Self Storage Unit Sizes: What Fits In Every Size (5×5-10×30)

Picking a self storage unit size shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. Too small and you’re cramming boxes in the doorway; too big and you’re paying for empty air. The challenge is that “square feet” doesn’t tell the whole story—furniture footprints, box counts, door widths, and ceiling height all matter, especially if you want to access items later without unloading the entire unit. Add in questions like “Will my queen mattress stand upright?” or “Could a compact car fit a 10×20?” and it’s easy to see why choosing the right size is the hardest part of renting storage.

This guide makes it simple. We’ll walk through the most common self storage unit sizes—from 5×5 to 10×30—and show exactly what fits in each. For every size you’ll get a quick size snapshot, real examples of what fits, best uses (moving, remodels, business inventory, seasonal storage), smart packing and stacking tips to maximize vertical space, and clear signals for when to size up or down. We’ll also note typical unit heights and where vehicles and special items (mattresses, pianos, motorcycles) make sense. If you’re in Sioux City, we’ll highlight how Keyless Storage’s climate-controlled, ground-floor, smartphone-access units translate these recommendations into an easy, confident rental. Let’s get you the right fit on the first try.

1. Keyless Storage in Sioux City: climate-controlled, keyless units for every size

Here’s how our modern, climate-controlled facility turns confusing self storage unit sizes into a confident pick. Every unit at Keyless Storage features smartphone entry, 24/7 access, ground-floor convenience, and continuous video security—so choosing your size is the only decision you need to make.

Size snapshot

We offer popular sizes from 5×5 up to 10×30, all on the ground floor for easy loading. Typical unit ceilings are about 8 feet tall (with select facilities offering taller options), giving you plenty of vertical space to stack safely and keep a central aisle.

What fits

Think in tiers. Small units (5×5, 5×10, 5×15) handle closets, seasonal gear, and a bedroom’s furniture. Medium units (10×10, 10×15) fit a one- to two-bedroom apartment. Large units (10×20, 10×25, 10×30) hold multi-bedroom homes or bulk business inventory with room to work.

Best uses

Use small for decluttering, students between semesters, or document totes. Medium shines for moves, remodel staging, or e-commerce stock. Large is ideal for full-house transitions, contractor equipment, or long-term storage—especially items that benefit from climate control.

Packing and stacking tips

Start with a quick item list, then pack for vertical efficiency and access. Uniform boxes stack neatly, and climate control helps protect sensitive materials so you can safely go higher without crushing contents.

  • Heavier on bottom, fragile on top
  • Keep a front aisle for quick access
  • Limit stacks to four boxes high

When to size up or down

Size up one step if you want a walkable aisle, own bulky sofas or sectionals, or plan frequent visits. Size down if it’s mostly boxes and totes. Queen or king mattresses fit best starting at 5×10; a 10×10 is smart for two bedrooms’ worth of furniture.

Vehicle fit and special items

For general guidance, most cars fit a 10×20, compact cars sometimes a 10×15, and most motorcycles a 5×10. Availability for vehicle storage varies by facility. Pianos and large appliances fit more comfortably in 10×10 and up; climate control helps protect wood, electronics, and finishes.

2. 5×5 storage unit (25 sq. ft.)

Size snapshot

A 5×5 is about the size of a small walk-in closet—25 square feet with roughly 8-foot ceilings, giving about 200 cubic feet of usable space. At Keyless Storage, it’s climate-controlled and ground-floor, so sensitive items and quick grab-and-go visits are easy.

What fits

Think “one bedroom’s extras” and vertical stacking. It comfortably handles small furniture and several boxes without feeling crammed when packed smartly.

  • Mattress: Twin or full upright (queen is very tight—see 5×10)
  • Furniture: Small dresser, nightstands, compact desk/chair
  • Boxes/totes: Several small to medium boxes stacked safely
  • Gear: Luggage, seasonal décor, sports equipment, file totes
  • Electronics: TVs, monitors, small appliances (protected by climate control)

Best uses

Perfect for decluttering a room, student storage between semesters, or holding seasonal items. Small-business owners also use 5x5s for labeled inventory bins or archived records.

