If you’re trying to figure out what a 5×10 storage unit is and what you can actually put inside one, you’ve come to the right place! A 5×10 storage unit is a popular size that works for many storage needs, such as cleaning out a room or keeping extra business items. Think of it as an extra closet-sized space that’s ready to hold your things. Let’s break down the details and see if this size fits your needs.
Knowing the size and how much it holds is important when choosing a storage unit. The total area, including the height, makes a big difference in how much you can store. We’ll look into the size, what usually fits, the types of features you might find, and even what it can cost. By the end, you’ll have a good sense of whether a 5×10 unit is right for you.
What Is a 5×10 Storage Unit?
A 5×10 storage unit is a storage space built to keep your things safe. The “5×10” refers to the space’s measurements-5 feet wide and 10 feet long. This is one of the most common storage sizes and a good option for people who are new to self-storage or need space for about one room’s worth of belongings.
You’ll find these units at self-storage businesses in both indoor and outdoor setups. Whether you’re clearing out seasonal items, storing furniture while moving, or keeping business products organized, a 5×10 unit gives you a manageable and affordable bit of extra space.
How Big Is a 5×10 Storage Unit?
A 5×10 storage unit measures 5 feet wide by 10 feet long, for a total of 50 square feet of floor area. That’s about as much space as a medium-sized walk-in closet. It’s a good step up from smaller units if you need to store larger items or more boxes.
What Does a 5×10 Storage Unit Look Like?
Picture a rectangle about the size of a spacious walk-in closet. That’s usually what a 5×10 unit looks like. It has a single door-often a roll-up type-giving you full access to the space. Inside, it’s just an open area where you can stack and arrange things as you’d like.
Indoor units are inside larger buildings and often have wide hallways and elevator access. Outdoor versions usually let you drive your car right up to the unit, making it easy to load and unload your belongings.
What Are the Dimensions and Volume of a 5×10 Storage Unit?
The standard 5×10 unit is 5 feet wide and 10 feet long, making up 50 square feet of floor space. Most also have an 8-foot-high ceiling, which gives you more room to stack items. Altogether, that adds up to around 400 cubic feet. This means you can store things vertically, too, by stacking boxes and standing furniture upright.
If you have tall things to store, be sure to double-check the ceiling height at your specific storage location.
What Can You Put in a 5×10 Storage Unit?
Filling up a 5×10 unit is easier than you might think. This size can usually hold all of the furniture from a mid-sized bedroom, plus several boxes and other belongings. Think of what you would find in one average bedroom: a bed, dresser, nightstand, lamp, and several boxes of clothes or books. All of that would usually fit in a 5×10.
How Many Boxes Can Fit in a 5×10 Storage Unit?
If you’re mainly storing boxes, you can fit up to 20 large boxes in a 5×10 unit, with extra space for smaller items. If you stack the boxes well and take advantage of the height, you might fit even more, especially if you use boxes that are all the same size for easy stacking.
What Items Fit in a 5×10 Storage Unit?
A 5×10 unit is flexible and can hold a wide range of items. Here is a list by category:
| Category | Common Items |
|---|---|
| Furniture | Chairs, dressers, nightstands, lamps, small couches, mattresses (up to queen or king size if upright) |
| Appliances | Microwaves, toasters, small refrigerators, vacuums, fans, window air conditioners |
| Outdoor Equipment | Bikes, lawn mowers (drain fuel first), seasonal decorations, camping gear |
| Electronics & Entertainment | TVs, stereo equipment, books, toys, instruments, collectibles |
| Business Items | Office supplies, small equipment, extra inventory, files |
| Other | Suitcases, gardening tools, boxes of records, personal files, luggage |
Tips for Packing
- Take apart large furniture to save space
- Wrap furniture and fragile items for protection
- Use the inside of appliances to store smaller things
- Label boxes to keep track of what’s inside
Can a King-Size Bed Fit?
Yes, you can fit a king-size bed set-mattress, frame, and box spring-in a 5×10 unit, especially if you store the mattress and box spring standing up. Take the bed frame apart and wrap each piece to keep it safe from dust and damage.
Can You Store a Motorcycle in a 5×10 Storage Unit?
Most motorcycles will fit in a 5×10 unit, with room left over for helmets, accessories, or a few extra boxes. Before putting your motorcycle in storage, get it ready by draining fluids if needed and making sure it’s clean and dry.
What Can’t You Store in a 5×10 Storage Unit?
Some things are never allowed in storage units for safety reasons. These usually include:
- Gasoline and other flammable liquids
- Paint and chemicals
- Fireworks
- Propane tanks
- Live plants or animals
- Perishable foods
Check with your storage facility to see their specific list of banned items before you pack.
