What's the Best Storage Unit Size for a 2-Bedroom Apartment?

How to Choose the Right Storage Unit Size for a 2-Bedroom Apartment

family unloading boxes into their new 2 bedroom apartment

If you’re living in a 2-bedroom apartment and need self storage, carefully consider your options. Finding the right solution will help you avoid overpaying or running out of room mid-transition. Whether you’re moving cross-country or a short distance, between leases, or want more storage space, check out this helpful guide to storage units for two-bedroom apartments!

Best Storage Unit Sizes for a 2-Bedroom Apartment

Figuring out what size storage unit you need for a 2-bedroom apartment will depend on how big your space is and how much you need to store. The most common storage sizes for 2-bedroom apartments are 10×10 and 10×15 units.

10×10 Storage Units

Best For: Those needing short-term storage between homes, on a budget, or living alone

The most popular unit size for for 2-bedroom apartment storage, a 10×10 storage unit offers 100 square feet of storage space with an 8-foot ceiling, equating to 800 cubic feet. These units are roughly the size of a small bedroom or home office, perfect for medium-sized storage needs, including:

King-sized mattress & frame
Living room furniture (e.g., sofas, chairs, & coffee tables)
Large appliances like washer/dryer & refrigerators
Outdoor, sports, & camping equipment
Patio furniture

10×15 Storage Units

Best For: Couples living together or seeking extra space to grow; those seeking storage between homes or for slightly longer periods

If you’re wondering how big a 10×15 storage unit is, these units offer 150 square feet of space with an 8-foot ceiling, approximately 1,200 cubic feet. Roughly the size of a medium to large bedroom, 10×15 storage is a slightly larger medium-sized option that’s better equipped for larger items and sets, including:

Two bedroom sets
Living room & dining room sets
Office essentials
Outdoor equipment & tools (e.g., camping & outdoor rec equipment, tailgating equipment like coolers)

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Storage Unit

Choosing the right unit size to store the contents of a 2-bedroom apartment isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Depending on your space, needs, and belongings, the type of storage unit you need may vary.

Apartment Size

While a 2-bedroom apartment typically ranges from 800 to 1,200 square feet, the average apartment size is regularly increasing. In addition, a general average doesn’t cover large or small outliers. Knowing your apartment’s square footage will help you make an informed decision on your storage needs.

Amount of Items

How many items owned, their size, and what items need storage make a significant impact when choosing a storage unit. For example, maintaining a minimalist lifestyle will require less storage space than a maximalist lifestyle. Similarly, living in a 2-bedroom apartment with a significant other typically entails having more belongings than someone living by themselves. If you want to maximize your budget while storing what you need, decluttering is a great way to achieve this.

Furniture Types

What furniture owners have and whether they can be assembled and disassembled will impact the 2-bedroom storage unit size you need. For example, large furniture, like a king-size bed in an apartment, will take up less space if it can be folded or taken apart. Bulky appliances occupy more square footage than household decor that can be boxed up. Owning furniture like storage beds, multi-purpose shelving, and other space-saving furniture can help save unit space while occupying less space.

Lifestyle Needs

Whether you’re planning to move, downsizing, or doing regular spring cleaning will affect how much storage space is necessary. Do you need apartment self storage for just the basics or holiday decorations, hobby items, and seasonal belongings? Adjustments that require long-term storage will have different needs than a temporary transition.

Packing & Storage Tips

Learning to pack boxes efficiently will help you make the most of your 2-bedroom storage unit—whether you opt for a 10×10 or 10×15 unit. Fit everything you need by following these smart packing tips.

Disassemble furniture: Save space by taking apart beds, tables, and shelving units.
Separate fragile items: Protect your belongings by wrapping delicate items in bubble wrap or foam, and keep collections and keepsakes together and stored correctly.
Pack Unit Strategically: Maximize floor space and vertical storage by using shelves or stackable bins. For stability, be sure to put large items on the lower shelves and heavy boxes on the bottoms of stacks.
Label everything: Label boxes and list items according to category and use. Consider creating a self storage inventory list and organize your storage unit accordingly.
Create aisles: Leave a walking path to make the storage unit more accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Storing the Contents of a 2-Bedroom Apartment

Should I get a 10×10 or 10×15 storage unit?

Whether you rent 10×10 storage or 10×15 storage will depend on apartment square footage, storage needs, and budget. A 10×10 storage unit stores less with 800 cubic feet of space, but is more affordable. Alternatively, a 10×15 storage unit offers a comfortable 1,200 cubic feet for bedroom sets, dining sets, and more.

How many bedrooms can fit in a 10×10 storage unit?

A 10×10 storage unit typically provides enough space to hold two bedrooms’ worth of furniture and boxes, making it a preferred storage solution for 2-bedroom apartments. It can also fit the contents of a large family room.

How many boxes for a 2-bedroom apartment?

The number of moving boxes you need for packing a 2-bedroom apartment will depend on how much you need to pack and how big the boxes are. For a 2-bedroom apartment with an average amount of belongings, you might consider 20 small boxes, 15 medium boxes, or 10 large boxes. If you have a tight moving budget, visit your local Extra Space Storage for affordable packing and moving supplies!

Is climate-controlled storage really necessary?

While climate-controlled storage is not strictly necessary, it can safeguard against extreme temperature fluctuations. Different types of climate control can help mitigate local weather changes, and typically maintain a consistent temperature between 55 and 80 degrees year-round. If you live in a place with especially hot or cold weather, or are storing sensitive items like artwork and antiques, renting climate control for a 2-bedroom storage is an excellent option.

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