One of the most underestimated things when moving are storage units. Often, people end up staring at a unit that is too packed to even put on a pair of shoes or a unit so spacious that few boxes look lost in the entire space.
There are only two issues here: Either you underestimate the space as per your belongings, or you end up renting additional storage and spending more. However, understanding exactly how to figure out how much space you’ll need will save you money and stress.
In our guide, we are going to walk you through all the details on how you can understand the right storage unit size for your move. We’ll break down different unit sizes, tips to decide the size, etc.
So, let’s get into the details!
Factors to Check When Looking For The Right Storage Unit Size
Before you begin selecting a storage unit size, here are some important factors you should consider:
Create a List of Your Belongings
The first step is to create a detailed list of all your belongings. Go through each room and understand what you plan to store. These include your furniture dimensions, appliances, number of boxes, sports equipment, etc. Also, certain items are often overlooked, including your hobby supplies and seasonal items. Make sure you include these too.
How Often Do You Need to Access Your Stored Items?
It’s crucial to consider how often you will need your stored belongings. Understanding this will help you figure out which items to keep within easy accessibility. For instance, if you are planning weekly visits, leave wider aisles and place frequently used items near the front so you can access them anytime. Items you won’t touch or need can be put behind.
How Long Will You Be Needing The Storage?
The duration of storage capacity is another important consideration. Generally, for short-term storage, you can opt for tighter packing. On the other hand, long-term storage requires leaving pathways between items.
Categorize Items And Shapes
Compared to uniform boxes, items such as mattresses, irregularly shaped, or furniture require spatial considerations. Similarly, if you have special items, bicycles, mirrors, or artworks, you might need special positioning or extra protection space.
You can also read our guide about Boston Apartment Moving Tips to ensure your move is stress-free and easy!
Common Storage Unit Sizes & Fits
Here is a quick table to understand some of the common storage unit sizes and fits:
| Loads | Size | Area/sq. F | Cubic F | Monthly rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| single item up to a room of items - 16ft truck | 8x10 | 80 | 640 | $395. |
| studio up to a small 1 bed. apt - 1/2 of a 24ft truck | 10x10 | 100 | 800 | $475 |
| large 1 bedroom apartment | 10x15 | 150 | 1200 | $555 |
| small 2 bedroom - large 2 bedroom apartment - 24ft truck load | 10x20 | 200 | 1600 | $625 |
| 3 bed apartment/ house (1 truck) | 15x20 | 300 | 2400 | $755 |
| 3 - 4 bedroom house (2 trucks) | 20x20 | 400 | 3200 | $1,075 |
| 4 - 6 bedroom house (3 trucks) | 20x30 | 600 | 4800 | $1,750 |
Note: The pricing mentioned for each storage type is an approximate budget. The actual price will vary, depending on the moving company you choose.
8x10 Storage Units
8×10 storage units are an ideal choice for small apartments or homes. They can comfortably accommodate the contents of a studio or small one-bedroom apartment. This includes a queen-size mattress, several medium-sized boxes, a dresser, a sofa, and a dining table with chairs. One of the best parts is that there will be walk-in space, so you can easily access your items whenever you need them.
10x10 Storage Units
A 10×10 storage unit is ideal for people moving from a studio to a small one-bedroom apartment, or for those needing storage for about half of a 24ft truckload. It can fit a bedroom set, living room furniture, kitchen appliances, and 40–50 medium boxes. This size is often preferred by families or individuals in Boston who need temporary storage while relocating or house hunting.
10x15 Storage Units
A 10×15 storage unit is perfect for a large one-bedroom apartment or a small home. It can fit major appliances, outdoor furniture, full dining room furniture, bedroom sets, and multiple boxes. You’ll also have some space left for miscellaneous items or seasonal belongings. It’s also a great option for downsizing without having to part with valuable furniture.
10x20 Storage Units
The 10×20 storage unit is designed for small to large two-bedroom apartments and can handle an entire 24ft truckload. It can store large furniture sets, major appliances, outdoor equipment, and up to 60 boxes. This unit is an excellent choice for Boston families needing space during home renovations or long-distance moves.
15x20 Storage Units
A 15×20 storage unit is ideal for three-bedroom apartments or houses. It provides enough space for multiple mattresses, complete furniture sets, heavy appliances, and a large number of boxes. This size is also popular among small offices for storing extra equipment, furniture, or seasonal inventory.
20x20 Storage Units
The 20×20 storage unit is perfect for three to four-bedroom houses or large families. It offers warehouse-like space that can accommodate bedroom sets, living room furniture, outdoor furniture, appliances, and bulky equipment. With this size, you’ll have ample room to keep your belongings organized and easily accessible.
20x30 Storage Units
A 20×30 storage unit is one of the largest available options, suitable for four to six-bedroom houses or businesses with extensive inventory. Think of it as a small warehouse or large garage. It’s perfect for large house or business owners who need extra space for storage. It can fit heavy inventory, large machines, and even vehicles. It’s an ideal choice if you’re looking for a massive space.
How to Decide The Right Storage Size For Your Move In Boston?
Understanding the right storage unit size is not easy. It involves a lot of planning and narrowing down to your needs. You can use this practical checklist given below to figure out which storage unit size is perfect for your requirements:
- Count your rooms in your apartment
- Multiply by 10-15 boxes per room as an estimate
- Measure all your furniture pieces (go with length x width x height ratio)
- Consider seasonal storage needs
- Look for vehicle storage too if you’re moving from areas with limited parking
- Consider adding at least 20% extra space to ensure you can easily access your belongings or store any additional items that may come up unexpectedly.
Most apartments in Boston require 10-15 boxes per room if you pack properly. And if you need help in packing, you can check our guide on packing special items.
Coming to the storage unit size, the 20% bigger rule saves you from cramming everything too tightly and leaves you space to walk. Additionally, Boston’s weather also demands space for seasonal items, so take that into consideration.
Final Words
Finding the right storage unit size shouldn’t be difficult. Once you understand your timeline, inventory, and use our size guide mentioned above, you’ll be able to find the perfect storage unit size for your Boston Move.
A tip to remember here: It’s always a better idea to have slightly more space than to struggle with too little space and cluttered storage.
And finally, choose reliable storage services in Boston to make sure your belongings are safe, protected, and monitored at all times, giving you complete peace of mind throughout your moving or storage process.
