Decluttering, renovating, and moving have very different outcomes, but all can leave you needing to rent storage space. These convenient units have become increasingly popular over the last fifty years, but using one isn’t as simple as pulling up and dropping your things off.

Joey’s Movers has been accommodating storage needs for Chicagoland clients for decades, and we know how challenging it can be to determine how much storage space you need. Choosing a unit that’s too small will leave you struggling to fit things in and frustrated: It risks damage to your belongings from squeezing them in too tightly or piling them on top of each other. Too large a space wastes money.

We’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you identify the exact right storage space for your specific needs. It’s all part of our goal of ensuring your process is smooth and your belongings are protected.

Joey’s Movers offers storage space. Give us a call at (847) 674-7779 or request an online quote to get started.

Factors to Consider When Determining Storage Space Needs

Before you consider available unit sizes, it’s a good idea to think about the other factors that should influence your decision.

Inventory of Items

You can’t accurately decide how much storage space you need without creating a detailed inventory of everything you plan to store. This step might seem unnecessary, but it’s what makes the biggest difference in accurately assessing your needs. It can be done in several different ways, but most moving experts suggest categorizing your items by size, type, and fragility. Large furniture and appliances need more space than small boxes or kitchen items; electronics can be stored differently than books; and fragile items will need special handling and consideration of whether they can be stacked or not.

Taking the time to make up this list will prevent surprises later when you’re trying to fit everything into your unit.

Duration of Storage

The next question you need to ask yourself is how long you plan to store your belongings. Your answer matters, because if you only need short-term storage for a few months, you won’t need frequent access and can pack more densely and choose a unit with less space. If you’re going to be using storage long term, you need to be more organized and allow space for air circulation to prevent moisture damage.

Accessibility

Will you need access to your items while they’re in storage? If you’ll be visiting frequently and accessing your things, you’ll need more room for pathways within the unit. If you’re just putting everything in and planning on having it sit until you’re ready to take it all out, you can pack things more tightly, from floor to ceiling.

Future Additions

Will you be putting more things into your storage unit over time? When asking yourself “How much storage space do I need,” it’s a good idea to consider your future activities. Though upgrades are always available, moving things from one unit to another is added aggravation that is best avoided if possible.

Methods to Calculate Required Storage Space

Once you’ve considered these key elements, there are a couple of approaches to calculating your storage space requirements.

Volume Calculation

The most reliable method for determining storage needs is to calculate the total volume of your belongings. You do this by following these steps:

  1. Measure each item’s length, width, and height in feet.
  2. Multiply these dimensions to get the cubic footage (L × W × H = cubic feet).
  3. Add up the cubic footage of all items.
  4. Add 10-15% to the number you arrive at to provide extra space for pathways and air circulation.

Example: A queen mattress (5′ × 7′ × 1′) requires 35 cubic feet, while a medium-sized box (2′ × 2′ × 2′) takes up 8 cubic feet.

Math isn’t your thing? No worries, here are a few online calculators…

Online Storage Calculators

Several online tools can help you with the calculation process. The 1-800-PACK-RAT Space Calculator lets you input your inventory and then estimates the storage size you’ll need, while the Timp Storage Calculator offers a room-by-room approach to estimate total space requirements. In both cases, you choose the categories of items you plan to store and specify how many items you have for each category. With this information, the calculators automatically provide a recommended storage unit size.

Though convenient, you need to remember that these tools just provide estimates. Without exact measurements, there’s a lot of room for error.

Consult with Storage Facility Professionals

There’s a lot to be said for experience. Storage facility managers have been helping customers find the right unit size for years, and most facilities are happy to help assess your inventory list and provide personalized recommendations.

Standard Storage Unit Sizes and Their Typical Uses

There’s not much variation between the storage unit sizes you’ll find at different locations, so learning what’s standard and what each size can typically hold will help you narrow down your needs.

  1. Small Units (5′ × 5′ or 5′ × 10′) – These are respectively the size of a small or large walk-in closet. They’re great for seasonal decorations, small furniture items, and boxes of clothing or books. Most people use them to hold the contents of a dorm room, small bedroom, or kitchen items during renovations. The larger of the two can hold a small couch, a queen mattress set, a coffee table, and several boxes.
  2. Medium Units (10′ × 10′, 10′ × 15′) – These units are about half the size of a one-car garage. They fit a king-sized mattress and dresser, a couch, a dining table with chairs, and a few boxes. They work well for holding the contents of a one- or two-bedroom apartment, respectively.
  3. Large Units (10′ × 20′, 10′ × 30′) – A 10’ x 20’ unit is the size of a one-car garage while the 10’ x 30’ size adds the same room as another half garage. The smaller can hold the contents of multiple rooms and is appropriate for the contents of a two- or three-bedroom house including furniture, major appliances, and boxes of belongings. The larger can accommodate the contents of a fully furnished four or five-bedroom house. It can also be used to store a vehicle and a few pieces if needed.

Specific Considerations for a Three-bedroom House

Many of the customers who call Joey’s Movers about storage ask, “How much storage do I need for a 3-bedroom house?” Let’s break this down.

