I was recently a walk-in customer who stopped in the 60th St. off Harlem Ave, Chicago facility to look at a 5x10 unit. The Asst. Store Mgr. was super friendly and very thorough from asking questions to helping show us a few different size units, including walking us through the rental process of the storage unit. This facility is a very nice and clean storage facility. I would definitely recommend this facility.
How to Choose Between a 5x10 vs 10x10 Storage Unit
Choosing between a 5x10 and 10x10 storage unit? A 5x10 storage unit comes with 50 square feet and 400 cubic feet of storage space, while a 10x10 storage unit has 100 square feet and 800 cubic feet of space. Learn what these units can hold and determine which is best for your storage needs with our helpful unit size comparison guide.
- Comparable to a standard walk-in closet or small bedroom
- Ideal for studio apartments or the contents of two full bedrooms
- Fits a mattress set, couches, motorcycles, and more
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What’s the Difference Between a 5x10 & 10x10 Storage Unit?
The key difference between these unit options is that a 10x10 storage unit offers twice as much space as a 5x10 storage unit, allowing you to store larger items toward the back while keeping frequently-used items near the front. While a 5x10 storage unit is comparable to a large walk-in closet, a 10x10 storage unit is about the size of a small bedroom. Learn more about the exact dimensions for these unit sizes, what you can store, and how much they cost below!
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: $68
Size Comparison: Standard walk-in closet
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: Student storage, apartment storage, motorcycle storage, decluttering, holiday decorations, and business inventory storage
10x10
Dimensions: 10 feet wide by 10 feet long
Square Footage: 100 square feet
Cubic Feet (with an 8-foot ceiling): 800 cubic feet
Average Price: $116
Size Comparison: A small bedroom or half of a one-car garage
Example of What a 10x10 Can Hold: Two queen-sized mattresses, multiple bookshelves, a pool table, lamps, a couch, a dining table, and several large moving boxes
Common Use Cases: Storage during a move, storage during a renovation, decluttering, office or business storage, and small vehicle storage
What Typically Fits in a 5x10 vs 10x10 Storage Unit?
Some items can fit in both 5x10 and 10x10 storage units, but a 10x10 will give you more room for additional belongings. Here are some examples of what you could store in 5x10 and 10x10 storage units.
Item compatibility is based on standard dimensions and is intended as a general guide only. Whether your items fit will depend on their actual measurements, quantity, and how they are arranged within the unit. We recommend measuring your items before selecting a unit size.
Which Size Offers Better Value?
When comparing two storage unit sizes, understanding the average monthly prices can help you make the best decision for your budget. A 5x10 storage unit usually costs $68 per month, while a 10x10 storage unit generally costs $116 per month. With a difference of about $45 a month, or $540 a year, upgrading to the 10x10 might be worth it for those planning to store larger pieces of furniture or bring additional items into storage in the future.
For the small additional cost, you get:
Double the storage space (50 more square feet)
Storage for a small bedroom instead of a walk-in closet
Enough space to store multiple bedroom sets
More room for a walking aisle and better accessibility
Better organization options
The upgrade is worth it if you:
Plan to access your belongings frequently
Need to store more than one motorcycle or bedroom set
Want more room to safely pack fragile items
Are storing items for more than one room
Find it difficult to organize your items in a small space
The monthly pricing referenced above reflects national averages and is subject to change based on location, availability, and current promotions. For accurate, real-time pricing, please navigate to the facility page or call your nearest Extra Space Storage location.
Compare 5x10 & 10x10 Prices Near You
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Which Is Best for You: A 5x10 or 10x10 Storage Unit?
A 5x10 storage unit is best for storing smaller items on a budget, whereas a 10x10 offers greater value if you have several large items or need more space to add items over time. Take a look at these common storage scenarios to determine the right unit size for your needs.
Moving Box Storage (Short-Term Between Apartments)
5x10: If there's a gap between moving out of one apartment and into another, a 5x10 storage unit can fit around 30-50 medium moving boxes—or 15-20 alongside a queen-sized mattress and other small furnishings.
10x10: Upgrade to a 10x10 storage unit if you need space for moving boxes as well as several pieces of living room and bedroom furniture.
Seasonal Business Inventory
5x10: If you need to store a few large displays or pieces of equipment alongside more than 25 boxes of inventory, a 5x10 storage unit is a great fit.
10x10: Upgrade to a 10x10 unit if you have an abundance of inventory, want plenty of space to organize your items for easy access, or have a rapidly expanding business.
One- to Two-Bedroom Apartment Move
5x10: Choose a 5x10 unit if you're moving out of a studio apartment and need to store a full bedroom set—including a queen-sized mattress, dressers, nightstands, and a small sofa.
