Is a 5x10 Storage Unit Enough for a One-Bedroom Apartment?

Have you ever stared at your overflowing living room and wondered if a single 5x10 storage unit could really hold all your apartment essentials? You’re not alone. Whether you’re moving, downsizing, or just want to reclaim some space, it’s only natural to ask: Is a 5x10 storage unit enough for a one-bedroom apartment? In this blog, we’ll walk you through how much fits in a 5×10 unit, what to realistically expect, and proven tips for maximizing your storage space. By the end, you’ll have a much clearer idea of whether this is the right solution for your next move.

How Big Is a 5x10 Storage Unit, really?

A 5x10 storage unit measures 5 feet wide by 10 feet deep, giving you a total of 50 square feet of floor space. To put that into perspective, it’s about the size of a decent walk-in closet or roughly half the size of your average full-size pickup truck. This space usually offers about 8 feet of vertical stacking room, which is a game-changer if you plan wisely.

Most 5x10 units come with a roll-up or swing door, allowing you to bring in medium-sized furniture items, appliances, or stacked boxes with ease. The rectangular layout means you can organize items from back to front or even stack things tall, just be careful what goes on top!

What’s Typically in a One-Bedroom Apartment?

Ever looked around your place and realized just how much stuff you’ve accumulated? Let’s break down the usual suspects you’ll find in a one-bedroom:

Furniture: Bed (usually queen or full), dresser, nightstands, small sofa, coffee table, dining table with 2-4 chairs, maybe a desk and chair.
Electronics: TV, computer monitor, small appliances like a microwave or toaster oven.
Boxes: Packed with clothes, kitchenware, linens, books, and personal items.
Miscellaneous: Lamps, artwork, floor fans, small shelving units.
Occasional Surprises: A bicycle, vacuum cleaner, storage bins, and suitcases.

Most apartments have a mix of bulky and oddly shaped items, so it’s not always easy to visualize everything fitting into such a compact space. But hey, you might be surprised at what you can squeeze in with a little planning!

Can You Fit Everything? Real Examples and Common Surprises

So, can you fit the whole apartment in one 5x10 unit? For many renters, the answer is yes, most of the time. Here's how it usually breaks down:

Fits Easily: Mattress and box spring (propped up), dresser, nightstands, boxes, chairs, lamps, and small appliances.
Possible with Careful Packing: Loveseat or two-seat couch, bike (if hung), bookshelf (disassembled or upright), TV on its side in a box.
Common Surprises: Sectional sofa or king-sized bed frames? Probably not. Oversized recliners, mountain bikes, or bulkier items can present challenges.
Fragile or Valuable Items: Allow for extra padding or keep them in smaller, separate boxes on top.

Efficient packing is a must. Try placing boxes and lighter items on top, slide flat items like bed frames along the walls, and get creative by filling dressers or bins with smaller goods. However, things like oddly shaped exercise equipment or a surplus of large artwork may need more space than you’d expect.

If you’re not a master of “Tetris-style” organization, don’t sweat it; most people have one or two things that wind up back in the living room.

Tips for Maximizing Space in a 5x10 Storage Unit

You want to get every inch of value from your storage. Here are tried-and-true ways to make it work:

Disassemble large furniture: Break down bed frames, take drawers out of dressers, and stack shelves separately.
Use uniform boxes: This makes stacking much easier and more stable.
Stack vertically: Place heavier items on the bottom and lighter or fragile items on top.
Store items inside other items: Fill your dresser drawers with clothes or small items, stash linens in suitcases.
Leave walkways: Create small aisles or access points so you don’t have to unload everything just to retrieve one item.
Label every box: Trust us, your future self will thank you.
Utilize corners: Stand up couches or mattresses to free up valuable floor space.

In addition, consider placing items you might need more frequently near the front. Efficient packing really helps you squeeze out every square foot, making the unit feel much bigger than it first appears.

When is a 5x10 Storage Unit Not Enough?

Well, here’s the thing…sometimes you just don’t realize how much you have until you try to store it all. If you own:

Oversized furniture like a large sectional or king bed
Full-size appliances (washer, large fridge)
Sports or hobby gear (kayaks, multiple bikes)
A significant number of storage totes or artwork

…a 5x10 unit might not cut it. It’s easy to underestimate the combined volume of stacked boxes and awkward items. If packing starts to feel like a losing battle—or if you're not comfortable stacking certain belongings tall—a larger space could save you headaches down the road.

Another red flag: if your belongings spill into double rows or block the entrance, consider upsizing. The last thing you want is a jam-packed unit where it’s impossible to find anything you need.

Alternatives and Upgrades, Choosing the Right Storage Unit for Your Move

Sometimes, upgrading makes life a lot easier. If your one-bedroom apartment has bulkier items, or you just value easy access, consider these alternatives:

10x10 Unit: Double the space, easy for furniture-heavy apartments or if you’re storing extra appliances.
Pairing Two Smaller Units: Great if you want to separate work gear from home items or share with a friend.
Drive-Up Units: Make moving larger items less of a chore (no long hallways!).
Climate-Controlled Options: Ideal for sensitive belongings, electronics, wood, art, that may be affected by temperature swings.

Moreover, if you’re downsizing but unsure how much space you’ll need, it may be worth starting with one size up. You’ll save yourself the frustration of having to repack or rent an extra unit later.

Conclusion

To wrap things up, a 5x10 storage unit is usually enough for a standard one-bedroom apartment, as long as you don’t have oversized furniture or large appliances. By disassembling items and using smart stacking tricks, most people can fit their essentials safely inside.

Here’s a quick recap:

A 5x10 unit provides about 50 square feet of floor space, think walk-in closet size.
Most apartment essentials (bed, couch, boxes, electronics) will fit, but bulky items may require more space.
Smart packing and knowing what to leave out make a big difference.
If your stuff starts to overflow, look at bigger units or alternate solutions for peace of mind.

Ready to take the next step in your move? If you have more questions or want to check our 5x10 storage unit capacity, reach out today. We’re here to help you find the perfect fit for your stuff, no matter what your moving day bring