How Much Storage Space Does a Small Business Need?
Sep 10, 2026 / Alina Bradford
Small businesses need anywhere from 25 to 300 square feet of storage space, depending on how much inventory they have, the size of their equipment, and how they use the space.
If you’re storing seasonal items, boxes, or smaller pieces of furniture, a 5′ x 5′ to 5′ x 10′ unit may give you plenty of room. Need space for larger furniture or a bigger inventory? Consider a 5′ x 15′ to 10′ x 10′ unit. For equipment, supplies, or several sets of office furniture, a 10′ x 15′ to 10′ x 25′ unit can give you the extra space you need.
Small business storage unit size guide
| Unit size | Sq. Ft. | Cubic feet | Good for small businesses storing |
| Locker | 25 | 100 | Small boxes, files, samples, and business supplies |
| 5′ x 5′ | 25 | 200 | Boxes, seasonal supplies, small inventory, or marketing materials |
| 5′ x 10′ | 50 | 400 | Inventory, shipping supplies, equipment, or office files |
| 5′ x 15′ | 75 | 600 | Larger inventory, shelving, equipment, or office furniture |
| 10′ x 10′ | 100 | 800 | Inventory, displays, equipment, and multiple shelving units |
| 10′ x 15′ | 150 | 1,200 | Larger inventory, office furniture, equipment, and supplies |
| 10′ x 20′ | 200 | 1,600 | Bulk inventory, large equipment, furniture, or business supplies |
| 10′ x 25′ | 250 | 2,000 | High-volume inventory, large equipment, furniture, or multiple business needs |
| Up to 20′ | — | — | Most cars used for business |
| Up to 50′ | — | — | Most trailers and oversized business vehicles |
How many pallets can you fit in a storage building?
A storage unit’s square footage alone doesn’t tell you how many pallets will fit. Door width, ceiling height, pallet height, and whether you can stack pallets all affect the actual capacity. Remember, if you’re storing inventory on pallets, leave enough aisle space for the equipment used to move them.
For standard 48″ x 40″ pallets, you’d need about 13.3 square feet of floor space per pallet:
- 48″ × 40″ = 4 ft × 3.33 ft
- 4 × 3.33 = 13.3 sq. ft.
| Number of pallets | Estimated floor space |
| 1 | 15–20 sq. ft. |
| 5 | 75–100 sq. ft. |
| 10 | 150–200 sq. ft. |
| 20 | 300–400 sq. ft. |
| 30 | 450–600 sq. ft. |
But, you’ll need to budget around 15–20 square feet per pallet to account for aisle space between pallets.
Forklift aisle requirements vary by equipment and facility layout, but a typical forklift may need roughly 10 to 12 feet of clear aisle space to maneuver safely.
Check with the storage facility before planning pallet storage or bringing material-handling equipment onsite. Many self-storage facilities don’t allow customers to operate forklifts inside storage units or buildings, so be sure to check the rules before renting a storage unit.
Frequently asked questions about small business storage
How much storage space does a small business need?
Small businesses may need anywhere from 25 to 300 square feet, depending on inventory volume, equipment size, furniture and how the space will be used.
How much space does a pallet take up?
A standard 48″ x 40″ pallet has a footprint of about 13.3 square feet. You’ll need additional space for aisles and access, so plan on more than 13.3 square feet per pallet when choosing a storage unit.
How many pallets fit in a 5′ x 10′ storage unit?
A 5′ x 10′ unit has 50 square feet of floor space. A standard 48″ x 40″ pallet takes up about 13.3 square feet, so the unit could theoretically fit three pallets based on floor area alone. In practice, the available space may be lower because you need room to access the pallets and account for the unit’s door and layout.
How many pallets fit in a 10′ x 10′ storage unit?
A 10′ x 10′ unit provides 100 square feet of floor space. Based on the footprint of a standard 48″ x 40″ pallet, you could theoretically fit about seven pallets. You’ll need additional room for access, so the practical capacity may be lower.
How many pallets fit in a 10′ x 15′ storage unit?
A 10′ x 15′ unit provides 150 square feet of floor space. Based on a standard 48″ x 40″ pallet footprint, that’s enough floor area for about 11 pallets. Actual capacity depends on how the pallets are positioned and how much space you need to access them.
How many pallets fit in a 10′ x 20′ storage unit?
A 10′ x 20′ unit provides 200 square feet of floor space. Based on the footprint of a standard 48″ x 40″ pallet, about 15 pallets could fit by floor area alone. You’ll need to account for access space, the unit’s door and the facility’s rules when determining actual capacity.
Can you store business inventory on pallets?
This depends on the storage facility’s rules and the type of inventory. Check with the facility before bringing pallets, palletized inventory or material-handling equipment on-site.
How much space should you leave between pallets?
Leave enough room to safely access and move inventory based on the equipment being used. Forklift aisle requirements vary, and many self-storage facilities have specific rules about forklifts and other material-handling equipment.
What size storage unit is best for business inventory?
The right size depends on the amount and type of inventory you have. A 5′ x 10′ unit may work for smaller amounts of inventory, while businesses with larger quantities may need 10′ x 10′, 10′ x 15′ or larger units.
Can you use shelving in a business storage unit?
Shelving can help businesses make better use of vertical space, but check the facility’s rules before bringing shelving into a unit.
How do you organize inventory in a storage unit?
Group similar products together, label every box or container and keep frequently accessed inventory near the entrance. An inventory list can also help you keep track of where specific products are stored.
Can a small business store equipment in a storage unit?
Businesses can use storage units for many types of equipment, provided the items comply with the facility’s rules. Measure larger equipment before choosing a unit so you have enough room to store and access it.
What size storage unit do I need for office furniture?
The answer depends on how many desks, chairs, cabinets and other furnishings you’re storing. Measure large pieces and consider how much room you’ll need to access individual items.
Can you run a business out of a storage unit?
Storage units are intended for storage, and rules regarding business activities vary by facility. Check your rental agreement and facility rules before using a unit for anything beyond storage.
How can a small business save space in a storage unit?
Use vertical shelving where permitted, choose stackable containers, disassemble furniture when practical and keep similar inventory together. Avoid packing the unit so tightly that you can’t reach what you need.
Should business inventory be stored in a climate-controlled unit?
Climate-controlled storage may be worth considering for inventory, equipment, or materials that can be affected by temperature or humidity changes. The best choice depends on what you’re storing and its care requirements.
What is the smallest storage unit a business can rent?
A locker or 5′ x 5′ unit can provide storage for files, samples, supplies, small inventory and other compact business items. Availability varies by facility.
How do you choose the right storage unit for a small business?
Consider how much inventory and equipment you have, the dimensions of your largest items, how often you’ll need access, and how much room you’ll need to move around inside the unit. Features such as Drive-Up Access and climate control may also be worth considering based on what you’re storing.
