Resources
Storage guide
Two decisions determine whether storage goes smoothly: renting the right size, and packing things so they come out in the same condition they went in. Here's how to get both right.
How to choose the right unit size
Renting too small means a second trip and a second unit. Renting too large means paying for empty space every month. Four steps get you close on the first try.
- 1
Group everything into three piles
Furniture, boxes, and awkward items (mattresses, bikes, appliances, tools). Sizing goes wrong when people estimate from memory, so walk the rooms and actually list what's going.
- 2
Measure your largest pieces
The biggest item usually sets the minimum. A standard sofa is about seven feet, a queen mattress about five by seven — if a piece won't turn through a five-foot-wide door, the unit is too small no matter the square footage.
- 3
Think in height, not just floor space
Most units are eight to ten feet tall. Stacking boxes to shoulder height roughly doubles what a footprint holds, so a well-packed 10×10 often beats a loosely filled 10×15.
- 4
Add a little room, not a lot
Leave space for an aisle if you'll need access, and round up one size if you're genuinely between two. Don't round up two — paying for empty air every month adds up fast.
Unit size comparison chart
Sizes are given in feet. Availability varies by facility — check the listings for what's offered near you.
5×5
A hall closet
- Typically holds
- Boxes, seasonal decor, a few small chairs, sports gear
- Best for
- Decluttering one room or storing paperwork
5×10
A walk-in closet
- Typically holds
- Mattress set, dresser, boxes, bicycles
- Best for
- A studio apartment or a single bedroom
10×10
Half a one-car garage
- Typically holds
- Full bedroom set, sofa, dining table, appliances
- Best for
- A one to two bedroom apartment
10×15
A large one-car garage
- Typically holds
- Two to three rooms of furniture, major appliances, boxed goods
- Best for
- A two to three bedroom home
10×20
A standard one-car garage
- Typically holds
- Whole-home contents, or a vehicle
- Best for
- A three bedroom home, or car storage
10×30
A two-car garage
- Typically holds
- Large home contents, business inventory, an RV or boat
- Best for
- A four+ bedroom home or commercial use
Preparing belongings for long-term storage
Anything staying more than a few months needs a bit more care than a weekend move. Moisture, temperature swings and weight are what cause damage — all three are avoidable.
Use uniform, sturdy boxes
Same-size boxes stack square and stable, which is how you actually use the height of a unit. Fill each one completely — a half-full box collapses under weight — and keep heavy items in small boxes so they stay liftable.
Decide if you need climate control
Wood furniture, upholstery, electronics, vinyl, artwork, photos, instruments and important documents all suffer in temperature and humidity swings. For anything you plan to store more than a season, climate control is worth the difference in rate.
Prep furniture before it goes in
Clean and fully dry everything first — trapped moisture is what causes mildew and odor. Disassemble bed frames and tables, bag the hardware and tape it to the piece it belongs to, and cover upholstery with breathable fabric rather than plastic sheeting.
Leave yourself a walkway
Load the largest, heaviest pieces along the back and sides, then build inward, and keep a narrow aisle down the middle. If you'll be visiting the unit, put the things you'll want first nearest the door.
Label on the sides and keep a list
Write contents on the side of each box, not the top, so labels stay readable once boxes are stacked. Keep a simple inventory on your phone — it saves you from unstacking half the unit to find one thing.
Protect against moisture and pests
Set boxes on pallets or scrap lumber instead of directly on the slab, add a few moisture absorbers for long stays, and never store food or anything scented. Check on the unit every couple of months if you can.
Never store these
Most facilities prohibit these outright — check your lease for the specific list.
- Perishable or open food
- Flammables, propane and fuel
- Paint, chemicals and pesticides
- Live plants or animals
- Anything wet or damp
- Cash, jewelry and irreplaceable documents
Know what size you need?
See available units and current rates at participating facilities near you.