Are you searching for storage units near me but unsure which size you need? Choosing between a 5×5, 10×10, and 10×20 unit can feel confusing. Rent too little space, and your belongings may not fit. Rent too much, and you may pay for space you do not use.
First things first: make a list of what you plan to store. Then compare your belongings with the typical capacity of each unit size. With a little planning, you can choose a unit that fits your needs without overspending.
At NorthStar Storage Group in Monroe, Louisiana, we offer clean, secure self-storage units for moving, decluttering, seasonal storage, and business use. Our facility is located at 100 Martinez Drive, Monroe, LA 71203, with convenient access and flexible month-to-month leasing.
Quick Comparison: 5×5 vs. 10×10 vs. 10×20
Storage unit dimensions are listed by width and length. A 5×5 unit offers 25 square feet of floor space. A 10×10 unit offers 100 square feet. A 10×20 unit offers 200 square feet.
The actual amount you can store depends on your packing method, furniture sizes, ceiling height, and how much open space you need for access.
| Unit size | Approximate floor space | Best for | Typical items |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5×5 | 25 square feet | Closet or partial-room storage | Boxes, seasonal decorations, small furniture, personal items |
| 10×10 | 100 square feet | Apartment or multi-room storage | Bedroom furniture, sofa, appliances, boxes, business inventory |
| 10×20 | 200 square feet | Larger household or commercial storage | Multi-room contents, equipment, inventory, bulky belongings |
These are general guidelines. Before renting, confirm the unit’s exact dimensions, door opening, ceiling height, and current availability.
What Fits in a 5×5 Storage Unit?
A 5×5 storage unit is similar to a walk-in closet. It is a practical option when you need a little extra room but do not have large furniture or an entire household to store.
A 5×5 may fit:
- Seasonal clothing
- Holiday decorations
- Totes and moving boxes
- Small shelving units
- Lamps and end tables
- Bicycles or sports equipment
- Small appliances
- Business files or light inventory
- Dorm room items
- Personal belongings from one small room
With efficient stacking, a 5×5 unit may hold approximately 10 to 15 medium-sized boxes. That estimate changes quickly if you add furniture.
A 5×5 may be the right choice if you are:
- Decluttering one room
- Storing seasonal items
- Between apartments
- Saving furniture during a small renovation
- A student storing belongings between semesters
- A business owner keeping a limited amount of stock or records
When a 5×5 may be too small
A 5×5 is usually not the best option for a full bedroom set, sofa, dining table, or large appliances. These items use floor space quickly. If you need to store several large pieces along with boxes, consider a 10×10 instead.
What Fits in a 10×10 Storage Unit?
A 10×10 is one of the most versatile self storage units for residential customers. It offers four times the floor space of a 5×5 and may hold the contents of a typical one-bedroom apartment.
A 10×10 may fit:
- Queen or king mattress and bed frame
- Dresser and nightstands
- Sofa or loveseat
- Coffee table and end tables
- Small dining table and chairs
- Television and entertainment furniture
- Washer and dryer
- Refrigerator or other appliances
- Several shelving units
- Approximately 30 to 50 medium boxes
A 10×10 may be a good fit if you are:
- Moving from a one-bedroom apartment
- Remodeling part of your home
- Downsizing
- Storing furniture between residences
- Holding business inventory
- Keeping tools, supplies, or records for a local company
- Combining household items with seasonal equipment
Use the walls and vertical space. Place large furniture along the perimeter. Stack sturdy boxes toward the back. Leave a walkway whenever possible.
NorthStar offers 10×10 storage units, but availability can change. Check our self-storage options in Monroe or rent online to review current availability.
What Fits in a 10×20 Storage Unit?
A 10×20 unit provides 200 square feet of floor space. It is comparable to a standard one-car garage and is often considered a large storage unit.
A 10×20 may hold the contents of a two- or three-bedroom home, depending on the amount of furniture and the way everything is packed.
A 10×20 may fit:
- Multiple bedroom sets
- Sectional sofas or several couches
- Dining room furniture
- Large appliances
- Patio furniture
- Lawn and garden equipment
- Garage items
- Work tools and equipment
- Business inventory
- Approximately 60 to 80 or more medium boxes
A 10×20 may be best for:
- A larger home move
- Estate storage
- Major renovations
- Relocation between states
- Commercial inventory
- Contractor equipment
- Bulky furniture collections
- Items that need easier access and a wider walkway
NorthStar’s website lists several unit sizes, including 5×5, 5×10, 10×10, 10×15, and 10×25. A 10×20 is included here as a common industry comparison. We do not promise that every size is currently available, so please confirm available units before renting.
