What Size Storage Unit Do You Really Need?

One of the most common questions people ask before renting a storage unit is: “How big of a unit do I actually need?” It’s a fair question — and one that can save you both money and frustration when moving in.

At Cheswold Storage, we keep things simple. We offer only three unit sizes, each chosen to match the most common storage needs for homeowners, renters, and local businesses. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide which one fits your situation best.

5×8 Storage Unit – Small but Mighty

Think of the 5×8 unit as the size of a walk-in closet. It’s compact but surprisingly spacious when packed smartly.

This size is ideal for:

  • Boxes of clothes, decorations, and household items
  • Small furniture like end tables, chairs, or lamps
  • Sports gear, bikes, or gardening tools
  • Business records or office supplies

If you’re decluttering a single room or need temporary space during a small renovation, a 5×8 unit is your most affordable and efficient choice.

8×10 Storage Unit – Perfect for Apartments or Small Homes

The 8×10 unit is our most popular size — about the space of a standard bedroom. It comfortably fits the contents of a one-bedroom apartment or a studio home.

This size is ideal for:

  • Mattresses, dressers, and bookshelves
  • Several medium-sized boxes or bins
  • Kitchen appliances and small furniture sets
  • Office inventory or seasonal business equipment

Many Dover-area renters choose this size when moving between apartments or downsizing. It’s a reliable middle ground between “just enough” and “room to grow.”

8×20 Storage Unit – For Big Moves or Businesses

When you need to store the contents of an entire house, large furniture, or equipment, the 8×20 unit is your best option. It’s roughly the size of a single-car garage and offers ample room for bulky items.

This size is ideal for:

  • Full household furniture sets
  • Business inventory or tools
  • Moving or staging items for relocation
  • Seasonal storage for multiple rooms or families

If you’re a homeowner or a small business owner in the Dover or Cheswold area, this size gives you the flexibility to store almost anything with room to spare.

Quick Tips for Choosing the Right Size
  • Stack smart: Vertical space matters. Stack boxes safely to get more out of smaller units.
  • Measure before moving: A quick tape measure can help you visualize what truly fits.
  • Think long-term: If you plan to access items often, leave a small aisle down the middle.

Our team can also help you decide — just tell us what you plan to store, and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Storage Made Simple in Cheswold

At Cheswold Storage, all units come with 24/7 access, secure locking systems, and month-to-month flexibility. You can rent online anytime at cheswoldstorage.com or call (302) 924-7874 to speak with our team.

Whether you need space for a few boxes or an entire household, we’ve got the right size ready for you.


Looking for more? Check out our other locations:

Storage HQ – storagehq.ca

Legal Self Storage – legalselfstorage.com

Covered Keeper – coveredkeeper.com

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