10x10: Upgrade to a 10x10 if you need storage space for boxes, plus all the items from two bedrooms and a large family room—or plan to frequently access your items and need room for a walking aisle.
Renovating or Decluttering
5x10: While spring cleaning or completing home improvements, a 5x10 unit can hold multiple pieces of furniture or boxes from a few rooms.
10x10: Upgrade to a 10x10 unit if you're renovating or decluttering an entire floor and need space for several large items, including bedroom sets, living room furniture, and home appliances.
How to Choose the Right Storage Unit Size
Tips for Choosing:
Create an Inventory: Make a list of all the belongings you need to store.
Measure Your Belongings: Take note of the dimensions of everything in your inventory, paying close attention to different box sizes, appliances, and furniture.
Map Out Layouts: Use painter's tape on your floor to test different layouts and see if your items will fit into the unit.
Stack Your Items: Remember to make use of vertical storage space, as most storage units are approximately 8 feet tall.
Save Room for Pathways: When mapping, plan for paths throughout your space to ensure you'll be able to access your belongings without hassle.
Size Up if Unsure: It might save you time in the long run to size up if you're not sure all your items will fit—otherwise, you might end up running out of room on move-in day.
Additional Considerations:
Accessibility: If you plan to access your stored items frequently, it's helpful to have more room to create wider paths through the unit.
Climate Control: If you're storing any delicate items that are sensitive to temperature changes, you may want to rent climate-controlled, air-cooled, or heated storage.
Drive-Up Access: If you need to store any heavy or hard-to-carry items, a drive-up access unit can make loading and unloading both easier and safer.
Vehicle Storage: If you're storing a motorcycle and want enough room to store additional items alongside it, a larger storage space may be necessary.
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Hear What Customers Have To Say
- Chris L.,Chicago, ILGoogle
- Daru S.,Chicago, IL
Super smooth process. Their units sell fast, while putting in the information to get a 10x10 someone online ended up getting the original one I was going to get. I’m lucky they had two more available. Thanks guys!
Google - Willie,Toms River, NJ
The staff are the best! We needed to downsize from a 10x10 to a 5x10 after our move into our new home was complete. It was a seamless transition, they are so helpful and a pleasure to talk to. Highly recommend.
Google - Christine D.,Los Angeles, CA
Worked with staff to get a 10x10 unit. Third time renting with this company, first time at this location. I have always had friendly and professional experiences here. Hassle free, reasonably priced for secure units. I would recommend this place to friends/family.
Google - Neil M.,Las Vegas, NV
I rented a 5X10 unit online. From beginning to end, the online process was smooth and easy! Convenient location, easy access. It was awesome to meet the facility manager, a very kind employee who answered any questions I had. Thank you for your hospitality!
Google - Jessie I.,Los Angeles, CA
I made a reservation this week for a 10x10 when I arrived, I asked if we could see the different size storages and teh facility manager was so helpful. He provided all the necessary information needed and made us feel confident in our decision. The space is so nice and clean. I highly recommend.
Google
Reviews are authentic and provided by Extra Space Storage customers. Associated images are not of the actual persons providing the testimonial
Why Rent with Extra Space Storage?
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Month-to-month—no long-term contract
Most locations available for immediate access
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Extra Space Storage’s policy on switching unit sizes?
You can change to a smaller or larger storage space upon request, as long as the size you want is available. Simply reach out to the facility manager for assistance.
Should I get a 5x10 or 10x10 storage unit?
You should get a 5x10 unit if you need to store the contents of a studio apartment, including a queen-sized mattress set and 15-20 medium boxes. A 10x10 unit is the better choice for those looking to store larger pieces of furniture or all the items from a one or two-bedroom apartment.
What’s the difference between a 5x10 and a 10x10 storage unit?
A 5x10 self storage unit provides 50 square feet of storage space (roughly the size of a standard walk-in closet), whereas a 10x10 unit offers 100 square feet (around the size of a small bedroom).
How many rooms will a 5x10 storage unit hold vs a 10x10?
A 5x10 storage unit can hold the contents of a studio or one-bedroom apartment, while a 10x10 is large enough to hold the contents of two full bedrooms and a large family room.
Is a 5x10 or 10x10 unit better for motorcycle storage?
Though a 5x10 storage unit can accommodate the average motorcycle, you won't be able to fit additional items. If you plan on storing any other items along with your motorcycle, a 10x10 self storage unit will be a better solution.
Is a 5x10 or 10x10 unit better for a one-bedroom apartment?
Because of the additional storage space it provides, a 10x10 storage unit is typically better for storing the contents of an entire one-bedroom apartment. However, a 5x10 storage unit works well for storing the contents of a studio apartment or a single bedroom in a home.
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.