Packing and stacking tips

Use the height. Uniform boxes stack neatly, and a slim shelf can multiply capacity while keeping items accessible.

  • Stand mattresses upright and protect edges
  • Place heaviest boxes on the bottom
  • Limit stacks to four high and leave a small access gap
  • Label all sides for quick finds

When to size up or down

Size up to a 5×10 if you have a queen/king mattress, a loveseat, or lots of bulky totes—or if you want a walkable aisle for frequent access. If your list is just a few boxes and a lamp, a 5×5 still gives breathing room.

Vehicle fit and special items

Vehicles don’t fit a 5×5; most motorcycles need a 5×10. Bicycles, collectibles, photo albums, and instruments store well here—climate control helps protect wood, paper, and electronics from temperature and humidity swings.

3. 5×10 storage unit (50 sq. ft.)

Size snapshot

A 5×10 gives you 50 square feet and roughly 400 cubic feet of space with typical 8-foot ceilings—think a medium walk-in closet. At Keyless Storage, it’s climate-controlled and ground-floor for easy, protected loading.

What fits

This size comfortably holds the furnishings of a mid-sized bedroom or a compact studio. It’s the first step up that fits larger pieces without a squeeze.

  • Mattress: Queen or king stored upright with room to spare
  • Furniture: Dresser, bookshelf, small couch/loveseat, chairs, end tables
  • Appliances: Refrigerator or washer/dryer (unplugged and dry)
  • Boxes/totes: 15–25 medium boxes stacked safely
  • Wheels: Motorcycle or multiple bicycles

Best uses

Ideal for studio or one-bedroom moves, remodel staging, seasonal gear plus furniture, or small-business inventory that needs climate control (electronics, samples, documents).

Packing and stacking tips

Maximize vertical space and keep a clear center aisle for access. Climate control helps protect sensitive items, so you can stack confidently.

  • Heavier boxes on bottom; fragile up top
  • Limit stacks to four boxes high
  • Place items you’ll need soon toward the front
  • Use moving blankets/shrink wrap to protect finishes

When to size up or down

Size up to a 5×15 if you have a full living room set, multiple large appliances, or want a wider walkable aisle. Size down to a 5×5 if you’re storing only small furniture and boxes and don’t have a queen/king mattress.

Vehicle fit and special items

A 5×10 is great for most motorcycles; cars require at least a 10×20 (compact cars may fit in a 10×15). Queen and king mattresses fit well here, and climate control helps protect electronics and wood finishes.

4. 5×15 storage unit (75 sq. ft.)

Size snapshot

A 5×15 storage unit offers 75 sq. ft. and about 600 cubic feet assuming an 8-foot ceiling—comparable to a large walk-in closet. At Keyless Storage, every 5×15 is climate-controlled and ground-floor, making it ideal for bulkier items you still want easy access to.

What fits

This size bridges the gap between “bedroom only” and “small apartment,” handling a full room plus extras without feeling cramped.

  • Furniture: Queen/king mattress upright, dresser, bookshelf, small sofa or loveseat, chairs.
  • Appliances: Refrigerator or washer/dryer (clean and dry before storing).
  • Boxes/gear: Several medium-to-large boxes, totes, seasonal bins, bikes.

Best uses

Great for a one-bedroom apartment, remodel staging, multi-season gear, or small-business overflow like labeled inventory and equipment that benefits from climate control.

Packing and stacking tips

Use the length to create a center aisle so you can reach the back without pulling everything out. Protect finishes and stack by weight.

  • Heaviest on bottom; fragile up top (max four-high).
  • Stand mattresses upright; use moving blankets/shrink wrap.
  • Shelving along a wall = faster access and safer stacks.

