WHAT IS THE RIGHT LOCKER SIZE FOR YOU? WE’LL HELP YOU FIGURE IT OUT.

ulok • July 23, 2018

How much extra space do you really need? This question can almost be deemed rhetorical. We always want more things, and as a result, need more space to organize it. To that point, when you make the decision to declutter and rent an off-site storage locker, you need to figure out which size is ideal for your needs. A larger than needed locker is a waste of space and money, while a smaller than required locker will be a nightmare to organize and fit all your belongings. This article will help you figure out the right size for you and the most popular sizes that may fit your general needs.

Talk to your storage facility experts

At U-Lok, we have over 40 different sizes and I can bet that there is a locker perfectly suited for your needs. The easiest and most convenient way to determine your ideal locker size is to talk to the sales representatives and let them know what your core needs are for the locker. They might ask you to outline the largest items you intend to store, this will help them recommend the best size for your needs. It’s good to know that if you plan to add or reduce your stored items in the future, it’s easy to upsize or downsize your locker size.  Make a list of items going to storage.

Do it yourself

Maybe you are adventurous and wish to find your dream locker size for yourself. Very well, here’s how we recommend doing it.

  • Make a list of all the items/goods you wish to put in the storage locker.
  • Divide the items into small, medium and large categories based on their size.
  • Take inventory again and figure out if there are some things you would like to exclude at this point.
  • Make a rough estimate of the cubic space required for the largest items.
  • Based on the dimensions and cubic volume of large items, you should be able to estimate the locker size you will need.


We recommend over estimating a little bit in case you add more things in the future and leaving yourself enough space to maneuver in the locker, for ease of accessing your belongings.   Remember to put items that you need to access more often towards the front of your locker.

Speaking from experience, there are certain sizes that appeal to the majority of our customers. These are the most popular sizes in our facility and they might be just right for you as well:

  • 5’ x 5’ x 10’ unit : This unit size is best classified as a “small closet” size. It is perfect to store your seasonal clothing, boxes, skiing gear, bicycles and even small dressers and mattresses. These units are deceptively roomy, and you can take advantage of the 10’ high ceilings to really pack it up. You can get creative with the organizing and easily turn this into “your extra closet.”

  • 5’ x 10’ x 10’ unit : This unit is a great compromise between storing extra items that you don’t need in your living space and storing items of an entire small 1-bedroom apartment.  If your toys are a little bigger than others or if you just have a lot more extra stuff than the little 5x5x10 can handle, go for this unit. It will take your king size mattress, dresser, bed frame (best dismantled), sofa and a whole load of boxes, and still leave you space for more. Use the 10” high ceilings to your advantage.

  • 10’ x 10’ x 10’ unit : Have a big move coming up? This unit can handle the contents of your 2-bedroom house/apartment with ease. Or, are you looking to store inventory for your business? This unit can house 4 standard pallets with ease, and that’s without using the 10’ high ceilings!

P.S.  If you need more space in your life, at Downtown U-Lok Storage, we are always happy to give you a tour of our lockers.  This is an excellent time to visualize your belongings in the locker, look at other sizes to consider, and see all the security features of the facility, first hand!   Contact us to schedule your complimentary tour at any time during our long, staffed hours.

Useful tip – If your storage needs change, it’s easy to downsize or up-size your locker size.

