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Storage Unit Calculator — Right Size Guide

Recommended Size

10x10

Capacity

100 sq ft

Monthly

$100-$175

Recommended Storage Unit

Unit Size
10x10
Half garage
Capacity
100 sq ft
800 cubic feet
Monthly Cost
$100 - $175
Total (6 months)
$600 - $1,050

Cost Comparison

Monthly (low)$100
Monthly (high)$175
Total 6mo (low)$600
Total 6mo (high)$1,050

Storage Unit Size Reference

SizeSq FtFitsAvg $/Mo
5x525Small closet$50-$75
5x1050Walk-in closet$75-$125
10x10100Half garage$100-$175
10x151502/3 garage$125-$225
10x202001-car garage$150-$275
10x25250Large garage$175-$325
10x303002-car garage$200-$375

Storage Unit Tips

1

Create a detailed inventory list before renting to ensure you get the right size

2

Stack heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top to maximize space

3

Leave an aisle down the middle for easy access to all your items

4

Consider storage insurance to protect your belongings from damage or theft

5

Use uniform box sizes when possible for easier stacking and organization

6

Climate-controlled units are essential for electronics, wood furniture, and documents

What You'll Need

Sure-Max 12 Moving & Packing Blankets Pro 80"x72"

Sure-Max 12 Moving & Packing Blankets Pro 80"x72"

$45-$654.5
View on Amazon
Tape King Packing Tape Dispenser Gun with Bonus Roll

Tape King Packing Tape Dispenser Gun with Bonus Roll

$10-$154.5
View on Amazon
Amazon Basics Retractable Utility Knife 3 Blades

Amazon Basics Retractable Utility Knife 3 Blades

$5-$94
View on Amazon
BOSCH GLM20 Blaze 65ft Laser Distance Measure

BOSCH GLM20 Blaze 65ft Laser Distance Measure

$30-$504.6
View on Amazon
Stanley FatMax 25ft Magnetic Tape Measure

Stanley FatMax 25ft Magnetic Tape Measure

$20-$304.6
View on Amazon
UUBAAR Ring Sizer Measuring Tool 27 PCS US Size 0-13

UUBAAR Ring Sizer Measuring Tool 27 PCS US Size 0-13

$6-$104.4
View on Amazon
Sure-Max 12 Moving & Packing Blankets Pro 80"x72"

Sure-Max 12 Moving & Packing Blankets Pro 80"x72"

$45-$654.5
View on Amazon
Tape King Packing Tape Dispenser Gun with Bonus Roll

Tape King Packing Tape Dispenser Gun with Bonus Roll

$10-$154.5
View on Amazon
Amazon Basics Retractable Utility Knife 3 Blades

Amazon Basics Retractable Utility Knife 3 Blades

$5-$94
View on Amazon
BOSCH GLM20 Blaze 65ft Laser Distance Measure

BOSCH GLM20 Blaze 65ft Laser Distance Measure

$30-$504.6
View on Amazon
Stanley FatMax 25ft Magnetic Tape Measure

Stanley FatMax 25ft Magnetic Tape Measure

$20-$304.6
View on Amazon
UUBAAR Ring Sizer Measuring Tool 27 PCS US Size 0-13

UUBAAR Ring Sizer Measuring Tool 27 PCS US Size 0-13

$6-$104.4
View on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Example Calculations

11-Bedroom Apartment Move

Inputs

Home Size1-bedroom apartment
ItemsFurniture, boxes, mattress
Storage AmountMost of home
Climate ControlNo
Duration3 months

Result

Recommended Unit5x10 (50 sq ft)

Recommended: 5x10 unit (50 sq ft, 400 cu ft). Monthly cost: $75-125. Total 3-month cost: $225-375.

23-Bedroom House with Climate Control

Inputs

Home Size3-bedroom house
ItemsFurniture, boxes, appliances, mattress
Storage AmountEntire home
Climate ControlYes
Duration12 months

Result

Recommended Unit10x20 (200 sq ft)

Recommended: 10x20 unit (200 sq ft, 1,600 cu ft). Monthly cost: $188-413 (with climate control). Total 12-month cost: $2,256-4,956.

3Partial Furniture Storage

Inputs

Home Size2-bedroom apartment
ItemsFurniture only
Storage AmountFew items
Climate ControlNo
Duration6 months

Result

Recommended Unit5x10 (50 sq ft)

Recommended: 5x10 unit (50 sq ft, 400 cu ft). Monthly cost: $75-125. Total 6-month cost: $450-750.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

What size storage unit do I need for a 2-bedroom apartment?

For a 2-bedroom apartment, you typically need a 10x10 storage unit (100 sq ft) if storing most items, or a 5x10 unit (50 sq ft) if only storing select furniture and boxes. A 10x15 unit (150 sq ft) is recommended if you're storing the entire apartment's contents.

