How to Choose the Right Storage Unit Size for Your Move

Muhammad | October 9, 2025 @ 12:00 AM

Planning a move to or within Big Bear? One of the first things you’ll need is storage that fits your life, not just your boxes. But figuring out what size unit you actually need can be confusing. Go too small and you’re cramming stuff in like Tetris. Go too big and you’re overpaying for empty space.

This quick guide will help you confidently choose the right storage unit size for your move, whether it’s a short-term stop or a long-term solution.

Step 1: Know What You’re Storing

Make a list or quick inventory. Are you storing:

  • Just boxes and clothes?
  • Furniture from a studio or 2-bedroom home?
  • Large items like appliances, tools, or sporting gear?
  • Business items, documents, or seasonal overflow?


Once you know what’s going in, it’s easier to size it right.

Common Storage Unit Sizes (and What Fits)

🔹 5x5 Unit (25 sq ft) — “Small Closet”

Perfect for:

  • Boxes, seasonal decorations, small shelves
  • Luggage, sporting gear, file boxes
  • Ideal for students, minimalists, or seasonal renters

🔹 5x10 Unit (50 sq ft) — “Walk-In Closet”

Perfect for:

  • 1-bedroom apartment furniture (mattress, chairs, small tables
  • 10–15 boxes, dresser, TV, bike
  • Great for short-term movers, renters between leases

🔹 10x10 Unit (100 sq ft) — “Half a Garage”

Perfect for:

  • Contents of a 1–2 bedroom home
  • Couches, beds, dining sets, washer/dryer, 20–30 boxes
  • Popular for those downsizing or staging homes for sale


🔹 10x15 Unit (150 sq ft) — “2–3 Bedroom Home”

Perfect for:

  • Larger furniture sets, appliances, full bedrooms, patio furniture
  • Up to 40 boxes
  • Great for growing families or temporary long-term storage


🔹 10x20 Unit (200 sq ft) — “Full Garage”

Perfect for:

  • Full 3–4 bedroom homes, large appliances, business storage
  • Can also fit a vehicle or trailer (check rules)
  • Ideal for relocations, long-distance moves, or remodeling projects

What If You Need Climate Control?

If you’re storing:

  • Electronics
  • Wood furniture
  • Photos or documents
  • Musical instruments
  • Art or fabrics

...then a climate-controlled unit (available in various sizes) helps prevent warping, mildew, and weather damage, especially with Big Bear’s snowy winters and warm summers.

Big Bear-Specific Tips

  • Downsizing? A 5x10 or 10x10 is often perfect.
  • Seasonal residents or Airbnb hosts? Use 5x5s for gear, tools, or inventory.
  • New homeowners remodeling? Go 10x15+ for flexibility.
  • Short-term movers? Choose drive-up units for easy truck access.
  • Multi-trip movers? Consider upsizing slightly so you’re not repacking mid-process.

Quick Space Hacks

  • Stack boxes vertically (use uniform sizes for stability)
  • Disassemble furniture to save space
  • Use mattress bags and store upright
  • Place lighter items on top and bulky ones on the floor
  • Leave a small aisle to reach items in the back

What Locals Say

“I almost got a 5x5 but went up to a 5x10—glad I did. Everything fit with room to spare.”

“During our move, the 10x15 was perfect. We didn’t have to play box Jenga.”

“We started with a 10x10 for our business and upgraded to a 10x20 as we expanded. Super easy!”

✅ Final Tip: When in Doubt, Size Up

It’s better to have a little extra room than not enough. A slightly larger unit gives you:

  • Space to move around
  • Easier organization
  • Room for last-minute items

Plus, you avoid the hassle (and cost) of having to rent a second unit or upgrade mid-move.

Company Reference: https://www.bigbearselfstorage.com/