By Ray Wang July 9, 2026
Self storage is a flexible solution for moving, downsizing, renovating, or creating extra space at home. But people often have the same practical questions before renting a storage unit . Below are answers to some of the most common ones. Can you sleep in self storage? No. You cannot legally or safely sleep in a self storage unit . Storage facilities are not designed for living. Self storage units typically lack ventilation, plumbing, and emergency exits required for occupancy. Our rental agreement explicitly prohibits living or sleeping in storage units. Please do not sleep in a storage unit for your own personal well-being. What should you not leave in a storage unit? There are several categories of items that should never go into storage: Perishable food (it attracts pests) Live animals or plants Flammable or explosive materials (gasoline, propane, fireworks) Illegal items Open or unsecured liquids that can leak Hazardous chemicals not approved by the facility Even if something seems harmless, if it can spoil, leak, or attract pests, it’s best to keep it out of storage. Is it safe to put a bed in a storage unit? Yes, storing a bed is generally safe, but preparation matters. To protect it properly: Disassemble the frame if possible Wrap the mattress in a breathable mattress cover (not plastic long-term) Store off the ground using pallets or a platform Avoid placing heavy items on top This helps prevent moisture buildup, dust, and warping over time. Is it safe to leave clothes in a storage unit? Absolutely Clothes can be safely stored if they are packed correctly. Best practices include: Using sealed plastic bins or wardrobe boxes Washing and fully drying clothes beforehand Adding moisture absorbers (like silica gel or desiccants) Avoiding vacuum sealing delicate fabrics for long periods What can you fit in a 5x5 storage unit? A 5x5 unit (about 25 square feet) is roughly the size of a small closet. It’s ideal for: Several boxes Seasonal clothing Small furniture pieces (chairs, nightstands) Sports equipment A mattress set (twin or full, depending on layout) It’s typically used for light storage, dorm items, or decluttering a single room. If you have any questions about storage unit sizes, please use our storage size guide or get in touch and one of our team members will be happy to help. How much does it cost to put everything in storage? The cost of storing “everything” depends on how much space you need. For a full household, most people end up needing medium to large units or even multiple units.  Typical cost factors include: Storage unit size Temperature control Supply and demand If you have any questions about self storage, please contact us and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have. Self storage is a practical and flexible solution, but what you store and how you store it makes a big difference. Avoid prohibited items, prepare belongings properly, and choose the right unit size to keep your items safe and accessible. If you have further questions, please get in touch and the Downtown U-Lok Storage team will be thrilled to help you.
By Ray Wang July 1, 2026
Summer is a time for adventure, travel, and making memories. Whether you’re flying abroad, going on a road trip, or visiting family for the season, one challenge often comes up: what to do with your belongings while you’re away. For many people, especially those living in apartments, dorms, or smaller homes, leaving items unattended can be stressful. This is where renting a self storage unit comes in.  Keep Your Home Clutter-Free and Safe One of the key benefits of self storage is that it keeps your home organized while you’re away. Packing your apartment with luggage, summer gear, or seasonal items can create unnecessary clutter, making your return less relaxing. By storing items in a storage facility, you can leave your home as it is, ensuring it stays tidy and ready for your return. Additionally, self storage provides peace of mind by keeping your belongings safe. Jewelry, sentimental items, personal documents, and other valuable items are protected in a controlled environment, reducing the risk of damage, theft, or exposure to weather conditions. Free Up Space for Your Travel Plans For those living in smaller apartments, dorms, or shared housing, space can be limited. Renting a storage unit allows you to temporarily move bulky items such as furniture, sports equipment, or seasonal clothing out of the way. This not only frees up your living space but also makes packing and preparing for travel much easier. You can travel light without worrying about what to do with the rest of your belongings. Flexible and Convenient Options Self storage is often flexible, offering short-term rentals that align perfectly with summer travel plans. Whether you need storage for a few weeks or several months, you can choose a unit size that fits your needs. Ideal for Students and Seasonal Residents Students and seasonal residents, in particular, benefit from self storage during the summer months. If you’re moving out of student housing or a temporary apartment, storage offers a perfect place for your belongings until the next lease or school year begins. It eliminates the need to move everything back home or pay for expensive shipping. Protect Your Valuables While You Travel Traveling often comes with the concern of leaving personal belongings unattended. A storage unit ensures your items are protected in a monitored facility, allowing you to enjoy your summer adventures. Temperature-controlled units also protect sensitive items such as electronics, artwork, or important documents from damage caused by heat or humidity. If you have any questions about renting self storage during your summer vacation, please reach out and we will be more than happy to help.
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