The 5×5 Storage Unit: An Affordable and Compact Solution for Smaller Items

Storage units have long been a popular choice to safely store items that need more space than you may have available, especially when it’s time to declutter, move or downsize a living or office space. Unit sizes range from spaces large enough to fit an entire home’s contents, to the smallest storage unit designed to hold just a few household items.

Small can be mighty as well as affordable, and a 5×5 storage unit may be perfect for you if you need to store a few pieces of furniture or stack a few boxes. Let’s explore the exact dimensions of a 5×5 storage unit, what types of items it can accommodate, and the benefits of choosing a compact unit. 

How Big is a 5×5 Storage Unit?

So how much space do you get with a 5×5 storage unit, exactly? 

A 5×5 storage unit is:

• 5 feet wide by 5 feet deep
• 25 square feet
• 200 cubic feet 
• 8-10 feet high

To get a better sense of how large–and small–a 5×5 unit is, picture a small walk-in closet, a half-bathroom or powder room, or half of a standard-sized bedroom. Think about the items you need to store, and imagine packing them into one of these spaces. Do they fit? Do you need to think about renting a larger unit, a second unit, or might you require an even smaller option?

If you need even more compact storage for lower-profile items like papers or smaller boxes, a storage locker such as a 3×3 unit may be a better fit. Storage lockers are usually no larger than 4×5 feet wide, or 20 square feet, with a maximum height of 4-6 feet on average.  

What Items Can You Fit Into a 5×5 Storage Unit?

Compact storage is the go-to for compact items. What kinds of things can you store in a standard 5×5 storage unit? This size is perfect for small pieces of furniture and several boxes, as well as a variety of other household items that don’t take up too much space. 

Here is a list of the types of furniture and other belongings that will typically fit into a 5×5 storage unit. This is only a guide, so be sure to measure your belongings before you sign a rental agreement, to ensure everything will fit inside the unit you are considering:

• Small furniture: armchair, mattress, nightstand, small dresser, coffee table, end tables, ottomans, or small bookshelves
• Medium-sized boxes: around 10-15, depending on box dimensions. This can include boxes of clothes, kitchenware, books, or office supplies
• Seasonal items: holiday decorations (Christmas trees, lights, ornaments), winter clothes (coats, boots, scarves), Halloween costumes, summer gear (beach towels, outdoor furniture cushions)
• Sporting equipment: bikes, golf clubs, camping gear (tents, sleeping bags, coolers), skis, snowboards, tennis rackets, yoga mats
• Small appliances: microwave, vacuum, fan, toaster, blender, coffee maker, space heater, small air conditioning unit
• Tools and outdoor gear: power tools, garden tools (shovels, rakes, hoses), lawnmower, patio furniture
• Personal items: suitcases, luggage, musical instruments (guitar, keyboard, trombone), photo albums, artwork, keepsakes
• Office supplies: filing cabinets, office chairs, computer monitors, printers, and miscellaneous office equipment

How Much Does It Cost?
The Affordability and Value of a 5×5 Storage Unit

Unsurprisingly, the smallest storage unit will almost always be your most affordable option, if you are looking for a walk-in unit. Only a storage locker rental may be less expensive, as the locker’s footprint and capacity are even smaller. 

You can reasonably expect to pay between $40 – $90 per month for a basic 5×5 storage unit, depending on the unit’s location, demand, and features. As you research the cost of various storage facilities, familiarize yourself with amenities you may need and facility requirements that could affect your final rate, including:

• Climate-controlled units: Units with this feature could drive your 5×5 storage unit cost up 20-30% more than standard units. They may also be in greater demand in areas that experience extreme temperatures. The expense may be worth it, however, if you are storing any items that are sensitive to changes in temperature.
• Security features: Surveillance cameras, gated access, individual unit alarms or on-site security personnel can cost an extra $10 to $20 per month. The more secure your storage facility, the higher your fees may be.
• Insurance coverage: Many storage facilities offer add-ons like insurance coverage, which can range from $10 to $25 per month depending on the value of your stored items, or the use of moving supplies and dollies for a small rental fee.
• Flexible contract terms: Most facilities require a minimum commitment of one month, but usually offer month-to-month or other flexible contract terms as well, such as paying upfront for a commitment of six months or one year. Some facilities may offer discounts for longer rental periods. Ask your facility about any notice requirements for cancellation and potential discounts.
• Lock fees: Some facilities may require you to purchase a specific type of lock, which can add $10 to $30 to your initial costs.
• Additional amenities: Your facility may offer add-on services for an additional fee, such as 24/7 access, elevators, moving carts, or the ability to accept deliveries. Factor these in when calculating your total 5×5 storage unit cost.
• Administrative costs: Be sure to inquire about any extra fees, such as access charges or administrative costs, as these could further impact the overall cost.

Maximizing Space and Organization in Your 5×5 Storage Unit

Organization is the single most important strategy to help maximize space in a 5×5 storage unit. Because 5×5 is the smallest storage unit, space is at a premium and every inch of it matters. Before loading your unit, carefully plan your layout. Include a narrow walkway through the space to access everything inside, so you won’t have to pack and unpack the unit each time you need to reach a stored item. 

• Use vertical space: Installed or standalone shelving units will utilize the full height of the unit, allowing you to store more without taking up floor space. Longer, thinner items like rolled-up rugs or furniture posts can be placed against the walls and in corners.
• Boxes and Bins: Labelled, carefully stacked boxes will create more usable floor space. Stack boxes carefully, placing heavier items at the bottom to prevent crushing more fragile items. Clear plastic bins are ideal for items that need quick access or identification.
• Vacuum-seal soft goods: Vacuum-sealed bags compress clothing, linens, and other plush items, reducing their size by half or more. These flattened bags also help protect textiles in storage, and can easily fit into gaps or corners, or stacked on shelves.
• Disassemble furniture: Remove legs from tables, take apart bed frames and bookshelves, and store chairs upside down with their legs pointing upwards. 

A 5×5 Storage Unit Offers Compact Efficiency for a Compact Budget

A 5×5 storage unit is the most affordable and smallest storage unit available. These units offer 25 square feet of space and can be an ideal solution for smaller storage needs, such as a few household items or several packed boxes or bins.
Take the next step by assessing your storage requirements. Visit a storage facility to tour available units and ask any questions about costs, fees and rental terms. Consider what items you need to store, and if you need additional features such as climate control or added security. When you’re ready, let us help you find the perfect 5×5 storage unit in your area.