you do others. For example, chances are that the extra sofa you no longer have room for might not see the light of day for some time. On the other hand, you may need items such as your seasonal clothing more frequently. Such items should be stored in an easy-to-reach spot close to the door to give you easy access whenever you need them.
Label your belongings before placing them in storage
We can’t emphasize enough how vital it is to label every bin and box inside a storage unit. You may think you’ll recall where you placed your Christmas sweater, but trust us. You won’t, especially if it has been in storage for a while.
Store items vertically
When packing your storage unit, remember to store your items vertically. Pieces of furniture should be stored upright, and boxes stacked high. It’s also advisable to incorporate shelves into your storage unit to take advantage of the extra storage space. Suppose the storage unit happens to be exceptionally high; then it is advisable to keep a foldable ladder or a step stool inside the unit with your belongings.
Consider storing items inside clear bins
Unlike opaque cardboard boxes, clear bins make it easier for you to see what’s inside them without you having to dig through the containers. As such, it makes it faster and easier for you to locate your items when you need them.
Keep open aisles for easy maneuvering
To eliminate the hassle of having to unpack your items whenever you need to access one of your belongings, it is advisable to create an aisle or walkway to ease movement inside your unit.
Add extra protection to your belongings
Even if it happens that you choose a clean and well-protected storage facility, chances are that the atmosphere inside it won’t be dust-free. Because of this, it’s up to you to take the necessary measures to ensure that your valuables are not damaged by moisture or dust. Consider using furniture covers and mattress bags; you can also consider spreading boards or sheeting on the floor to add extra protection.
Create a map of where everything is
Looking for a single item in a storage unit can feel like a treasure hunt if it is not well organized. You can make your search easier in the future by creating a map that indicates precisely where every item is located. With the map, you’ll be able to track your belongings in a matter of minutes, if not seconds.
5×10 Storage Unit Items
What can you fit inside a 5×10 storage unit?
When it comes to deciding on the right storage unit size, you need to put things into perspective. Knowing how much space is in a standard 5×10 storage unit will enable you to decide if you need to go one size down or go one size up — or if a 5×10 unit is exactly what you need. That said, our 5×10 storage units can typically fit the furnishings of a mid-sized bedroom, including storage containers or several boxes. In total, you can store one or two large pieces of furniture in a 5×10 self-storage unit. These storage units can generally fit business or household items from one room.
Here is an outline of some of the things that can fit inside a 5×10 storage unit:
- Furniture: The furniture that can fit inside a 5×10 storage unit includes chairs, coffee tables, TV stands, lamps, small couches, chests of drawers, and a twin or queen mattress.
- Appliances: A 5×10 storage unit can hold appliances such as refrigerators, window air conditioners, fans, vacuum cleaners, microwaves, and toasters.
- Outdoor equipment: You can fit outdoor equipment such as lawnmowers, bicycles, motorcycles, sports gear, and seasonal items inside a 5×10 storage unit.
- Business: Some of the business items that can be stored in these units include small office furniture and equipment, extra inventory, and paper documents.
- Miscellaneous: You can also store small to medium-sized boxes, personal records, gardening supplies, and luggage.
Can a car fit in a 5×10 storage unit?
Unfortunately, no! A car won’t fit inside a 5×10 storage unit. If you are looking to store a vehicle, then we highly recommend renting our 10×15 storage unit or larger unit. Also, we have dedicated vehicle storage units where you can store your cars, RVs, or trucks, including covered, uncovered, and fully enclosed spaces.
Can a motorcycle fit inside a 5×10 storage unit?
A 5×10 storage unit is spacious enough for most motorcycles, with additional space for a couple of other accessories. However, if you want to store bigger motorcycles or several motorcycles, then a 10×10 storage unit would be ideal.
For you to store a motorcycle or any other type of vehicle with us, it is mandatory that it be in good running condition, registered, and insured.
Can a 5×10 storage unit hold a king-size bed?
A 5×10 storage unit can hold a king-size bed, including a box spring. An average king-size bed takes up approximately 18 square feet of the available 50 square feet of a 5×10 storage unit. Depending on how many other items you want to store, our 5×15 self-storage unit offers an additional 25 square feet more than our 5×10 storage unit.
Is a 5×10 storage unit appropriate for college students?
Typically, many college students don’t require storage units that are as big as a garage. But how big is big enough for college students? While this depends on what a college student wants to store, there are two most ideal storage unit sizes for college students:
- 5×10: A 5×10 storage unit gives students enough room to store larger furniture such as a chair and a long sofa, as well as space for all of their other belongings. This makes these storage units an excellent option for students who are moving out of an apartment for the summer break.
