Storage Unit Size Guide: Pricing & Value Analysis 2026

Choosing the right size storage unit is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when renting and oftentimes it’s confusing. Pick a unit that’s too small, and you’ll be stuck trying to cram everything in. Pick one that’s too big, and you’ll waste money on space you don’t need. So how do you find the sweet spot?

This report provides a detailed analysis of self-storage pricing in five key North American markets where SmartStop Self Storage operates and has collected comprehensive pricing data [1]. The markets examined are Las Vegas, Toronto, Asheville, Sacramento, and Houston. These cities were selected to illustrate how self-storage options, pricing structures, and market dynamics vary significantly across geographic regions. 

This guide breaks down the pricing, value, and practical uses for the three main categories of storage units: small, medium, and large. We’ll show you how much you can expect to pay, what typically fits in each size, and how to get the most value for your money.

Summary of Price Ranges by Unit Size

Across the five cities we analyzed, the price range for each unit size varies dramatically. Small units have the narrowest price difference, while large units have the widest, meaning your city has a huge impact on what you’ll pay for more space [1].

Small Units (Under 50 sq ft)

Price Range: $21 - $46/month [1]

Small units are the most affordable entry point into self storage. These units are about the size of a hall closet or a half bathroom making them perfect for people who only need to store a few items, like seasonal decorations, documents, or the contents of a large closet. In our analysis, the price for a small unit only varied by $25 across all five cities, making it a predictable choice no matter where you live [1].

What Fits in a Small Unit?

• A dresser and a twin mattress set

• Sports items (hockey equipment or surfboards)

• Seasonal items (holiday decorations or winter coats)

• Office supplies and business records

Best Cities for Small Units: Las Vegas and Sacramento offer the best deals on small units at just $21/month [1].

Medium Units (50 - 149 sq ft)

Price Range: $51 - $135/month [1]

Medium units are the most popular size category nationwide. They offer a good balance of space and affordability, making them ideal for storing the contents of a one-bedroom apartment or for small businesses needing inventory space. The price for a medium unit has a much wider range ($84 spread) than small units, so it pays to compare prices in your city.

What Fits in a Medium Unit?

• The contents of a one-bedroom apartment

• A queen-sized bed, dresser, TV and several boxes

• Small business inventory or equipment

• Outdoor furniture or sporting gear

Best City for Medium Units: Las Vegas offers the best value for medium units at $51/month [1].

At SmartStop Self Storage, you can find a wide variety of medium-sized units, like the popular 10x10, to fit your specific needs. Our on-site staff can help you visualize the space to make sure it’s the right fit.

Large Units (150+ sq ft)

Price Range: $126 - $329/month [1]

Large units are perfect for families moving between homes, businesses with significant inventory, or for storing vehicles. While they have the highest monthly cost, they often provide the best value when you look at the price per square foot. The price for a large unit varies by over $200 across the cities we analyzed, with Toronto’s large units costing nearly three times as much as those in Las Vegas [1].

What Fits in a Large Unit?

• The contents of a 3-4 bedroom house

• Major appliances like a refrigerator, washer and dryer

• A car, motorcycle or small boat

• Large furniture sets and numerous boxes

Best Cities for Large Units: Las Vegas and Asheville offer the best value for large units at just $0.63/sq ft [1].

Value Optimization: When to Size Up

It might seem counterintuitive, but sometimes renting a larger unit can save you money. Because the price per square foot often goes down as the unit size goes up, you can get more space for a relatively small increase in price. For example, a 10x15 unit might only cost 15-20% more than a 10x10 unit, but it gives you 50% more space.

This chart shows the price per square foot for small and large units in each city. In every market analyzed, large units offer better value per square foot than small units, with savings ranging from 10% (Toronto) to 45% (Asheville). The savings can be significant, especially in cities like Las Vegas and Asheville.

SmartStop Self Storage offers flexible month-to-month leases, so if you find you need more or less space, you can easily switch to a different unit size without being locked into a long-term contract.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What size storage unit do I need?

A 5x5 unit (25 sq ft) fits boxes and small furniture from a studio apartment. A 10x10 unit (100 sq ft) holds the contents of a one-bedroom apartment. A 10x20 unit (200 sq ft) accommodates a three-bedroom house or vehicle storage. Most facilities offer size guides to help customers select the right unit. 

Q: Are large units a better value?

Often, yes. In all the cities we analyzed, the price per square foot was lower for large units than for small units. If you’re on the fence between two sizes, the larger one may be more cost-effective.

Q: Do I need climate-controlled storage?

Standard units work well for metal tools, outdoor equipment, and vehicles. Climate-controlled storage is recommended for items sensitive to temperature and humidity, including wooden furniture, electronics, photographs, documents, musical instruments, and artwork. It helps prevent warping, cracking, mold, and moisture damage. 

Q: Can I switch unit sizes later?

Most facilities, including SmartStop Self Storage, offer flexible options that allow you to move to a different unit size if your needs change.

References

[1] SmartStop. (2026, January). Internal Data.