When to size up or down

Size up to a 10×10 if you’re storing a sectional, multiple large appliances, or want a wider walkable aisle with frequent in-and-out. Size down to a 5×10 if it’s a standard bedroom set and boxes without bulky seating.

Vehicle fit and special items

No cars here; most motorcycles fit comfortably (cars typically need a 10×20, compact cars may fit a 10×15). For upright pianos or larger instruments, a 10×10 is usually the smarter fit. Climate control helps protect wood, electronics, photos, and documents.

5. 10×10 storage unit (100 sq. ft.)

Size snapshot

A 10×10 provides 100 sq. ft. and about 800 cubic feet with typical 8-foot ceilings—roughly half a one-car garage. At Keyless Storage, every 10×10 is climate-controlled, ground-floor, and accessible 24/7 with smartphone entry, so moving bigger pieces in and out stays simple and protected.

What fits

Think “one to two-bedroom apartment” or an entire living room plus a bedroom. You’ll have room to stack boxes while keeping a center aisle for access if you pack thoughtfully.

  • Bedroom furniture: Two sets of bedroom furniture; queen/king mattresses upright
  • Living room set: Sofa or loveseat, coffee/end tables, TV/stand, bookshelves
  • Appliances: Refrigerator and/or washer/dryer (clean, dry, doors cracked)
  • Boxes/totes: About 20–35 medium boxes stacked safely
  • Bulky items: Bicycles, small filing cabinets, floor lamps; even a grand piano can fit

Best uses

Ideal for a two-bedroom apartment move, long remodels, or consolidating household goods into one accessible space. Small businesses use 10x10s for inventory, equipment, sample stock, and archives that benefit from climate control.

Packing and stacking tips

Use uniform boxes, create a center aisle, and protect finishes. Climate control helps you stack higher without warping or moisture concerns.

  • Heaviest boxes on bottom; fragile up top (max four-high)
  • Stand mattresses upright; wrap wood/leather to prevent scuffs
  • Shelving along a wall increases capacity and access
  • Label box sides and map the layout near the door

When to size up or down

Size up to a 10×15 if you’re storing a sectional, multiple large appliances, or want a wider working aisle for frequent visits. Size down to a 5×15 if you’re closer to a single bedroom set plus boxes without a full living room.

Vehicle fit and special items

A 10×10 is not for cars. Most cars fit a 10×20; compact cars may fit a 10×15. Motorcycles typically fit a 5×10. Large instruments (including grand pianos) and electronics do well in a 10×10—climate control protects wood, finishes, and components.

6. 10×15 storage unit (150 sq. ft.)

Size snapshot

A 10×15 storage unit delivers 150 sq. ft. and roughly 1,200 cubic feet assuming an 8-foot ceiling. It’s a meaningful step up from a 10×10, giving you room for multiple large pieces plus a true center aisle. At Keyless Storage, every 10×15 is climate-controlled and ground-floor with 24/7 smartphone access.

What fits

Think “two to three bedrooms’ worth” or a roomy two-bedroom apartment. You can stage a full living room plus multiple bedroom sets and still keep an access lane if you stack smartly.

  • Living room: Sofa/sectional, chairs, coffee/end tables, TV/stand, bookshelves
  • Bedrooms: Two to three sets; queen/king mattresses upright
  • Appliances: Refrigerator and/or washer/dryer (clean, dry, doors cracked)
  • Boxes/totes: Several medium-to-large stacks with space for a center aisle
  • Extras: Bicycles, filing cabinets, floor lamps, seasonal bins

Best uses

Great for two-bedroom moves, long remodels where you need frequent access, estate consolidation, or business storage for inventory, parts, and equipment that benefit from climate control.

Packing and stacking tips

Lay out big pieces first, then build stable box columns along walls to free a center aisle. Climate control helps protect wood, finishes, photos, and electronics.

