Exit 46 Storage
How to Choose the Right Storage Unit Size in Kelso WA
November 4, 2025
Choosing a storage unit sounds simple until you're standing there wondering if your boxes, furniture, and gear will actually fit. Rent something too small and you'll spend hours playing Tetris with your belongings. Go too big and you'll pay for space you don't use.
If you live around Kelso, WA, you already know how valuable a little extra room can be. Between growing families, small businesses, and outdoor hobbies that come with the Pacific Northwest lifestyle, it's easy to run out of space. That's where Exit 46 Storage helps—making it easier for Kelso residents to find the right-sized storage unit that fits both their belongings and their budget.
Let's walk through how to figure out exactly what size you need—and how to make the most of every square foot.
1) Understand How Storage Unit Sizes Are Measured
Storage unit sizes are measured in feet (length × width), just like a room in your home. Common options range from 5×5 all the way up to 10×30 or larger.
Most units have 8-foot ceilings, which gives you space to stack boxes or furniture vertically. When you plan, think in cubic feet, not just floor space.
| Unit Size | Comparable To | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| 5×5 | Small walk-in closet | Boxes, seasonal décor, small items |
| 5×10 | Walk-in closet | Small furniture, bikes, a dorm room's contents |
| 10×10 | Half of a one-car garage | One-bedroom apartment, several furniture pieces |
| 10×15 | Large bedroom | Two-bedroom apartment, appliances, couches |
| 10×20 | One-car garage | 2–3 bedroom home, business inventory |
| 10×30 | Extra-long garage | 3–4 bedroom home, boat or small vehicle |
2) Take Inventory Before You Estimate
Before you start guessing sizes, grab a notepad or your phone's camera and walk through everything you plan to store.
Group items like this:
- Furniture: couches, dressers, mattresses, tables, chairs
- Boxes and bins: how many and how big
- Appliances: fridge, washer, dryer, microwave
- Outdoor gear: bikes, kayaks, camping gear, lawnmowers
- Seasonal items: Christmas décor, snow gear, patio sets
Then decide whether you'll need frequent access. If you plan to visit your unit often, you'll want to leave an aisle inside the unit.
3) Factor in Access and Organization
In Kelso's rainy winters, unloading half your unit to reach one box isn't fun. Plan your layout ahead of time:
- Leave a narrow walkway down the middle.
- Use shelving for smaller boxes.
- Stack heavier items on the bottom.
- Place frequently used items closest to the door.
A well-organized 10×10 can hold more than a cluttered 10×15, so a little planning can save you money.
4) Know What You're Storing — and for How Long
The length of time affects the space you need.
- Short-term (a few months): you can pack tighter.
- Long-term (6+ months): leave breathing room and walkways.
- Business storage: plan for items to come in and out.
- Boats/vehicles: measure total length, including hitches.
Most Exit 46 Storage customers pick a 10×15 or 10×20 when they're storing an entire household or inventory.
5) Consider What's Typical for Kelso Households
Kelso has everything from apartments near downtown and Three Rivers Mall to homes closer to Lexington and rural areas along Spirit Lake Memorial Highway. That means storage needs vary.
- Apartments: 5×10 or 10×10 for overflow, décor, and small furniture.
- Homeowners: 10×15 or 10×20 for 2–3 bedroom homes.
- Outdoor gear lovers: 10×20 drive-up for kayaks, ATVs, fishing gear.
- Local businesses: 10×10 for tools, inventory, or supplies.
6) Match Your Needs to Exit 46 Storage Unit Options
Exit 46 Storage offers multiple drive-up unit sizes with 24/7 gate access, so you can choose exactly what you need. Here's how the most popular sizes usually get used:
5×10 Unit
Great for Kelso residents who just need a little extra room—holiday décor, a few pieces of furniture, or boxes during a move.
10×10 Unit
Holds a typical one-bedroom apartment or small office inventory. Good balance of size and price.
10×15 Unit
Ideal for multi-room storage. Families from Lexington, Catlin, and nearby neighborhoods often choose this size.
10×20 Unit
About the size of a one-car garage. Perfect for household moves, small vehicles, or storing gear before heading to Silver Lake or up toward Mount St. Helens.
10×30 Unit
Maximum capacity for large homes, business equipment, or multiple vehicles.
7) Protect Your Items in Kelso's Climate
Kelso's damp weather can be tough on unprotected items. No matter which unit size you choose:
- Use plastic bins instead of old cardboard.
- Cover furniture with breathable covers.
- Raise items off the floor with pallets or shelving.
- Keep sensitive items toward the center of the unit.
8) Use the Exit 46 Storage Tools
If you want to double-check your choice, use the tools already on the site:
- Storage Unit Size Guide – shows what typically fits in each unit.
- Storage Space Estimator – lets you estimate space based on your actual items.
Because those tools are specific to the facility at Exit 46, you'll get more accurate sizing than generic guides online.
9) Drive-Up Access vs. Interior Style
Most units at Exit 46 Storage feature drive-up access, which is ideal in our area. You can pull right up to the door, unload quickly, and stay out of the rain. If you plan to visit often or store heavy furniture, this is worth prioritizing even if you choose a slightly smaller unit to stay on budget.
10) Plan for Future Storage
People almost always add more stuff later. If you think you'll fill a unit 90% of the way, consider going up a size. The extra cost each month is usually small, and it saves you from having to rent a second unit later.
11) How Size Affects Your Budget
Bigger units cost more per month, but the cost per square foot usually goes down. If you think you'll be storing for six months or longer, one slightly larger unit is often more affordable than two smaller ones.
To see what's available right now, check the current rates page: View Rates.
12) Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Not measuring large furniture or appliances.
- Forgetting to account for ceiling height.
- Overfilling the unit with no room to move around.
- Not protecting items from damp weather.
- Skipping a quick call to the storage office for advice.
13) Ask the Local Team for Help
The staff at Exit 46 Storage has helped lots of people from Kelso, Castle Rock, and Longview pick the right unit. If you bring a list, a few photos, or just a rough idea of how much you have, they can point you to the right size in a couple of minutes.
You can get in touch here: Contact Us.
14) Quick Sizing Recap
Use this as a fast guide:
- 5×5 or 5×10: small storage, décor, boxes
- 10×10: one-bedroom apartment
- 10×15: two-bedroom home
- 10×20: full household or small vehicle
- 10×30: large home, business, or multiple vehicles
Then confirm with the size guide or space estimator before reserving.
15) Why Kelso Residents Choose Exit 46 Storage
Exit 46 Storage is right off I-5 at Pleasant Hill Rd, so it's easy to reach from Kelso, Castle Rock, and Longview. The facility is fully fenced, video monitored, and offers 24/7 gate access. You can also pay online, which makes long-term storage simple.
When you combine secure access, drive-up units, and a local team that actually helps you pick the right size, storing your belongings becomes a lot less stressful.
Ready to get a unit? Start with the size guide here: Size Guide or go straight to current pricing: View Rates.