People often struggle to determine the right storage unit size for their belongings when facing life transitions like moving, downsizing, or organizing their homes. Storage facilities serve millions of customers who need temporary or permanent solutions for items that cannot fit in their current living spaces.
One-bedroom apartment residents frequently seek storage units in Council Bluffs to house seasonal items, excess furniture, and household goods that crowd their limited space. Understanding storage needs becomes essential when creating more room at home while keeping important belongings secure and accessible.
How Big of a Storage Unit Do I Need for a One-Bedroom Apartment?
The answer isn’t the same for everyone, however. The size of the storage unit you need will depend on what you own, how you will be able to stack it, and the conditions you need to store items. If you’re looking for extra space for items like seasonal items or furniture, a storage solution can be the perfect solution.
Apartments are different shapes and sizes, and people put different things in their apartments. Use this article as a general guide, but consider the amount of living space you currently have and how much you plan to store. Compensate for where you think you might own more (or less) stuff or large items.
Here’s how to choose the right storage unit, based on the contents of your apartment.
Taking Proper Measurements
Storage facilities in the United States measure units in feet, typically listing width and length dimensions. Most companies focus on floor space when advertising unit sizes but often exclude height measurements from their listings.
Renters should confirm ceiling height directly with the facility before signing a lease. This step becomes essential when storing tall furniture pieces or planning to stack boxes vertically. Standard storage units usually offer 8 to 10 feet of vertical clearance, but variations exist between facilities.
Key measurement considerations:
- Width and length determine floor space
- Height affects stacking capacity
- Irregular-shaped items may require additional room
- Door dimensions can limit what fits inside
Choosing a Storage Unit
When selecting a storage unit, where possible, always choose local, reliable storage unit companies rather than companies. You don’t want someone to disappear with your belongings, or your items to suffer damage because you went with an unreputable and cheap storage company! Take the time to research different storage providers, read customer reviews, and visit the facility in person to ensure it meets your standards for security, cleanliness, and reliability.
How to Maximize Your Storage Unit Space
When you’re renting a storage unit, you’ll want to make the most out of your storage space while keeping your belongings safe, organized, and easily accessible. Use these apartment storage tips to keep your unit organized and accessible:
- Stack items strategically: Use sturdy boxes or stackable crates and stack them on top of each other to maximize vertical space. Place heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter ones on top to prevent crushing and maintain stability.
- Use furniture pads: Protect large furniture items like couches and queen-sized beds by wrapping them in furniture pads to prevent damage.
- Disassemble Large Furniture: If possible, take apart furniture like bed frames, tables, and shelving units to save space and make stacking easier.
- Utilize Shelving: Portable shelving units can help keep smaller items organized and prevent fragile belongings from being buried under heavier boxes.
- Create pathways: If you plan to access your storage unit frequently, leave a path down the center to make it easier to reach your items without having to move everything around.
- Label Everything Clearly: Mark all boxes with their contents and consider creating a simple map of where items are placed to save time when retrieving them.
How Big of a Storage Unit Do I Need for a One-Bedroom Apartment?
Most one-bedroom apartments require a 5×10 storage unit, which provides 50 square feet of floor space. This size typically accommodates a single bed with mattress, small sofa, dresser, and approximately 20-30 boxes of personal belongings.
Apartments with minimal furniture work well with smaller 5×10 units, but renters with larger furniture pieces or extensive belongings should consider upgrading to a 10×10 unit. The larger option doubles the floor space to 100 square feet, providing room for king-size mattresses, multiple seating pieces, and additional storage boxes.
Common unit sizes and capacities:
- 5×5 (25 sq ft): Studio apartment contents, seasonal items
- 5×10 (50 sq ft): Small one-bedroom with basic furniture
- 10×10 (100 sq ft): Full one-bedroom with multiple large pieces
- 10×15 (150 sq ft): One-bedroom plus extra belongings or appliances
Things To Consider
Before selecting a storage unit, take a moment to evaluate the size, type, and quantity of your belongings to ensure everything fits comfortably while remaining organized and protected. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
- Mattress Size: If you own a double, a queen-sized bed, or a king-sized mattress, it’s going to take up more space than just a single bed/small mattress in a storage unit.
- Do you have couches or chairs?: Couches or chairs take up the most space in small storage units. They usually can’t be stacked or compressed in any way.
- Do you have stackable crates?: Instead of using cardboard boxes that are almost sure to damage or degrade with time, choose sturdy crates that you can stack. This guarantees an easier, safer way to do things.
- Do you have fragile objects?: Anything that classifies as fragile should be factored into storage unit space because it’s likely that you’d want to keep things separately – and in good condition.
Miscellaneous Items
Does your apartment hold the contents of large sports equipment, an oversized dining room table, or other bulky furniture items that take up extra space? A temporary storage unit is ideal if you’re holding onto items during a move or remodel. Evaluate your inventory and match it to available storage unit options for best results.
No matter if you need to store the contents of your apartment short or long-term, choosing the right self-storage facility near you is important. Other storage options are available for more specific needs such as vehicle storage for cars, boats, and RVs or climate-controlled storage to protect temperature-sensitive items like electronics, artwork, or wooden furniture.
By carefully selecting the right storage unit, you can ensure that your valuable belongings remain protected and easily accessible whenever you need them.
Understanding the Cost of Self-Storage
What Factors Affect Storage Unit Pricing?
Units that are larger or have additional features like 24-hour access or extra security may have a higher price. Always compare rates from different storage companies to find the best value for your needs. Several factors can influence the cost of a storage unit, including the following:
- Unit Size: Larger units, such as those needed for the contents of a one-bedroom or bedroom sets, typically cost more than smaller units like a 25-square-foot space.
- Location: Storage facilities in high-demand areas or urban centers often have higher prices compared to those in less populated regions.
- Climate Control: If you need a climate-controlled storage locker to protect sensitive items like wooden furniture or electronics, expect to pay a premium.
- Security Features: Units with advanced security measures—such as gated access, surveillance cameras, and on-site management—may come at a higher price but offer added protection.
- Accessibility & Convenience: Facilities that offer extra storage perks like 24-hour access, drive-up units, or moving assistance may charge more for the added convenience.
Budget-Friendly Storage Solutions
If you’re on a budget, start by assessing what items you truly need to store, and consider renting a smaller storage unit that fits your essential belongings. If you’re only storing seasonal items, sports equipment, or a few household items, a small apartment storage idea like a 5×5 unit may work. To save even more, check with local storage companies for special promotions, discounts on long-term rentals, or lower rates during off-peak seasons.
Clark Storage – Best and Most Secured Storage Units in the Area
Clark Storage is a family-owned business dedicated to providing top-quality service and safe, well-maintained storage facilities. Our locations in Council Bluffs, Glenwood, Nebraska City, and Pacific Junction are selected for easy access, convenience, and peace of mind.
We are committed to meeting your storage needs with facilities designed to keep your belongings protected and accessible whenever you need them. From short-term to long-term storage, our units are tailored to fit a wide range of personal and business needs.
Contact us today to reserve your unit and experience the difference of working with a trusted local storage provider. Be sure to ask about our Move-In Referral Program for added value and savings.
