How to Choose Between a 5x5 vs 5x10 Storage Unit
For around $20 more per month, a 5x10 storage unit can double your storage space compared to a 5x5 storage unit. For more insights on the difference between these small storage options, read our storage unit size comparison guide!
What's the Difference Between a 5x5 vs 5x10 Storage Unit?
While both options are considered small storage unit sizes, a 5x5 unit is half the size of a 5x10 unit. A 5x5 is comparable to a small closet or half bathroom, and a 5x10 is comparable to a standard walk-in closet or full bathroom. Learn more about the differences in dimensions and pricing below so that you can find the best fit for your unique storage needs.
Storage Unit Size | 5x5 | 5x10 |
|---|---|---|
Dimensions | 5 feet by 5 feet | 5 feet by 10 feet |
Square Footage | 25 square feet | 50 square feet |
Cubic Feet (with an 8-foot ceiling) | 200 cubic feet | 400 cubic feet |
Average Price | $33 | $55 |
Size Comparison | A small walk-in closet or half bathroom | A standard walk-in closet or full bathroom |
Example of a What Each Unit Can Hold | A twin or full-sized mattress, four dining room chairs, three large boxes, a dresser, a storage cabinet, and small appliances | Eight large boxes, a couch, a nightstand, a TV stand, a desk, an ottoman, two chairs, two stools, a filing cabinet, and small appliances |
Common Use Cases | Seasonal storage, decluttering, off-season sports equipment, or business document storage | Moving from a studio apartment or dorm room, remodeling, office or inventory storage, or motorcycle storage |
What's the Difference Between a 5x5 vs 5x10 Storage Unit?
While both options are considered small storage unit sizes, a 5x5 unit is half the size of a 5x10 unit. A 5x5 is comparable to a small closet or half bathroom, and a 5x10 is comparable to a standard walk-in closet or full bathroom. Learn more about the differences in dimensions and pricing below so that you can find the best fit for your unique storage needs.
5x5
Dimensions: 5 feet wide by 5 feet long
Square Footage: 25 square feet
Cubic Feet (with an 8-foot ceiling): 200 cubic feet
Size Comparison: A small walk-in closet or half bathroom
Example of What a 5x5 Can Hold: A twin or full-sized mattress, four dining room chairs, three large boxes, a dresser, a storage cabinet, and small appliances
Common Use Cases: Seasonal storage, decluttering, off-season sports equipment, or business document storage
5x10
Dimensions: 5 feet wide by 10 feet long
Square Footage: 50 square feet
Cubic Feet (with an 8-foot ceiling): 400 cubic feet
Size Comparison: A standard walk-in closet or full bathroom
Example of What a 5x10 Can Hold: Eight large boxes, a couch, a nightstand, a TV stand, a desk, an ottoman, two chairs, two stools, a filing cabinet, and small appliances
Common Use Cases: Moving from a studio apartment or dorm room, remodeling, office storage, or inventory storage
What Fits in a 5x5 vs a 5x10 Storage Unit?
While many items can fit in either a 5x5 or 5x10 storage unit, the 5x10 will give you more room to store more or larger items. Here's a breakdown of what you could store in 5x5 and 5x10 storage units.
Which Size Offers Better Value?
When comparing storage unit sizes, understanding the average monthly costs can help you make the smartest financial decision. A 5x5 storage unit averages $33 per month, while a 5x10 storage unit averages $55 per month. A difference of around $20 per month or $240 a year, making the upgrade especially worthwhile for those planning to add more items over time.
For that additional [price]/month, you get:
Double the space (25 extra square feet)
Room to walk through and access items easily
Storage for a studio apartment instead of a storage closet
More room to safely pack fragile items
Better organization options
The upgrade is worth it if you:
Want to store multiple furniture pieces
Need to access stored items often
Want easier organization in your unit
Are storing items from more than one room
Are finding it difficult to access items in a smaller space
COMPARE 5X5 & 5X10 PRICES NEAR YOU
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Which Is Best for You: A 5x5 or 5x10 Storage Unit?
A 5x5 storage unit is best for storing small furniture and boxes and for saving money, while a 5x10 is the best value if you have more or larger items and offers you room to grow. Use these common storage scenarios to find the right size for your needs.
Moving Box Storage (Short-Term Between Apartments):
5x5: If you're between apartments with just a 1-2 week gap and no furniture, a 5x5 unit can hold 20-25 medium moving boxes for short-term storage. This works when your new place is furnished, or you're buying new furniture.
5x10: Upgrade to a 5x10 if you're also storing any furniture or have specialty items (bikes, sports equipment, musical instruments, etc.) that don't fit efficiently in boxes.
Seasonal Business Inventory:
5x5: Small retail operations storing 20-25 medium boxes of products, displays, or equipment can work within a 5x5 footprint when items stack efficiently.
5x10: Upgrade to a 5x10 if your inventory includes larger displays or equipment, you’re storing more than 25 standard boxes, you need aisle space to access items frequently, or your business is actively growing.
Dorm Room or Small Bedroom Storage:
5x5: A 5x5 works if you’re storing the contents of a single dorm room or a single bedroom, including a twin or full mattress, dresser, and boxes of belongings.
5x10: Upgrade to a 5x10 if you have a full bedroom set with nightstands, multiple dressers, a large bed frame, or bulky items like a futon or couch.
Decluttering or Renovating:
5x5: A 5x5 unit can hold boxes from one room while you complete home improvements or spring cleaning.
5x10: Upgrade to a 5x10 if you also need to store furniture or you’re renovating or decluttering multiple rooms.
How to Choose the Right Size Unit
Tips for Choosing:
Take Inventory: List all items you plan to store.
Measure Your Items: Note dimensions of everything in your inventory, especially different box sizes and appliances or furniture.
Test the Space: Map out different layouts with painter’s tape on your floor to see if items will fit.
Remember to Stack: Most storage units are around 8 feet tall, so remember to account for vertical space.
Keep Pathways Open: When mapping, make sure to plan for paths throughout your unit so you can access belongings.
Size Up if Unsure: It’s a better choice to size up in advance if you’re not sure everything will fit—otherwise you run the risk of running out of room on move-in day.
Additional Considerations:
Accessibility: If you need to access items in your unit often, you’ll want more room for larger paths through the unit.
Climate Control: If you have temperature-sensitive items, you may need climate-controlled, heated, or air-cooled storage.
Drive-up Access: If any of your items are difficult to move, consider renting a unit with drive-up access to make loading and unloading easier.
Why Rent with Extra Space Storage?
Fast online reservations—often with same-day move-in
Flexible month-to-month leases
Switch sizes any time your needs change
Ready to rent your unit with Extra Space Storage?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Extra Space Storage’s policy on switching unit sizes?
What’s the difference between a 5x5 and a 5x10 storage unit?
Is a 5x5 or 5x10 storage unit better for a studio apartment?
How much more does a 5x10 storage unit cost than a 5x5 unit?
How many boxes fit inside a 5x5 vs 5x10 storage unit?
What items won’t fit in a 5x5 storage unit that will fit in a 5x10?
Other Storage Unit Size Information
Need more information on the storage unit sizes offered at Extra Space Storage? Learn more about how different unit sizes compare by visiting the unit size pages below.
