Most three-bedroom houses fit in a 10x20 storage unit — 200 square feet, about the size of a one-car garage. That covers the furniture from three bedrooms, a living room, a dining area, the kitchen appliances, and 60 to 90 boxes, packed to the ceiling.

That's the rule of thumb. Whether it's right for your house depends mostly on two things: whether you're emptying a garage too, and how much big furniture you own.

The quick answer by situation

Your three-bedroom house	Unit size to start with
Lightly furnished, no appliances, no garage	10x15 (150 sq ft)
Typical furniture and appliances, no garage	10x20 (200 sq ft)
Typical furniture, appliances, and a full garage	10x25 to 10x30 (250 to 300 sq ft)
Everything above plus a car, boat, or camper	20x30 (600 sq ft) or two units

What a typical 3-bedroom house holds

If you're picturing a 10x20, this is roughly the load it's sized for:

• Primary bedroom — a queen or king bed, two nightstands, a dresser, and a chest.
• Two more bedrooms — two full or twin beds, two dressers, a desk.
• Living room — a sofa and loveseat (or a sectional), a coffee table, a TV and stand, a bookshelf.
• Dining area — a table and six chairs.
• Appliances — a refrigerator, washer, and dryer.
• Boxes — 60 to 90 medium boxes of kitchen, closet, and household goods.

A sectional, a king bed, a china hutch, or a piano each push you toward the next size up. So does a garage full of tools, bikes, and lawn equipment, which on its own can fill a 10x10.

Size your own house in five minutes

1. Count the big pieces — beds, sofas, tables, dressers, appliances. These set the floor space.
2. Estimate boxes — figure 15 to 20 per bedroom plus 20 to 30 for the kitchen.
3. Look at the garage honestly — if it's full, add half a 10x20.
4. Check the ceiling — a 10-foot ceiling holds 25 percent more than an 8-foot one on the same floor.
5. When in doubt, size up — running out of room on moving day costs more than a slightly bigger unit.

Or let the Bakersfield storage size calculator do it.

Will a 3-bedroom house fit in a 10x15?

Only if it's lightly furnished and you're not storing appliances. A 10x15 is 150 square feet, which suits most two-bedroom homes. For a typical three-bedroom, it's a tight squeeze that usually ends with the overflow in your car. See how big a 10x15 is.

Packing a 10x20 so everything fits

• Appliances and heavy furniture go in first, against the back wall.
• Stand mattresses and sofas on end to save floor.
• Take beds and tables apart and bag the hardware with the piece.
• Use same-size boxes so they stack straight to the ceiling.
• Leave a walking aisle if you'll need to get to anything before move-out.
• Prop the fridge and washer doors open so they don't grow mildew.

In a Bakersfield summer, an uninsulated metal unit can get very hot inside. If you're storing wood furniture, electronics, or photos for more than a few weeks, ask whether the unit is insulated or climate controlled.

When the house isn't the only thing you're storing

A 10x20 from a standard self-storage facility near your home is usually the most affordable way to store a three-bedroom house by itself. Elite doesn't rent that size, and we'd rather tell you that up front.

Where we do make sense is when the house comes with something bigger: a car you're not driving during the move, a boat or camper with nowhere to park at the new place, or a build or remodel that's going to run for months. Then the usual answer is two or three standard units, and a single 20x30 drive-up unit is simpler. Every Elite unit is enclosed, 20 feet wide, with 16-foot ceilings, a 12- to 14-foot roll-up door you can back a moving truck to, insulated walls and ceiling, and month-to-month terms.

Frequently asked questions

What size storage unit do I need for a 3-bedroom house?

A 10x20 for most. Go to a 10x15 only if it's lightly furnished, or a 10x25 to 10x30 if you're also emptying a garage.

Will a 3-bedroom house fit in a 10x20 storage unit?

Usually, yes, including appliances, if you pack to the ceiling. See how big a 10x20 is.

How many boxes does a 3-bedroom house need?

Typically 60 to 90 medium boxes, depending on how much is in closets, the kitchen, and the garage.

Is a 10x30 too big for a 3-bedroom house?

It can be more than you need, unless you're also storing a garage's worth of tools or a vehicle. See how big a 10x30 is.

What about a 4-bedroom house?

Plan on a 10x30, or a 10x20 plus a 10x10. See what size unit a 4-bedroom house needs.

What can't I put in a storage unit?

Most facilities, Elite included, prohibit flammable or combustible liquids, perishable food, plants, and live animals. Empty gas cans and drain fuel from lawn equipment before you store it.

Get a size recommendation

The size calculator takes about a minute. For the full chart, see the storage unit size guide. Storing more than the house? See the current move-in special, reserve online, or contact us.