Trying to fit a couch into a 5x10 storage unit is a common problem for people downsizing, moving, or just clearing out space. You might have bought a new sofa and need to store the old one, or you’re packing up after a breakup or a life change. Either way, the question isn’t just about space-it’s about whether your couch will actually fit without getting damaged, squished, or stuck in the doorway.
What’s a 5x10 storage unit really like?
A 5x10 storage unit is 5 feet wide and 10 feet long. That’s about the size of a small walk-in closet or half a standard garage bay. It gives you 50 square feet of floor space and, if the ceiling is 8 feet high, around 400 cubic feet of volume. That sounds like a lot-until you start stacking furniture.
Most storage units have 8-foot ceilings, but some older ones or units in tight spaces might only be 7 feet. Always check. A couch that fits in height might still get stuck if the doorway is low or the unit has a sloped ceiling near the back.
Can a standard couch fit?
It depends. A typical three-seater sofa is about 7 to 8 feet wide, 3 to 3.5 feet deep, and 3 to 3.5 feet tall. That’s too wide for a 5-foot-wide unit if you try to place it upright. But here’s the trick: you don’t have to place it upright.
If you lay the couch on its side-so the back is flat against the floor-it becomes 3.5 feet wide and 7 feet long. That fits easily inside a 5x10 unit with room to spare. The height then becomes 3 feet, which is less than half the ceiling height. You can stack boxes, bins, or even a small bookshelf on top.
Some couches are wider. A sectional or oversized loveseat might be 8.5 feet or more. Those won’t fit even on their side. You’ll need a 10x10 unit or larger. Always measure your couch before renting.
Measure your couch the right way
Don’t guess. Use a tape measure. Write down:
- Width (from armrest to armrest)
- Depth (front to back, including cushions)
- Height (floor to top of backrest)
Some couches have removable legs or cushions. Take those off. You’ll save inches-and sometimes a whole foot. A couch with 4-inch legs might drop to 2.5 feet tall once you remove them. That makes stacking easier and gives you more vertical space.
Also, check the shape. A couch with wide arms, tufted back, or curved sides takes up more space than a sleek, straight-lined one. If the arms stick out, you might need to angle it or remove them entirely.
How to pack it safely
Just fitting it in isn’t enough. You need to keep it clean, dry, and undamaged.
- Use a breathable cotton cover-not plastic. Plastic traps moisture and causes mildew. Look for cotton storage bags labeled for furniture.
- Place it on pallets or wooden boards, not directly on the concrete floor. Moisture rises, even in dry climates. A 2-inch lift keeps your couch from absorbing dampness.
- Leave space around it for air to circulate. Don’t push it flush against the wall. Leave at least 6 inches on all sides.
- Don’t stack heavy items on top of the cushions. The foam can compress permanently. Use boxes or bins instead.
- If you have a leather couch, wipe it down with a leather conditioner before storing. Dry leather cracks. Humidity changes in storage units can make that worse.
What else can fit in a 5x10 unit with a couch?
Once your couch is lying on its side, you still have plenty of room. Here’s what else fits:
- Two armchairs or a loveseat
- Three medium-sized dressers
- Four to six boxes of books or seasonal clothes
- A dining table (disassembled) and four chairs
- A small desk and office chair
Think vertically. Stack boxes on top of each other, but keep heavier ones on the bottom. Use clear bins so you can see what’s inside. Label everything. You’ll thank yourself later when you need to find that one pillowcase.
What won’t fit?
Some things just don’t work in a 5x10 unit, even with smart packing:
- Sectional sofas with L-shapes or chaise lounges
- Large recliners with footrests extended
- Full-size beds (unless disassembled)
- Large entertainment centers or armoires
- Multiple large appliances like fridges or washing machines
If your couch is part of a bigger move, you might need to split items between two units. A 5x10 is great for a bedroom set or a living room’s core pieces-but not for an entire house.
Storage unit tips for Perth’s climate
Perth has hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. That means two big risks: heat and humidity.
- Avoid units without climate control if you’re storing fabric, leather, or wood. Extreme heat can warp frames and fade fabrics.
- Use silica gel packs inside boxes. They absorb moisture and prevent mold.
- Check your unit every few months. Look for damp spots, musty smells, or insects. A quick walk-through saves you from a big repair bill later.
- Store your couch away from windows or doors. Sunlight bleaches fabric. Cold drafts in winter can cause condensation.
Alternatives if your couch won’t fit
If your couch is too big for a 5x10 unit, here are your options:
- Upgrade to a 10x10 unit. It’s double the space and still affordable-often just $50-$100 more per month.
- Use a professional moving service with climate-controlled vans. Some companies offer short-term storage as part of their service.
- Ask a friend or family member if they have space. A garage, basement, or spare room might be better than a unit.
- Consider selling or donating it. If it’s old or worn, you might get cash or a tax deduction. That’s cheaper than months of storage.
Final check before renting
Before you sign anything, do this:
- Measure your couch-width, depth, height-with and without legs.
- Confirm the unit’s ceiling height and door width.
- Ask if the floor is concrete or raised.
- Check if the facility has climate control.
- Take a photo of your couch and the unit layout on your phone.
If your couch fits with room to spare, you’re good. If it’s a tight squeeze, reconsider. A couch that barely fits is a couch that’s hard to get out. And once it’s in, you’re stuck with the rent until you can move it again.
Can a sectional couch fit in a 5x10 storage unit?
Generally, no. Sectional couches are designed to be large and modular. Even if you take them apart, the individual pieces are often too wide or too long for a 5x10 unit. A single L-shaped piece might be 8 feet long and 4 feet deep. That’s already bigger than the unit’s width. You’ll need at least a 10x10 unit to store a sectional safely.
Should I cover my couch with plastic?
No. Plastic traps moisture and can cause mold, mildew, and fabric damage. Instead, use a breathable cotton storage cover or a clean bedsheet. If you’re worried about dust, add a light layer of plastic over the cotton-but never seal the couch in plastic alone.
How much does a 5x10 storage unit cost in Perth?
In Perth, a 5x10 unit typically costs between $80 and $150 per month, depending on location, climate control, and security features. Units near the city center or with climate control cost more. Outside the city, you might find them for under $90. Always ask about discounts for first-time renters or long-term leases.
Can I store a leather couch in a 5x10 unit?
Yes, but only if the unit is climate-controlled. Leather is sensitive to heat and humidity. In Perth’s summer, temperatures inside a non-climate-controlled unit can hit 40°C. That can dry out the leather and cause cracks. Always condition it before storing and avoid direct sunlight or damp floors.
What’s the best way to get a couch into a storage unit?
Lay it on its side with the back flat on the floor. This reduces its width and makes it easier to maneuver through narrow doors. Have two people help you-couches are heavy and awkward. Use furniture sliders or moving straps. Never drag it across the floor; it can tear the fabric or damage the frame.