The 10×40 Storage Unit: Ample Space for Home and Vehicle Storage

There are times in life when you may find you need more storage space than usual–a lot more space. Major life transitions, big relocations, an expanding business or a place to house your newly acquired pontoon during the off-season all demand a high-capacity solution to safely keep your most valuable items. What do you do? Consider the largest storage unit size available to support your big move, expanding business or heavy gear: the 10×40 storage unit.

The 10×40 self storage unit offers maximum space and is a go-to storage solution for professionals, collectors, sportspeople and anyone undertaking a major move or life transition who needs long-term housing for their personal belongings or business wares. If you fall into any of these categories, or just want to learn more about the variety of storage unit sizes available to you, read on as we explore the costs, features and ideal use cases for a 10×40 storage unit.

Inside a 10×40 Storage Unit: Specs, Dimensions and Capacity

A 10×40 self storage unit is expansive, boasting 400 total square feet of floor space, 3,200-4,000 cubic feet and 8-10 feet of vertical space. These giant units are the size of a roomy two-car garage, and can easily hold the contents of a 2,500-3,500 square foot, 4-5 bedroom home, or multiple large vehicles. Their accommodating dimensions makes them especially popular among RV owners in need of end-of-season camper storage, and car enthusiasts seeking long-term, secure automobile storage.

If a visual helps you better understand how big the largest storage unit size is, the 10×40 storage unit shares the same footprint as half the size of a basketball court. Imagine stuffing a large apartment from corner to ceiling with an entire 2,500-3,500 square foot home’s worth of belongings. It’s a big unit, designed for housing big things.

A spread this size comes with plenty of features–which is another reason these units are so popular with vehicle owners. Convenient ground floor locations with drive-up access and wide door openings allow for plenty of turning radius and maneuverability, making it easy for RVs, boats and cars to move in and move around. Premium 10×40 storage units also typically include electrical outlets for battery tenders and lighting, surveillance and 24-7 security, and climate control to protect household items and delicate materials from damage due to humidity and temperature changes.

The 10×40 Storage Unit: What Fits in the Largest Storage Unit Size

If you’re in the market for a large-capacity storage solution, the versatility and flexibility of the 10×40 storage unit is tough to beat. Below are three large-scale storage scenarios in which the 10×40 shines.

Complete Household Storage Capacity

When you need complete household storage capacity, the 10×40 storage unit can’t be beat. These units will easily hold the entire contents of a 4-5 bedroom, 2,500-3,500 square foot home. If you’re wondering just how much can fit inside one of these units, below is a list of items that will fit together into one 10×40 storage unit:

• Multiple complete living room sets with sectional sofas 
• 4-6 bedroom furniture sets, including king-sized beds
• Major kitchen appliances, including refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers and dining sets
• Home office equipment
• Electronics
• Entertainment centers
• Seasonal decor
• Sports and outdoor gear 
• Hobby equipment

Vehicle Storage Options

If you’re looking for vehicle storage, the 10×40 has you covered thanks to its considerable length and height. They are perfectly designed for automobile storage and camper storage, and readily accommodate most Class A, single RV motorhomes up to 38 feet in length. Smaller Class B and C RVs, travel trailers and fifth wheels all will fit easily, leaving plenty of storage space for accessories and other items. 

You can also neatly park up to 3-4 standard-sized cars, two large pickup trucks or SUVs, or multiple motorcycles and recreational vehicles in the space, with plenty of room left for tools and other equipment.

Boats up to 35+ feet with trailers will maneuver easily in the space, with room for additional recreational water vehicles, equipment or supplies.

Mixed Storage Scenarios

A single 10×40 storage unit also offers convenient hybrid storage capabilities. This is especially handy when you are planning a major move or life transition and have several categories of belongings in need of storage. Instead of renting several units to store these items, you can partition a 10×40 storage unit into areas you set up specifically for certain items, all under one roof. Depending on your storage needs, this can save you money in the long run.

People moving homes can store the contents of a 2-3 bedroom home alongside a boat, RV or car. Classic car collectors and hobbyists can convert the space into a garage workshop for maintaining, preserving and maintaining their fleet. Business owners and tradespeople often use these spaces as inventory warehouses, workshops and studios. 

Big Life Changes Need Big Storage Solutions: Do You Need the Largest Storage Unit Size?

Are you wondering if you need, or can make use of, a storage unit as spacious and substantial as a 10×40 storage unit? Let’s take a look at a few more use cases to help you determine if the largest storage unit size would be useful for you.

Downsizing and Major Life Transitions

Big life changes are the most common reasons people choose the largest storage unit size. Those in the process of selling, moving and downsizing houses, traveling extensively for the long term, or deploying for military service frequently choose the 10×40 unit, because it has plenty of capacity to store the contents of their entire homes and lives for months on end. 

