Self Storage Unit Dimensions: Size Chart, What Fits, Guide
“Self storage unit dimensions” simply describe the width and length of a unit (in feet), along with its height. A typical listing like 10×10 means 10 feet wide by 10 feet deep; most ceilings are about 8 feet tall (some taller), which matters for stacking and total cubic feet. Door size and hallway clearance also affect what can realistically fit and how easily you can move items in and out.
This guide gives you a no‑nonsense way to pick the right unit the first time. You’ll get a clear size chart (with height and cubic feet), side‑by‑side “what fits” examples from 5×5 to 10×30, how to choose based on your items, stacking tips, door and clearance notes, vehicle storage dimensions, when climate control matters in Sioux City, budget advice, and how Keyless Storage’s climate‑controlled, keyless‑access units map to these sizes for fast online rental.
What are standard self storage unit dimensions?
Across the industry, “standard” self storage unit dimensions refer to common width-by-depth footprints that most facilities offer, typically with ceilings around 8 feet tall. Many locations also have select units with 10-foot ceilings, and some urban sites offer reduced‑height lockers. While availability varies by facility, these baseline sizes help you quickly estimate what will fit before you book.
- 5×5 (25 sq. ft.): Similar to a small walk‑in closet
- 5×10 (50 sq. ft.): Comparable to a large shed or studio’s contents
- 5×15 (75 sq. ft.): Like a large walk‑in closet; one bedroom’s worth
- 10×10 (100 sq. ft.): About a small bedroom; two rooms’ worth
- 10×15 (150 sq. ft.): Two to three bedrooms’ worth
- 10×20 (200 sq. ft.): Roughly a one‑car garage; multi‑bedroom home
- 10×25 (250 sq. ft.): Three to four bedrooms’ worth
- 10×30 (300 sq. ft.): Four+ bedrooms; large moves or inventories
At Keyless Storage, units follow these standard footprints and are 100% climate‑controlled with ground‑floor access for easy loading.
Storage unit size chart: dimensions, height, and cubic feet
Square footage tells you the floor area, but cubic footage is what unlocks real capacity. Because most facilities use about 8‑foot ceilings (with some 10‑foot options or reduced‑height lockers), you can estimate volume quickly. Use this simple formula: cubic feet = width * depth * height
. Below is a handy chart of common self storage unit dimensions, their square footage, and approximate cubic feet assuming 8‑foot ceilings.
Unit Size | Width x Depth (ft) | Typical Height (ft) | Square Feet | Cubic Feet (8 ft) |
---|---|---|---|---|
5×5 | 5 x 5 | ~8 | 25 | 200 |
5×10 | 5 x 10 | ~8 | 50 | 400 |
5×15 | 5 x 15 | ~8 | 75 | 600 |
10×10 | 10 x 10 | ~8 | 100 | 800 |
10×15 | 10 x 15 | ~8 | 150 | 1,200 |
10×20 | 10 x 20 | ~8 | 200 | 1,600 |
10×25 | 10 x 25 | ~8 | 250 | 2,000 |
10×30 | 10 x 30 | ~8 | 300 | 2,400 |
Sizes are approximate and can vary by facility. If your unit has a different ceiling, multiply the square feet by the actual height to get volume (for example, a 10×10 with a 10‑foot ceiling offers 1,000 cubic feet). Taller ceilings boost stacking potential; reduced heights limit it.
What fits in each unit size (5×5 to 10×30)
Use these quick, real‑world examples to map your items to common self storage unit dimensions. Assumptions: ~8‑foot ceilings, furniture disassembled when possible, boxes packed tightly, and an 18–24 inch aisle left for access. Door and hallway clearance can limit oversized pieces, so measure big sofas, appliances, and headboards before you book.
- 5×5 (25 sq ft, ~200 cu ft): Up to 10 large boxes, twin/full mattress, small desk or chair, seasonal décor, and sports gear.
- 5×10 (50 sq ft, ~400 cu ft): 20+ boxes, queen mattress, dresser, loveseat/small sofa, bike, and small appliances or office gear.
- 5×15 (75 sq ft, ~600 cu ft): One bedroom set, sofa, TV stand, about 30 boxes, kitchen table, and luggage; keep a narrow center aisle.
