What Size Storage Unit Do I Actually Need?

Admin
April 30th, 2025

If you’ve ever stood in front of a packed dorm room, cluttered garage, or moving van and thought, “How am I supposed to guess what size storage unit I need?”—you’re not alone. At Mt. Pleasant Storage, we hear this all the time. Whether you're a Central Michigan University student trying to store your stuff for summer break, downsizing your home, or juggling a short-term move, knowing what fits where can be tricky—especially if you don’t want to pull out a measuring tape for every futon and mini fridge. Good news: You don’t have to. We've broken it down into real-life scenarios that match our most common unit sizes. Before you guess, check out our size guide to see how everyday items stack up.

How to Estimate What You Need Without Measuring

Most people don’t have a blueprint of their belongings, and that’s okay. One of the easiest ways to estimate storage space is to think in “rooms.” If you’re storing items from a single dorm room or studio apartment, you’ll probably need the smallest size available. If you’re storing the contents of a one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartment, you’ll likely want a medium-sized unit. A full house with appliances, furniture, and boxes usually fits best in one of the larger sizes. Consider how often you’ll need access to your stuff. If you’re only using the unit for temporary storage between moves, you can pack it tight. If you’ll be visiting regularly, choose a slightly larger unit so you can walk inside and grab what you need without unpacking everything.

Match Your Situation to the Right Unit Size

If you’re a CMU student, you’re likely dealing with small furniture, seasonal clothes, textbooks, and personal items. Most students can store everything they need in a 5x5 or 5x10 unit, especially if they’re only keeping things over the summer. For students sharing with a roommate or storing more furniture, a 10x10 is usually plenty. If you’re moving apartments or downsizing, a 10x10 is a good place to start for a one-bedroom setup. Add in large appliances or a second bedroom and you’ll want to bump up to a 10x15 or 10x20. If you’re a family storing multiple rooms or a full house worth of furniture, aim for a larger size that gives you room to organize. And if you’re storing business inventory, equipment, or off-season gear, you’ll want a unit large enough to walk in and access items regularly without moving boxes every time.

Don't Forget Vertical Space

One of the most overlooked aspects of choosing a unit is how much you can store vertically. Beds, mattresses, bookshelves, and even couches can stand on end. Stack plastic bins, use shelves, and fill the full height of the unit. Many people find that they can store a lot more in a smaller footprint by taking advantage of vertical space. That said, stacking too high without organization can lead to frustration—or damage. Make sure heavy items go on the bottom and lighter boxes or soft goods go up top. Label everything clearly, and if you’ll need something mid-season, keep it near the front.

When in Doubt, Go One Size Up

It’s tempting to choose the smallest size to save a few bucks. But if you’re on the fence between two unit sizes, going bigger almost always pays off. Here’s why: you get more flexibility, easier access, and room to add a few last-minute items. It also means you can avoid repacking, stacking too tightly, or having to rent a second unit if things don’t fit. And with Mt. Pleasant Storage offering 50% off your first two months plus a free lock, upgrading your space is more affordable than ever.

Need Help Choosing? We've Got You

If you’re still unsure, check out our size guide for item-by-item estimates and visual comparisons. Still stuck? Text or call our local team at 989.854.3693. We’ve helped thousands of students, families, and businesses find the right fit—and we’re happy to do the same for you.

Reserve Your Space Today

Mt. Pleasant Storage has five convenient locations near the CMU campus, all gated, well-lit, and with 24/7 access. No long-term contracts, no deposit, and a free lock included with every rental. Rent online at www.mtpleasantstorage.com or call 989.854.3693 to get started. Whether you’re storing for a month, a semester, or a major life transition, we’ll help you find the space you need—with no measuring tape required.

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