Choosing the Right Storage Size

When you’re between leases, decluttering, or staging a home, one question always pops up: how big of a storage unit do I need? Below is a no-nonsense guide—with local examples from Kitchener–Waterloo—to help you choose the perfect fit the first time (and avoid paying for empty space).

The 3-Step Method to Pick Your Size (and nail it)

1) Inventory by “biggest items first”

List mattresses, sofas, tables, appliances, bikes, patio sets—then estimate boxes.

• Studio/Student: 10–15 medium boxes + desk + bed = 5×10

• 1–2 Bedroom Apt: 25–40 boxes + sofa + queen bed + dresser + appliances = 10×10

• 3 Bedroom Home: 40–60 boxes + multiple beds + sectional + dining + patio = 10×15–10×20

2) Plan for stacking height

Most units are 8–10 ft tall. Stack sturdy boxes and stand sofas on end to reclaim floor area.

• If you won’t stack high (fragile items, no shelving), choose one size up.

3) Leave an aisle (future-you will thank you)

A 12–18" center aisle lets you grab winter boots in January without unloading summer camping gear.

Real-Life Scenarios

• Co-op Student Leaving Waterloo for 4 Months

  • Bed (double), desk, chair, TV, dresser, 10–12 boxes

  • Recommendation: 5×10 (fits a standard student apartment in Waterloo)

• Couple Moving From a 1-Bedroom Condo near Kitchener Market

  • Queen bed, sofa, dining set, TV stand, 25–30 boxes

  • Recommendation: 10×10 (comfortable with room for appliances)

• Family Renovating a 3-Bedroom

  • Sectional, king + 2 twins, dining for 6, patio set, 40–50 boxes

  • Recommendation: 10×15 (or 10×20 if keeping appliances + garage tools)

• Outdoor Enthusiast

  • Mountain bikes, skis, totes of camping gear, seasonal tires, 8–10 boxes

  • Recommendation: 5×5 (or 5×10 if adding a workbench or kayak)

Truck-to-Unit Cheatsheet

• Cargo van / 10' truck → usually 5×10 or 5×15

• 15' truck → usually 10×10

• 20'–26' truck → usually 10×15–10×20

If you’re making two truck trips, go up one unit size for easier loading and an aisle.

Special Considerations (so you don’t get caught out)

Climate Control: Choose it for instruments, electronics, wood furniture, photos, and important documents—especially through humidity swings.

Shelving Saves Space: Metal racks let you go vertical and keep fragile boxes off the floor.

Mattress Strategy: Store mattresses upright in covers; protect corners with cardboard.

Sofa & Table Legs: Remove legs to cut required floor space by 10–20%.

Frequent Access? Leave an aisle and label every box on two sides.

FAQs

How big is a 5×5 storage unit?
About a coat closet. Great for boxes, luggage, small shelves, a bike, or seasonal items.

Can a 10×10 hold a 1-bedroom apartment?
Yes—typically furniture + appliances + 25–40 boxes (especially if you stack).

Should I get a 10×15 or a 10×20 for a 3-bedroom?
If you’re storing appliances + patio + garage tools, pick 10×20. Otherwise 10×15 is often enough.

What if I’m not sure?
List your big items, estimate box count, and choose the next size up if you’ll access it often or don’t want to stack high.

Local Next Steps (Kitchener–Waterloo)

Measure your largest items (sofa length, mattress, table top).

1. Decide on climate control for anything sensitive.

2. Reserve a unit for your move date—sizes go quickly during UW/Laurier turn-over and summer renos.

3. Ask for moving supplies (wardrobe boxes, mattress covers, plastic totes for long-term).

Bottom Line

If you’re a student or single in Waterloo with typical furnishings, start with a 5×10.
For a 1–2 bedroom setup in Kitchener, a 10×10 is the sweet spot.
Families or full-home moves? Look at 10×15–10×20 to keep an aisle and your sanity.

Need a second pair of eyes? Share your inventory and I’ll size it precisely—no guesswork.