- 10×10 (100 sq ft, ~800 cu ft): Two bedrooms’ contents, sectional or couch set, dining set, and appliances; around 40 boxes when stacked safely.
- 10×15 (150 sq ft, ~1,200 cu ft): Two–three bedrooms, bulky furniture and full‑size appliances, shelving, and totes; roughly 60 boxes with vertical stacking.
- 10×20 (200 sq ft, ~1,600 cu ft): Three‑bedroom home, living room and bedroom sets, full appliances, patio furniture; about 80 large boxes.
- 10×25 (250 sq ft, ~2,000 cu ft): Three–four bedrooms, multiple oversized items, extra appliances, garage tools, or small business inventory/pallets.
- 10×30 (300 sq ft, ~2,400 cu ft): Four+ bedrooms, multiple living room sets, large wardrobes, and many totes/boxes; ideal for big moves or business overflow.
Sizes and capacity vary slightly by facility; if you need more headroom for tall items, ask about units with 10‑foot ceilings to increase stackable cubic feet.
How to choose the right storage unit size
Skip the guesswork by translating your stuff into square feet and cubic feet. Start with a simple inventory, note your largest items, and map them to standard self storage unit dimensions. Then reality‑check your plan against door/hallway clearance, stacking limits, and whether you need a center aisle for regular access.
- List items + box count: Tally furniture, appliances, and an estimate of boxes. Group by room to match common sizes.
- Measure the bulkiest pieces: Sofa length, mattress size, fridge depth, headboard height—then confirm they’ll pass through the unit door and hallways.
- Match to a baseline size: Studio/1‑bedroom fits 5×10–5×15; two bedrooms 10×10–10×15; three+ bedrooms 10×20–10×30 (availability varies).
- Plan vertical space: Most units are ~8 ft tall; stack sturdy boxes no more than four high and consider adding shelving. Leave an 18–24 inch aisle if you’ll access items.
- Add a 10–15% buffer: Growth, last‑minute items, or easier access often justify sizing up one step.
- Consider features: Climate control for sensitive items and ground‑floor access for heavy or frequent moves can save time, effort, and potential damage.
If you’re between sizes, choose the larger unit for safer stacking and better access.
Ceiling height, stacking, and cubic feet explained
Ceiling height is the hidden lever in self storage unit dimensions because it converts floor area into usable volume. Most units are about 8 feet tall, with some facilities offering 10‑foot ceilings and certain city lockers providing reduced height. To estimate capacity, use cubic feet = width * depth * height
. For example, jumping from an 8‑ to 10‑foot ceiling increases volume by 25%, which can reduce your floor‑space needs if you stack efficiently.
- Know your limits: Stack boxes no more than four high; place heavier boxes on the bottom and fragile items on top.
- Go uniform: Use sturdy, same‑size boxes so stacks stay stable and maximize vertical space.
- Build “levels”: Use sturdy furniture surfaces to stack additional boxes safely.
- Mind the height: Reduced‑height lockers limit tall items; taller ceilings expand options but don’t override safe stacking practices.
- Plan access: Keep frequently needed items toward the front and maintain a clear path for retrieval.
Door sizes, hallways, and clearance considerations
Even the perfect square footage can fail if your items can’t pass through the path to the unit. Think through the entire route: parking area, entrance, hallways, corners, and the unit door opening. Measure your bulkiest pieces and compare against the path, not just the self storage unit dimensions. With Keyless Storage’s ground‑floor access and 24/7 entry, timing and maneuvering large items is simpler.
- Measure end‑to‑end: Note length, width, and height of your largest item and confirm it can clear hallways, corners, and the door opening.
- Plan orientation: Some items fit only upright or on edge; practice the turn angle and diagonal approach.
- Disassemble when possible: Remove legs, shelves, and headboards to reduce depth.
- Use the right gear: Dollies, sliders, and blankets protect items and walls.
- Mind access flow: Stage heavier pieces first, then boxes; leave an 18–24 inch aisle for ongoing access.
- Leverage off‑peak hours: 24/7 access lets you move big items when hallways are clear.
