What Size Storage Unit Do I Need for a 2-Bedroom Apartment?
If you’re moving, downsizing, or just trying to simplify life, one of the most common questions people ask is: What size storage unit do I need for a 2-bedroom apartment? Getting the right fit matters. Too small and you’ll be frustrated trying to cram things in. Too large and you’ll pay for space you don’t use.
Most renters find that a 10x10 or 10x15 unit will do the job, but the right choice depends on your furniture, how many boxes you have, and whether you plan to access items while they’re in storage.
Local renters often find that options like storage units in Conroe or Huntsville make moving and organizing much easier.
Short Answer
For most 2-bedroom apartments, a 10x10 unit is the starting point. This size comfortably fits the contents of two bedrooms, a living room, and some kitchen items if everything is packed efficiently. If you have bulkier furniture, large sectionals, or more than 60–70 boxes, a 10x15 unit gives you the breathing room you’ll want. Households with outdoor gear, appliances, or extra furniture often size up to a 10x20.
What Typically Comes Out of a 2-Bedroom Apartment
Before choosing a size, think about what you’ll actually be storing. A typical 2-bedroom includes:
- Two beds (often a queen and a full or twin) with frames and dressers
- A living room setup with a sofa or sectional, coffee table, TV stand, and side tables
- A dining set—usually a table and 4–6 chairs
- Kitchen boxes with small appliances like a microwave, blender, or toaster
- 30–90 moving boxes, depending on how minimalist or packed your lifestyle is
- Outdoor or seasonal extras like a grill, patio chairs, or bicycles
Your exact mix may be lighter or heavier, but this snapshot helps you picture the volume.
Best-Fit Sizes Explained
10x10 Storage Unit
A 10x10 gives you 100 square feet of space—about the size of a small bedroom. This is often enough for a modest 2-bedroom if you don’t have oversized furniture. Think: beds, dressers, a smaller sofa, and 50–60 boxes. If you’re storing short-term and won’t need to retrieve items often, you can pack them tightly and maximize the walls.
10x15 Storage Unit
With 150 square feet, this is the safer bet if you own a sectional sofa, king-size bed, or dining set with a hutch. It also works well if you need access to items while they’re stored, since you can leave an aisle down the center. Roughly, a 10x15 can handle 2–3 bedrooms’ worth of furniture plus 70–90 boxes.
Edge Cases: 5x15 or 10x20
A 5x15 is long and narrow, so it fits when your furniture is mostly small, but you need more length than a 10x10. A 10x20, about the size of a one-car garage, is smart if you’re moving from a fully furnished 2-bedroom that also includes appliances, outdoor furniture, or business inventory.
How to Choose Your Size in 5 Minutes
The fastest way to narrow down your choice is to group your belongings and think about how they’ll stack.
Measure and group
List your big pieces like beds, couches, tables, dressers, and note their footprints. If two or three items take up most of a wall, lean toward a 10x15.
Box math that actually helps
Medium boxes stack best and make the most of vertical space. A 10x10 can fit around 50–60 medium boxes with furniture; if you’re closer to 80–90, lean toward a 10x15.
Access preference
If you’ll need seasonal clothing, sports gear, or documents, leave space for an aisle. That extra 50 square feet in a 10x15 makes life easier than unloading half the unit to grab one box.
Vehicle and elevator realities
Check the width of your moving truck ramp or apartment elevator. Some sectionals and bed frames won’t turn corners easily, and it’s better to plan for extra room than get stuck halfway through moving day.
For more detailed comparisons and tips, visit our storage unit size guide.
Climate-Controlled vs Standard Units
Climate control is worth it if you’re storing items sensitive to heat, cold, or humidity. Wood furniture, electronics, photos, instruments, and memory foam mattresses all benefit from a stable environment.
In Texas, where summers are long and humid, many people find climate control is worth the peace of mind. If you’re only storing for a short stretch and your items are durable like plastic bins, patio furniture, or basic kitchenware, a standard unit is fine.
For long-term storage or valuable belongings, many renters choose climate-controlled storage units in Huntsville to keep their items safe year-round.
For more on when climate control makes sense, see Moving.com’s guide or official FEMA recommendations for protecting valuables.
Layouts That Maximize Space
How you arrange a unit can make a big difference.
- A U-shape layout, with furniture along the walls and a 24–30 inch aisle down the middle, makes it easy to reach everything
- Stack heavy boxes on the bottom and lighter ones on top; shelves or pallets can help you go vertical without crushing anything
- Label at least two sides of every box, and tape a simple zone map inside the door to save time later
Packing and Protection Tips for 2-Bedroom Moves
Disassemble beds, dining tables, and shelving units to save space. Wrap mattresses and sofas in covers to keep them clean. If you’re storing appliances, make sure they’re dry and cords are secured. Wardrobe boxes are handy, but you can also use large plastic bins for clothing.
Blankets often protect large surfaces better than bubble wrap, and they’re reusable. A few moisture absorbers placed around the unit will also protect against humidity.
Cost, Flexibility, and Timing
Storage units are typically rented month-to-month so that you can adjust as your needs change. Some facilities offer long-term discounts if you know you’ll be storing for a year or more.
Summer is the busiest moving season, so reserving a unit a few weeks ahead can save stress. If you’re unsure of the size, start larger. Many people downsize after a few months once they’ve sold or donated items they no longer need.
Don’t forget about insurance or tenant protection. Facilities often require it, and it adds a layer of security.
Quick Size Selector
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Minimalist 2-bedroom with compact furniture and fewer than 60 boxes → 10x10
- Typical 2-bedroom with queen/king beds, sectional sofa, dining set, and 60–90 boxes → 10x15
- Fully furnished 2-bedroom with appliances, outdoor gear, or business inventory → 10x20
FAQs
Is 10x10 enough for a 2-bedroom?
Yes, if you have smaller furniture and fewer boxes. It’s tight but manageable with efficient packing.
When should I upgrade to 10x15?
If you own bulky furniture, have more than 60–70 boxes, or want easy access to your items, opt for a 10x15.
How many boxes fit in each size?
A 10x10 can hold around 50–60 medium boxes with furniture. A 10x15 can handle 70–90.
Do I need climate control?
If you’re storing wood, electronics, or items for longer than a few months in Texas, climate control is recommended.
Can I switch sizes if my stuff doesn’t fit?
Yes, most facilities allow you to upgrade or downsize if the space isn’t right. Ask about flexibility before signing.
Next Steps
Choosing the right storage size for a 2-bedroom apartment doesn’t have to be stressful. Start by listing your most significant pieces, estimating box count, and deciding how often you’ll need access.
Once you have a sense of volume, call a nearby facility and ask for size recommendations. They’ll help match your list to the right unit!
If you’re in East Texas, facilities like
Wild Horse Storage in Huntsville make it simple to find the right fit and move in quickly.