  • Heaviest boxes on bottom; fragile up top (max four-high)
  • Stand mattresses upright; pad wood/leather with blankets
  • Use shelving for quick-access SKUs or archives

When to size up or down

Size up to a 10×20 if you’re storing a large sectional plus multiple appliances, bulky patio sets, or want wider working space for frequent in-and-outs. Size down to a 10×10 if it’s a smaller two-bedroom without oversized seating or appliances.

Vehicle fit and special items

Most cars need a 10×20; some compact cars can fit a 10×15 depending on length—always confirm facility policies and clearances. Motorcycles typically fit a 5×10. Upright and grand pianos, large instruments, and sensitive electronics are well-suited here with climate control.

7. 10×20 storage unit (200 sq. ft.)

Size snapshot

A 10×20 offers 200 sq. ft. (about 1,600 cubic feet with an 8-foot ceiling)—similar to a standard one-car garage. At Keyless Storage, it’s climate-controlled, ground-floor, and accessible 24/7 with smartphone entry for smooth load-ins.

What fits

This size comfortably handles the contents of a multi-bedroom home with room to keep an aisle for access if you stack smartly.

  • Furniture: Sectional or sofa set, dining table with chairs, multiple dressers/bookshelves
  • Appliances: Refrigerator, washer/dryer (clean, dry, doors slightly open)
  • Bulky items: Patio set, lawnmower/snow blower, tool chests, bicycles
  • Boxes/totes: Large quantity of labeled, uniform boxes stacked safely

Best uses

Choose a 10×20 for full-house moves, extended remodels, or business storage where climate control protects wood finishes, electronics, fabrics, and paperwork.

  • Whole-home transitions (2–3+ bedrooms)
  • Contractor equipment and materials
  • Inventory and e‑commerce stock with shelving

Packing and stacking tips

Plan a center or “U-shaped” aisle for access. Load tallest and heaviest against the back and walls, then build stable box columns.

  • Heaviest on bottom; fragile on top (max four-high)
  • Wrap wood/leather; use blankets and shrink wrap
  • Crack appliance doors; use mats or pallets under them

When to size up or down

If you’re squeezing in oversized patio sets, multiple appliances, or want working space inside the unit, going one size larger pays off.

  • Size up to 10×25 for a vehicle plus household goods or a wider working aisle
  • Size down to 10×15 if you don’t have a sectional, patio set, or multiple large appliances

Vehicle fit and special items

A 10×20 typically fits most automobiles for indoor storage. Availability and policies for vehicle storage vary by facility—confirm before booking.

  • Cars/SUVs/vans: Usually fit a 10×20; some larger vans/trucks need 10×25 or 10×30
  • Compact cars: Can sometimes fit a 10×15
  • Pianos/large instruments: Fit comfortably here; climate control helps protect wood and electronics

8. 10×25 storage unit (250 sq. ft.)

Size snapshot

A 10×25 gives you 250 sq. ft.—about 2,000 cubic feet assuming an 8-foot ceiling. It’s one of the largest standard self storage unit sizes, ideal when you’re combining households or storing most of a home. At Keyless Storage, every 10×25 is climate-controlled, ground-floor, and accessible 24/7 via smartphone.

What fits

This size comfortably handles the contents of a fully furnished three-bedroom home with room to keep an aisle for access when you stack efficiently and use uniform boxes.

  • Furniture: Multiple bedroom sets, large sectional/sofa set, dining table with chairs, bookshelves
  • Appliances: Refrigerator, washer/dryer (clean, dry, doors slightly open)
  • Bulky items: Patio set, lawn equipment, tool chests, multiple bikes
  • Boxes/totes: Large, labeled stacks; shelving units for organization

Best uses

Choose a 10×25 for full-house moves, long remodels, estate consolidation, or business storage that needs climate control for protection (inventory, equipment, archives, electronics).

