Storage Locker Size Guide: Plan Organization By Dimensions

Use this storage locker size guide to choose the right dimensions for your needs and create a more organized, efficient storage plan.

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

Choosing an incorrect size storage unit can be a huge mistake when renting. Rent too small and you'll run out of space. Rent too large and you will be wasting money each month.
With a proper storage locker size guide you can:

• Know exactly what size to rent

• Save money each month

• Organize your items the right way

Here is how to do it...

In this guide:

1. Why Storage Locker Size Matters

2. The Most Common Storage Locker Sizes

3. How To Plan Organization By Dimensions

4. Tips To Maximize Your Storage Space

Why Storage Locker Size Matters

Selecting an appropriately sized storage locker is more crucial than most consumers realize. The self-storage industry has expanded greatly throughout the years and there are many options available.

Actually, the household penetration rate has increased from 8.95% in 2005 to 12.60% in 2024.

More folks are renting storage units than ever before. There are many sizes available to fit every situation. However, choosing the incorrect size will cost you money. This ultimate guide to self storage lockers is the best place to start your storage locker size guide organization journey because it shows you exactly what fits in each unit.

A proper storage locker size guide helps you:

• Don't leave empty space: Renting a unit that is too big is just paying to store air. The closer your storage needs match the storage locker size, the more affordable it will be.

• Save Your Stuff: Overpacking an undersized unit will destroy your belongings. Boxes will get crushed, furniture will scratch and break and fragile items will crack.

• Stay organized: Proper sized locker allows you to open the door without emptying half the locker first in order to find what you are looking for.

Pretty important, right?

Below is a breakdown of each storage locker size and what fits inside!

The Most Common Storage Locker Sizes

Visit your local storage facility and you will notice various sizes. Each facility typically carries the same standard sizes. This makes it super simple when mapping out your storage.

The most common storage locker sizes are:

1. Small lockers (under 25 sq ft)

2. Medium units (25-75 sq ft)

3. Large units (75-150 sq ft)

4. Extra-large units (150+ sq ft)

In that order from smallest to largest.

Different sizes suit different needs. With nationwide capacity exceeding 2.1 billion square feet of self-storage space, there are a lot of options.

Let's take a closer look...

Small Storage Lockers

Small lockers usually refer to lockers that are 5x5 feet, or smaller in size. They are around 4 feet in height. You can use small lockers to store:

• Seasonal clothing

• Small boxes of documents

• A few sentimental items

• Sports equipment

Small lockers tend to be the least expensive and are ideal for college students or anyone looking to have some additional space at home.

These lockers are about the size of a small closet. You won't be able to fit big furniture/appliances in these.

Medium Storage Lockers

Mediums: These units are 5x10 feet. These are the most commonly rented size. They can fit:

• The contents of a small one-bedroom apartment

• A mattress set

• A couch and small table

• Around 15-20 medium boxes

Medium Lockers Offer the Best Value for Money When It Comes to Space. Since the average price for a 10x10 non-climate controlled unit is $119/month, you can see how a 5x10 medium locker would be less.

This is the Goldilocks zone for most renters. It allows wiggle room when you walk in, but doesn't empty your pockets.

Large Storage Lockers

Ten by ten lockers and 10 by fifteen lockers are what you would call large lockers. They can hold everything you might have in a two bedroom apartment or even a small house. Things you can keep in one of these include:

• Multiple pieces of furniture

• Major appliances

• 30+ boxes

• A motorcycle or small vehicle

Extra Large lockers are ideal for those who are transitioning between houses or storing things while remodeling.

The additional height also allows you to safely stack things and take advantage of vertical storage.

Extra-Large Storage Lockers

Extra-large units are 10x20 feet or larger. Think mini garage. Ideal for:

• The contents of a 4-5 bedroom house

• Business inventory

• Vehicles (cars, boats, RVs)

• Workshop equipment

The downside is that they're more expensive each month, so be sure you need that much space.

Storage Locker Sizes Compared

Here's a quick comparison to help you decide:

Small  Medium  Large  Extra-Large

Size  5x5 5x10   10x10  10x20

Fits  Closet  1-bed apt  2-bed home  House/Vehicle

Cost  Lowest  Low-Mid  Medium  Highest

Renting can't be planned wrong if you take inventory of what you have first!

How To Plan Organization By Dimensions

Choosing the appropriate size locker is only part of the solution. The second part is arranging the contents of your locker so that everything fits and remains accessible. Learn how to do it properly...

Make A List Of Everything

Begin by making an inventory of everything you want to store. Make note of approximate dimensions for large items such as furniture and appliances. It's tedious, but saves you from accidentally renting a unit that is too small.

Your list should look something like this:

• Couch: 7 feet long

• Mattress: queen size

• 12 medium boxes

• Bicycle

• Dining table

Measure Your Furniture

Pick up a tape measure and write down measurements of all your large pieces. Don't eyeball it. A "small" couch to someone may be gigantic to you.

Use The Cubic Feet Rule

Calculate cubic feet by multiplying length times width times height for each item. Tally up the cubic feet for everything. Compare the combined cubic feet with that of the storage locker space you want.

This is the most accurate way to figure out what size unit you need.

Plan The Layout Before You Pack

Before tossing boxes into your locker, sketch a simple diagram on paper. Keep heavy and large items towards the back. Place items you use often towards the front.

It takes 10 minutes of your time, but will save you hours when you have to locate a file.

Tips To Maximize Your Storage Space

Now that we have answered the question of how to determine what size unit you should rent. Here is how to maximize the space you are paying for. Considering personal storage makes up 73% of all self-storage unit rentals. These tips will focus on the everyday Joe and Jane using self-storage to store their home items.

Use Uniform Box Sizes

Uniform boxes stack infinitely better. There are no tippings, step between boxes and maximizes quantities in your unit.

Stack To The Ceiling

The average storage locker has 8 feet of vertical clearance. Take advantage of it. Stack as much stuff vertically as possible to avoid renting a larger storage locker. Be cautious when stacking breakables on the bottom.

Create An Aisle

Always leave a little aisle down the center of your unit. This allows easy access to things in the back without having to unload everything else.

Disassemble Large Furniture

Disassemble tables, bed frames, shelves, etc. When storing, items that are flattened take up much less space.

Label Everything

Label each box on at least 2 sides. Believe it or not, your future self will thank your present self when looking for that one item.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the correct size storage locker is easier than you think. Simply follow these steps:

• Take inventory of everything you plan to store

• Measure your largest items

• Pick a size that fits with a little room to spare

• Organize your items the smart way

Year after year the self-storage industry continues to expand. This translates into more facilities and more options to choose from. Lets recap:

• Small lockers fit a closet's worth of stuff

• Medium lockers fit a one-bedroom apartment

• Large lockers fit a two-bedroom home

• Extra-large lockers fit an entire house

Choose the right size for your needs, organize before you pack, and the result will be a storage locker that works perfectly for years.

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