How to Choose the Best 5×10 Storage Unit
Not every 5×10 unit is the same. Different places offer different features, and those might be important depending on what you’re storing. Here are a few things to think about:
- Are any of your items sensitive to heat, cold, or dampness?
- How often will you need access?
- What’s your budget?
Do You Need Climate Control?
Climate-controlled storage units keep a steady temperature and humidity level. Use climate control if you’re storing things like wood furniture, artwork, electronics, or important paperwork. In areas with lots of weather changes or humidity, climate control keeps your items from getting damaged by moisture or temperature swings.
Other Features to Look For
- Shelves-help organize and stack boxes
- Lighting inside the unit
- Good security-gated entry, cameras, on-site staff
Indoor vs Drive-Up Access
- Drive-up: Park your car right next to the unit door. Best for heavy or big things.
- Indoor: Units are inside a building. Safer from weather, more secure, but you’ll need to carry things through hallways or use an elevator if it’s not on the first floor.
Packing a 5×10 Storage Unit
- Put heavier items and boxes at the bottom
- Stack boxes and other things up to use the height
- Keep things you’ll need often near the door
- Leave a small walkway so you can reach the back of the unit
5×10 Storage Unit Prices
What you pay to rent a 5×10 storage unit changes by location and features. Here’s what affects the cost:
What Does a 5×10 Storage Unit Cost?
The price mostly depends on:
- Your city or town-bigger, busier places cost more
- How many units are available-fewer empty units means higher price
- Features you select-climate control and drive-up access usually cost extra
What Else Changes the Price?
- Climate control
- Indoor vs. outdoor access
- The unit’s floor location (ground floor might be more expensive)
- Extra fees-like admin or lock charges
Always ask the facility about all possible fees before you sign up.
How to Find an Affordable 5×10 Storage Unit
- Check prices online-they can change often
- Look out for move-in specials or first month discounts
- Compare prices and features for several local storage places
How to Rent a 5×10 Storage Unit Near You
After deciding that a 5×10 unit is right for you, you just need to find one nearby. Renting is easy, and you can often do it online or by visiting the facility in person.
How to Find a Nearby Unit
- Use storage company websites-type in your city or ZIP code to see local options
- View available units, prices, and features directly online
How to Rent
- Rent online: Pick your unit, reserve it, and complete your agreement digitally
- Rent in person: Visit the storage location, tour units, and fill out paperwork onsite
- Most rentals are month-to-month with no long-term commitment
- Read your agreement so you know payment rules and when you can access your things
Tips for Using and Packing Your 5×10 Storage Unit
Making the most of your 5×10 unit means being organized. Follow these easy steps to pack well and keep items safe:
Packing Advice
- Use strong boxes, tape, and packing materials to protect your things
- Don’t overpack boxes or they could split
- Label every box clearly with its contents and room name
- Keep a list of everything you’re storing for easy reference
- Take apart big furniture and wrap small pieces together
- Pack delicate things with bubble wrap and store them on their sides
Safety & Security
- Use a sturdy lock on your unit
- Keep your access code or key private
- Tell someone where you are if visiting alone, especially at night
- Store more valuable items at the back where they can’t be seen from the door
- Don’t block walkways; stack items safely and avoid placing things that could fall
- Nevr store anything that could start a fire, like gas or chemicals
Making the Most of the Space
- Stack boxes and light items up to the ceiling height
- Put heavy or big items at the bottom and towards the back
- Use shelves if allowed for extra levels
- Fill empty spaces-place small things in drawers, suitcases, or unused corners
- Leave a path so you can reach everything without moving every box out
Comparing Common Storage Unit Sizes
The 5×10 size is very popular, but it can help to compare it to other sizes, like the 5×5, to make sure you’re picking the best option.
5×5 Storage Unit vs. 5×10 Storage Unit
| Size | Space | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 5×5 | 25 sq. ft. | A few boxes, small furniture, documents |
| 5×10 | 50 sq. ft. | Furniture, larger items, lots of boxes |
The 5×5 is about the size of a small closet-enough for basic storage or a few small pieces of furniture. A 5×10 is double the space and can handle a bedroom’s worth of furniture and boxes, making it a good choice if you’re unsure how much room you need. When in doubt, go with the bigger size to avoid running out of space.
All in all, a 5×10 storage unit offers a great middle-ground solution for people and businesses needing more room but not wanting to rent a huge space. With careful packing and a little planning, you’ll get the most out of this useful storage size and keep your things safe and easy to reach.