How Big Is a 5x5 Storage Unit?

5x5 storage unit size and dimensions

A 5x5 storage unit measures 5 feet wide by 5 feet long. These units provide 25 square feet of floor space, typically 8-foot ceilings and 200 cubic feet of total storage capacity. For reference, this is about the size of a generous walk-in closet or hallway closet. They’re best suited for situations where you need to store a few belongings rather than the contents of your entire home.

The major storage companies we consulted with all offer an 8-foot ceiling with their 5x5 storage units, for a total of 200 cubic feet. Some also offer a limited number of 10-foot ceilings. Either of these options provides enough room to store a queen-sized mattress when placed vertically, and ample space to stack items strategically to maximize storage.

What fits in a 5x5 unit?

You wouldn’t rent a 5x5 storage unit if you’re looking to empty a two-bedroom home of all of its belongings. In fact, it’s really not even large enough for the contents of a studio apartment. Instead, most people who rent a 5x5 storage unit are using it for one of the following:

• A particular purpose
• A particular item or set of items
• A particular reason

Say you’re an avid sports enthusiast, but your sporting equipment is taking up too much room in your home. Perhaps you don’t have a garage, the equipment is relatively large (such as skis or a bike) or you simply don’t feel it’s part of your home’s aesthetic. You could rent a 5x5 unit to store your sporting equipment.

Or perhaps your child attends college and you need a place to store all of their belongings from their dorm room over the summer until they return to school. A 5x5 storage unit would be perfect for this purpose.

Another popular use for a small storage unit, like a 5x5? Seasonal items! You can use it to store holiday decorations like boxes of ornaments, an artificial tree, wreaths and more. It’s the perfect way to gain additional space to store sentimental or potentially fragile holiday items you might otherwise be tempted to shove in a closet until the following year.

Similarly, off-season clothing can be stored in a 5x5 storage unit, which typically has capacity for between 5 and 10 boxes with a bit of room left over for other items. 

Below is a detailed breakdown of the items you could likely store in a 5x5 storage unit:

• Dressers, nightstands, chairs, small desks and bookcases
• Business files, documents, inventory and office supplies
• Holiday decorations, clothing, sports gear and garden supplies
• Camping gear
• Musical instruments

» FIND OUT: How much do storage units cost?

How many boxes fit in a 5x5 storage unit?

Most major storage companies assert that their 5x5 storage units will fit between five and eight medium-sized boxes. However, with strategic packing, which often involves stacking boxes high, you could likely fit more than that. This is especially true if you’ll only be using your 5x5 storage unit for boxes instead of combining them with other items.

A higher ceiling allows for a few more boxes (a 10-foot ceiling provides 50 cubic feet more than an 8-foot ceiling). But you’ll need to ensure you stack your boxes with heavier items toward the bottom and lighter objects at the top. This could add a level of complexity that’s not offset by 50 cubic feet.

» CONSIDER: What size storage unit do I need?

How to pack a 5x5 unit

If you anticipate your storage unit will be pretty full, strategic packing can help ensure you can fit as many items as possible. Follow the tips listed below to maximize your storage space.

• Puzzle items like Tetris(™): Strategic moves like flipping a chair upside down and placing it on top of a box, or storing a mattress alongside a flat wall, can drastically increase the number of items you can put in your 5x5 storage unit. 
• Use vertical space: Store lightweight items like small boxes, linens or small appliances toward the top of the unit. This adds storage without causing damage to items below. A storage unit with a 10-foot ceiling adds 50 cubic feet over one that offers an 8-foot ceiling. 
• Stack boxes wisely: Neatly stacked boxes save space in a square storage unit. Remember to label boxes clearly and accurately, and place heavier or larger boxes at the bottom.
• Pack back to front: Fill your 5x5 storage unit carefully, working from back to front. This will not only maximize storage capacity but save time too, since you won’t have to dodge items in the way as you continue filling your storage unit.

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