Renting a storage unit that’s too small means you’ll be cramming items in and struggling to find anything later. Renting one that’s too large means you’re paying for empty space every month. Getting the size just right takes a little planning — and that’s exactly what this guide is for. At Forward Storage, we offer a range of unit sizes across our locations to make sure you always find the perfect fit.

Start With an Inventory

Before you rent, walk through your home, garage, or office and make a list of everything you plan to store. Group items by category — furniture, boxes, appliances, sports equipment, etc. This inventory will be your best tool for estimating how much space you need.
A common mistake is underestimating volume. A couch, dining table, and six chairs take up far more floor space than most people expect, especially when you factor in disassembly limitations and the need to leave walking paths inside the unit.

Common Storage Unit Sizes and What Fits

5×5 (25 sq ft): Think of this as a large closet. It’s perfect for a few boxes, small appliances, seasonal décor, or a couple of pieces of small furniture like a nightstand or end table. This size is great if you’re freeing up a closet or storing a handful of items.
5×10 (50 sq ft): About the size of a large walk-in closet, a 5×10 can hold the contents of a small bedroom — a mattress set, dresser, small sofa, and several boxes. It’s the most popular size for individuals clearing out one room.
10×10 (100 sq ft): This is roughly equivalent to a standard bedroom. A 10×10 unit can hold the contents of a one-bedroom apartment, including furniture, appliances, and boxes — ideal for someone moving between homes or doing a major renovation.
10×20 (200 sq ft): The size of a one-car garage, a 10×20 can accommodate the entire contents of a two- to three-bedroom home. Large furniture, multiple appliances, and dozens of boxes all fit comfortably.
10×30 (300 sq ft): For full household moves, business inventory, or storing large vehicles and equipment, a 10×30 provides ample room to store nearly anything.

Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Storage Space

• Disassemble furniture when possible — take legs off tables and bed frames to reduce the footprint
• Stack boxes from floor to ceiling — heavier boxes go on the bottom, lighter ones on top
• Use uniform box sizes so they stack evenly and don’t waste vertical space
• Store items you need frequently near the door, less-used items in the back
• Use shelving units inside your storage space to create vertical organization
• Keep a walkway down the middle for easy access to everything
• Label every box on all sides — not just the top

When in Doubt, Size Up

If you’re torn between two sizes, it almost always makes sense to go with the larger option. The cost difference between unit sizes is usually modest, and having breathing room inside your unit saves you time and frustration every time you need to access your belongings.
At Forward Storage, our team is happy to help you estimate the right size. With locations across the South, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic, we’re your local storage experts.