How to Choose the Right Storage Unit Size for a Studio Apartment

Photo shows a young, Black woman moving into her apartment with a couch behind her, cardboard boxes to the right, and a basket with a pillow to the left. The woman sits on the floor unpacking boxes.

Many people who live in a studio apartment find themselves needing a storage unit—either for additional storage space while living there, or for temporary storage during a move or between leases. In these situations, it’s important to rent the right storage unit size so you have enough space for your belongings without paying for more room than you need. Here’s what to know about renting storage for studio apartments!

Best Storage Unit Sizes for a Studio Apartment

The most common storage unit size for studio apartments is 5×5 or 5×10. The exact size you’ll need depends on what you plan to store and how you’ll use your unit.

5×5 Storage Units

Best For: Those who need to store a few extra items that don’t fit in their small living space, or college students storing the contents of a traditional dorm room

A 5×5 storage unit offers 25 square feet of floor space and 200 cubic feet of total space—making it roughly the size of a regular closet. This unit size is ideal for storing a few smaller pieces of furniture or boxes when you’re tight on space. You can comfortably store items like:

Twin mattress & frame
Nightstand
Dresser
Desk & chair
Several moving boxes

5×10 Storage Units

Best For: Those storing the contents of a studio apartment, or college students needing summer storage

With 50 square feet of space—or 400 cubic feet—a 5×10 unit is about the size of a walk-in closet. This unit can comfortably hold several pieces of furniture and boxes, making it a solid choice if you’re moving or decluttering. Items you can typically store in a 5×10 unit include:

Queen mattress & bed set
Dresser
Small couch, sofa, or futon
TV & other electronics
Multiple boxes

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Storage Unit

With all the different storage sizes, features, amenities, and more, there are a few things to consider when choosing the right unit for you. Whether you’re renting your first unit or have used self storage before, the following are the main things to think about when renting a storage unit for your studio apartment.

Amount & Size of Items

Studio apartments typically range from 300 to 600 square feet. If yours is on the larger side—and you have bigger furniture to store—you may want to opt for a 5×10 storage unit over a 5×5 unit. Consider whether you need a bit of extra space for overflow storage of items like keepsakes and clothing, or if you’ll be storing most or all of your belongings for a longer period. Additionally, think about the size of your items—are they mostly small, or do you have a few large pieces that require more space? Keep in mind that you may be able to safely disassemble some larger items to them into a smaller storage area!

Lifestyle Needs

Consider your lifestyle—will you be taking some items in and out of storage depending on the season? For example, if you enjoy outdoor recreation, you might need to store your camping or sports equipment in the winter. If you love interior design and have a lot of seasonal decorations, you’ll need space for your biggest items—such as a Christmas tree, other holiday decor, and patio furniture. In addition to seasonal storage requirements, consider other personal choices that might impact your storage needs, such as whether you have a minimalist or maximalist lifestyle or home style. Think about what you’ll temporarily have in your unit and how much space it’ll need, and plan for your self storage size accordingly.

Duration of Storage

How long you plan to use studio apartment storage could affect the unit size you need. If you only require self storage for a short time, a smaller, more budget-friendly unit might work for you. On the other hand, if you need longer-term storage or plan to rotate belongings out of the unit regularly, a larger size will help you more easily maneuver and organize. If you’re not sure which storage unit size you need, choosing the bigger size is usually the best choice because it’s much easier to add possessions to your current unit, rather than having to move everything to a larger one later. There’s also less risk of your belongings getting damaged by overstacking!

Packing & Storage Tips

Since storage in studio apartments is so limited, you need to get the most out of the space in your unit. Pack your storage unit with care to keep your possessions safe and ensure you won’t have trouble moving them in or out. Here are a few quick storage and organization tips for your unit.

Opt for Plastic Totes: For better protection from moisture and dust, consider using plastic totes instead of cardboard boxes—especially for long-term storage.
Label Boxes Clearly: Label all totes and boxes so you can easily find what you need later, even months down the line.
Wrap Fragile Items: Use packing paper, bubble wrap, or other padding to protect delicate belongings like lamps, dishes, or glassware before placing them in boxes or totes.
Raise Items Off the Floor: Use pallets or risers to keep your belongings off the ground. This helps reduce the risk of moisture damage and deters pests.
Use Shelves & Hooks: Adding shelving or hooks to your unit can help keep smaller items organized and off the floor.
Stack Strategically: Take advantage of vertical space by stacking lighter items on top of heavier ones.
Cover Furniture: Drape furniture and appliances with moving blankets, tarps, or covers to protect them from dust, scratches, and moisture.
Disassemble Bulky Items: Breaking down furniture like bed frames or tables can help save space—just be sure to store hardware in clearly labeled bags for easy reassembly later.
Create a Center Aisle: Leave a narrow walkway through your unit so you can safely reach items stored in the back.
Keep Frequently Used Items Accessible: Place anything you might need more often—like seasonal clothing or important documents—near the front of your unit.
Make an Inventory List: Keep a written or digital inventory of everything you’re storing so you always know what’s inside your unit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Storage Units for a Studio Apartment

What does a 5×5 or 5×10 storage unit look like?

5×5 storage units look like small walk-in closets, while 5×10 storage units are about the size of a standard walk-in closet. The typical storage unit height is typically eight feet for both 5×5 units and 5×10 units.

How much does a 5×5 or 5×10 storage unit cost?

The average storage unit cost for the 5×5 and 5×10 sizes ranges from $35 to $68, depending on several factors. Your storage unit cost per month is shaped by aspects like location, the features and amenities you need, and the time of year you’re renting the unit. For example, the rates for a climate-controlled unit will be higher than for a standard storage unit.

How many boxes can fit in a 5×5 and 5×10 storage unit?

The number of boxes your storage unit can hold depends on the size and shape of the boxes. With minimal stacking, a 5×5 unit can typically hold 10 to 15 medium-sized boxes—while a 5×10 unit can hold about 20 to 30 medium-sized boxes. You can fit more in your storage unit by strategically stacking your boxes and by utilizing shelving.

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