How to Choose the Right Size Without Overpaying
Choosing the smallest unit that safely fits your belongings can help you find more affordable storage. However, the smallest option is not always the cheapest choice if it forces you to rent a second unit or unpack everything whenever you need one item.
Use this process to make a confident decision.
1. List large items first
Start with items that cannot be compressed or stacked easily. Include:
- Mattresses
- Sofas
- Dressers
- Tables
- Appliances
- Exercise equipment
- Shelving
- Lawn equipment
- Large boxes or totes
These items determine your minimum floor-space needs. Add smaller boxes after you understand how much room your largest belongings require.
2. Measure unusual or oversized items
Do not rely only on the number of rooms in your home. Measure anything unusually large.
Record the:
- Length
- Width
- Height
- Door clearance
- Required room to carry or maneuver the item
A sectional sofa, oversized mattress, commercial shelving unit, or long workbench may affect your choice more than your total box count.
3. Estimate your box count
Count boxes, totes, bins, and loose items. Use medium boxes as a planning reference, but remember that box estimates are not exact.
A 5×5 might hold 10 to 15 boxes with limited furniture. A 10×10 might hold 30 to 50 boxes alongside household items. A 10×20 may hold 60 to 80 or more boxes, depending on how much furniture is included.
4. Plan for access
Will you need to visit your unit every week? Will you rotate inventory? Are you storing holiday decorations that you will retrieve several times a year?
If you need regular access, choose a size that allows a clear path. Filling every inch of a smaller unit may seem economical, but it can make retrieval difficult.
A slightly larger unit can save time, prevent unnecessary unloading, and protect your belongings from being shifted repeatedly.
5. Leave a small buffer
Avoid packing your unit completely wall to wall and floor to ceiling. Leave enough room to:
- Open the door safely
- Reach important boxes
- Inspect your belongings
- Move larger items later
- Maintain a simple walkway
If your inventory falls directly between two sizes, ask the facility team for guidance before deciding.
Packing Tips That Help You Use Every Foot
Good packing can make a smaller unit work better. It can also help you avoid renting more space than necessary.
Pack heavy items low
Place appliances, book boxes, and heavier containers on the bottom. Stack lighter boxes on top. This creates more stable stacks and reduces the chance of damage.
Use uniform containers
Boxes with similar dimensions are easier to stack. Use sturdy containers for heavier items. Avoid overfilling boxes, especially with books, tools, or dishes.
Disassemble furniture
Remove table legs, bed frames, and detachable shelves when possible. Keep hardware in labeled bags and tape each bag to the matching piece of furniture.
Store mattresses upright
Place mattresses and box springs upright along a wall. Use furniture covers or breathable protective materials to help reduce dust and surface damage.
Create an inventory
Label boxes on more than one side. Write down the general location of each item. You can also take a photo of the completed unit before closing the door.
Keep frequently used items near the front
Place seasonal decorations, business supplies, or regularly needed boxes near the entrance. Put long-term storage toward the back.
Consider Drive-Up Access and Facility Convenience
The unit size is important. So is the experience of loading and retrieving your belongings.
NorthStar Storage Group provides convenient drive-up access, allowing you to bring your vehicle close to your storage unit. This can make moving furniture, appliances, boxes, and business supplies easier.
Our Monroe facility also features:
- Gated entry
- Video surveillance
- Well-lit areas
- Controlled facility access
- Professional management
- Clean, well-maintained grounds
- Daily access from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Month-to-month rentals
You can learn more about our facility features and storage options.
Should You Choose Cheap Storage Units or More Space?
Price matters. Searching for cheap storage units can help you stay within budget, but compare value rather than focusing only on the lowest monthly rate.
A smaller unit may cost less each month. However, a larger unit may be the better value if it:
- Prevents you from renting two units
- Lets you organize belongings properly
- Makes regular access easier
- Protects furniture from being crammed together
- Gives your business room to manage inventory
Look for a facility that combines fair pricing with useful features, convenient access, and flexible lease terms. NorthStar’s month-to-month rentals give you room to adjust as your needs change.
Find the Right Storage Unit Near You in Monroe
The right storage unit should fit your belongings, your budget, and your routine. Choose a 5×5 for closet-level storage. Consider a 10×10 for a typical apartment or several rooms. Choose a 10×20 when you need large-capacity storage for a household, equipment, or business inventory.
Before you rent, measure your largest items, estimate your box count, plan your access needs, and confirm the current unit sizes available.
Ready to clear out your home, organize your business, or make moving easier? Visit NorthStar Storage Group at 100 Martinez Drive, Monroe, LA 71203. Reserve a unit online or contact our team for help choosing the right size. We are happy to make your storage journey simple!
