There are plenty of reasons why you might need to rent a storage unit. Maybe you are preparing to move from one home into another, and need a place to store your extra belongings while you show your home. Maybe you are a college student, kicked out of your dorm over the summer but not wanting to move everything back to mom and dad’s.
No matter the rationale, people seek storage units all the time… but of course, not all storage units are created equal. You will need to ensure you pick the self storage space that suits your needs, and that begins by selecting the right unit size.
Self storage units come in a few standard sizes, and one of the typical options is a 10×10 storage unit. But how much space will this really give you? Is it enough for all your stuff? Is it too much? Make sure you consider unit size before renting a storage unit.
Is a 10×10 Storage Unit Right for You?
First things first: This storage unit size gives you 10 feet in length and 10 feet in width, which amounts to 100 square feet overall. If you assume an eight-foot ceiling, that gives you 100 cubic feet in your self storage unit. (However, you’ll want to check with the storage unit company to make certain these are the true dimensions.)
If you need a little help visualizing this storage unit size, think about a small bedroom, or about half the space in a one-car garage. That’s roughly what you can expect from a 10×10 unit.
What Can I Fit in a 10×10 Storage Unit?
Generally speaking, your 10×10 unit should offer ample space for the contents of two bedrooms and a living area, including boxes, mattresses, and appliances. (Of course, this is dependent on how you stack those boxes, and being savvy in how you pack your self storage unit.)
To think about it differently, a 10×10 storage unit will usually offer enough space for all the contents of a fairly modest one- or two-bedroom apartment.
As for some specific items that you can fit into a 10×10 storage space, here are some examples:
- Bedroom items: A single king-size mattress, two queen-size mattresses, dressers, desks, lamps, nightstands
- Living room items: TVs, couches, side tables, cabinets, entertainment centers, rugs, recliners
- Kitchen items: Tables, chairs, fridges, microwaves, toasters, high chairs, coffee machines
- Office space items: Retail inventory, marketing samples, filing cabinets, excess supplies, paper documents
- Garage/outdoor items: Motorcycles, canoes, jet skis, sporting gear, patio furniture, tailgating gear
What Else Fits Into a 10 x 10 Storage Unit?
Let’s consider a few additional questions about self storage units in this size.
Can you fit a car into a storage unit of this size?
While some storage unit sizes may allow for a small, compact car, a 10×10 almost certainly won’t. You will probably want to seek a 10×20 self storage space, or any storage unit that is designated specifically for vehicle storage.
How many boxes can you fit into a self storage space of this size?
The number of boxes you can pack into your storage unit will depend on a bunch of factors, of course, including the basic size of those boxes, and how you stack them. If you pick mostly medium-sized boxes (say, 20 inches by 20 inches), and if you stack strategically, you should have no trouble fitting 140 or more into your unit. But again, this is a very rough estimate, as there are a lot of variables in place.
Can I get a motorcycle into my storage unit?
With 10×10 storage unit sizes, you should have no trouble parking your motorcycle.
How to Pack Storage Units
No matter which size unit you choose, it’s important to pack strategically. Here are a few general guidelines for packing storage units.
- Make sure you know the rules. Most self storage facilities will have certain prohibitions, especially against guns, ammo, fireworks, fuel, or anything that could be highly flammable. Be sure you check these guidelines and comply.
- Use boxes as much as possible. For the most part, you will want to avoid having a lot of loose items in your storage unit. Instead, make sure you put everything that you can into boxes. (You can make exceptions for furniture and large/bulky items, of course.)
- Stack smartly. To maximize space, you’ll want to stack your boxes. Make sure those boxes are all fairly full, and that you place the heavier ones at the bottom of the stack.
- Leave paths. You never know when you might need to access your storage unit to grab a particular item. Leave a path to walk around and move boxes as needed.
- Don’t attract pests. We recommend that you avoid storing food items, or anything that generates water. For example, if you store a fridge or a washing machine, make sure you drain it completely before storage. This will help you avoid any mold, mildew, or pests.
Again, different storage units will have different rules and policies, so it’s always wise to check with the self storage company before you move in. With these general guidelines, however, you should be prepared.
Find the Storage Space That’s Right for You
As you seek the best options for storing your stuff, we welcome you to reach out to Smith Valley Storage. We can help you decide which of our storage units is right for you, and answer any specific questions you have about unit sizes, storage policies, security, and beyond.
Certainly, picking a self storage facility requires you to do some homework. Take measurements of some of your larger or bulkier items at home, and estimate how many boxes you are going to need. Use these specs to help you identify the correct unit size.
Again, if you have any questions, we are happy to answer. Reach out to Smith Valley Storage at any time.
View Our Storage Size Guides
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- How Big is a 5×10 Storage Unit?
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- How Big is a 10×20 Storage Unit?
- How Big is a 10×25 Storage Unit?
- How Big is a 10×30 Storage Unit?
- How Big is a 15 x 40 Storage Unit
- How Big is a 40×40 Storage Unit?
How To Pack Your Storage Guides
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Smith Valley Storage
1614 Smith Valley Road, Greenwood, IN 46142
317-882-7361
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