5’x10’ Storage Unit Size Guide

How Big Is a 5’x10’ Storage Unit?

A 5’x10’ storage unit is 50 square feet, roughly the size of an average walk-in closet. With ceilings generally around 8 feet high, they offer plenty of vertical room to stack your items. While compact, this storage unit size can hold more than you would expect.

How many cubic feet are in a 5’x10’ storage unit?

A standard 5’x10’ storage unit with typical 8-foot ceilings equates to 400 cubic feet of storage volume and 50 square feet of floor space. Some facilities offer 9- or 10-foot ceilings, which boosts capacity to 450 or 500 cubic feet respectively.

What Does a 5’x10’ Storage Unit Look Like?

A 5’×10’ storage unit has a smooth concrete floor and corrugated steel walls, enclosed by an 8- to 10-foot ceiling. The front features a full-width roll-up metal door with a latch for your padlock. Overall, it resembles a small garage bay with basic overhead or motion-activated lighting. 

What Can Fit in a 5’x10’ Storage Unit?

A 5’×10’ storage unit offers about 50 square feet of floor space (400 cu ft with an 8’ ceiling), making it perfect for the contents of a small studio or one-bedroom apartment. You can store a queen mattress and bed frame, a loveseat or small sofa, several medium boxes, and compact appliances like a microwave or mini-fridge. There’s room for a filing cabinet or bookshelf, plus seasonal décor and sports gear, all neatly stacked and accessible.

Will a queen mattress fit in a 5’x10’ storage unit? 

Yes. A standard queen mattress measures roughly 60″x80″, and a 5’x10’ unit provides a 60″-wide by 120″-deep footprint. You can slide the mattress flat against one wall or lean it upright to maximize floor space. Just be sure to protect it with a mattress bag and position it at the back or along the side to leave room for additional boxes or smaller furniture pieces.

Will a couch fit in a 5’x10’ storage unit?

Possibly, depending on its size. A typical three-seat sofa is about 84″ long, which exceeds the 60″ width of the unit, so it won’t lie flat. However, a smaller loveseat (60″ or less) can fit width-wise. You can also angle a standard sofa diagonally (up to roughly 100″ long) into the 120″ depth, provided you measure first. Always measure your couch’s length, depth, and height before attempting to load it.

Can a motorcycle fit in a 5’x10’ storage unit?

Yes. Most motorcycles range from 84″ to 96″ in length and 30″ to 40″ in width. A 5’×10’ unit’s 120″ depth easily accommodates lengthwise placement, and the 60″ width leaves enough room for handlebars. Angling the bike slightly can help if you have saddlebags or wider handlebars. Be sure to secure it upright, by using a stand or straps, to prevent tipping and to allow space for a small aisle or additional gear.

Can a car fit in a 5’x10’ storage unit?

No. Even the smallest compact cars are at least 12 feet long and 5½ feet wide, making them too large for a 5’×10’ unit. Most microcars exceed the depth allowance, too. For vehicle storage, you’ll need at least a 10’×20’ unit or a dedicated garage bay with a drive-in door.

How many boxes can fit in a 5’x10’ storage unit?

A 5’x10’ storage unit typically holds around 20 large cardboard boxes (4.5 cubic feet). This number will decrease if you plan to store bulkier items like appliances or furniture. Stacking the boxes vertically will help maximize available space.

Can a washer and dryer fit in a 5’x10’ storage unit?

Yes. Standard washers and dryers are about 27″ wide, 30″ deep, and 38″ tall. Placed side-by-side, they occupy roughly 54″ of width, leaving 6″ to spare. You can also stack them (if they’re stackable units) against one wall to free up floor space. With a depth of 120″, you’ll have plenty of room in front for boxes, shelving, or to access hoses and cords safely.

Can a dining table fit in a 5’x10’ storage unit?

It depends on its size and whether it disassembles. A typical 6-foot rectangular table (72″×36″) won’t fit flat across the 60″ width, but you can stand it on its side along the 120″ depth. Round tables up to 60″ in diameter can also lean upright against a wall. If your table has removable legs or leaves, store the tabletop vertically and stack leaves alongside to conserve space and simplify loading.

Common Items That Fit in a 5’x10’ Unit

Bedroom

• Queen or full mattress (flat or upright)
• Bed frame components (headboard, footboard, rails)
• Dresser or nightstand
• Boxes of clothing and linens
• Shoe racks or storage bins

Living Room

• Loveseat or small sofa (angled or upright)
• Coffee table or end tables
• Compact TV stand or media console
• Bookshelves or DVD cabinets
• Boxes of décor, books, and electronics

Kitchen

• Medium boxes of dishes, glassware, and cookware
• Small appliances (microwave, toaster oven, blender)
• Kitchen cart or folding table
• Totes of pantry items
• Disassembled dining chairs

Home Office

• Compact desk (possibly dismantled)
• Office chair
• Filing cabinet or boxes of paperwork
• Small bookcase or shelving unit
• Bins of office supplies

Garage/Outdoor

• One or two bicycles (hung vertically)
• Lawn tools bundled together (rakes, shovels)
• Camping gear or sports equipment
• Foldable grill or cooler
• Small tool chest

Miscellaneous

• Holiday decorations (Christmas tree sections, ornaments)
• Luggage and travel bags
• Hobby supplies (craft bins, musical instrument cases)
• Seasonal sporting goods (ski boots, golf clubs)
• Extra bedding or pillows

Compare 5’x10’ Units to Other Unit Sizes

A 5’×10’ unit provides 50 square feet of floor space, which is enough for the contents of a small studio or one-bedroom living room. The next smaller common option, a 5’×5’ unit, offers just half that area and is best reserved for a few boxes and compact furniture. On the larger end, a 10’×10’ unit doubles the footprint of a 5’×10’, accommodating multiple rooms, appliances, and bulky items. Other midsize choices like 5’×15’ bridge the gap, while portable containers and garage bays serve as alternative solutions.