  • 5×10 (50 sq ft): select furniture and 10–15 boxes only
  • 10×10 (100 sq ft): most of a 2-bedroom — sofa, bed, dresser, 20+ boxes
  • 10×15 (150 sq ft): entire 2-bedroom including appliances
  • Stack boxes to ceiling height (8 ft) to maximize the 400–1,200 cu ft capacity
  • Disassemble bed frames and tables to save 20–30% of floor space
Q

How much does a climate-controlled storage unit cost?

Climate-controlled storage units typically cost 25-50% more than standard units. For example, a 10x10 unit that normally costs $100-175/month would cost $125-225/month with climate control. Climate control is recommended for electronics, wood furniture, documents, and items sensitive to temperature changes.

  • Climate control adds 25–50% to monthly cost ($25–100 extra/month)
  • Temperature maintained at 55–85°F year-round; humidity at 30–50%
  • Recommended for: electronics, wood furniture, leather, documents, photos, musical instruments
  • Not needed for: metal tools, outdoor furniture, seasonal decorations (durable items)
  • Indoor climate-controlled units also reduce dust, pests, and moisture damage
Q

What can fit in a 5x10 storage unit?

A 5x10 storage unit (50 sq ft) can typically fit the contents of a studio or 1-bedroom apartment, including a sofa, mattress set, dresser, TV, and 10-15 boxes. It's roughly the size of a walk-in closet and can hold about 400 cubic feet of items.

  • 50 sq ft floor area × 8 ft ceiling = 400 cu ft usable space
  • Fits: 1 sofa, 1 queen mattress set, 1 dresser, 1 TV, 10–15 medium boxes
  • Equivalent to a large walk-in closet or half a parking space
  • Average cost: $75–125/month (standard); $95–160/month (climate-controlled)
  • Most popular size for college students and studio apartment moves
Q

How do I calculate the storage unit size I need?

Calculate storage needs by considering: (1) home size (studio to 5+ bedrooms), (2) what percentage you're storing (few items to entire home), (3) special items like vehicles or appliances, and (4) stacking efficiency. Add one size up if storing large appliances or vehicles. Use our calculator for personalized recommendations.

  • Rule of thumb: 1 bedroom ≈ 100 sq ft of storage for full contents
  • Storing just furniture (no boxes): reduce estimate by 30–40%
  • Large appliances (washer, fridge) each take ≈6–10 sq ft of floor space
  • Stack boxes 3–4 high to use vertical space (ceiling is typically 8–10 ft)
  • Vehicles: car ≈ 10×20, boat/RV ≈ 10×30 or larger
Home SizeFew ItemsMost of HomeEntire Home
Studio5×5 (25 sq ft)5×10 (50 sq ft)5×10 (50 sq ft)
1 Bedroom5×5 (25 sq ft)5×10 (50 sq ft)10×10 (100 sq ft)
2 Bedroom5×10 (50 sq ft)10×10 (100 sq ft)10×15 (150 sq ft)
3 Bedroom10×10 (100 sq ft)10×15 (150 sq ft)10×20 (200 sq ft)
4+ Bedroom10×15 (150 sq ft)10×20 (200 sq ft)10×30 (300 sq ft)
Q

Is a 10x20 storage unit big enough for a 3-bedroom house?

A 10x20 storage unit (200 sq ft) can comfortably store most of a 3-bedroom house if items are packed efficiently. For an entire 3-bedroom house with all furniture and belongings, you may need a 10x25 or 10x30 unit. The 10x20 unit is equivalent to a 1-car garage and holds approximately 1,600 cubic feet.

  • 10×20 = 200 sq ft floor area × 8 ft ceiling = 1,600 cu ft capacity
  • Equivalent to a standard 1-car garage in floor space
  • Fits: 3–4 rooms of furniture, major appliances, 30–40 boxes
  • For entire 3-bedroom house: consider 10×25 (250 sq ft) for comfortable access
  • Leave a 2-ft aisle down the middle for access to items in the back
Q

What's the average cost to rent a storage unit?

Storage unit costs vary by size: 5x5 units cost $50-75/month, 10x10 units cost $100-175/month, and 10x20 units cost $150-275/month. Climate-controlled units add 25-50% to the cost. Prices also vary by location, with urban areas typically costing more than suburban or rural locations.

  • 5×5 (25 sq ft): $50–75/month standard
  • 10×10 (100 sq ft): $100–175/month standard
  • 10×20 (200 sq ft): $150–275/month standard
  • Urban areas cost 50–100% more than suburban or rural locations
  • Many facilities offer first-month-free or 50% off promotions for new renters
Unit SizeSq FtStandard Cost/MoClimate-Controlled/Mo
5×525$50–75$65–95
5×1050$75–125$95–160
10×10100$100–175$125–225
10×15150$125–225$155–290
10×20200$150–275$190–355
10×30300$200–375$250–490

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Last Updated: Mar 26, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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