Choosing the Right Storage Unit Size for a 3 Bedroom House: A Practical Guide
Safe Storage 365
December 15th, 2025
,If you’re planning a move, renovation, or temporary transition, one of the first questions that comes up is how much storage space you actually need. Anyone planning a move to Staunton, VA quickly realizes how much furniture, boxes, and everyday belongings can add up in a three-bedroom home.
Using a reliable sizing resource like the SafeStorage365 storage size guide can help you avoid renting too small and needing to move everything again later. Choosing the right unit upfront saves time, money, and a lot of unnecessary stress.
This guide walks through the most common storage unit sizes for a three bedroom house, explains what typically fits, and helps you think through the details that actually make a difference. For a room-by-room breakdown of what fits in each unit, our storage unit size guide walks through common layouts and use cases.
Quick answer: the most common sizes that work
Most three bedroom homes need more space than people expect. Furniture alone can fill a unit quickly, especially once you factor in mattresses, appliances, and boxed items from closets and kitchens.
10x15 is the starting point for most people
A 10x15 storage unit is often where people begin when storing a three bedroom home. It can work well for storing furniture from most rooms, but not everything.
This size typically fits several mattresses, a couch, a dining table, dressers, and a moderate number of boxes. It is a solid option if you are downsizing or only storing part of your home during a move.
10x20 for a whole three bedroom home, including larger furniture sets
A 10x20 unit is the most common recommendation for a full three bedroom house. This size can usually hold furniture from all bedrooms, a living room set, dining furniture, appliances, and stacked boxes.
If you are storing your entire household, this is often the safest and most flexible choice.
10x30 for big homes, garages, or the whole household plus outdoor gear
A 10x30 unit is best for larger three bedroom homes or households with full garages.
This size works well if you are storing everything, including lawn equipment, bikes, tools, or seasonal items. It also provides more flexibility for access and organization once everything is inside.
Step 1: Take stock of what you are actually storing
Before choosing a unit size, it helps to slow down and think through what is going into storage instead of guessing.
The typical three bedroom household inventory
Most three bedroom homes include multiple beds and mattresses, bedroom furniture like dressers and nightstands, living room seating, entertainment centers, dining tables and chairs, kitchen appliances, and dozens of boxes filled with clothing, books, and household items.
Even when furniture is disassembled, volume adds up faster than expected.
What changes the math: garage, attic, basement, and shed items
Garages and basements often tip the scale. Items like shelving units, freezers, lawn mowers, and stacked storage bins take up more space than people realize.
Attics and sheds usually contain long term storage items that get overlooked until moving day. Including these areas in your count often means stepping up one unit size.
Step 2: Match your stuff to the right unit size
Once you understand what you are storing, it becomes easier to choose a unit that fits your situation.
10x10: works for partial moves or a few rooms
A 10x10 unit can work if you are storing furniture from one or two rooms, such as during a temporary move or home staging project.
It is usually not large enough for a full three bedroom home.
10x15: works for most three bedroom homes without a packed garage
This size can handle most household furniture and boxes if you are leaving behind garage items or large appliances. Careful packing and stacking are important to make everything fit comfortably.
10x20: best for most full three bedroom homes
For most families storing everything from a three bedroom house, a 10x20 offers the right balance of space and accessibility. It allows for safe stacking while still making it possible to reach items if needed.
10x30: best for large three bedroom homes or storing everything
If your home is on the larger side or includes a full garage, outdoor equipment, or oversized furniture, a 10x30 provides extra breathing room. It also works well if you want to create aisles for easier access.
Storage size examples by scenario
Different situations call for different approaches to storage, even with the same size home.
Moving, staging, or renovating a three bedroom home
During a renovation or home sale, you may only need to store furniture temporarily. In these cases, a 10x15 or 10x20 often works depending on how much stays in the house.
Many homeowners use storage to protect furniture from dust and damage during construction.