5’x5’ vs. 5’x10’

• Floor Space: This is half the floor space of a 5’x10’, best for a few boxes, small furniture, or seasonal décor.
• Ideal Use: More budget-friendly, but too cramped for bulky items like mattresses or appliances.

5’×15’ vs. 5’x10’

• Floor Space: Adds 50% more space than a 5’×10’, allowing you to lay bulky items flat and stack higher.
• Ideal Use: Good for larger bedroom sets or combined living/kitchen overflow.

10’×10’ vs. 5’x10’

• Floor Space: Doubles the capacity of a 5’×10’, comfortably fitting furniture sets, major appliances, and multiple rooms of belongings.
• Ideal Use: Ideal for whole-apartment moves, whereas a 5’×10’ handles the contents of one room.

5’x10’ Storage Unit Alternatives

• Portable Storage Containers (8’x8’ or 8’x16’): Delivered curbside, these offer flexible loading at home but require driveway space and may cost more per square foot.
• Garage or Bay Rentals: Often 10’x20’ or larger; drive-in access is convenient for vehicles or heavy equipment, but can carry garage-style pricing.
• Locker-Style Units (3’x4’ to 4’x6’): Smaller and cheaper than a 5’x10’, perfect for documents or a handful of boxes but too limited for furniture.

Common Uses for 5’x 10’ Storage Units

From moving abroad to keeping seasonal items safe during the off-season, 5’x10’ storage units are ideal for various needs. Some common uses include:

• Living or studying abroad: Securely store your belongings while living, working, or studying for an extended time abroad.
• College summer storage: Keep your dorm room essentials safe as you move home for the summer.
• Small business storage: Extra storage for inventory, supplies, and record-keeping.
• Furniture storage: Store furniture temporarily while renovating a room or keep baby furniture safe so you can reuse it in the future.
• Seasonal storage: Clear up space in your home by storing holiday decor, winter clothing, or seasonal sports equipment.
• Senior storage: Secure storage for seniors who are downsizing or transitioning into a home. 
• Military storage: Protect your belongings while on deployment or relocating.
• Apartment moves: Hold the contents of a studio or one-bedroom apartment during a transition, giving you time to stage, clean, or remodel your new space.
• Equipment storage: Organize seasonal or professional gear like lawn mowers, power tools, photography kits, or fitness equipment out of your garage or workspace. 

How Much Does a 5’x10’ Storage Unit Cost?

5’x10’ units are one of the most cost-effective storage options. Move.org estimates that the average 5’x10’ storage unit costs approximately $60 monthly. Prices will vary depending on your region, storage provider, and included amenities.

How To Pack a 5’x10’ Storage Unit

Moving and packing can be overwhelming. Planning ahead and using practical storage unit packing tips helps make organizing your 5’x10’ storage unit stress-free. Below are 10 tips to maximize your space.

1. Plan Your Layout: Sketch a simple floor plan, designating back, middle, and front zones for items you’ll need least to most.
2. Measure Everything: Record dimensions of large furniture, appliances, and shelving to confirm they fit and to optimize placement.
3. Build Up, Not Out: Stack uniform, medium-sized boxes in stable columns against the back wall; heavier boxes on the bottom, lighter ones on top.
4. Use Furniture Wisely: Keep dressers and cabinets assembled and fill drawers with linens or kitchenware to save on boxes.
5. Maximize Vertical Space: Install free-standing or bolt-together shelving near the front for frequently accessed items.
6. Protect Fragile Items: Wrap glass, ceramics, and electronics in bubble wrap or towels, and label boxes “Fragile.”
7. Leave an Aisle: Maintain at least a 2- to 3-foot pathway along one side so you can retrieve items without unpacking the whole unit.
8. Label Clearly: Mark each box on two adjacent sides with contents and destination room to speed up unloading.
9. Cover Larger Items: Use a drop cloth or sheet to shield furniture and mattresses from dust.
10. Secure Tall Stacks: If possible, attach lightweight straps or bungee cords to prevent stacked boxes or shelving from tipping.

What size truck is needed to move a 5’x10’ storage unit?

Nobody wants to pay for a moving truck that is too large or too small for their needs. If you are moving items to a 5’x10’ storage unit, U-Haul suggests renting a 10-foot moving truck. A truck of this size should accommodate one or two large pieces of furniture along with several boxes. 

Other Storage Unit Size Guides

• 5’x5’ Size Guide
• 10’x10’ Size Guide
• 10’x15’ Size Guide

More Self-Storage Resources

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• How a Storage Unit Makes for a Stress-Free Move
• What Self-storage Customers Need To Know About Hurricane Season
• How Much Does a Storage Unit Cost?
• How to Pick the Right Size Storage Unit