Are you moving out of an apartment but not ready to move everything into your next home? A 5×10 storage unit in Monroe, LA can give you the extra space and breathing room you need!
This popular unit size offers 50 square feet of floor space. With smart packing, it can often hold the contents of a studio or small one-bedroom apartment. It is also a practical choice when your move-in dates do not line up, you are downsizing, or you need a temporary place for furniture and boxes.
At NorthStar Storage Group, we provide clean, secure, and accessible self-storage units in Monroe, LA. Our facility is located at 100 Martinez Dr., Monroe, LA 71203, with drive-up access, gated entry, video surveillance, and flexible month-to-month rentals.
What Is a 5×10 Storage Unit?
A 5×10 unit is approximately:
- 5 feet wide
- 10 feet deep
- About 8 feet high
- 50 square feet of floor space
- Approximately 400 cubic feet of storage volume
The unit is about the size of a large walk-in closet. However, its depth gives you more usable space than a standard closet. You can place larger items along the walls and stack boxes vertically to make the most of the available room.
Think of a 5×10 as a smart middle ground. It offers more capacity than a 5×5 unit without the extra cost and unused space of a larger unit.
What Typically Fits in a 5×10 Unit?
Every apartment move is different. Your furniture styles, box count, and packing method all matter. Still, a 5×10 unit can typically hold a well-organized selection of apartment belongings, such as:
Bedroom furniture
- Queen mattress and bed frame
- Twin or full-size bed
- Dresser or chest of drawers
- One or two nightstands
- Folded bedding and clothing bins
Living room furniture
- Small sofa or loveseat
- Recliner or accent chair
- Coffee table
- End tables
- Television stand
- Small bookshelf
Boxes and household items
- Kitchen boxes
- Clothing and shoes
- Books and decorations
- Small electronics
- Seasonal items
- Lamps and home accessories
- Important documents
A 5×10 unit may hold around 20 to 40 medium moving boxes when combined with furniture. If you are storing mostly boxes, you may be able to fit more. If you have large furniture, appliances, or bulky décor, your box count will be lower.
When Is a 5×10 a Good Choice for an Apartment Move?
A 5×10 storage unit can be a great fit in several common moving situations.
You are moving from a studio apartment
A studio apartment often includes one main living area, a small kitchen, and a bedroom or sleeping space. A 5×10 can usually accommodate the major furniture, boxes, and personal items from this type of home.
You are moving from a small one-bedroom
If your apartment has a modest furniture layout, a 5×10 may hold the essentials. This could include a queen bed, loveseat, dresser, small dining set, and several dozen boxes.
Your move-in dates do not match
Sometimes you need to leave your current apartment before your new home is ready. Instead of rushing to move everything at once, use a storage unit as a temporary transition space.
You are downsizing
Moving into a smaller apartment often requires a little extra time to sort your belongings. Store items you are not ready to part with while you decide what belongs in your new home.
You are staging or renovating
If you are preparing an apartment or home for repairs, a 5×10 unit can keep furniture and personal items out of the way. This helps create a cleaner, safer work area.
Not sure whether a 5×10 is large enough? Review NorthStar’s storage unit size options or contact our team for help comparing unit sizes.
Items That May Not Fit Comfortably
A 5×10 unit is useful, but it is not the best choice for every apartment move. You may need a larger unit if you have:
- A large sectional sofa
- Multiple full-size appliances
- A complete dining room set
- Several large wardrobes or armoires
- Furniture from multiple bedrooms
- A large number of oversized boxes
- Bulky business equipment or inventory
Measure your largest items before renting. Pay close attention to furniture length, width, and height. A large sofa may fit inside the unit but leave little room for anything else.
When in doubt, ask about a 10×10 or larger unit. Having a little extra space can make loading easier and help you avoid cramming belongings into an unsafe stack.
Packing Tips for a 5×10 Storage Unit
Good organization can make a 5×10 work much harder for you. Follow these steps before moving day.
1. Create a simple inventory
List your major furniture pieces, appliances, and estimated box count. Measure oversized items. This gives you a realistic picture of how much space you need.
2. Disassemble furniture
Take apart bed frames, tables, desks, and shelving units when possible. Keep screws and hardware in labeled bags. Tape each bag to the related furniture or place everything in one clearly marked box.
3. Use uniform boxes
Boxes with similar dimensions stack more securely. Place heavier boxes on the bottom. Stack lighter boxes on top. Avoid unstable towers that could fall when you open the unit.
4. Protect furniture
Cover mattresses and upholstered furniture with breathable protective covers or clean sheets. Use moving blankets to reduce scuffs and scratches. Do not place heavy items on top of delicate furniture.
5. Build upward
Use the unit’s height. Store disassembled tables, bed frames, and other flat items upright along the walls. Place boxes in stable columns. Leave enough room to move safely.
6. Keep an access path
Do not pack every inch of the unit. Leave a narrow aisle along one side or through the center. This lets you reach items in the back without unloading the entire space.
7. Load strategically
Place items you will need soonest near the door. This might include suitcases, cleaning supplies, important documents, seasonal clothing, or apartment essentials.
Take a photo of the unit after loading. It can help you remember where everything is later!
Choose Drive-Up Access for an Easier Move
Moving furniture is tiring. Drive-up access can make the process much simpler.
With a drive-up storage unit, you can pull your vehicle close to the unit door. This reduces the distance you need to carry boxes, mattresses, and furniture. It also makes unloading easier when you are working with family members, friends, or movers.
Drive-up access is especially helpful when you are:
- Moving heavy furniture
- Loading or unloading appliances
- Making several trips
- Moving in hot or rainy weather
- Using a pickup truck or moving van
- Storing business equipment temporarily
Before moving day, confirm that the unit you select includes drive-up access. Not every 5×10 unit at every facility has the same layout or access features.
Store With Confidence at NorthStar Storage Group
Your belongings matter. That is why security should be part of your storage decision.
NorthStar Storage Group offers several features designed to support a safer, more convenient storage experience:
- Gated facility access
- Perimeter fencing
- Video surveillance
- Well-lit areas
- Professional facility management
- Daily tenant access from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Online rentals and account management
No storage facility can eliminate every possible risk. However, controlled access and ongoing monitoring can provide important peace of mind while your belongings are stored.
Bring a compatible lock for your unit when you move in. You should also maintain the required tenant protection described in your rental agreement.
Enjoy Flexible Month-to-Month Storage
Apartment moves do not always follow a perfect schedule. You may need storage for one month, several months, or longer. NorthStar offers month-to-month leasing, so you can store your belongings without committing to a long-term contract.
This flexibility is useful when you are:
- Waiting for a new apartment
- Between leases
- Completing a renovation
- Relocating for work or school
- Downsizing gradually
- Managing an unexpected move
You can rent a storage unit online and review current availability. Depending on availability, many customers can complete the rental process and move in quickly.
Find Your 5×10 Storage Unit Near Monroe
Searching for storage units near me can feel overwhelming during an apartment move. Start with the basics: estimate your belongings, measure large furniture, compare access features, and choose a facility that fits your schedule.
A 5×10 unit may be the right solution when you need practical apartment storage without paying for more space than you need. With thoughtful packing and drive-up access, you can make moving day more manageable.
NorthStar Storage Group is ready to help you find the right residential storage unit in Monroe. Visit us at 100 Martinez Dr., Monroe, LA 71203, call (318) 433-4443, or reserve your unit online.
Need help deciding between a 5×10 and a larger unit? Contact NorthStar Storage Group today. We are happy to answer your questions and help make your move a breeze!
