5’x5’ Storage Unit Size Guide
Written by: StorageUnits.com Editorial Team - Updated: Jun 11, 2025
5’x5’ storage units are ideal for freeing up space in your home, managing transitions between seasons, or organizing smaller items. Despite their compact size, a 5’x5’ unit offers ample room to store small furniture, boxes, and important documents. Keep reading to learn more about what can fit in a 5’x5’ storage unit, including a room-by-room item list, comparison to other unit sizes, and practical uses to determine if a 5'x5’ storage unit is right for you.
How Big Is a 5’x5’ Storage Unit?
A 5’x5 ‘storage unit is approximately the size of a large walk-in closet. With ceilings around 8 feet high, these units offer 200 cubic feet of storage space. As one of the smallest and most affordable storage unit sizes, it’s ideal for storing a few boxes, small furniture, or seasonal items.
What Does a 5’x5’ Storage Unit Look Like?
A 5’x5’ storage typically features a smooth concrete floor with corrugated metal walls. A roll-up metal door offers secure access, often with a latch for your own padlock. Interior lighting may be minimal or motion-activated. The space feels like a compact walk-in closet or tiny garage stall.
What Can Fit in a 5’x5’ Storage Unit?
A 5’x5’ storage unit typically holds the contents of a large walk-in closet. You can store several medium boxes of seasonal clothing, a small dresser or nightstand, and a twin mattress (leaned upright). It also fits a compact bookshelf or a few small chairs stacked. Folding bikes or scooters and other sporting equipment can fit as well as boxes or totes of holiday decorations, kitchenware, or office supplies if neatly stacked.
Can a bed fit in a 5’x5’ storage unit?
A twin or full-size mattress will comfortably fit in a 5’x5’ storage unit if turned vertically. A king or queen-size mattress will be too large to fit in a unit of this size. If you are storing a mattress, it is important to protect it from water or pest damage by draping it with a tarp or plastic cover. Regardless of size, most bedframes should fit in a 5’x5’ unit if broken down into pieces.
Can a couch fit in a 5’x5’ storage unit?
As one of the largest items people typically need to store, most couches (not including large sectionals) will fit in a 5’x5’ storage unit if they’re turned on their side and stored vertically. If your couch or sofa can’t safely be stored this way, you’ll likely need to choose a larger storage unit, like a 5’x10’.
Can a motorcycle fit in a 5’x5’ storage unit?
Most full-sized motorcycles feature lengths of around 7 to 8 feet, so even angled, there’s not enough depth in a 5’x5’ storage unit for it to fit — a 5’x10’ or 5’x15’ size unit is a better bet. However, very compact scooters, mini-bikes, or small model motorcycles (around 4 to 5 feet long) can slide in sideways. You’ll also need to account for handlebars, which can add width. Remember to check with the specific facility regarding their policies for storing vehicles before you rent.
How many boxes fit in a 5’x5’ storage unit?
A 5’x5′ storage unit can typically fit five to eight boxes, depending on the size and other items you store. With ceilings around 8 feet or higher, you can maximize vertical space if you stack boxes. Use sturdy, stackable boxes to take advantage of the available height safely.
Common Items That Fit in a 5’x5’ Unit
Bedroom
- Twin mattress (leaned upright) or bunk bed components
- Small dresser or nightstand
- Boxes of seasonal clothing or linens
- Shoe racks or shoe boxes
Living Room
- Compact bookshelf or DVD cabinet
- Coffee table or small end table
- Two folding chairs or a single armchair
- Boxes of books, décor, and electronics
Kitchen
- Medium boxes filled with dishes, glassware, or cookware
- Small appliances (microwave, toaster oven, mixer)
- Kitchen table leaves or a folding kitchen cart
- Totes of pantry items or small racks
Home Office
- Compact desk (dismantled or narrow) and office chair
- Filing cabinets or boxes of paperwork
- Small bookshelf with binders and office supplies
Garage/Outdoor
- One bicycle (hung vertically on a hook)
- Lawn tools (shovels, rakes) bundled together
- Foldable grill or camping gear in storage bins
Miscellaneous
- Holiday decorations (artificial tree sections, boxes of ornaments)
- Suitcases and travel bags
- Sports equipment (golf clubs, baseball gear)
- Hobby crates (craft supplies, musical instrument cases)
Compare 5’x5’ Units to Other Unit Sizes
A 5’x5’ unit is the smallest typical size, roughly 25 square feet of floor space. The next standard size is a 5’x10′ (50 square feet), which offers twice the area and can accommodate the contents of a studio apartment, such as a sofa, mattress, and several boxes. In contrast, a 10’x10′ unit (100 square feet) provides four times the footprint of a 5’x5’ and can store furnishings from a one- to two-bedroom apartment, including larger appliances or several pieces of furniture.
