5x10 storage unit size and dimensions
A 5-by-10 storage unit measures 5 feet wide by 10 feet long, providing 50 square feet of floor space and typically 400 cubic feet of total capacity with standard 8-foot ceilings. Somewhat comparable to a generously sized walk-in closet, a 5-by-10 unit is suitable for storing the contents of a studio or one-bedroom apartment.
Most major storage companies offer 5-by-10 rental units. You can find both interior, climate-controlled and outdoor pull-up offerings, depending on your needs and budget, as well as both 8- and 10-foot ceilings for units of this size.
The majority of storage units this size are 5 feet wide by 10 feet deep, which is narrow but deep, rather than a 10-foot-wide by 5-foot-deep configuration, which is shallow but wide. This is an important difference when you’re attempting to store bulky furniture items that may have difficulty fitting through the narrow entrance (a 4-foot door vs. an 8-foot door).
If you’re seeking a shallow but wide (10x5) storage unit, call the storage facility you’re considering and ask if they offer any units with this unique configuration. Many do, but they may not advertise them separately.
What is a 5x10 unit typically used for?
Unless you live in a studio or one-bedroom apartment, a 5-by-10 storage unit likely can’t hold the entire contents of your home. Instead, these relatively small storage units are most often used for overflow storage, seasonal storage or as a short-term solution, such as staging a home for sale and removing excess items or clutter.
How tall is a 5x10 unit?
A 5-by-10 storage unit with a 10-foot ceiling offers 100 cubic feet more than the same unit with an 8-foot ceiling. This additional square footage can be valuable for storing lightweight items such as linens, small boxes, lamps or small appliances. When stacking boxes, make sure to place boxes with heavier items toward the bottom and lighter objects on top.
What fits in a 5x10 unit?
Most major storage companies indicate that a 5-by-10 storage unit can hold up to 20 medium-sized boxes. Strategic packing could allow for a few more than that, if you’re not also storing other large items in there.
Along with 20 to 25 boxes, the list below includes many of the most common items people tend to store in a 5-by-10 storage unit.
- Mattress and bed frame (up to king size)
- Small couch or loveseat
- Dresser
- Nightstand
- Holiday decorations
- Seasonal clothing
- Patio furniture
- Bike
- Sports equipment
A 5-by-10 unit is generally not ideal for full-house storage for homes larger than a studio apartment. It’s also not a great solution for large furniture pieces or other bulky household items. If you’re seeking a storage unit for oversized furniture, a car or large sporting equipment such as a canoe or small boat, a bigger storage unit is a better option.
How to pack a 5x10 unit
When it comes to packing your 5-by-10 storage unit, you don’t have to be a moving and packing expert to maximize your space. Follow these tips to get the most from your small storage unit.
- Start at the back and work your way forward. This prevents you from having to maneuver around objects while packing, saving you time and effort.
- Place large, flat items against the walls. Items such as dressers, bookcases and mattresses take up less space when placed against a wall, allowing you to work your way inward as you pack your unit.
- Neatly stack bins and boxes. Orderly rows of identically-sized boxes can help maximize space. These work well when pushed against mattresses or furniture that’s placed against the walls.
- Puzzle items in a logical way. For example, turn a chair upside down on top of a stack of boxes. When packing a storage unit, think of your belongings like a game of Tetris.
- Create a center aisle for easy access. While packing your unit, leave a small amount of space in the middle to allow yourself easy access.
- Disassemble furniture to save space. This applies more to irregularly shaped items such as beds, chairs and tables.
- Label everything clearly. This will help you find things easily once your storage unit is packed.
- Keep frequently accessed items near the door. If there are items you know you’ll want to remove and put back often, keeping them easily accessible will save you time and effort.
FAQ
Can a car fit in a 5x10 storage unit?
No, it’s not possible to fit a car in a 5-by-10 storage unit. We recommend at least a 10x20 storage space for a car to ensure proper fit and to reduce the likelihood of damage to the vehicle, which could occur from attempting to squeeze it into a space that’s too small. A 5-by-10 unit is suitable for a motorcycle, moped or ATV, however.
What is the average cost of a 5x10 storage unit?
The average cost of a 5-by-10 storage unit may depend on where you live. A basic unit in a rural area could cost as little as $50, while an indoor, climate-controlled 5-by-10 storage unit in a high-cost-of-living area could be as high as $300.
What size storage unit do I need for a studio apartment?
To fit the entire contents of a typical studio apartment, you’ll likely need at least a 5-by-10 storage unit, or perhaps even a 5-by-15 unit. It’s unlikely that any size smaller than this will be sufficient to store all of your belongings.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Price Self Storage, “Small 5x10 Storage Rental Guide.” Accessed Mar. 21, 2026.
- SecureSpace, “How much does a 5x10 storage unit cost?” Accessed Mar. 20, 2026.
- Extra Space Storage, “Your Guide to 5x10 Storage Units.” Accessed Mar. 21, 2026.
- U-Haul, “5 x 10 Storage Unit Information & FAQs.” Accessed Mar. 20, 2026.
