US storage unit size guide
See how many moving boxes or common furniture items fit in a simple layout using US self-storage sizes.
Result
No result yet. Choose your items and run the simulation.
- Layout capacity
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- Items not placed
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- Suggested starting size
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Geometric estimate, not guaranteed capacity. Check item measurements, door clearance and safe stacking.
| Storage unit size | Layout capacity | How many? |
|---|
How to use
- Choose one item type and how many you want to store. Box sizes use selected U-Haul dimensions; furniture uses clearly stated example measurements.
- Choose automatic size selection or a specific US unit. Select box layers and optional access aisle. Furniture stays on the floor in a single layer.
- Run the simulation. The drawing shows actual footprints and placed stacks; the size table shows how capacity changes. Try a smaller or larger unit.
Worked example
24 medium boxes, two high, no aisle: a 5 × 5 ft grid holds 18, while 5 × 10 ft holds 36. The guide therefore starts at 5 × 10 ft and draws 12 stacks of two. Adding a 3 ft aisle reduces the capacity and can change the suggested size.
Limits and interpretation
The model compares two uniform grid orientations with a 1 inch gap between neighboring footprints. It is not an optimal packing solver: mixed rotations may fit more. It handles one item type at a time, not a whole household inventory. Boxes may be stacked one to three high under an assumed 8 ft ceiling; this is a geometric assumption, not a claim that a loaded box can safely support the stack. Furniture is not stacked or stood on edge. Doorways, columns, climate needs, load limits and maneuvering space are not modeled.
Frequently asked questions
What do the dimensions mean?
US units are nominal feet; metric display converts them using 1 ft = 0.3048 m. Small boxes use 16⅜ × 12⅝ × 12⅝ in, medium 18⅛ × 18 × 16 in, large 18 × 18 × 24 in. Verify your boxes before using the estimate.
Are the furniture sizes standard?
No. The sofa is an 84 × 36 × 36 in example, the flat queen mattress 80 × 60 × 12 in, and dresser 60 × 20 × 36 in. Measure your own items; handles and wrapping add space.
Does “not placed” mean the unit is impossible?
Only that these items exceed this simple layout. “Smallest” means the smallest listed size that fits this grid, not a guaranteed minimum. Confirm the actual interior and door measurements with the facility.