Vehicle storage dimensions: cars, motorcycles, boats, and RVs
Storing vehicles adds a few twists beyond standard self storage unit dimensions: you must match the vehicle’s overall length, width, and height to the space, factor in door clearance/turning room, and follow facility rules for fuel and batteries. Options include enclosed drive‑up units and outdoor/covered parking; always confirm whether vehicles are permitted in a given unit type.
- Cars/SUVs: A 10×20 enclosed unit fits most cars, trucks, and SUVs; compact cars may fit a 10×15, while longer vehicles often need 10×30. Verify roll‑up door height and width.
- Motorcycles: A 5×10 typically fits a motorcycle plus riding gear and a small tool chest.
- Boats/trailers: Many facilities offer outdoor parking in lengths around 35 feet and 50 feet. Measure tongue‑to‑prop for total length.
- RVs: Most RVs fit in ~35‑foot spaces; oversized motorhomes and large trailers generally require ~50‑foot spaces. Select indoor units have 10‑foot+ ceilings; confirm clearance.
Pro tip: Measure bumper‑to‑bumper (or hitch‑to‑prop), mirror‑to‑mirror, and highest point (A/C, racks), and compare to the unit door opening and approach angles before you book.
Climate-controlled storage and when you need it in Sioux City
Climate-controlled storage helps maintain stable temperature and humidity to protect items from heat, cold, and moisture—reducing risks like warping, cracking, mold, and corrosion. Beyond self storage unit dimensions, the environment matters, especially with Sioux City’s seasonal swings. Climate control also makes visits more comfortable year‑round. At Keyless Storage, every unit is 100% climate‑controlled, so you don’t have to guess which items need extra protection.
- Wood and leather furniture: Prevents warping, splitting, and drying.
- Electronics and appliances: Helps avoid condensation and circuit damage.
- Photos, documents, books, and collectibles: Guards against fading, mold, and curling.
- Mattresses, fabrics, and upholstery: Deters odors, moisture, and mildew.
- Musical instruments and artwork: Protects finishes, adhesives, and tuning stability.
- Business inventory: Ideal for packaged goods or materials sensitive to heat/humidity.
- Long-term storage: The longer you store, the more climate control pays off.
If you’re unsure, default to climate control—Keyless Storage includes it with every size for peace of mind.
Packing and organization tips to maximize space
Turning square feet into real, usable cubic feet comes down to how you pack. The goal is simple: safe stacks, clear access, and smart use of vertical space—no matter your self storage unit dimensions. Think like you’re loading a moving truck: build a stable base, stack evenly, and keep your “open first” items reachable.
- Go uniform: Use sturdy, same‑size boxes; label sides, not tops.
- Stack smart: Heaviest on bottom, fragile on top; cap stacks at four high.
- Disassemble big items: Remove legs and shelves; wrap hardware in taped, labeled bags.
- Stand tall pieces on end: Sofas, dressers, and mattresses (in breathable covers) save floor space.
- Create an aisle (18–24 inches): Keep frequently used bins toward the front or on shelves.
- Fill hollow space: Pack linens into drawers; use appliance cavities (defrost/dry first).
- Use vertical helpers: Freestanding shelves and tie‑down straps keep tall stacks stable.
- Stage back to front: Large furniture against the back wall, then boxes by weight/fragility.
Quick planner: rows × columns × stack height (≤4) = max box count you can access safely
Business storage: sizing for inventory, equipment, and documents
When space gets tight, treating a unit like a mini stockroom can keep operations moving without long leases or build‑outs. Climate control protects paperwork, electronics, fabrics, and packaged goods; ground‑floor access and 24/7 keyless entry make early trucks, late shipments, and emergency parts runs painless. Use self storage unit dimensions to right‑size your solution and plan shelving to turn floor area into workable cubic feet.
- Documents/archives: 5×5 with vertical shelving for labeled bankers boxes; add a front aisle for quick retrieval.
- E‑commerce/light inventory: 5×10–10×10 for totes, bins, and pick shelves; climate control helps packaging and adhesives.
- Retail backstock/seasonal displays: 10×10–10×15 for fixtures, mannequins, signage, and cartons.
- Contractors/tools and parts: 10×10–10×15 for tool chests, ladders, bins, and small equipment.
- Office moves or small warehousing: 10×20 (and larger where available) for desks, workstations, racking, and bulk cartons.
