Storage Unit Guide: Sizes, Costs, Packing Tips

Renting a storage unit can be a smart, flexible way to create breathing room in your home or business during moves, remodels, or life transitions.

In this practical guide, you’ll learn how to pick the right size and features, what a storage unit really costs, and how to pack and organize your space so you get maximum value without surprises.

How to Choose the Right Storage Unit

Start with your inventory. Make a quick list of what you’ll store for the next 3–12 months and note bulky or fragile items. As a rule of thumb, a 5×5 fits a small closet’s worth (boxes, seasonal gear), a 5×10 fits a studio (a couch, mattress, boxes), a 10×10 fits a one-bedroom apartment, and a 10×20 handles a multi-room move or business stock. Leave 10–15% extra space for a center aisle and future additions—cramming to the ceiling makes retrieval painful and risky.

Decide on climate control based on what’s inside and your local weather. Choose climate-controlled storage for wood furniture, electronics, musical instruments, photographs, important documents, artwork, collectibles, and anything sensitive to humidity or temperature swings. In hot-humid climates or areas with deep winter freezes, climate control reduces warping, mold, and condensation damage.

Evaluate security and convenience. Look for gated keypad access, good lighting, visible cameras, on-site staff during business hours, and solid unit doors. Ask about access hours (24/7 versus limited) and whether the unit is drive-up (great for heavy items) or indoor (often cleaner with elevators and dollies). A cleaner facility usually signals better pest control and management practices.

Common unit sizes and what fits

5×5 (25 sq ft): Boxes, small shelves, seasonal decor, sports gear.
5×10 (50 sq ft): Studio apartment items, mattress set, dresser, small appliances.
10×10 (100 sq ft): One-bedroom apartment or partial two-bedroom.
10×15–10×20 (150–200 sq ft): Multi-room home, business inventory, equipment.

What Does a Storage Unit Cost?

Prices vary by city, demand, and features, but these ranges can help you budget in many U.S. markets: 5×5 units often run $45–$90/mo, 5×10 $70–$130/mo, 10×10 $110–$200/mo, and 10×20 $160–$300+/mo. Climate-controlled spaces typically add about 20–40% versus standard, and ground-floor drive-up units can cost a bit more for convenience. Urban cores tend to be pricier; you may save 10–25% by renting a few miles outside city center.

Watch for fees and policies that impact your total cost: admin/setup fees ($10–$30), a mandatory high-security lock ($10–$20 if purchased on-site), and insurance (often required), which commonly costs $9–$20/mo for $2,000–$5,000 coverage. Intro discounts (like “first month free”) are common, but ask what your post-promo rate will be and how often rates increase. Many facilities adjust rates after 3–6 months; clarifying this upfront prevents sticker shock later.

Ways to save without sacrificing safety: compare at least three facilities, choose an upper-floor indoor unit instead of ground-floor, right-size your unit (don’t pay for empty air), ask about prepay or multi-month discounts, and set up autopay to avoid late fees. If you’re between sizes, a better packing plan can often drop you to a smaller, cheaper unit.

Smart Packing and Storage Tips

Great organization turns a storage unit from a black hole into a handy extension of your home. Use uniform boxes (they stack better), label on multiple sides, and map your layout: heavy items and least-used boxes in the back, frequently accessed items near the door, and a 1–2 ft center aisle so you can reach everything.

Protect furniture: Disassemble tables and bed frames, bag hardware, and wrap wood in moving blankets (avoid plastic wrap directly on wood in humid climates).
Elevate off the floor: Use pallets or risers to reduce moisture transfer; add a moisture absorber if humidity is a concern.
Pack electronics carefully: Original boxes are best; otherwise, cushion with foam, keep off concrete, and avoid extreme temps (choose climate control if uncertain).
Stack safely: Heavy boxes on bottom, fragile items on top; don’t exceed shoulder height without stable shelving.
Use clear bins for “grab-and-go” items like seasonal clothing or tools so you can spot them fast.
Inventory everything: Snap photos as you load boxes and keep a simple spreadsheet or notes app with box numbers and contents.
Choose the right lock: Disc locks or closed-shackle locks offer better cut resistance than standard padlocks.

Know what not to store: perishables/food, fuel or flammables (gas, paint, fireworks), illegal items, firearms/ammo (often prohibited), live plants/animals, and wet items that can mold. Always confirm the facility’s prohibited list and insurance exclusions before you pack.

Signing the Rental Agreement: What to Check

Access hours vs. office hours: Are you comfortable with the times you can enter? 24/7 access may cost more but could be worth it.
Rate changes: How and when can prices increase? Get the schedule and notice period in writing.
Insurance requirements: Can you use your renters/homeowners policy, or must you buy theirs? What are coverage limits and exclusions?
Late fees and lien process: Understand the timeline before a lockout or auction and set autopay plus reminders.
Prohibited items and pest policy: Clarify what’s banned and how the facility handles pest control.
Move-out notice and refunds: How much notice is required? Are partial months prorated?
Security details: Cameras, lighting, on-site staff, and unit door type; ask to see a live camera feed or recent footage policies.
Climate statements: “Temperature controlled” can vary—ask for the actual temp/humidity range and power-backup details.

Alternatives to Traditional Self-Storage

Portable storage containers (delivered to your driveway) pack like a mini-garage, then get stored in a warehouse or moved to your next home. They’re ideal for remodels or relocations and can cut down on loading/unloading. Access at their warehouse may require appointments and fees, so consider how often you’ll need items.

On-demand pickup storage services collect your labeled bins or furniture, store them off-site, and return items when requested via an app. Pricing is often per-item or by cubic foot—great for small loads, though frequent deliveries can add up.

Peer-to-peer storage in private garages or basements can be cheaper, but vet hosts carefully and confirm insurance coverage, access, and security. A professional facility is usually safer for high-value or sensitive items.

Finally, consider whether you can avoid or downsize your unit: sell or donate rarely used items, scan documents, and rotate seasonal gear at home. A few hours of decluttering can save months of rent.

Quick Checklist Before You Rent

List what you’ll store for the next 3–12 months; flag fragile or climate-sensitive items.
Choose the smallest unit that fits with a center aisle (aim for 10–15% extra space).
Decide on climate control if storing wood, electronics, photos, instruments, or in extreme climates.
Tour at least two facilities; assess cleanliness, lighting, cameras, and staff responsiveness.
Confirm access hours, elevator/drive-up availability, and required lock type.
Get a full cost picture: base rate after promo, admin fees, lock, insurance, deposit, and rate-increase policy.
Plan your packing: uniform boxes, labels, blankets, pallets/risers, moisture control if needed.
Set autopay and calendar reminders; photograph your packed unit and keep an inventory.

With a clear plan, the right features, and smart packing, renting a storage unit becomes simple and cost-effective—freeing up space while keeping your belongings safe and accessible.