A three-bedroom house does not automatically need the same amount of storage as another three-bedroom house.
One might have a fairly clear garage and loft. Another might have years of boxes, bikes, garden equipment and furniture stored in both.
So, when someone asks us “how much storage do I need when moving house?”, bedroom count is a useful starting point, but it does not tell us everything.
If you are planning a move, our Removals & Storage in Reading service includes assessing what needs moving and storing, rather than asking you to guess the space yourself.
What Affects the Storage Size for a House Move?
The amount of storage you need comes down to what is actually going into it.
We look at:
- Furniture and appliances
- Number of packed boxes
- Garage, shed and loft contents
- Bikes, tools and garden furniture
- Large or awkward items
- Furniture that can be dismantled
You also need to decide whether you are storing the whole house or only selected belongings.
How Much Storage Might Different House Sizes Need?
1-bedroom property: Usually fewer large furniture items and boxes, although storage cupboards, cellars and balconies still need to be included.
2-bedroom property: Expect additional bedroom furniture and boxes. Garages and outdoor storage can add more than you might expect.
3-bedroom property: Family homes can vary considerably. Furniture, children’s belongings, bikes and full lofts or garages quickly increase the storage requirement.
4+ bedroom property: We would recommend a proper survey rather than trying to estimate the furniture storage size from bedroom numbers alone.
Don’t Forget the Garage, Shed and Loft
These are the areas people regularly underestimate when storage planning.
Remember to include:
- Bikes and sports equipment
- Tools and lawnmowers
- Garden furniture and barbecues
- Suitcases and Christmas decorations
- Boxes already stored in the loft or garage
Ten years of loft contents still have to fit on the removal lorry and into storage.
If you need to store most of the house because your sale and purchase dates are different, our guide to storage between house moves when completion dates don’t match explains how collection, storage and redelivery work.
Can Packing and Dismantling Reduce the Space Needed?
Good packing helps make better use of the available storage space.
Suitable beds, tables and other furniture can be dismantled before storage. Strong, consistently sized double-walled boxes are also easier to handle and stack than bags and irregular cartons.
If you need help getting everything ready, our professional packing service can be arranged alongside your removal.
Why Is a Home or Video Survey More Accurate?
Because it replaces guesswork with what you actually own. Bedroom count says little: two similar houses can need very different space once a full loft, a packed garage or valuable furniture is included. That’s why a home visit or video survey is a standard part of how Wilkins quotes for removals and storage.
A Wilkins Sales Manager will visit your home, or arrange a video survey if that’s easier. They will:
- Walk through every room, plus the loft, garage, shed and outbuildings
- Note furniture that needs dismantling and any fragile or high-value items
- Confirm what goes straight to your new home and what goes into storage
- Check stairs, access and parking, and discuss your timings and any packing help
You then receive a tailored quote based on what was seen, and the crew arrives on a moving day with the right vehicle, equipment and plan. For larger family homes and moves with valuable furniture, it’s the best way to avoid surprises.
Not Sure How Much Storage You Need?
Don’t book storage on guesswork or bedroom count. Wilkins has been moving and storing family belongings for over 140 years, and the business is wholly family-owned. From our Reading warehouse we look after moves across Reading, Caversham, Wokingham, Henley-on-Thames, Maidenhead and the wider Berkshire and Oxfordshire area, with B.A.R.-trained crews and fully insured services. One team handles everything from collection to storage and redelivery.
Let a Wilkins Sales Manager see what you are moving, and we’ll recommend the right space and give you a clear quote. Request a quote or survey or call us on 01491 572037.
