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Storage Unit Size Calculator
Find the smallest self-storage unit that will hold your things. Count your furniture, boxes and bins, set how high you will stack and how much aisle you want, and see the recommended size from 5×5 to 10×30 with how full each unit would be.
Last updated:
Furniture and appliances (count)
≈ 60 cu ft each
≈ 45 cu ft each
≈ 20 cu ft each
≈ 35 cu ft each
≈ 5 cu ft each
≈ 50 cu ft each
≈ 25 cu ft each
≈ 20 cu ft each
≈ 15 cu ft each
≈ 45 cu ft each
≈ 25 cu ft each
Boxes, bins and extras
Medium-box equivalents (≈ 3 cu ft each).
18-gallon totes, ≈ 2.5 cu ft each.
≈ 15 cu ft each.
cu ft
How you will pack the unit
ft
Most units have 8 ft ceilings; 6–7 ft is a safe, reachable stack.
%
0% if you will never need anything until move-out.
$
Enter your values to see the result.
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How to use the Storage Unit Size Calculator
- Choose a preset close to what you are storing, or start from zero.
- Enter how many beds, sofas, dressers, appliances, boxes, totes and bikes you have.
- Set your stacking height: 6–7 ft is safe in an 8 ft unit.
- Choose aisle space: about 15% if you will need to reach things, 0% for deep storage.
- Read the recommended unit and compare fill percentages in the table.
How the unit size is worked out
- Volume to store = Σ (items × cubic feet each) + boxes × 3 + totes × 2.5 + bikes × 15 + garage and other items.
- Usable volume of a unit = width × length × stacking height × (1 − aisle share).
- Recommended unit = the smallest standard size whose usable volume is at least your volume.
- Fill % = your volume ÷ usable volume. Over 85% will be a tight fit and hard to unload.
Storage unit sizes at a glance
Usable volume assumes a 7 ft stack and 15% aisle space.
| Unit | Floor | Total at 8 ft | Usable | Typically holds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 × 5 | 25 sq ft | 200 cu ft | ≈ 150 cu ft | Boxes, a chair, seasonal décor |
| 5 × 10 | 50 sq ft | 400 cu ft | ≈ 300 cu ft | Studio or dorm room |
| 5 × 15 | 75 sq ft | 600 cu ft | ≈ 445 cu ft | Small 1-bedroom apartment |
| 10 × 10 | 100 sq ft | 800 cu ft | ≈ 595 cu ft | 1–2 bedrooms |
| 10 × 15 | 150 sq ft | 1,200 cu ft | ≈ 890 cu ft | 2-bedroom apartment or house |
| 10 × 20 | 200 sq ft | 1,600 cu ft | ≈ 1,190 cu ft | 3-bedroom home, or a car |
| 10 × 25 | 250 sq ft | 2,000 cu ft | ≈ 1,490 cu ft | 3–4 bedroom home |
| 10 × 30 | 300 sq ft | 2,400 cu ft | ≈ 1,785 cu ft | 4–5 bedroom home |
Packing a storage unit
- Put pallets or plastic sheeting on the floor, and leave a few inches between items and the walls for airflow.
- Stand sofas on end, take legs off tables and bed frames, and stack dresser drawers inside the dresser.
- Use same-size boxes so they stack in stable columns; label every side.
- Electronics, wood furniture, documents and photos do better in a climate-controlled unit.
- Most facilities ban storing food, fuel, propane, paint thinner and other flammables.
Frequently asked questions
What size storage unit do I need?
Add up the cubic feet of your items and compare it with the unit's usable volume: floor area × the height you can safely stack × (1 − aisle space). With a 7 ft stack and 15% aisle, a 10×10 holds about 595 cu ft, which is roughly a 1–2 bedroom apartment of furniture and boxes.
How many cubic feet is a 10x10 storage unit?
A 10×10 unit has 100 sq ft of floor. With a typical 8 ft ceiling that is 800 cu ft of total space, but stacking to about 7 ft and leaving an aisle gives roughly 600 cu ft you can actually use.
What fits in a 5x10 storage unit?
A 5×10 (50 sq ft) is about the size of a walk-in closet. It holds the contents of a studio or dorm room: a bed, dresser, small sofa or chair and 20–30 boxes, roughly 300 cu ft at a 7 ft stack with a small aisle.
Should I leave an aisle in a storage unit?
If you will need to get things out during the rental, yes. A center or side aisle usually costs 10–20% of the space. For long-term storage you will not touch, pack it solid and put the items you might need near the door.
How high can I stack in a storage unit?
Most units have ceilings around 8 ft, and some have 10 ft. Stacking heavy boxes at the bottom up to about 6–7 ft keeps things stable and reachable; leave clearance below sprinklers and lights.
Is it cheaper to rent a bigger unit or two smaller ones?
Usually one larger unit costs less per square foot than two small ones. But if your fill would be under about 60%, a smaller size or better stacking can save money every month.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.
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