A 5x10 storage unit is an ideal size for most people. It’s a step up from the smallest size—usually 5x5—and has enough room to offer significant extra space without breaking the bank. And who couldn’t use that? So, how big is a 5x10 storage unit, really? What can you fit in a 5x10 storage unit? And what are they usually used for? You’re in luck because there are plenty of storage unit facilities out there, and if you know how to find the right one, you can get a great storage unit for less than you’d think.
A 5x10 storage unit adds up to 50 square feet, usually compared to a walk-in closet. A standard ceiling height would be at least 8 feet (enough room to walk around and move comfortably), which would net you 400 cubic feet of space. You might be surprised at how much you can fit in a 5x10 storage unit, especially if you pack it thoughtfully, stacking load-bearing boxes and containers high to leave room for bulkier items on the floor.
What can really fit in a 5x10 storage unit?
If you’re asking, “how big is a 5x10 storage unit?” chances are you’re wondering just how much can fit inside. Here are some everyday items people store in a 5x10 storage unit:
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Twin, Full, or Queen-sized mattress
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Motorcycle and accessories*
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Bicycles
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Sofas
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Kitchen appliances (refrigerator, washing machine, etc.)
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Laundry appliances (washer, dryer, etc.)
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Sports equipment
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Seasonal home decorations (i.e., Christmas trees and lights)
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Dining room furniture
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Lawn equipment
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Dressers and wardrobes
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Office furniture
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Some medium-sized boxes or storage containers
* Note: Not all motorcycles will fit nicely in a 5x10 storage unit, but it’s possible. When storing motorcycles, we recommend opting for a 10x10 unit or larger if possible.
What are some common uses for a 5x10 storage unit?
Moving or downsizing
Many people stash some of their belongings in a storage space when moving. For example, your new residence may not have as much storage space as the last. Or you may need to vacate your current place but might not be able to move all of your belongings at once. In cases like this, having an extra space outside the home can be a lifesaver.
Making additional room in your home
Whether it’s simply decluttering and simplifying your space or whether you’ve got a new baby on the way and need to convert an existing room into a child’s bedroom, there are plenty of reasons to clear out a room. Depending on how much stuff is in your room, you may be able to fit it all into your 5x10 storage space.
Storing seasonal items
Most of us have items that we don’t use for part of the year. Coats and other winter clothes take up a lot of closet space, for example. That’s not to mention seasonal decorations like Christmas trees and lights. Why not store that in your storage space for part of the year? Likewise, in those winter months, you may have warm-weather items that can be stored, like gardening and lawn maintenance equipment, surfboards and paddleboards, bicycles or four-wheelers, etc.
Dorm room storage
Many parents of college students are familiar with the same old cycle: your child’s gone for most of the year, and when summer rolls around, they move back home for a couple of short months. During that time, you’ve got to find space for everything they had in their dorm—things like desks, TVs, and shelving units. There’s no more convenient way of handling this age-old problem than driving those items right to your 5x10 storage unit and loading them in. At the end of the summer, you unload them from storage into the car and head back to the dorms.
Storing collections
Collections of things like comics, books, vinyl records, pottery, wine, and toys take up a lot of space, which only grows over time. A 5x10 storage unit offers ample space for serious collectors to keep their collections secure and out of the way if they don’t need constant access. Many collectors who sell items from their collection use storage units to keep their stock on reserve. When they make sales, they pull the things out of storage and ship them off.
Organizing small businesses
Now more than ever, businesses are occupying smaller spaces or skipping an office or storefront altogether. But that doesn’t mean you can get away with having no space. Businesses need room for things like inventory, equipment, and essential documents. Many business owners find that a 5x10 storage unit is a perfect solution. Using a storage unit is much cheaper than renting office space, drastically lowering your bottom line and keeping your business competitive and profitable.
How can I find a 5x10 storage unit near me?
Start your search with BuxBear Storage
Look to see if there’s a BuxBear storage facility in your area. BuxBear invites you to rethink self-storage by combining modern design and good old-fashioned customer service. Our clean, well-lit facilities have secure perimeters and famously helpful on-site employees to ensure you’re well taken care of. That’s a breath of fresh air in an industry where many facilities no longer have any staff at all. All BuxBear Storage ground-floor units have drive-up access. Each facility is located near important intersections, gas stations, and highways, so accessing your unit is quick and convenient. Don’t take our word for it, though—come see a BuxBear Storage location in person, and you’ll see exactly how it stacks up against the competition.
Know the amenities you need
Know what you need from your unit and what you don’t. Consider which features you’re looking for, including:
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Convenience of location
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Whether or not there’s climate control
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Number of locks
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Security features like individual alarms, guards, video monitoring, and gated access
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Access hours, i.e., 24/7 passcode access vs. business hours only
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Contract terms (long-term or short-term)
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Ways to pay (online, in-person)
Know what you need and what you don’t, and you’ll be able to find the perfect package.
Compare storage companies and do your homework
Search for storage facilities in your area using search engines or storage search platforms, keeping in mind your budget and the features you require. Don’t forget to check online for discounts or promotional deals since those are common. Perhaps most importantly, visit the facility in person before signing up for anything—you’ll be able to get a feel for how clean, secure, and up-to-date the property is.
How big is a 5x10 storage unit? The final word
Just how big is a 5x10 storage unit? It’s big enough to cure some major storage headaches but not so big that you’ll find it prohibitively expensive or larger than you need. They’re one of the most popular storage unit sizes in America for a reason. They can prove a powerful tool for taking charge of your life's clutter, streamlining your home, and finally getting organized.