Okay, let’s be real – choosing a storage unit size is confusing. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people show up with a truckload of stuff only to realize their 5×5 unit won’t even fit their sofa.
Let me give it to you straight from someone who’s been in the storage business for over a decade. The biggest mistake people make? They guess. And guessing wrong costs you either money or sanity.
Just last week, a young couple rented a 10×10 unit, thinking it would hold their one-bedroom apartment. When they finished loading, they still had half their furniture in the truck. They had to upgrade to a 10×15 on the spot – stressful and more expensive.
On the flip side, I’ve got a customer paying for a 10×20 who literally has six boxes and a bicycle in there. He told me he “wanted to be safe,” but now he’s paying for space he doesn’t need.
Here’s how to get it right the first time.
First, Do This Simple Thing
Before you even think about sizes, make a pile of your big items in the garage or living room. I mean the actual physical items – don’t just make a mental list. See how much space they really take up. Most people are terrible at estimating volume until they see it all together.
Then – and this is crucial – be ruthless about what you actually need to store. That old couch you’re “maybe” going to reupholster someday? Either do it now or let it go. Don’t pay $50 a month to store a $100 couch.
What Sizes Actually Look Like in Real Life
Let me break this down without the technical jargon:
The 5×5 (Our Most Popular “I Need More Closet Space” Unit)
This is basically a walk-in closet. It will hold:
- A dresser and mattress set.
- About 10-15 medium boxes.
- Your seasonal stuff – Christmas decorations, winter clothes
What it won’t hold: pretty much any furniture beyond basics. Don’t try to fit your living room in here.
The 5×10 (The “I’m Moving” Starter)
This feels like a small bedroom. I’ve seen these hold:
- A one-bedroom apartment’s worth minus appliances.
- Queen bed, sofa, several boxes.
- Business inventory for small online shops.
Most people are surprised by how much fits in here. It’s the Goldilocks of storage units – not too big, not too small.
The 10×10 (The “We’re a Family” Solution)
This is serious space. Think your living room size. It handles:
- Two-bedroom apartment or small house.
- Multiple furniture sets plus boxes.
- Major appliances.
The key here is that you can actually walk around inside. You’re not just stacking to the ceiling.
The 10×15 and Up (The “We’re Moving Everything” Units)
These are for when you need to store most of your house. We’re talking:
- Three to four-bedroom homes.
- Vehicles plus storage.
- Commercial equipment.
Unless you’re storing everything you own, you probably don’t need this much space.
Here’s What Nobody Tells You
The secret isn’t just picking the right size – it’s how you use it. I’ve seen people fit twice as much in a 5×10 as others because they packed smart.
Disassemble everything. That bookshelf? Take it apart. That bed frame? Break it down. Flat packs take up 1/4 the space.
Use uniform boxes. Same-sized boxes stack neatly. Random sizes create wasted space and dangerous piles.
Stack to the ceiling but put heavy stuff low. I can’t believe how many people leave empty air up top – that’s space you’re paying for!
Leave a pathway. However tempting it is to pack wall-to-wall, leave yourself a way to get to the back. You will need something from there eventually.
Here’s My Offer – No BS
Look, I run High Point Storage differently. When you call us, I’ll actually ask you what you’re storing. I might even have you text me a photo of your piled-up stuff. I’ve done that for dozens of customers – it takes the guesswork out.
We’re not some corporate chain where we try to upsell you. We’re local people who want you to get the right space. Because here’s the truth – when we help you find the perfect size, you become a happy customer who stays with us longer.
So do yourself a favor – before you rent anywhere, give us a call. Tell me what you’ve got, and I’ll give you my honest opinion on what size you actually need. No pressure, just straight talk from someone who’s seen it all.
That’s it – no fancy conclusion, just real advice from someone who’s helped hundreds of people solve their storage problems without the headache.
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