Business Storage Applications

The 10×40 storage unit can be used as warehouse space for extra equipment, inventory and stock management. Businesses of all sizes use these units and find them indispensable. They allow small but growing businesses to expand and scale in a secure location that is more affordable than the cost of an office or commercial building space.

These units are also popular with tradespeople, artists and entrepreneurs who need a substantially sized off-site location to work, create and build.

Vehicle Storage Solutions

Automobile storage and camper storage can sometimes be tricky to find, especially if you live in a neighborhood governed by an HOA with strict rules about the number and types of vehicles that can be parked on private property. These rules can become costly if violated, and a storage unit large enough to house these vehicles eliminates the need to compromise on the number and types of vehicles you own.

The 10×40 unit is also an excellent choice if you need to securely shed and manage commercial vehicles, or if you need a location to keep recreational vehicles such as jet skis, boats and ATVs during the off season.

Is a 10×40 Storage Unit Worth It? What to Know About Costs, Factors and Features

Nationally, rental rates for 10×40 storage units range from $250-$600 per month. The rate you pay will depend on location, season, amenities, and type of access. Expect to pay higher monthly rates in urban areas and markets in which these extra-large storage units are in high demand. 

The time of year can also affect rates. Spring and summer months are considered peak season and often command higher prices because, on average, more people move during the warmer months of the year. 

Premium units with added features such as climate control, drive-up access, battery tenders and extra-wide doors may cost you on average $50-$150 more per month–but in a unit this size, amenities like these are usually needed and almost always worth the additional spend.

There are savings to be had, however. Some rental facilities offer discounts on long-term rentals, and others may employ a dynamic pricing model that adjusts rates based on real-time demand. You may also be able to negotiate a lower rate on various storage unit sizes during the slower months if a facility has a surplus of units it is eager to move. You could enjoy significant savings if you are able to time your move to align with the off-season, so be sure to inquire about any discounts or available pricing adjustments before you lock in your rate.

A Guide to Automobile Storage: Features and Factors to Consider When Choosing a 10×40 Storage Unit

The largest storage unit size will be ideal if you are looking for automobile storage, but there are a few things to note before you commit to a facility. 

Location and convenience

Make sure the location is convenient for your needs. If you plan to store a boat, you may want to rent a storage unit near the marina. If you are housing cars you frequently drive for pleasure, consider a facility near preferred roads or highways. If you have an RV, you may want to be near RV dealers for service and maintenance.

Features and amenities

Choose a unit with the right amenities and features for what you will be storing. A ground-level unit with 24-7 entry and extra-wide doors provides easy unit access for automobile storage, camper storage, and storage for boats, trailers, and other large recreational vehicles. Look for wide driveways and plenty of turning radius that lets you easily maneuver, organize and manage your vehicles. Do you need extra lighting, plenty of electrical outlets, battery tenders or wash stations? Do you plan to set up an area in your unit expressly for vehicle maintenance? Make sure your facility’s 10×40 units offer all the features you think you’ll need.

Vehicle Storage Policies

All storage unit sizes come with some sort of policy for usage, and you should expect that a unit you will be using for automobile storage will come with a considerable list of requirements to ensure the facility’s safety, your safety, and the safety of those around you. Carefully review all insurance requirements for stored vehicles and be prepared to provide any required registrations and any other requested documentation. Before you rent, know the dos and don’ts for automobile storage at your facility.

Some facilities may have restrictions on certain types of vehicles or may not allow heavily modified or repaired vehicles. If you plan to work on your vehicles while in storage, know the policies on fluid storage, battery storage, and in-unit repairs. Finally, if your vehicle is oversized, ask about the access procedures for large vehicles, including access codes and security controls.

It’s always a good idea to visit the facility before you commit to a lease, to make sure it’s the expected fit for what you plan to store.

Planning and Next Steps: Get Ready to Choose The Perfect 10×40 Storage Unit for Your Needs

Let’s recap the basics: The 10×40 storage unit is the largest storage unit size, and its capacious 400 square feet offers plenty of room to meet your biggest storage needs. These are the units to consider when you need to store the contents of an entire home during a major move, if you’re looking for a safe off-site location for automobile storage or camper storage, or if you need to store sizable business inventory and equipment. 

To ensure you’re getting the most value from every inch of your 10×40 storage unit, start by creating a space planning checklist. Inventory everything you plan to store. Measure each item and note how much space each item requires. As you estimate the total amount of space you will need, remember that a 10×40 storage unit is the size of a roomy two-car garage and can hold the contents of a 2,500-3,500 square foot, 4-5 bedroom home. 

When you’re ready to choose your storage unit, use our storage.com facility finder to find 10×40 storage units near you, or to compare storage unit sizes to find the best fit for your self storage requirements.