Renting a storage unit for the first time can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re looking at a list of unit sizes and trying to picture what will actually fit. Pick a unit that’s too small and you’ll run out of space halfway through. Pick one too large and you’re paying for extra room you may not need.
At Intra-Lock Self Storage, we help hundreds of customers in Chesterton, Michigan City, and across Porter County choose the right unit size every year. The good news is that with a little planning, finding the perfect unit is easier than you think.
Write down a quick list of the major things you need to store. This doesn’t have to be detailed — just the main items:
Furniture (beds, dressers, couches, tables)
Boxes or totes
Appliances
Seasonal items
Tools or lawn equipment
Business supplies or inventory
Customers throughout Northwest Indiana often find that listing their big items helps them quickly narrow down their size options.
Here’s a simple breakdown of popular storage sizes and what typically fits inside. These examples apply whether you're storing items locally in Indiana or at one of our Illinois facilities.
Good for:
5–10 boxes
Seasonal décor
Small furniture
Personal items
Great for local residents needing short-term overflow space.
Fits:
A small studio’s worth of items
Mattress set
Small dressers
Bicycles and tools
One of the most popular sizes for residents in the Chesterton and Michigan City area.
Fits:
Contents of a 1–2 bedroom apartment
Couches, tables, bed frames
Appliances
Multiple boxes
Perfect for families preparing to move or renovate.
Fits:
2–3 bedroom home
Large furniture sets
Business inventory
Contractor equipment
A common choice for contractors and small business owners in Porter County.
Fits:
Entire 3–4 bedroom home
Multiple furniture sets
Vehicles, trailers, and equipment
Long-term storage needs
Ideal for anyone needing maximum space or storing while relocating.
Most storage units are about 8 feet tall, which gives you more room than you might expect. You can:
Stack boxes up to the ceiling
Store mattresses upright
Stand couches on their end
Add shelving for better organization
Many Northwest Indiana customers are surprised they can fit more than they initially thought by using vertical space strategically.
Your ideal storage unit size depends on how frequently you plan to visit the unit:
Frequent access: choose a slightly bigger unit for walking space
Long-term storage: you can pack things tighter and choose a smaller unit
People moving between Indiana and Illinois often choose a larger unit for easier access during the transition.
Most renters underestimate the amount of space they need. If you’re deciding between two sizes, going up one size usually makes loading, organizing, and accessing your items far easier — and can help protect your belongings from getting crammed or damaged.
A 10x10 is the most popular because it fits an entire apartment or multiple large furniture pieces.
Most long-distance moves use a 10x10, 10x20, or 10x30, depending on how much furniture you’re bringing.
Yes — all Intra-Lock Self Storage locations offer convenient, drive-up access to make loading easier.
Choosing the right storage unit size doesn’t have to be confusing. With a few simple steps and an understanding of what each size offers, you can find the perfect fit for your needs — whether you’re decluttering, moving, storing business items, or preparing for a renovation.
If you’re looking for clean, secure, and affordable storage in Chesterton, Michigan City, or anywhere in Porter County, Intra-Lock Self Storage is here to help. Our team can guide you through the size selection process and help you find the unit that fits your needs and your budget.