How to Choose the Right Storage Unit Size

Start with what you're storing

The easiest way to pick a unit size is to picture everything you plan to store in one place. Group your items into a few piles — boxes, furniture, appliances, and anything oversized like a mattress or a bike — and you'll quickly get a feel for how much space you actually need.

It helps to think in terms of rooms. A single bedroom's worth of belongings takes up far less space than the contents of a full house, and knowing that up front keeps you from overpaying for space you won't use.

A quick size guide

Here's a general rule of thumb for our most popular unit sizes at Derby State Storage:

• 5′ × 10′ (50 sq ft) — Studio or dorm overflow, sporting goods, and a few pieces of furniture.
• 10′ × 10′ (100 sq ft) — Roughly a one-bedroom apartment, including appliances.
• 10′ × 20′ (200 sq ft) — A small house or a full garage clean-out.

When in doubt, size up

If you're right between two sizes, the slightly larger unit is usually worth it. A little extra room makes it far easier to organize your unit, create an aisle to reach items in the back, and add to your storage later without renting a second space.

Still unsure? Give our team a call and we'll help you pick the right size before you commit.