What Size Storage Unit Do You Need for a 3-Bedroom House?

Moving, renovating, or decluttering a three-bedroom house can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to figure out a storage unit size for a 3-bedroom house. With living room sets, dining tables, beds, a kitchen table, and even appliances, like a washer and dryer, it’s natural to ask: Will it all fit?

At a Glance: Most 3-bedroom homes fit best in a 10x20 storage unit. Larger households or those with vehicles may need a 10x25 or 10x30.

Our guide will break down the best storage options for you, complete with examples, size comparisons, and expert packing tips so you can confidently choose the right size - without overspending or running out of precious space.

Why 3-Bedroom Homes Need Careful Planning

A 3-bedroom home will hold much more than you probably realize! Think furniture, appliances, and boxes upon boxes of personal belongings. Choosing the wrong self-storage unit size can mean two things:

• Too Small: You may need a second storage unit, or you’ll have to move things into a larger unit - aka two moves.

• Two Large: You’ll pay for space you never need.

The goal is to land in that sweet spot: enough extra space to store everything securely without overspending.

Common Items in a 3-Bedroom House

When selecting from the unit sizes listed, consider what items are commonly stored in a “standard” 3-bedroom home:

• Living Room: Sofa, loveseat, chairs, coffee table, entertainment center, TV, rugs, decorations

• Dining Room: Full dining room set: table and 4-8 chairs, buffet or hutch, china cabinet

• Bedrooms (3): Beds, mattress set, dressers, nightstands, clothing boxes, lamps

• Kitchen: Refrigerator, microwave, cookware, dishes, pantry boxes

• Office: Desk, desk chair, computer, office supplies, and potentially business inventory

• Bathrooms: Towels, toiletries, storage bins

• Laundry: Washer and dryer

• Garage & Outdoor Areas: Bicycles, lawnmower, patio furniture, tools, seasonal decorations

This baseline can help you visualize the actual space you’ll need. If you cannot picture it in your head, don’t worry - use your Storage Unit Size Guide for more assistance.

When you look at it all together, you’ll realize why most families choose a 10x20 storage unit.

Recommended Storage Unit Sizes for a 3-Bedroom Home

Most 3-bedroom houses will benefit from a 10x20 storage unit. These storage units are approximately 200 square feet.

Here’s a snapshot of standard storage unit sizes, their approximate square footage, and what they’ll hold:

Small storage units and storage lockers, such as 5x5 and 5x10 storage units, are better suited for seasonal items, a small apartment, or limited business storage needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Storage for a 3-Bedroom House

What size storage unit is best for a 3-bedroom house?
The best storage unit size for a 3-bedroom house is usually a 10x20 unit. It’s about the size of a one-car garage and fits most household furniture, appliances, and boxes. If you have a larger home or garage items, consider a 10x25 or 10x30.

Is a 10x20 storage unit big enough for a 3-bedroom house?
Yes, a 10x20 storage unit is big enough for most 3-bedroom homes. It typically fits multiple beds, a dining set, sofas, major appliances, and dozens of boxes. If you own oversized furniture or outdoor gear, a larger unit may be more practical.

What fits in a 10x25 storage unit compared to a 10x20?
A 10x25 unit provides approximately 50 extra square feet compared to a 10x20 unit. While a 10x20 usually accommodates the full contents of a 3-bedroom home, a 10x25 offers more space for oversized furniture, outdoor equipment, or leaves an aisle for easy access.

What size storage unit do I need if I’m combining two households?
If you’re combining two households, you’ll likely need a 10x25 or 10x30 unit. These larger sizes comfortably accommodate duplicate furniture, multiple appliances, and extra belongings without feeling crowded.

Factors That May Change What Size You’ll Need

Here are some questions you'd like to ask yourself when deciding on the right storage unit.

1. How much am I storing? If you’re storing an entire house, you’ll need a larger unit. If you’re storing a few items, consider a smaller unit.

2. Do I own oversized furniture and appliances? Sectional sofas, pianos (particularly grand pianos!), and chest freezers will require more space.

3. Do I need frequent access? In addition to considering a storage facility’s access hours and drive-up storage units, you’ll also want to leave a walkway in your unit. 

4. Am I storing outdoor equipment? Bikes, mowers, kayaks, and ATVs require larger units.

5. Am I combining households? Two homes in one unit typically require 10x25 or 10x30 storage units.

Maximizing Your Storage Space

You can make the most of whichever size unit you choose by maximizing it. Here are a few helpful storage tips:

• Declutter First: Donate or sell what you don’t need.

• Pack Smartly: Use sturdy, uniform boxes that are stackable and label them clearly.

• Disassemble Furniture: Make sure to remove legs, take apart the bedframe, and bag hardware before you store furniture.

• Think Vertical: Stack boxes and use shelving for organization. Use wall space for hanging.

• Plan an Aisle: Make space to access items without having to unload the whole unit.

Other Self-Storage Considerations

Before you commit to a storage unit size, here are a few other things to think about:

• Climate Control: A climate-controlled unit will help protect wood, electronics, delicate items, and more.

• Security Features: Look for a storage facility with gated access, 24/7 video surveillance, and on-site staff.

• Convenience: Choose a facility near you with convenient features such as access hours, carts and dollies, and drive-up accessibility.

• Budget: Balance price with protection and convenience. Look for discounted web rates and first-month promotions.

What If You Also Need to Store a Vehicle?

For many 3-bedroom households, the garage isn’t just full of boxes and tools. It’s also home to a vehicle for which you may need temporary vehicle storage! If that’s the case, your storage unit size choice - and how many units you want to rent - will change.

• Cars & Small SUVs: A 10x20 storage unit is usually large enough for a single standard car or compact SUV. It’s approximately the size of a one-car garage.

• Trucks, Large SUVs, or Vans: You’ll likely need a 10x25 or a 10x30 storage unit to comfortably fit the vehicle, especially if you want to store a few pieces of furniture or boxes inside.

• Motorcycles and ATVs: These often fit inside a 10x10 or 10x15. If you’re storing them alongside other household items, consider a larger size.

• Boats and RVs: These usually require very large units or specialized outdoor or covered parking spaces, offered by many storage facilities.

If you’re looking for a temporary home for these items and require additional assistance, contact us! The Storage Star team can help identify the best unit for your needs.

Vehicle Storage FAQs

Can I fit a car and the contents of a 3-bedroom house in one storage unit?
Yes, but you’ll usually need a 10x30 storage unit. This size can fit a standard car or truck plus the furniture and boxes from a 3-bedroom home. Smaller units may handle one or the other, but not both together.

Do storage facilities allow RV or boat storage?
Yes, many facilities offer outdoor or covered parking spaces for RVs, trailers, and boats. These are usually separate from enclosed storage units and explicitly designed for larger vehicles.

Ready to Find the Right Storage Solution?

At the end of the day, choosing the right storage unit for your 3-bedroom house comes down to knowing what you’re storing and how much extra space you’ll need. Whether you need a 10x20 for the essentials, a large storage unit for outdoor gear and a vehicle, or something in between, finding the perfect fit will make your move smoother and less stressful.

At Storage Star, we make it easy to find the right unit for your needs. Our clean, secure facilities and friendly staff are ready to help you every step of the way! Find a Storage Star near you and reserve your storage unit today. You’ll be glad you did when moving day arrives!