Downsizing from a three bedroom home
If you are moving into a smaller space, storage becomes a sorting tool. Many people store items while deciding what to keep, donate, or sell.
Choosing a slightly larger unit can make this process less rushed and more manageable.
Storing a three bedroom home for military or long distance relocation
Long distance moves often mean storing everything for several months. In these cases, choosing a unit with room to spare reduces stress and lowers the risk of damage from tight packing.
Factors that can change what size you need
Even homes with the same layout can require different storage sizes.
Furniture type and number of rooms you are storing
Oversized sectionals, king size beds, and large entertainment centers take up more space than minimalist furniture. The more rooms you store, the more square footage you will need.
Appliances, mattresses, and oversized items
Washers, dryers, refrigerators, and extra mattresses quickly consume floor space. Proper handling and storage tips for appliances can be found on the ENERGY STAR website.
Boxes: why just a few add up fast
Boxes stack easily, which makes them deceptive. A three bedroom home can easily generate 50 to 100 boxes, especially when packing closets, kitchens, and storage areas.
Climate control: when it matters
Climate controlled storage is worth considering if you are storing wood furniture, electronics, paperwork, or clothing long term. It helps prevent damage caused by temperature swings and humidity. If you’re unsure whether climate control is worth it for your belongings, our guide on climate-controlled storage units explains when it’s necessary and what items benefit most.
How to pack and organize your unit so you can fit more
Proper packing can reduce the amount of space you need and help protect your belongings.
Build a safe wall system and leave a walkway
Place heavier items toward the back and lighter boxes toward the front. Leaving a narrow walkway allows access without unloading the entire unit.
Use shelves and uniform boxes to reduce wasted space
Uniform box sizes stack better and make the most of vertical space. Shelving units can help keep smaller items organized and easy to find.
Protect furniture properly to prevent damage
Use furniture covers, mattress bags, and padding to protect against scratches and moisture. Standing mattresses on their sides can also save space.
Other self-storage considerations before you reserve
Access frequency, ground floor vs elevator, and door width
If you plan to visit your unit often, easy access is important. Ground floor units and wide doors make moving large items simpler.
How long you plan to store and what to label
Long term storage benefits from clear labeling and a basic inventory list. This saves time when retrieving items months later.
Insurance and protection plans basics
Most storage facilities require coverage for stored items. Review your homeowners or renters policy and ask about additional protection options.
What if you also need to store a vehicle?
Vehicle storage often requires a separate plan and the right size unit.
What size unit fits a motorcycle, small car, or SUV
Motorcycles can fit in smaller units, while cars and SUVs typically need a 10x20 or larger. Always confirm interior dimensions before reserving.
Vehicle storage checklist and prep steps
Clean the vehicle, disconnect the battery if recommended, and make sure it is properly insured before storing.
FAQs about storage units for a three bedroom house
Is a 10x10 big enough for a three bedroom house?
In most cases, no. A 10x10 is usually too small for a full three bedroom household.
Is a 10x15 big enough for a three bedroom house?
It can be, but only if you are not storing everything or if you pack very efficiently.
Is a 10x20 big enough for a three bedroom house?
Yes. This is the most common and reliable size for full household storage.
Should I choose 10x30 instead of 10x20?
A 10x30 makes sense if you have a large garage, outdoor equipment, or want easier access inside the unit.
How many boxes fit in each size?
A 10x20 can hold dozens of boxes along with furniture when stacked properly.
Ready to choose the right unit size?
A simple final checklist before booking
Count all rooms, include garage and outdoor items, think about access needs, and plan for anything you may add later. Before reserving, many renters also compare pricing. Our guide on how much storage units cost breaks down typical rates, factors that affect pricing, and what to expect.
Talk to a storage expert and reserve the right fit
Choosing the right storage unit size upfront makes the entire process smoother.
If you want guidance from a local team and flexible options, you can reserve storage with SafeStorage365 and move forward with confidence.
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