- 5×5: A 5×5 storage unit is also ideal for college students. But unlike 5×10 storage units, they are perfect for a single student who doesn’t have large furniture to store.
Are there any items that renters are not allowed to keep in a Neighbor 5×10 storage unit?
At Neighbor, we value the safety of our customers’ belongings. And because of this, we’ve put some restrictions on what can’t be stored in our 5×10 storage units. To ensure that you have a great storage experience with us, we don’t allow flammable liquids, live plants or animals, or lithium batteries. Your Neighbor storage rental agreement outlines a complete list of the restricted items.
Which moving truck size can fit the contents of a 5×10 storage unit?
Just as choosing the right 5×10 storage unit is important, so is choosing the right moving truck to transport the furnishings into and out of the storage unit. If you choose a larger truck, you’ll end up paying for more than you need. But if you choose a smaller truck, you may end up making several trips. To be on the safe side, we recommend using a 10-foot truck.
What factors should you consider when choosing a 5×10 storage unit?
Whether you’re moving to a new apartment or you’ve accumulated excess items over the years, a 5×10 storage unit can provide you with space to safely store your belongings. Even so, all 5×10 storage units are not the same. As such, there are factors you need to consider before settling on a storage unit. Here are some of the factors you need to consider:
How secure is the facility?
Prior to choosing a 5×10 storage unit, you need to ascertain that the storage unit is secure. A secure storage unit should have features such as fencing, security cameras, security guards, and fire safety features such as fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and detectors.
Location
Suppose you’ll need to access your unit now and then. It is advisable to go for a storage unit located in your area of convenience. However, the location will matter less if you’ll rarely need to access your items. Keep in mind that the location of a storage facility determines how much it costs to rent it. Those located in urban areas tend to be more expensive than those outside urban areas.
Convenience and accessibility
It is crucial that you have access to your items whenever you need them. However, that may be a problem if the storage facility isn’t accessible at all times. Some storage facilities close their doors after the regular nine to five working hours and during the weekends. But others stay open 24/7. In case you want to access your storage unit conveniently, it is advisable to choose one from a facility that is open round the clock.
The facility’s appearance
A well-maintained storage facility portrays that the facility’s management cares about customers. Before deciding to rent a 5×10 storage unit from a given facility, you should ensure that its units are in pristine condition. This is vital because renting a storage unit from a facility that is poorly maintained may lead to your property getting damaged by pests or even weather elements.
Check insurance requirements
Check whether the storage facility where you want to rent a unit has policies pertaining to insurance, as this will play a part in whether or not you are compensated if your belongings get damaged or stolen. Also, review the terms of your home insurance policy; ascertain whether your valuables will still be covered if you move them to a storage facility. Most insurance companies don’t cover items that aren’t inside the house. As such, it is prudent to look for a storage facility that offers insurance as part of their rental package.
Length of time
It is common for storage facilities to offer their rental services on a month-to-month basis. For this reason, it is critical that you factor in the amount of time you’ll need the storage unit. Whereas some facilities offer short-term rentals, most require a minimum rental period. So, when choosing a facility from which to rent a 5×10 storage unit, you need to keep this in mind.
At Neighbor, we have excellent 5×10 storage units spread across the country. These units are both secure and well-maintained. Check with the nearest Neighbor Storage options to choose one that fits your storage needs best.
Unit Prices for 5×10 Storage Units
How much a 5×10 storage unit costs will depend on your facility’s location. It also depends on the availability of units, features such as indoor or outdoor access, and whether or not the unit has climate control. You can find a 5×10 storage unit near you to get the most competitive prices in your area. Each storage unit comes with no long-term commitment, no obligation, and a free reservation.
Are there any deals that can reduce the unit price of a 5×10 storage unit?
Fortunately, yes. There are a few deals that can help reduce the cost of a 5×10 storage unit depending on the storage facility from which you rent. Here is an outline of some of the deals to be on the lookout for at our storage facilities:
- Discounts on regular rental storage cost of a unit
- Free usage of move-in trucks
How can you find a cheap 5×10 storage unit near you?
Renting a 5×10 storage unit is a decision that requires a lot of thought and research. Factor in various aspects such as price, location, available amenities, and security before settling on a storage facility. That said, Neighbor Storage, Inc. is one of the best storage facilities there are.
Founded in 2017, Neighbor Storage, Inc. has grown to become one of the largest peer-to-peer and traditional self-storage facilities across the US. We have several rental options spread across various places. So finding a 5×10 self-storage unit near you at a reasonable price has never been easier.
