Choosing the right storage unit size is critical. You want to choose a storage unit that will hold everything you need to store, but you do not want to end up paying for more storage space than you really need. This storage unit size guide will help you determine what size storage unit is most optimal for storing your things.
What Size Storage Unit Do You Need?
Storage unit sizes often fall into several common measurements. But most people may not know how to correctly calculate the square footage needed based on the size or amount of items they’re storing. Using the storage unit sizing guide below, be sure to consider your future storage space size needs, as well as your current ones.
Storage Unit Sizing Guide
| Unit Size (ft.) | Total Space (sq. ft.) | What Can Fit |
|---|---|---|
| 5’ x 5’ | 25 | Similar to a walk-in closet, this space fits a few pieces of furniture, six to eight boxes, or seasonal items. |
| 5’ x 10’ | 50 | Fits most items for a studio or small one-bedroom apartment. |
| 10’ x 10’ | 100 | Fits items for a one-bedroom apartment or large studio. |
| 10’ x 15’ | 150 | Stores items for a small two-bedroom apartment or most household furniture or appliances. |
| 10’ x 20’ | 200 | Perfect for items in a small two-bedroom house or storing a compact vehicle. |
| 10’ x 30’ | 300 | Ideal for items in a two- or three-bedroom home. It can store a small boat or a standard-sized vehicle. |
| 15’ x 20’ | 300 | Holds items in a three- or four-bedroom home. It can store boats and vehicles. |
| 17’ x 20’ | 340 | Fits most household possessions. You can store a compact car or several recreational vehicles (motorcycles, jet skis, ATVs). |
| 20’ x 20’ | 400 | Perfect for items in a small two-bedroom house or storing a compact vehicle. |
Wondering how much renting a storage unit will cost? Use our storage unit price guide to see average monthly prices and compare with cheaper options from Neighbor.
What Size Storage Unit Do I Need for a Studio or Bedroom?
A 5′ x 15′ sized storage unit or smaller will be perfect for storing the contents of a studio or single bedroom. Many college students find that they can get by with a 5′ x 10′ storage unit. In these units, you can store a single bed (especially if you prop the mattress up against a wall), a desk, and a chair with ease. If you need to store additional furniture, including appliances, you may want to go up to a 10′ x 10′ unit.
What Size Storage Unit Do I Need for a 1-Bedroom Apartment?
A 5′ x 15′ storage unit will typically hold the possessions needed to fill a one-bedroom apartment. If you need to store a great deal of furniture or include appliances, you may want to go up to a 10′ x 10′ storage unit.
What Size Storage Unit Do I Need for a 2-Bedroom Apartment?
A 10′ x 10′ storage unit size is ideal for storage for the contents of a two-bedroom apartment. As you go up to a two-bedroom apartment, you may have more possessions to contend with, especially if you’re going in on storage with a roommate or you have a child whose possessions will also need to be stored. If you need to store a large quantity of items or want to include major appliances, you may want a 10′ x 15′ unit.
What Size Storage Unit Do I Need for a 3-Bedroom House?
For a three-bedroom house, you may want a 10′ x 20′ storage unit or 10′ x 30′ storage unit, depending on the average size of your furniture and the number of appliances that you may need to store. If you need to store the contents of a house, you may want the larger storage unit size. It will allow you to store items like your lawnmower or outdoor tools along with the indoor contents of your home.
What Size Storage Unit Do I Need for a 4-Bedroom House?
A 10′ x 30′ storage unit is ideal for a 4-bedroom house, especially if you have a large amount of furniture in those rooms. Storage for a 4-bedroom house may involve taking more space into consideration.
What Size Storage Unit Do I Need for a Car?
If you need to store a vehicle, carefully consider the size of that vehicle before making plans for storage. Before storing a vehicle of any size, make sure you measure it to determine how much storage space you may need. Different vehicles may have unique size needs that do not fit in a standard storage unit.
Motorcycle
The average motorcycle is 6 feet long, so you will need a 5′ x 10′ storage unit, at minimum, to store a motorcycle.
ATVs
The average ATV measures just over 7 feet long. A 5′ x 10′ storage unit or any unit at least 10 feet in length will store an ATV comfortably. If you’re storing more than one ATV, consider a larger storage unit.
Compact Cars
A compact car measures, on average, 14-15 feet in length. You will need at least a 10′ x 20′ storage unit to hold a compact car.
Mid-Size Cars
The average mid-size car comes in at around 14.7 feet. In order to store a mid-size car, you will need at least a 10′ x 20′ storage unit.
Full-Size Cars
The average full-size car can measure up to 16 feet in length, so you will need a 10′ x 20′ storage unit, at minimum.
Full-Size SUVs
The average SUV measures around 16 feet in length, but it can measure up to 18 feet in length. That means you will need a minimum of a 10′ x 20′ storage unit.
Not sure what kind of storage unit to get? Our guide on storage unit types will help you find the perfect unit for your needs.”
What Size Storage Unit Do I Need for a Boat?
As you determine the storage unit size you need for a boat, make sure you also consider the other items you might also want to store along with your boat: life jackets, paddles, skis, and other water fun equipment, for example.
Jet Ski/Personal Watercraft
A single Jet Ski or other personal watercraft measures just over 10 feet in length. You will need a storage unit that measures at least 5′ x 15′ to store your personal watercraft.
Kayak or Canoe
In general, a kayak tends to measure 12 feet in length. A canoe, on the other hand, usually measures around 17 feet. You will need at least a 10′ x 20′ storage unit to store a kayak or canoe.
Dinghy Boats
Dinghies can measure between 6 and 20 feet. For a smaller dinghy, you can use a 5′ x 10′ storage unit. If you have a larger dinghy, you’ll need a 10′ x 20′ or 10′ x 30′ storage unit.
Skiff Boats
Skiffs come in a variety of sizes, but they generally measure approximately 15 feet in length. You will need a storage unit that measures at least 10′ x 20′ to hold your skiff comfortably.
Fishing Boats
A personal fishing boat generally measures between 20 and 30 feet in length. Check the length of yours to determine what size storage unit or parking space you will need. On average, that means a minimum of a 10′ x 20′ or a 10′ x 30′ storage unit.
Deck Boats and Bowrider Boats
The average deck boat measures up to 23 feet, though they may measure up to 26 feet in length. You may need to look for a 10′ x 30′ storage unit size at a minimum.
Houseboats
Houseboats measure between 60 and 70 feet in length. They may require extensive storage space that measures as much as 50′ x 70′.
Finding the Right Sized Storage Space With Neighbor
Renting a perfectly sized storage space is critical for adequately storing all your possessions without paying for more space than you need. Neighbor can provide storage solutions of all shapes and sizes at a fraction of the cost you’d pay at a local self-storage facility. Our storage is located nearby, and it’s cheaper, safer, and more reliable than traditional storage facilities. Whether you need to store a large boat, small vehicle, all your household furniture, or just a few personal items, use Neighbor to find the perfect sized storage unit located near you.
Browse all our helpful storage guides:
- Storage Unit Size Guide
- Average Monthly Storage Unit Costs
- Types of Storage Units
- Storage Unit Insurance Guide
- How to Calculate Square Footage
