5x5 storage unit vs 5x10 storage unit

How to Choose Between a 5x5 vs 5x10 Storage Unit

A 5x5 storage unit offers 25 square feet and 200 cubic feet of storage space, while a 5x10 storage unit has 50 square feet and 400 cubic feet of space. Both unit sizes can accommodate a variety of items, but a 5x10 unit can hold more since it has twice as much space. Read our storage unit size comparison guide to decide which of these small storage options is right for you!

  • Comparable to a small or large walk-in closet
  • Ideal for studio apartments
  • Fits dressers, mattress sets, TVs, and more

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.

5 foot by 5 foot storage unit

5x5

Dimensions: 5 feet wide by 5 feet long

Square Footage: 25 square feet

Cubic Feet (with an 8-foot ceiling): 200 cubic feet

Average Price: $40

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: Decluttering, off-season sports equipment, holiday decorations, business documents, or small bedroom storage

5 foot by 10 foot storage unit

5x10

Dimensions: 5 feet wide by 10 feet long

Square Footage: 50 square feet

Cubic Feet (with an 8-foot ceiling): 400 cubic feet

Average Price: $67

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: Apartment and dorm storage, remodeling, office and inventory storage, and motorcycle storage

What Typically Fits in a 5x5 vs 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.

A table comparing what items fit in a 5x5 vs a 5x10 storage unit

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 $40 per month, while a 5x10 storage unit averages $67 per month. With a difference of around $27 per month or $324 a year, upgrading to a 5x10 may be worthwhile for those planning to add more items over time.

For the small additional cost, you get:

  • Double the storage 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 your items frequently

  • 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

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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, 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.

    A heap of boxes and a lamp light

    Moving Box Storage (Short-Term Between Apartments)

    • 5x5: If you're between apartments with 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.

    Graphic of an employee storing their business inventory and supplies in a storage unit.

    Seasonal Business Inventory

    • 5x5: Small retail operations storing 20-25 medium boxes of products, displays, or equipment can work within a 5x5 footprint when stacking items 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.

    The inside of a storage unit with common bedroom items like, a mattress, nightstand, suitcases, and boxes.

    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.

    A picture of a green storage unit with some boxes and a person carrying more boxes inside

    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 Storage Unit Size

    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.

    Find Your Storage Unit Size

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    Why Rent with Extra Space Storage?

    • Fast online reservations—often with same-day move-in

    • Flexible month-to-month leases

    • Switch unit sizes at any time (based on availability)

    Ready to reserve your storage unit with Extra Space Storage?

    Find 5x5 or 5x10 Storage Near You

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Extra Space Storage’s policy on switching unit sizes?

    You can change storage unit sizes upon request, as long as the size you want is available! Simply contact the facility manager for assistance.

    What’s the difference between a 5x5 and a 5x10 storage unit?

    A 5x10 storage unit offers double the space of a 5x5. While a 5x5 unit is roughly the size of a small walk-in closet or a half bathroom, a 5x10 unit is about the size of a standard walk-in closet or a full bathroom.

    Is a 5x5 or 5x10 storage unit better for a studio apartment?

    A 5x10 storage unit is better for a studio apartment if you have both furniture and belongings to store. A 5x5 unit can work if you're only storing boxes and small items without any large furniture pieces.

    How much more does a 5x10 storage unit cost than a 5x5 unit?

    On average, a 5x10 unit costs around $25 more per month—or $300 more per year—than a 5x5 unit.

    How many boxes fit inside a 5x5 vs 5x10 storage unit?

    If you're storing only boxes and stacking them efficiently, a 5x5 storage unit can usually hold 20-25 standard moving boxes, while a 5x10 unit can hold around 30-50 boxes. The exact number will vary based on box size and whether you're also storing furniture or other items in the unit.

    What items won’t fit in a 5x5 storage unit that will fit in a 5x10?

    Large appliances and bulky furniture—like refrigerators, washers and dryers (side-by-side), couches, large desks, and oversized dressers—typically won't fit in a 5x5 unit but may fit in a 5x10 depending on what else you're storing. Be sure to measure your items beforehand to confirm they'll fit.

    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.

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