get a quote

5×10 Storage Unit Guide: What Fits in 50 Sq Ft?

If you’re considering self-storage, you’ve likely encountered the 50 sq ft storage unit. It’s one of the most popular sizes in the UK, with around 33% of domestic customers choosing a unit between 10 and 50 square feet.

So, why are these smaller yet spacious units so popular?

They hit the perfect balance — offering enough space to store the contents of a one-bedroom flat, while still being compact, manageable, and cheap enough for the average household budget. Whether you’re moving, decluttering, or just need some extra storage, it’s often the ideal size.

Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know if you’re considering renting a 5×10 sq ft storage unit.

 

How Big is a 50 Sq Ft space?

A 50 sq ft storage unit, aka a 5×10 storage unit, provides 50 square feet of floor space, typically with 7 to 8-foot high ceilings. That extra vertical room comes in handy for stacking boxes, storing tall furniture, or making the most of limited floor space.

To help you picture it, this size is roughly equivalent to:

  • A small walk-in wardrobe
  • Half of a standard one-car garage
  • A compact bedroom filled with furniture and boxes
  • The loading space in the back of a large Transit van

It’s one of those sizes that often surprises people — compact from the outside, but surprisingly spacious when packed efficiently.

 

What Can You Fit in a 50 Sq Ft Storage Unit?

A 50-square-foot storage room is ideal for storing the contents of a one-bedroom flat or a mix of personal and household items. Thanks to the ceiling height, you have more room to stack boxes and even furniture.

Here’s a typical example of what you could store:

  • A double or queen-size mattress
  • A disassembled bed frame
  • A chest of drawers or small wardrobe
  • A 2-seater sofa or armchairs
  • A coffee table, side tables or lamps
  • Around 20–40 medium boxes or storage tubs

“Because 50 sq ft storage spaces aren’t overly large, they’re especially popular among students and young professionals with less stuff. They’re also handy for seasonal or business use, like storing holiday decorations, event gear, or excess inventory, and in some cases even supporting small business operations.

 

How Much Do 50 Sq Ft Storage Units Cost?

In the UK, renting a 50 sq ft unit typically costs:

  • £30–£50 per week
  • £130–£217 per month

Storage prices may vary depending on location, rental duration, and whether you require additional features such as 24-hour access, climate control, or drive-up entry. Big cities, such as London, tend to be more expensive, and some facilities may also charge for insurance or admin fees.

However, you can often save with long-term storage bookings, and online deals.

At Henfield Storage, our prices start as low as £15 per week with a promo, and our standard rate is just £30 per week, making us one of the most affordable options around. Plus, we offer additional savings for longer stays, and booking online or by phone is quick and easy.

Get a free quote today and see how much you could save — no strings attached.

 

Is a 50-Square-Foot Storage Unit Right for You?

Still unsure if 50 square feet is the right size for your needs? It all depends on what you’re storing, but there’s a reason why around a third of domestic customers choose this option. It’s one of the most versatile unit sizes, perfect for situations like:

  • Moving out of a one-bedroom flat
  • Decluttering your home without getting rid of everything
  • Storing appliances or furniture short-term during renovations
  • Students heading home for the holidays or summer — ideal for student storage between terms
  • Small business owners needing space for stock, documents, or equipment
  • Looking for a cost-effective alternative to renting a garage or using a spare room

This size is ideal for storing a mix of furniture, appliances, and boxes — especially if you pack strategically and take full advantage of the unit’s height.

 

Tips for Making the Most of Your 50 Sq Ft Storage Unit

A common mistake with storage units is underutilising the space — especially when items aren’t packed efficiently or vertical space is ignored. To get the most out of your 50 sq ft storage unit, a little strategy goes a long way.

  • Wrap fragile items and stack boxes evenly to maximize your space.
  • Use shelving or stackable bins to maximise vertical storage.
  • Label boxes clearly so you can find things quickly.
  • Keep frequently used items near the front for easy access.
  • Disassemble bulky furniture to create more space.
  • Store smaller items inside drawers, cabinets, or suitcases.
  • Fill empty gaps with soft items or smaller boxes to avoid wasted space.

With a few smart packing habits, your 50 sq ft unit can hold far more than you’d expect — and make retrieving things much simpler.

Curious about other sizes? Take a look at our 5×5, 5×7, 10×10, 10×15, and 10×20 storage unit size guides for more tips on finding the perfect fit.

 

Book Your 50 Sq Ft Storage Unit with Henfield Storage

Henfield Storage Brighton opens

Book a 50 sq ft storage unit with Henfield Storage and enjoy some of the lowest prices in the UK. Our units are clean, dry, and highly secure — protected by 24/7 CCTV, perimeter fencing, and police-linked alarms, so you can store with confidence.

We also offer a Free Collection service to make moving in hassle-free, along with flexible payment options and long-term discounts to help you save even more.

You can book online or call us on 020 3613 6413 to reserve your unit. We operate all across London, Brighton and Sussex, with facilities in Staples Corner, Wimbledon, Southwark, Chiswick, Brighton, Horsham, and Crawley.

No matter where you are, we have a storage solution for you.

Back to blog

Related articles

Do I Need Self-Storage Insurance?

Yes, you absolutely do. A recent survey of storage customers found that insurance ranked near the bottom of requested features, far behind extras like lighting or keyless access. They’re convenient, sure, but won’t save you potentially thousands of pounds if disaster strikes. Below we’ll cover everything you need to know about self-storage insurance, including what … Continued

Read More

Can You Live in a Storage Unit?

At first glance, storage units might seem like a cheap substitute for a flat. They’re private, secure, and hidden away from the world. And with UK tenants now spending an average of 36.3% of their income on rent, well above the 30% affordability threshold, many are asking: can you live in a storage unit? The … Continued

Read More

Can you run a business from a storage unit?

The idea of running a business from a storage unit might sound tempting, especially if you’re looking for a low-cost base. But the reality is a little different. Most storage providers are happy for you to keep your goods there, but they draw the line at working from the unit. Meetings, serving customers, or turning … Continued

Read More

can we help you find easy money saving self-storage?

get started

Get a quote

Please enter your postcode below so that we can give you a price quote for your nearest store, we cover all of london and sussex.

use my location
Please start typing then select your location from the list.
or

Get an online quote

We’ll email it to you too!

Please enter your details below to get a personalised quote

So we can email you the quote
We’ll text you when there’s low availability of your chosen unit size

select an FAQs option