Typical Inventory

A typical 3-bedroom house includes three beds, dressers, and nightstands, along with clothes and contents; sofa and loveseat, coffee table, TV stand and television, entertainment center; dining room table with 4-6 chairs, china cabinet or hutch; refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, microwave, small appliances; lawn equipment, tools, bicycles, seasonal items; 30-50 boxes of clothes, books, kitchenware, and personal items

Recommended Storage Unit Size

If the contents of your three-bedroom house are similar to what is listed above, our minimum recommendation would be a 10′ × 20′ unit (200 sq. ft.), though for a more comfortable fit you’d be better off with a 10′ × 25′ unit (250 sq. ft.). If your belongings include a lot of sports equipment, garage items, or extensive collections, you’ll probably need a 10′ × 30′ unit(300 sq. ft.)

According to Extra Space Storage’s Size Guide, a 10′ × 20′ unit is usually enough for a three-bedroom house if items are packed efficiently. However, homes with substantial furniture or numerous possessions might require the larger 10′ × 30′ option.

Tips for Maximizing Storage Space Efficiency

No matter what size unit you choose, certain strategies make a big difference in making the most of your space.

Strategic packing techniques include:

  • Disassemble furniture whenever possible
  • Use the same-sized boxes. This makes stacking easier and uses space more efficiently
  • Put small items in drawers and cabinets before storing them
  • Put things inside appliances, trash cans, and storage ottomans

Vertical Space Utilization

Most storage units have 8-10 foot ceilings, which is a lot of vertical space you can use if you’re careful about how you stack things. Here are some tips:

  • Put heaviest boxes on the bottom, lightest on top
  • Use shelving units to create multiple levels that avoid stacking things on top of each other
  • Store mattresses and box springs on their sides to maximize floor space
  • If you can, store longer items like sofas on their ends

Labeling and Inventory Management

There’s nothing as frustrating as looking for something in a disorganized storage unit. (That’s one of the advantages of making a list of what’s going in.) Another essential for a well-organized storage unit is to label every box on every side so you can see it no matter what way it’s facing.

Pro tip: Create a map of your storage unit as you put things in for easy future location

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learning from others’ mistakes can help you avoid storage unit pitfalls. Here are the most common things people regret:

  1. Overestimating or Underestimating Space Needs – When you choose a unit that’s too small, you end up either too cramped with difficult access, having to rent an additional unit, having to move everything into a bigger unit, or damaging your items by crowding them. Choosing a unit that’s too large is a waste of money.
  2. Improper Packing and Stacking – Placing heavy items on top of fragile ones can cause damage while using inconsistent box sizes makes stacking difficult and wastes space. Another common regret is not using bubble wrap and furniture pads to prevent scratches and breakage.
  3. Ignoring Accessibility – It’s tempting to just stack things in a storage unit without leaving space to walk, but it leads to having to unpack everything to get to the single item you need. Leave a path and make a map so you can get to things easily.
  4. Ignoring Climate-Control Considerations – Items like electronics, musical instruments, photographs, and documents require special storage conditions. Though climate-controlled units cost more, failing to pay the extra cost often leads to items deteriorating or getting damaged by moisture, cold, or heat.

FAQs: Answering Common Storage Space Questions

How Do I Calculate How Much Storage Space I Need?

To calculate your required storage space:

  1. Measure each item’s dimensions (length × width × height) in feet
  2. Multiply these dimensions to get cubic footage for each item
  3. Add up all your items’ cubic footage
  4. Add 15-20% for access paths and proper arrangement

Alternatively, use an online calculator to help find the right size unit.

What Size Storage Unit Do I Need?

This quick reference guide should help, though your specific needs may vary:

  • Studio apartment: 5′ × 10′ or 5′ × 15′
  • One-bedroom apartment: 10′ × 10′
  • Two-bedroom apartment: 10′ × 15′
  • Three-bedroom house: 10′ × 20′
  • Four- or five-bedroom house: 10′ × 30′

How Much Storage Space Do I Really Need?

When asking yourself, “How much storage space do I need?” consider these factors:

  • The volume of your belongings (calculated in cubic feet)
  • Your need for accessibility within the unit
  • The length of time items will be stored
  • Potential future additions to your storage
  • What you’re using the storage for (furniture, seasonal items, business storage)

If you’re between two sizes, it’s usually better to size up slightly to avoid overcrowding.

How Much Storage Do I Need for a Three-Bedroom House?

The exact size depends on how much furniture you own and how many belongings you’ve accumulated over the years. It also matters how much of the contents you’ll be moving.

For a typical 3-bedroom house:

  • Partial storage (during renovation): 10′ × 15′ may be sufficient
  • Just furniture (no boxes): 10′ × 15′ to 10′ × 20′
  • Full house contents: 10′ × 20′ to 10′ × 30′ unit

Can I Fit a Vehicle in a Storage Unit?

Vehicle storage requirements vary by type, and if you’ll also be storing other belongings you’ll need a bigger unit than what’s reflected here.

  • Motorcycle: Minimum 5′ × 10′ unit
  • Compact car: 10′ × 15′ or 10′ × 20′ unit
  • Standard car or small SUV: 10′ × 20′ unit
  • Truck or large SUV: 10′ × 25′ or 10′ × 30′ unit
  • RV or boat: Specialized outdoor or covered storage is typically required

Final Recommendations

There’s no simple answer to the question, “How much storage space do I need?” Reaching the right answer requires consideration of your inventory, how long you’ll need storage, and how much access you’ll need to the things you’re storing. Taking the time to measure and calculate can help, but if you want to avoid frustration and additional costs, consult with one of the professionals at Joey’s Movers or give us a call at (847) 674-7779. Helping you find the right unit size is just one of the comprehensive moving services we offer to make your transition trouble-free.

Photo by JOSHUA COLEMAN