5’x10’ vs. 5’x5’
- Floor Space: A 5’x10’ unit doubles the capacity, making it easier to lay bulky items flat rather than angling them.
- Ideal Use: It is better for storing a small living room setup, whereas a 5’x5’ is best for seasonal décor or a handful of boxes.
10’x10’ vs. 5’x5’
- Floor Space: Four times larger, a 10’x10’ storage unit can accommodate major appliances, multiple furniture sets, and boxes.
- Ideal Use: Suitable for whole apartment moves; a 5’x5’ cannot handle full bedroom or living room suites.
5’x5’ Storage Unit Alternatives
- Portable Storage Containers: These often measure about 8’x8’ and are delivered to your driveway. They may provide more flexibility than a traditional storage unit, but require available outdoor space.
- Garage or Shed Rental: Some facilities lease individual garage bays or small backyard sheds, which may be appropriate for some storage needs. They offer similar square footage, but sometimes at a higher cost per square foot.
- Locker-Style Units: Often available in 3’x4’ or 4’x4’ sizes, these units only fit a few boxes or small items. They can be useful for document storage or for very minimal overflow.
Common Uses for 5’x5’ Storage Units
5’x5’ storage units are popular for those with short-term or seasonal storage needs. Some of the most common uses for these units include:
- Seasonal storage: Decorations for holidays like Christmas or Halloween often take up a lot of space in your attic or garage year-round. A 5’x5 ‘storage unit is just the right size for inflatables, light displays, or animatronics.
- College students: A 5’x5’ storage unit should be able to fit the contents of a standard-size dorm room while you welcome your college student home for the summer.
- Office Storage: A 5’x5’ unit can accommodate several filing boxes, office supplies, and small equipment, like stacks of archived paperwork, a printer or scanner, and spare chairs. It’s ideal for small businesses needing to declutter.
- Apartment Overflow: A 5’x5’ unit is perfect for storing items you don’t use daily, like off-season clothing, kitchenware, sporting equipment, or small pieces of furniture.
How Much Does a 5’x5’ Storage Unit Cost?
On average, you can expect to pay around $65 monthly for a 5’x5’ storage unit. Storage unit prices vary depending on local demand, insurance coverage, and additional features — like climate control or 24-hour access. Compare options in your area to find the best value for your budget.
10 Packing Tips For a 5’x5’ Storage Unit
Effective packing is key in a small storage space. The 10 tips below will help you maximize your space.
- Measure and Plan: Sketch a simple layout before moving items in. Note where tall or bulky pieces (e.g., small dresser, end table) will go.
- Use Uniform Boxes: To make stacking stable, opt for medium-sized, sturdy boxes. Label each box clearly on at least two sides.
- Load Large Items First: Place dressers, small appliances, or flat-packed furniture against the back wall. This creates a solid base and prevents shifting.
- Utilize Furniture Storage: Keep dressers or nightstands assembled and fill drawers with linens, kitchenware, or small décor. This maximizes space and cuts down on extra boxes.
- Stack Strategically: Start with heavier, sturdier boxes on the bottom and build upward with lighter boxes, keeping labels facing the aisle.
- Maximize Vertical Space: If you have a small shelving unit (collapsible or wire shelves), position it near the entrance for easy access to frequently needed items.
- Create an Aisle: Leave a narrow walkable path down the center or side to reach items without unloading the entire unit.
- Protect Fragile Items: Wrap glass, framed pictures, or electronics in bubble wrap or clothing. Place these boxes on top of stacks or against a side wall where they’re less likely to be bumped.
- Cover and Secure: Drape a clean sheet or tarp over furniture to prevent dust. If possible, use bungee cords or straps to secure tall stacks.
- Keep Essential Items Accessible: Position a box marked “Open First” near the front containing tools (box cutter, markers, twist ties), cleaning supplies, and any items you might need immediately.
What size truck do I need to move a 5’x5’ storage unit?
Most moving trucks can easily fit the contents of a 5’x5′ storage unit with ample room to spare. A 4’x8 ‘or 5’x8’ trailer should be enough if you need a trailer to move your belongings. Trailers are often less expensive to rent than moving trucks and can be attached to most vehicles. In some cases, you may be able to transport your goods in the bed of a pickup truck or large SUV.