  • Whole-home transitions (3+ bedrooms)
  • Contractor materials and gear with rolling racks
  • E‑commerce inventory with pallet or wire shelving

Packing and stacking tips

Plan zones: big pieces and appliances at the back and along walls, then build stable box columns. Leave a clear center or U-shaped aisle so you can reach everything.

  • Heaviest on bottom; fragile on top (max four-high)
  • Wrap wood/leather; use blankets and shrink wrap
  • Crack appliance doors; place on mats/pallets
  • Label box sides and post a simple unit map near the door

When to size up or down

Size up if you’re storing oversized patio sets, multiple appliances plus a sectional, or want generous working space inside the unit.

  • Size up to 10×30: Vehicle plus household goods or the widest working aisle
  • Size down to 10×20: Smaller home (2–3 bedrooms) without oversized pieces

Vehicle fit and special items

A 10×25 commonly fits larger vans/trucks and can accommodate some boats or small RVs; availability and policies for vehicle storage vary by facility—always confirm before booking. Grand and upright pianos, large instruments, and sensitive electronics benefit from climate control in this size.

9. 10×30 storage unit (300 sq. ft.)

Size snapshot

A 10×30 provides 300 sq. ft. and about 2,400 cubic feet assuming an 8-foot ceiling—similar to a one-and-a-half car garage. At Keyless Storage, it’s climate-controlled, ground-floor, and accessible 24/7 via smartphone for the smoothest big-move experience.

What fits

This is the “whole house” size—ideal for 4+ bedrooms or combining households—while still leaving room for a center aisle if you pack smart.

  • Whole-home furniture: Multiple bedroom sets, large sectional/sofa set, dining table with chairs, bookshelves
  • Appliances: Refrigerator, washer/dryer (clean, dry, doors slightly open)
  • Bulky/outdoor: Patio sets, lawn equipment, tool chests, multiple bikes
  • Boxes/totes: High volume of uniform, labeled stacks; room for shelving

Best uses

Choose a 10×30 for major life transitions, long remodels, and business storage that needs climate protection for wood, fabrics, papers, and electronics.

  • 4–5 bedroom moves and estate consolidation
  • Contractor equipment and materials staging
  • Inventory/archives with shelving or rolling racks

Packing and stacking tips

Zone the unit so you can reach everything without a full unload. Use height safely and keep an aisle.

  • Back and walls for tallest/heaviest; build stable box columns (max four-high)
  • Create a U-shaped or center aisle; map zones near the door
  • Wrap wood/leather; crack appliance doors; use mats/pallets underneath

When to size up or down

If you want generous working space inside the unit or are storing oversized pieces plus multiple appliances, staying at 10×30 pays off. Size down to a 10×25 if you’re under a full four-bedroom load and don’t need a wide aisle. Some facilities offer warehouse units above 300 sq. ft.; availability varies.

Vehicle fit and special items

A 10×30 can accommodate longer vehicles; most cars fit a 10×20, while larger vans/trucks may need 10×25 or 10×30. Vehicle storage availability and policies vary by facility—always confirm before booking. Grand pianos, multiple large instruments, and sensitive electronics benefit from this size and climate control.

Make your pick with confidence

You’ve matched your items to a size, you know most units are about 8 feet tall for safe four-high stacks, and you’ve got the vehicle basics (motorcycle ≈ 5×10, most cars ≈ 10×20, some compacts in 10×15). With climate control protecting wood, electronics, and fabrics—and keyless, 24/7 access—you can choose once and store without second-guessing.

  • List it: Count furniture, appliances, and box totals; note any oversized pieces.
  • Plan the aisle: If you’ll visit often, size up one step for a clear walkway.
  • Measure reality: Longest sofa, mattress size, and appliance depth are the tie‑breakers.

Ready to lock it in? Reserve the size you need online in minutes and access your unit with your phone—no keys, no office hours. If the exact size isn’t open today, join the waitlist and we’ll notify you. Get started at Keyless Storage and store smarter in Sioux City.

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