What Size Storage for a 1-Bedroom Apartment?

Explanation

A 5x10 unit (50 sq ft) fits the contents of a small 1-bedroom apartment: a mattress, dresser, small couch, TV, and 15-20 boxes. This is usually sufficient for minimalist apartments or furnished rentals.

If you have more furniture—like a full bedroom set, dining table, larger couch, or home office equipment—a 10x10 unit (100 sq ft) provides the extra space needed. This size resembles half a garage.

Consider how your items will be packed. Furniture takes significant space even when disassembled, and you'll need room to access items. A slightly larger unit prevents cramped, inaccessible storage.

Maximize your storage unit by loading strategically. Place the heaviest and largest items (mattress, couch, dresser) against the back wall first. Stand the mattress on its side to save floor space. Stack boxes with heaviest on the bottom and lightest on top, leaving a narrow aisle down the center so you can reach items in the back without unloading everything. Disassemble bed frames, tables, and shelving units to flatten them against walls—this alone can free up 15-20% of the unit's floor space.

Storage unit costs for 1-bedroom apartment sizes typically range from $50-100 per month for a 5x10 and $75-150 per month for a 10x10 in most U.S. markets. Prices are higher in dense urban areas like New York City or San Francisco, where a 5x10 can run $150-250 per month. Many facilities offer the first month free or at 50% off to attract new renters, so shop around and ask about promotions before committing.

A 5x10 unit measures 5 feet wide by 10 feet deep with an 8-foot ceiling, providing 400 cubic feet of total space. In practical terms, that fits a queen mattress on its side, a dresser, a small sofa, a TV, a bookshelf, and roughly 20 medium moving boxes. A 10x10 unit doubles the floor space to 800 cubic feet and can hold a full bedroom set (bed frame, mattress, two nightstands, dresser), a dining table with four chairs, a full-size couch, a desk, and 40-50 boxes. If your apartment has a walk-in closet full of clothing, add about 10-15 boxes for wardrobe items alone.

Things to Know

• Studio apartments with minimal furniture may only need a 5x5 (25 sq ft) unit.
• If storing appliances like a refrigerator or washer/dryer, go up one size.
• Long-term storage may benefit from climate control regardless of size.
• If you plan to access the unit frequently—such as retrieving seasonal clothing or sporting gear—choose a ground-floor unit near the entrance. Upper-floor units accessed by elevator cost less but make regular visits much more time-consuming, especially when moving bulky items.