Navigating Storage Unit Sizes for Home Moving Success

Moving to a new house is a HUGE life change. It’s also a decision that leaves most people feeling stressed and anxious. One of the biggest moving dilemmas is what to do with all your stuff in between.

42% of storage renters used a storage unit for a home move specifically. It’s easy to understand why!

Here’s the thing:

Renting an improperly sized storage unit will end up costing you hundreds of extra dollars or cause you to need an upgrade or two at the last minute.

Without a plan for where to put your stuff during your move, your moving experience will be a nightmare.

In this detailed guide, we cover everything you need to know about best storage unit sizes for home moves. We’ll teach you how to identify the best space needs for moving and provide moving tips for your transition to make your experience more manageable.

What you’ll learn:

• Why Storage Units Are So Necessary For Home Moves
• How To Calculate The Perfect Storage Unit Size
• Packing Strategies For Smarter Storage
• Storage Mistakes To Avoid

Why Storage Units Are Moving Game-Changers

Home moves are unique in that they create the perfect storm for storage requirements.

There’s a reason so many people rent a storage unit during a move. (In fact, 32% of storage usage is move-related.) Closing dates on selling and buying houses rarely perfectly align.

Your old house may sell before the new one is ready for you to move in. Downsizing or upsizing also means you’ll likely need time to sort through belongings and determine what goes with you.

That’s where a storage unit can save the day.

Storage units become your flexible buffer zone in the moving process. You can move at your own pace without having to stuff everything into your new home at once.

Avoid Moving Day Disasters

Moving day should be exciting, not filled with stress. What’s the biggest difference between those smooth transitions versus chaotic moving day nightmares?

Planning ahead with the right storage solution. When you plan with proper storage unit sizes in mind ahead of moving day, you remove the panic of what to do with all your belongings.

Storage units also provide breathing room to unpack methodically versus turning your new place into a cardboard box obstacle course.

Calculating Your Perfect Storage Unit Size

One mistake many people make when they go to rent storage units for the first time…

They go to their facility and guess instead of measure.

Here’s how to do it right:

Grab a pen and paper and start walking your current home room by room. Make a list of every item that will be going into storage. Include seasonal items, furniture you’re not sure you want to keep, and boxes from your basement or garage.

The Room-by-Room Method

Bedroom: A single bedroom will typically fill a 5×10 or 10×10 unit depending on furniture size.

Living Room: An entire living room including couches, entertainment center, and coffee tables will need at least 10×10.

Kitchen: Appliances and dishes and glassware from an average kitchen will require 5×10 to 10×10 depending on what you’re storing.

Garage items: Tools, lawn mowers, trimmers, sports equipment, and toys can easily fill a 5×15 or larger.

Moving storage situations typically fall in one of these general size categories:

• 5×5 (25 sq ft): Enough space for a dorm room or small bedroom
• 5×10 (50 sq ft): Holds the contents of a one-bedroom apartment
• 10×10 (100 sq ft): Enough space for a 2-bedroom apartment or small house
• 10×15 (150 sq ft): A 3-bedroom house with some items selected
• 10×20 (200 sq ft): Holds most contents of a 4-bedroom home

What Most Storage Guides Won’t Tell You…

Factor in Your Moving Timeline

Your moving timeline matters in determining what size unit you need. Renting a storage unit for a few weeks to bridge during closing allows you to pack tighter and stack higher. Longer storage rentals (average storage rental is 14 months) require more access to items.

Smart Packing Strategies That Save Money

Sometimes the difference between needing a 10×10 unit versus a 10×15 is all in the packing.

Use these professional packing strategies to save money:

Disassemble everything you can. Bed frames, dining room tables, dressers, and other large furniture takes up far less space when taken apart. Keep all screws and hardware in zip-top bags labeled with furniture name and attached to corresponding item.

Stack your boxes with heavier items at the bottom and lighter on top. However, the key here – leave walking paths so you can reach boxes or items if necessary.

Vertical Space Is Your Friend

Most renters only use 60% of the height of their storage unit. Invest in shelving units or stack your boxes all the way to the ceiling in the back corners that you won’t need to access frequently.

Hang mattresses and box springs on their sides against the wall. You can also often fit couches with other items underneath when you prop them at an angle.

Peak Moving Season Planning

May through September are the peak moving months, meaning storage units become more scarce and cost more.

During moving season, it’s wise to book your storage unit 4-6 weeks in advance. Many storage facilities will offer discounts for early bookings.

Pro tip: In some cases, it makes more sense to start your storage rental a little before you need it versus waiting until move week and scrambling for availability.

Common Storage Mistakes That Cost You

Renting a unit that is too small is the biggest mistake people make during moves.

Upgrading at a storage facility will always cost more than renting the correct size unit from the start. Plus, having to move all your items again is a waste of time and energy when you’re already moving house.

Not factoring in climate control for certain items is another expensive mistake. Electronics, documents, wooden furniture, and artwork often need a climate-controlled storage environment.

Don’t Forget To Consider Accessibility

A storage facility location matters for your move logistics. That super cheap storage spot 30 miles away isn’t so cheap when you need to drive back and forth several times plus pay for gas.

Ground floor storage units cost a little more but save your back when it’s time to load or unload.

Making Your Storage Strategy Work

11.1% of households nationwide currently rent storage units. If you’re among that percentage right now, know that you’re definitely not alone!

Planning is the key to storage success during a move. Treat the rental as a short-term bridge between two phases of your life, not a long-term plan. Give yourself a reasonable timeline to claim your items and hold yourself to it.

Create an inventory list with photos before placing belongings in storage. Months or years later, this will help you recall what you stored versus what went directly to your new home.

Wrapping Up Your Storage Game Plan

Choosing the right storage unit size will set you up for moving success versus leaving you stressed and panicked.

Remember the basics:

Measure your stuff, choose the proper size with some breathing room, pack smart to maximize your space, and book early in peak season.

Storage units are an important part of a successful move but go beyond simply stuffing your things somewhere. They are a flexible breathing room that makes moving a good experience instead of a stressful chore.

Don’t try to wing it on storage unit sizing. Put in the time to plan well, and your future self will thank you when everything fits easily and your move goes smoothly.