10x20 Storage Unit: How Much Can You Really Fit?

If you've started looking at storage units and you're trying to figure out what size you actually need, you've probably come across the 10x20.

A 10x20 is one of those sizes that can be hard to picture from the measurements alone. It's 10 feet wide and 20 feet deep, giving you 200 square feet of floor space with plenty of room to stack and organize your belongings.

In practical terms, a 10x20 can feel a lot like having an extra garage—especially when you're trying to store the contents of a home, keep furniture somewhere during a renovation, or make room for business inventory.

I've helped plenty of people figure out storage sizes, and one of the most common questions I hear is, "Do you think everything I have will fit?"

So let's talk about what you can realistically expect from a 10x20.

What Is a 10x20 Storage Unit?

A 10x20 storage unit measures:

• 10 feet wide
• 20 feet deep
• 200 square feet of floor space
• Typically around 8 feet of ceiling height, although ceiling height can vary by facility

That's a substantial amount of storage space.

A 10x20 is often a good option for someone moving out of a larger home, storing furniture during a renovation, combining households, or needing additional space for a business.

It's also a popular size for people who need to store larger items along with boxes and household belongings.

What Can You Fit in a 10x20?

This is where things get interesting.

Depending on how much furniture you have and how efficiently everything is packed, a 10x20 can accommodate a significant portion of the contents of a home.

You may be able to store things such as:

• Sofas and living room furniture
• Bedroom furniture and mattresses
• Dining room tables and chairs
• Appliances
• Bookcases and shelving
• Moving boxes and totes
• Seasonal decorations
• Business inventory
• Tools and equipment
• Outdoor equipment
• And much more

Of course, everyone's belongings are different. One person's "three-bedroom house" can be very different from another person's.

That's why I always recommend making a quick list of your larger items before choosing a unit. Your furniture will take up considerably more space than a few dozen boxes, and those larger pieces are what really determine how much room you'll need.

What About a Vehicle?

A 10x20 can also be useful if you're storing a vehicle along with other belongings, depending on the vehicle and the facility's access and storage rules.

If you're planning to put a vehicle inside the unit, think carefully about how you'll arrange everything around it.

And here's one piece of advice from someone who has seen this go wrong: don't park the vehicle in first.

Put the things that need to go along the back and sides of the unit in place first. Otherwise, you may find yourself climbing over half your belongings just to get something out.

Think of it as storage Tetris—but with much heavier pieces.

Who Usually Needs a 10x20?

There isn't one specific type of customer who rents a 10x20. Some of the most common situations include:

Moving

Maybe you're between homes, your closing dates don't line up, or you're downsizing and need some extra time to decide what stays and what goes.

A 10x20 gives you enough room to get furniture and boxes out of the way without cramming everything into a smaller unit.

Home Renovations

If you're remodeling several rooms—or an entire house—keeping furniture and belongings in a storage unit can make the project much easier.

It also keeps your furniture out of the way of construction dust, paint, tools, and contractors.

Combining Households

Moving in together sounds simple until you realize you're suddenly combining two kitchens, two living rooms, two sets of bedroom furniture…and approximately 47 coffee mugs.

A larger storage unit can give you some breathing room while you figure out what you actually need.

Business Storage

A 10x20 can also work well for small businesses that need additional room for:

• Inventory
• Supplies
• Tools
• Equipment
• Seasonal merchandise
• Displays
• Office furniture

It can be a great way to get business items out of your home or garage without committing to a much larger commercial space.

How Do You Organize a 10x20?

Getting a large storage unit is one thing. Being able to find something six months later is another.

Before you start unloading, take a few minutes to think about how you're going to use the space.

Leave Yourself a Path

Don't pack every square inch just because you can.

Leaving a small aisle through the unit can make a huge difference when you need something toward the back.

Put Less-Used Items in the Back

Holiday decorations, seasonal clothing, extra furniture, and other things you won't need regularly can go toward the back.

Things you may need more often should stay closer to the front.

Use the Vertical Space

Remember that you're not limited to the floor.

Sturdy shelving can help you take advantage of the available height, and properly stacked boxes can make a surprisingly big difference in how much you can fit.

Just make sure anything you stack is stable and that heavier boxes are placed below lighter ones.

Label Your Boxes

This sounds obvious until you're standing in front of 30 identical boxes looking for the coffee maker.

Label boxes on more than one side so you can see what is inside without having to move everything around.

Taking a quick inventory or a few pictures of the unit after you've finished organizing it can also save you a lot of frustration later.

Should You Choose Climate Control?

This is one of the questions I recommend asking before choosing your storage unit.

Climate-controlled storage can be a good choice for belongings that may be more sensitive to temperature and humidity changes.

That can include:

• Wooden furniture
• Electronics
• Important documents
• Photographs
• Musical instruments
• Leather furniture
• Certain business inventory

Not everything needs climate control, but some belongings are worth protecting from the temperature and humidity changes that can happen in a traditional storage environment.

If you're unsure, ask the storage facility what they recommend for the items you're storing.

Don't Forget About the Move Itself

A 10x20 can hold a lot, which also means you may have quite a bit to move.

Before moving day, consider having:

• A properly sized moving truck
• A furniture dolly or appliance dolly
• Moving blankets
• Sturdy boxes
• Packing tape
• Stretch wrap
• A few extra sets of hands

And if you're moving large furniture or appliances, don't underestimate the value of professional movers. Saving a little money on moving day isn't worth an injury.

What Should You Look for in a Storage Facility?

The unit size is important, but it's not the only thing to consider.

When comparing storage facilities, look at:

Access: How easily can you get to your unit?

Door size: Especially important if you're moving large furniture, equipment, or other bulky items.

Drive-up access: Being able to pull a vehicle directly to your unit can make loading and unloading much easier.

Security: Look for features such as gated access, cameras, lighting, and controlled entry.

Cleanliness: You want a facility that takes care of the property and the units.

Location: A storage unit that's convenient to your home or business is much easier to use.

Climate control: If you're storing items that are sensitive to temperature and humidity, this may be worth considering.

A Few Final Storage Tips

After helping customers with storage over the years, I've found that the little things make the biggest difference.

Don't put everything you own in the unit without a plan. Give yourself access to the things you'll need, protect your furniture, and keep your heavier items toward the bottom.

If you're storing furniture, disassemble larger pieces when practical. Cover upholstered furniture and mattresses, and avoid packing boxes so tightly that you can't safely move them later.

Most importantly, think about how you'll use the unit six months from now, not just how you're going to fill it today.

That's usually the difference between a storage unit that's organized and one that becomes a giant game of "Where did I put that?"

Is a 10x20 the Right Size for You?

A 10x20 storage unit can be a great solution when you need more than a basic storage unit but don't need an entire warehouse.

Whether you're moving, renovating, downsizing, combining households, or simply running out of room, 200 square feet gives you quite a bit of flexibility.

If you're in the Denton area and you're not sure what size you need, we'd be happy to help you talk through your options. At Teasley Lane Self Storage, we can help you think through what you're storing and whether a 10x20—or another size—makes the most sense for your situation.

We offer clean, secure storage with easy online rentals, and our facility features first-floor climate-controlled units for customers who need that added protection.

Ready to see if a 10x20 is right for you?

Visit Teasley Lane Self Storage at 8388 Teasley Lane in Denton, TX, or check our available units online at www.teasleylanestorage.com.

And if you're still not sure what size you need, give us a call. We'd much rather help you choose the right size than have you rent a unit that's too small—or pay for more space than you actually need.

Your space is waiting.