How to Estimate Mini Storage Unit Size for Furniture

Trying to figure out what size storage unit you actually need?

Choosing the appropriately sized mini storage unit can be one of the trickier aspects of renting storage. Choose a unit that is too small and you'll run into issues trying to fit all your furniture in it. Choose a unit that is too large and you'll be wasting money every month.

With a proper mini storage unit size guide, you can:

• Save money on monthly rental fees
• Fit your furniture without the stress
• Avoid renting a second unit later

Follow this guide to learn how to perfectly measure for your furniture unit every time.

Why Furniture Sizing Trips People Up

Furniture is the #1 reason people rent storage units in the first place.

Furniture came in first place with 72% of recent renters storing at least some furniture. Seasonal Decorations and Sentimental items rounded out the top three at 61% and 50% respectively. Looks like a lot of people's storage units are filled with couches, dressers, and dining room tables.

But here's the problem...

Most folks estimate when they choose a unit size. Estimates almost always fail you. If you require a small storage unit rental to store a couple of pieces of furniture, know the measurements. Otherwise you're gambling.

Mini storage units (think 5'x5' all the way up to 5'x10') are ideal for holding furniture from a studio apartment or one bedroom apartment. If you choose carefully.

Fun fact: the most rented size of storage units are 10'x10' (22%) and 5'x10' (21%). Did you know that the 5'x10' is considered mini storage? It's a favorite for good reason -- it holds a lot of furniture.

Mini Storage Unit Sizes Explained

Mini Storage Units Sizes Guide to What Fits

5'x5' Mini Storage Unit (25 sq ft)

A 5'x5' is approximately the size of a small walk-in closet. This is the smallest square footage you will find at any facility.

What it fits:

• A small dresser or chest of drawers
• A few boxes of books and decor
• A single mattress (stood on its side)
• 1-2 nightstands or end tables

If you only have a couple pieces of furniture or are storing bedroom furniture from just one room, this will generally suffice.

5'x7.5' Mini Storage Unit (37.5 sq ft)

A 5'x7.5' gives you more breathing room without jumping to a full 5'x10'.

What it fits:

• The contents of a small bedroom
• A loveseat or small sofa
• A small dining table with chairs
• A mattress set + dresser combo

Suitable for college students or transitional living. Great if you are storing pieces from a small studio apartment.

5'x10' Mini Storage Unit (50 sq ft)

A 5'x10' is roughly the size of a big walk-in closet -- and it's the most popular size at mini storage.

What it fits:

• The contents of a one-bedroom apartment
• A full size couch + chairs
• A queen mattress + bedroom furniture
• A small dining set + appliances
• Multiple boxes stacked on top

Moving out of a one bedroom or downsizing from a larger rental? This is most likely perfect for you. 31% of self storage customers are utilizing a storage unit during a move. The largest majority of those people are moving their furniture.

How To Measure Your Furniture Properly

Now to the most important step...

How can you choose the proper sized mini storage unit without knowing what you have?

Make A Furniture List

Begin by making a list of all your furniture you want stored. Be thorough. Forgotten items are why people lease a second unit.

Your list might look like this:

• Couch (84" x 36" x 30")
• Coffee table (48" x 24" x 18")
• Queen mattress + box spring
• Dresser (60" x 18" x 36")
• 2 nightstands
• Dining table + 4 chairs

Once the list is complete, you're ready for the next step.

Calculate The Square Footage

Measure each piece of furniture. Multiply the length times the width. That is how much floor space the furniture will take up.

But here's the trick...

You don't have to add all of these numbers together. Why not? Well because you can place furniture on top of furniture in a storage unit. A coffee table can go on top of a couch. Boxes can be placed inside of dressers. Chairs can sit on dining tables.

It's good to estimate adding about 60-70% of your items total square footage. That allows for stacking, and furniture grouping together.

Don't Forget The Walking Space

Here's a mistake that comes up all the time...

People often fill their storage units so full they cannot access anything in the back. Try leaving a little walkway down the center if possible. It'll be much easier to reach your belongings that way.

Smart Packing Tips To Maximize Space

Picked your unit? Now it's time to make every square inch count.

Use these tips to pack much more furniture into a small storage unit than you thought you could.

Disassemble What You Can

Dismantle all the furniture you can. Beds, tables, bookcases - you name it. Broken furniture flattens out to mostly take up a small fraction of the space and stacks nicely.

Tip: store screws and hardware in labelled zip-lock bags. Tape bag to the piece of furniture it belongs with so you don't lose it.

Use Vertical Space

The average mini storage unit is 8-10 feet tall. There's a lot of unused vertical space.

Place stack boxes over dressers. Lean mattresses against walls. Store lightweight objects on top of heavier furniture. You can fit more than you think if you stack upward.

Protect Your Furniture

Putting furniture into storage is one thing. Keeping it safe while in storage is another.

Protect sofas, mattresses and upholstered chairs with breathable furniture covers or sheets. Don't use sealed plastic as moisture can become trapped and lead to mildew. Wrap wood furniture with moving blankets to avoid scratches.

Damaged furniture defeats the whole purpose of storing it in the first place.