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 StoringMake 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 shelvesLuggage, sporting gear, file boxesIdeal for students, minimalists, or seasonal renters🔹 5x10 Unit (50 sq ft) — “Walk-In Closet”Perfect for:1-bedroom apartment furniture (mattress, chairs, small tables10–15 boxes, dresser, TV, bikeGreat for short-term movers, renters between leases🔹 10x10 Unit (100 sq ft) — “Half a Garage”Perfect for:Contents of a 1–2 bedroom homeCouches, 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 furnitureUp to 40 boxesGreat 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 storageCan 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:ElectronicsWood furniturePhotos or documentsMusical instrumentsArt 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 TipsDownsizing? 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 HacksStack boxes vertically (use uniform sizes for stability)Disassemble furniture to save spaceUse mattress bags and store uprightPlace lighter items on top and bulky ones on the floorLeave 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 UpIt’s better to have a little extra room than not enough. A slightly larger unit gives you:Space to move aroundEasier organizationRoom for last-minute itemsPlus, you avoid the hassle (and cost) of having to rent a second unit or upgrade mid-move.Company Reference: https://www.bigbearselfstorage.com/
