When you are planning storage for a family house move, one of the biggest questions you face is what size unit you need. Choosing the right storage space can save you money and reduce stress. This guide helps you match the contents of your home to a realistic storage size, avoid paying for unused capacity, and make the whole moving process easier.
Why Storage Planning Matters for a Family Move
How Storage Helps Your Move Stay on Track
Storage can play a key role in making your move smoother. You might need space if the sale of your current home and the purchase of your next one do not happen on the same day. You may be renovating your new home before moving in. Or you might decide to move in stages while you downsize. In all these situations, having a storage plan means you are not forced to rush or compromise.
The Problems That Come from Guessing
Guessing how much space you need can lead to last minute problems. You may find the unit you booked is too small. That means upgrading your unit, taking a second unit, or moving items twice. All of these add to your cost and your stress. It is better to work out your needs accurately up front.
How Storage Unit Sizes Are Measured
Understanding Volume and Space
Storage space is described in several ways. Providers may list space by volume, in cubic feet or cubic metres. They might use square feet to describe the floor area of a unit. For container storage, they will use standard box sizes. Knowing how your removal company measures space helps you understand the quote you get and how your belongings will fit.
Why Layout Matters Too
It is not only the size that counts but also how you use it. If items are stacked poorly, you lose usable space. Clear paths and sensible stacking can increase the amount you can store. Good packing makes the storage more efficient.
Typical Storage Sizes for Family Homes
Storage for a Flat or Small Family Home
A one or two bedroom home usually needs a small unit or one container. This might be around 50 to 100 square feet. In this size of unit you can store:
- Beds and mattresses
- Small sofas and chairs
- Kitchen boxes
- A small dining table
This space works well if you are storing the basics and boxed items.
Storage for a Three Bedroom Family House
A three bedroom house will usually need a medium unit or two containers. This is often in the range of 100 to 200 square feet. A space this size can fit:
- Larger sofas and dining tables
- Multiple beds and wardrobes
- White goods such as fridges and washing machines
- Boxes from bedrooms and living areas
At this scale, it is useful to have a professional check your volume to confirm what will fit.
Storage for Larger or Heavily Furnished Homes
For larger homes with four bedrooms or more, you may need more than one container or a larger unit. Houses with lots of furniture or extra items require more space. At this level a professional survey is important to make sure you book the right amount of space.
Factors That Change How Much Space You Need
The Type and Amount of Furniture
Not all furniture is the same. Large solid wood pieces, bulky sofas, or home gym equipment take up a lot of room. Light furniture or items you can take apart will use space more efficiently.
Items From Outside or Storage Areas
Items like bicycles, garden furniture, tools and seasonal equipment are easy to overlook. These can take up more room than you expect. Be sure to count them early when you are estimating your needs.
How Often You Need to Access Stored Items
If you need regular access to some items, you may need a slightly bigger space. This lets you reach what you need without unpacking everything.
Planning Your Storage Inventory
Listing What Will Go Into Storage
Make a room by room list of everything you plan to store. Separate items that will move straight to your new home from those that will go into storage. This list helps you and your removal company plan accurately.
Using Surveys to Estimate Volume
A survey by your removal company will help measure how much space you need. This can be in person or done by video. It gives a more reliable estimate than guessing.
Deciding What to Store, Sell, or Donate
Before booking storage, decide what you really want to keep. You may find items you planned to store are better sold or given away. Removing unwanted items before you move means you pay only for the space you truly need.
Packing for Storage to Use Space Well
Boxing and Labelling for Better Use of Space
Packing well makes a big difference. Use strong, similar sized boxes. Fill them properly. Label them clearly. This helps your crew stack boxes safely and use space more efficiently.
Protecting Furniture While Saving Space
Use covers, wraps and dismantle large furniture where possible. This protects your items and makes it easier to stack them closely without damage.
Creating a Simple Loading Plan
Think about how you load your unit. Place heavier items at the bottom, lighter items on top and items you might need first near the front. A simple plan makes storage more practical.
Cost and Contract Checks Before You Book
How Storage Costs Change with Size
Storage prices usually rise with the size of the unit. Larger units cost more each week or month. If you book a space that is too large you will pay for empty space. Choosing a size that matches your needs helps control costs. Even better, you can choose a storage company like Doree Bonner who only charge by volume used, saving you money and avoiding wasted space.
Minimum Stay, Notice and Extra Fees
Check the contract before you book. Many storage providers have minimum time periods, notice rules and extra fees. Knowing these terms helps you understand the true cost.
Insurance for Stored Family Goods
Check what the insurance cover includes and what limits apply. For higher value items you may need extra cover to protect your belongings in storage.
Working With a Removal Company That Offers Storage
One Provider for Move and Storage
Using the same company for packing, collection, storage and delivery makes the whole move easier. It means fewer handovers, clearer communication and better planning.
Collection, Redelivery and Flexibility
Good providers offer flexible options for collection and staged redelivery. This helps when your new home date is not fixed. You can plan in stages without stress.
Questions to Ask About Storage Space
Before you book ask:
- How do you measure units and volume?
- What happens if my items do not fit?
- Can I increase space if needed?
- How do you manage access and timing?
Clear answers to these questions help you plan with confidence.
Example Storage Scenarios for Family Moves
Moving a Three Bedroom House With a Short Gap
A family sells their home and has a few weeks before moving into the next one. They use a medium sized unit for most furniture and boxes. They move the essential items last so they are not in storage for long.
Storing Items During Renovation
For a renovation, the family stores bulky furniture and extra items off site. They keep everyday items at home while work is done. This means less disruption and safer storage for furniture.
Long Term Storage During an Overseas Move
A family moving abroad may not take all their possessions. They choose long term storage for the items they want to keep. In this case they may choose a slightly larger space to hold furniture and boxes while they settle overseas.
Choosing the right storage unit for a family move comes down to clear planning and good information. A detailed list of your belongings, a professional survey and checks on access and contract terms make it easier to pick the right size. With the right planning you can avoid wasted space and control your costs.
If you would like help working out the right storage size for your family move, contact us for an assessment. Get a free online quote or contact our team today.