Pro tips: standard ceilings are ~8 ft—use uniform bins, sturdy shelves, and a 18–24 inch center aisle to keep inventory pickable and audits fast.
Price versus size: budgeting and avoiding overpaying
Smart budgeting starts with right‑sizing. Many renters overpay by choosing a unit that’s 30–40% larger than they actually use, or by splitting items across multiple small units. Instead, base your choice on self storage unit dimensions and height, calculate value by volume, and add only a small buffer for access. Climate control often costs extra elsewhere—at Keyless Storage, every unit is climate‑controlled, so you aren’t deciding between protection and price.
- Do the math: Figure
cost per sq ft
andcost per cu ft
(usewidth × depth × height
) to compare true value across sizes. - Add a modest buffer (10–15%): Enough for an aisle or last‑minute items without paying for unused space.
- One unit beats two: A single medium/large unit is typically cheaper—and easier to access—than two small ones.
- Match size to access needs: Frequent access? Keep an 18–24 inch aisle (may justify sizing up). Rare access? Pack tighter and save.
- Pack to downsize: Disassemble furniture, use uniform boxes, and add shelves; you may drop a size and reduce monthly cost.
- Start now, optimize later: If your ideal size isn’t available, rent the closest fit and join the waiting list to switch when it opens.
Tip: Taller ceilings increase cubic feet without increasing floor area—often the best “upgrade” per dollar when available.
Keyless Storage features and sizes at a glance
You want modern convenience without sacrificing protection—so that’s exactly how Keyless Storage is built. Every unit in our Sioux City facility is 100% climate‑controlled, on the ground floor for easy loading, and accessible 24/7 with smartphone‑enabled keyless entry. Add continuous video security, fast online rental, and a local team, and you’ve got a hassle‑free experience that respects your time and your stuff.
- Keyless entry via app: No physical keys; share/revoke digital access.
- 24/7 access: Move on your schedule, not ours.
- 100% climate control: Temperature and humidity managed across all sizes.
- Ground‑floor loading: No elevators, faster in/out.
- 24/7 video security: Always‑on surveillance for peace of mind.
- Online rental & account: Reserve, pay, and manage anytime.
- Competitive rates + waitlist: Hold your spot if a size is sold out.
Typical ceilings are ~8 ft. Availability varies; here’s how our core sizes map to needs:
Unit Size | Quick Fit Guide |
---|---|
5×5 | Closet items, 8–10 boxes, twin/full mattress, seasonal gear |
10×10 | Two rooms, sectional or sofa set, dining set, 40+ boxes |
10×15 | 2–3 bedrooms, bulky furniture, full‑size appliances |
10×20 | Three‑bedroom home, patio set, business inventory/pallets |
How online rental, access, and security work at Keyless Storage
From first click to first unlock, everything is built for speed and peace of mind. Choose a unit on our website, complete a quick checkout, and you’ll receive move‑in details. Use the mobile app to unlock your climate‑controlled, ground‑floor unit 24/7—no keys, no office stop. Manage your rental online, and if the size you want isn’t available, join the waiting list and we’ll notify you when it opens.
- Pick a size: See real‑time availability and rates.
- Rent online: Checkout and e‑sign your agreement in minutes.
- Set up app access: Activate your smartphone for keyless entry.
- Move in anytime: Go straight to your ground‑floor unit, 24/7.
- Need a different size? Join the waitlist and switch when ready.
- Keyless smart locks: App‑based entry eliminates physical keys.
- 24/7 video security: Continuous surveillance throughout the facility.
- 100% climate control: Temperature and humidity managed across all units.
Wrap-up and next steps
You’ve now got the essentials: standard self storage unit dimensions from 5×5 to 10×30, how cubic feet and ceiling height affect capacity, what fits by size, how to choose with a simple inventory, door and clearance must‑knows, vehicle storage basics, when climate control matters in Sioux City, smart packing, business sizing, and budgeting.
Next step: measure your bulkiest items, estimate your box count, choose the closest size, then rent online to lock it in. At Keyless Storage, every unit is 100% climate‑controlled, ground‑floor, and accessible 24/7 with smartphone entry—backed by continuous video security and a handy waitlist if your size is sold out. Ready when you are: Rent a unit at Keyless Storage.