🗄️ Storage Unit Size Calculator

Enter what you plan to store and how much of it, and we'll calculate total volume and recommend a self-storage unit size.

Bed (twin/single)

Bed (queen)

Bed (king)

Sofa

Dining set (table + 4 chairs)

Dresser

Coffee/side table

Refrigerator

Washer/dryer (each)

TV (large, boxed)

Bicycle

Boxes (small)

Boxes (medium)

Boxes (large)

Recommended Unit Size

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Total Volume — Buffered Volume (+20%) —

Real units need aisle space and room to access items, so the recommendation adds a 20% buffer on top of your raw total volume.

Related Calculators Moving Boxes Calculator

Unit Size	Capacity	Typical Use
5×5 ft	≈125 cu ft	One closet's worth — small furniture, a few boxes
5×10 ft	≈250 cu ft	One small bedroom
10×10 ft	≈500 cu ft	Studio / 1 bedroom
10×15 ft	≈750 cu ft	2 bedrooms
10×20 ft	≈1000 cu ft	3 bedrooms
10×30 ft	≈1500+ cu ft	A full house of belongings

GUIDE

Learn more

How Storage Unit Size Is Calculated

This calculator computes total volume (cubic feet) = Σ(item quantity × average volume per item). Assumed volumes include a queen bed ≈35 cu ft, a sofa ≈35 cu ft, a dining set ≈60 cu ft, a refrigerator ≈40 cu ft, and a small box ≈1.5 cu ft. For example, 1 queen bed (35) + 1 sofa (35) + 1 dining set (60) + 1 dresser (20) + 1 coffee table (10) + 10 small boxes (15) totals 175 cu ft. Adding a 20% buffer for aisle and access space brings that to 210 cu ft, which fits a 5×10 ft unit (≈250 cu ft capacity) — the next size down, 5×5 at 125 cu ft, would be too small.

Guide to Unit Sizes and Typical Uses

Common self-storage industry tiers are 5×5 (≈125 cu ft), 5×10 (≈250 cu ft), 10×10 (≈500 cu ft), 10×15 (≈750 cu ft), 10×20 (≈1,000 cu ft), and 10×30 (≈1,500+ cu ft). A 5×5 fits a closet's worth of small items and a few boxes; a 10×10 fits a studio or one bedroom; a 10×20 fits a full 3-bedroom home; a 10×30 fits a large house's worth of belongings. Facilities often list dimensions differently outside the US, so treat this calculator's cubic-foot output as a planning reference and always confirm exact dimensions and ceiling height with the facility before booking.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the calculator add a 20% buffer?

Real storage units need aisle space and room to reach items in the back, so it's safer to rent a unit sized for your raw total plus a margin rather than an exact fit.

What if an item isn't on the list?

Approximate it using a similar-sized item already on the list (e.g., a large planter ≈ a dresser, a small appliance ≈ a medium box).

Why are unit sizes shown in feet?

5×5, 10×10, etc. are the standard sizing convention in the US self-storage industry. Outside the US, confirm the facility's actual dimensions before signing a contract.