Choosing a storage unit sounds simple until you start asking questions.
Will a 5×10 be enough? Do you need to size up for furniture? What if you add more later?
Pick a unit that is too small, and you are playing real life Tetris.
Pick one that is too big, and you are paying for space you never use.
This guide will walk you through how to think about storage space, what typically fits in each unit size at The Store House, and how to use our online Storage Calculator to confirm your choice.
Step 1: Get Clear On Why You Are Storing
Before you look at sizes, think about what you are actually storing and how long you plan to store it. Your reason often points you toward the right size.
Common reasons people rent storage at The Store House include:
- Moving or between homes: Short term storage while you close on a house, build, or relocate.
- Decluttering or reorganizing: Seasonal items, kid gear, extra furniture, or things you want out of the way but not gone.
- Life transitions: Combining households, downsizing, managing an estate, or giving college students a place to stash their stuff.
- Business needs: Files, inventory, tools, and equipment that do not fit in an office or garage.
Knowing which of these matches your situation will help you estimate how much space you really need and whether you might add more over time.
Step 2: Make a Quick Inventory
You do not need a perfect list, but you should have a general idea of what is going into the unit.
Start with the big pieces:
- Beds and mattresses
- Dressers and nightstands
- Couches, chairs, recliners
- Dining tables and chairs
- Desks and office furniture
- Appliances
- Patio or yard furniture
- Business shelving, totes, or inventory
Then add an estimate of the smaller items:
- Number of medium or large boxes
- Plastic totes or bins
- Smaller items that can stack on top of furniture
You can jot this down on paper or type it into your phone. When you are done, you will be ready for two things:
- Comparing your list to the size guide below
- Plugging it into The Store House Storage Calculator for a tailored recommendation
You can find the calculator on our Storage Facilities page at: https://storehousestorage.net/storage-facilities/
Step 3: Understanding Common Storage Unit Sizes
At The Store House in Waite Park, storage units come in eight sizes: 5×10, 5×15, 10×10, 10×15, 10×20, 10×24, 10×30, and 11×30.
Below is a simple breakdown of what typically fits in each size and what kind of customer it often works best for.
5×10 Storage Unit
Think of it as: A walk-in closet or half of a small bedroom.
Good for:
- Several medium and large boxes
- Seasonal décor and clothing
- A bike or small pieces of furniture
- Small office items and file boxes
Typical use: Perfect for decluttering a room, storing student belongings, or tucking away seasonal items you do not want in your home year-round.
5×15 Storage Unit
Think of it as: A large walk-in closet.
Good for:
- Contents of a studio or small one bedroom apartment
- Mattress and box spring
- Small couch or loveseat, chairs, and boxes
Typical use: Good option if you have more than a few boxes but are not yet up to a full household of furniture.
10×10 Storage Unit
Think of it as: A small bedroom.
Good for:
- Furniture and boxes from a one-bedroom apartment
- Mattress, dressers, nightstands, TV stand
- Several stacks of boxes or totes
Typical use: Popular choice for people between apartments or combining items from a couple of rooms in the house.
10×15 Storage Unit
Think of it as: A large bedroom.
Good for:
- Contents of a two-bedroom apartment or small home
- Multiple bedroom sets, living room furniture, and boxes
- Some appliances, depending on how you stack
Typical use: Good for families who are moving, remodeling, or temporarily storing household items.
10×20 Storage Unit
Think of it as: A one car garage.
Good for:
- Contents of a small to medium size house
- Living room set, multiple bedrooms, appliances, and boxes
- Some smaller vehicles or equipment, depending on layout
Typical use: Ideal if you are between homes or storing most of your household for a period of time.
10×24 Storage Unit
Think of it as: A deep one car garage.
Good for:
- Contents of a typical three bedroom home
- Larger furniture pieces and appliances
- Extra boxes, totes, and bulky items like exercise equipment
Typical use: Gives a bit more room to breathe than a 10×20 if you have several large items and want walk space inside the unit.
10×30 Storage Unit
Think of it as: A long one car garage or a small two car garage.
Good for:
- Contents of a larger home
- Multiple bedroom sets, large sectional couch, appliances
- Business shelving, inventory, or larger equipment
Typical use: Good for whole house storage, small business storage, or families combining households.
11×30 Storage Unit
Think of it as: A slightly wider deep garage.
Good for:
- Larger vehicles, boats, or a very full household
- Households with lots of furniture plus extra storage needs
- Business customers with a mix of shelving, tools, and inventory
Typical use: Best option if you want space to move around inside the unit, store a lot, or anticipate adding more over time.
Step 4: Use The Store House Storage Calculator
Once you have your inventory and you have glanced through the size descriptions, the next step is to use our Storage Calculator to double check your choice.
You can find it on our Storage Facilities page: https://storehousestorage.net/storage-facilities/
How the calculator helps:
- You select the types of items you plan to store.
- The tool estimates the total space those items will take.
- It recommends a unit size that fits your list.
The calculator gives you a cubic footage estimate and suggests one of our unit sizes, from 5×10 up to 11×30. It is especially helpful if you have trouble visualizing space or are trying to choose between two sizes.
Keep in mind the calculator is an estimate, not a guarantee. Items can be packed in different ways, and some people prefer extra space to create walkways or keep certain things easy to reach.
Step 5: Think About Access, Not Just Storage
Size is not only about whether your items fit. It is also about how you want to use the space.
Ask yourself:
- Do I need to get to items regularly?
If you will be in and out of the unit often, consider going one size up so you can leave a small aisle and avoid unloading half the unit every time.
- Will I be adding more items later?
If you are in a long term transition or still sorting through things at home, extra space can save you from needing a second unit.
- Do I care how items are stacked?
If you have fragile items, antiques, or electronics, you may want room for shelving or careful stacking rather than piling everything up.
A slightly larger unit can be worth the small price difference if it makes the space easier and safer to use.
Step 6: Still Not Sure? Ask for Help.
Even with a guide and a calculator, it is normal to have questions. Storage is not something you shop for every day.
If you are unsure between two sizes or want to talk through what you are storing, our team is happy to help you find a good fit.
You can:
- Call the office during staff hours
- Use the contact form on the website
- Visit in person to ask questions and secure a unit
You can view unit sizes and availability or start with the Storage Calculator anytime at: https://storehousestorage.net/storage-facilities
With the right size and a secure, convenient facility, storage becomes one less thing you have to worry about.