What Size Storage Unit for a 3-Bedroom House: Practical guidance from a senior interior designer on choosing the right storage unit size for a 3-bedroom homeArchiMae LinJan 21, 2026Table of Contents10 x 10 feet A sweet spot for staged downsizing10 x 15 feet For full-room storage without tight squeezes10 x 20 feet Holds most of a 3-bedroom house5 x 10 feet Good for partial storage or staging overflowClimate-controlled units and layout tipsBudget and timing remindersWhere to get a better sense of spaceFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEI once packed an entire client’s living room into a tiny moving truck because I underestimated volume — we laughed, learned, and I never misjudge cubic feet again. Small mistakes teach big lessons, and small spaces often force the most creative solutions. Today I’ll walk you through how to pick the right storage unit for a 3-bedroom house, with tips I’ve used on real projects to save time, money, and sanity.10 x 10 feet: A sweet spot for staged downsizingA 10 x 10 unit (about 100 sq ft) is my go-to recommendation when clients stage a 3-bedroom home but still need to store most furniture briefly. It fits a queen mattress set, sofa, dining table, several boxes, and smaller items if stacked smartly. The upside is cost-effectiveness and easier packing; the downside is you must disassemble larger pieces and be disciplined with stacking to avoid damage.save pin10 x 15 feet: For full-room storage without tight squeezesIf you want to empty two bedrooms and part of the living area, a 10 x 15 unit is roomy enough to hold dressers, bed frames, appliances, and a sofa with walking space to access items. I used this size when a family relocated for three months — labeling and building vertical aisles made retrieval painless. It costs more than 10 x 10, but the convenience often pays off.save pin10 x 20 feet: Holds most of a 3-bedroom houseMoving everything from a 3-bedroom into one unit? A 10 x 20 (200 sq ft) will likely handle furniture from all bedrooms, major appliances, and many boxes. It’s my recommendation for long-term storage or full-house temporary moves. The challenge: you’ll want to plan a layout inside the unit — think pathways and stacking heights — to keep things accessible and avoid crushing fragile items.save pin5 x 10 feet: Good for partial storage or staging overflowOn a tight budget or when you only need to store seasonal items, a 5 x 10 unit works well for boxes, small furniture, and extra mattresses. I often suggest this for clients who only need to clear closets and a few pieces before showings. It’s cheap and handy, but definitely too small for major furniture unless you’re willing to double-stack creatively.save pinClimate-controlled units and layout tipsFor wooden furniture, electronics, and fabrics I always recommend climate-controlled units; humidity and heat can wreck pieces faster than you’d expect. Practical packing tips I use: disassemble large items, wrap mattresses vertically, create labeled aisles, and place frequently accessed boxes near the front. If you want a quick visual planning tool to optimize placement, I sometimes sketch a simple plan or use an online room planner to map the layout before moving day.save pinBudget and timing remindersThink about how long you’ll need the unit: monthly rates add up. Short-term moves often justify paying for a slightly larger unit to avoid damage and time wasted on tight packing. For long-term storage, invest in protective covers, pallets to keep items off concrete, and a climate-controlled space for delicate belongings.save pinWhere to get a better sense of spaceIf you want to visualize how furniture will fit, try using a room planner to mock up a unit layout; it saved me countless hours when staging homes and planning moves. Seeing pieces scaled to the actual unit helps you choose the most cost-effective size without surprises.save pinFAQQ: What storage unit size holds a whole 3-bedroom house?A: Generally a 10 x 20 unit is recommended to accommodate most furniture and boxes from a 3-bedroom house. Plan and disassemble bulky items to maximize space.Q: How many boxes fit in a 10 x 15 unit?A: Roughly 250–300 medium boxes, depending on stacking and presence of furniture. Use shelving and vertical space to increase capacity.Q: Do I need climate control for stored furniture?A: If you have wood furniture, leather, electronics, or fabrics, climate control is wise to prevent warping, mold, and deterioration.Q: How should I pack large items to save space?A: Disassemble what you can, wrap fragile pieces, stand mattresses vertically, and group similar items together to create aisles for access.Q: Can I store everything from a 3-bedroom house in multiple small units?A: Yes, but multiple units increase complexity and may cost more overall. I prefer one appropriately sized unit for simplicity.Q: Where can I measure items to compare with unit dimensions?A: Use a tape measure and create a simple scaled drawing or try a 3D floor planner to visualize the fit; tools like those help avoid surprises.Q: Are there authoritative sizing guides for storage units?A: Yes—most reputable storage companies publish size guides; for example, U-Haul and Public Storage provide detailed comparisons for room equivalents (source: U-Haul size guide).Q: How much does a 10 x 20 unit typically cost?A: Prices vary by region and season, but expect it to be noticeably pricier than a 10 x 15; compare local facilities and consider promotions or monthly discounts.save pinStart for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE