Moving in Los Angeles presents unique challenges — tight apartments in West Hollywood, sprawling homes in the Valley, or office relocations in Downtown. Whether staging for a sale, bridging a lease gap, or decluttering during renovations, choosing the right storage unit size ensures your belongings stay safe without wasting money on excess space. Oversizing costs 20–50% more monthly, while undersizing leads to cramped, inefficient packing. This 2026 guide from Affordable Moving breaks down storage unit sizes specifically for LA moves, with charts, real examples, and mover tips to match your apartment, house, or commercial needs.
As LA movers specializing in moving and storage combos, we see it all: studios needing quick holds to 4-bedroom estates in transit. We’ll help you estimate accurately, avoiding common pitfalls like ignoring LA’s climate (hello, heat waves).
Why Storage Unit Size Matters for Your LA Move
Selecting the right size isn’t guesswork — it’s about volume, access, and cost. LA moves often involve vertical living (walk-ups, no elevators) and seasonal timing, making efficient storage crucial. A mismatched unit means extra mover hours ($50–$80/hr) or multiple trips.
Rule of Thumb: Measure cubic feet (not just sq ft). Standard height: 8–10 ft. For moves:
- Small (25–50 sq ft): Transitional storage.
- Medium (75–150 sq ft): Apartments.
- Large (200+ sq ft): Houses/offices.
Pro Tip: Inventory first — list rooms/items. Tools like our free estimator factor LA specifics (stairs +10% space for pads). Climate control adds 10–20% cost but saves on damage in 90°F summers.
Storage Unit Sizes Chart: By Home Type
Here’s a detailed chart for common LA scenarios. Sizes assume standard 8-ft height; climate-controlled recommended.
Bundled w/ Moving: Save 20% via Affordable Moving — e.g., 10×10 drops to $208–$336/mo.
Small Storage Units (25–50 sq ft): For LA Studios & Partial Moves
LA studios (400–600 sq ft) dominate renter market. A 5×5 holds off-season clothes, holiday decor, or post-pack extras — ideal for staging open houses in Silver Lake.
5×5 Details: Fits 20–30 medium boxes, small dresser/TV. Perfect for “just in case” storage during short leases. Capacity: ~200 cu ft. Pro use: Student returns or minimalists decluttering.
5×10 Upgrade: Full studio — mattress, couch, kitchenware, bikes. Walk-in closet equivalent; 400 cu ft. Common for beach gear in Venice. Mistake: Forgetting vertical space — stack safely with pallets.
Example: Hollywood actor between gigs — 5×10 stores costumes/scripts securely.
Medium Units (75–150 sq ft): Ideal for 1–3 Bedroom Apartments
1–2BR apartments (800–1,500 sq ft) are LA staples. 10×10 is gold standard: one-bedroom full contents including appliances.
10×10 Breakdown: Sofa, beds, dining table, washer/dryer, 100 boxes. Half-garage size; fits via elevator moves. LA tip: Climate for electronics/art collections.
10×15 for 2–3BR: Adds room for sectional, piano, lawn tools. 150 sq ft holds carpet rolls — key for Valley homes. Capacity: 1,200 cu ft. Error: Underestimating garages (tools double space needs).
Real Scenario: Pasadena family renovating — 10×15 stores kitchen/living while flipping.
Large Units (200+ sq ft): Houses, Offices & Vehicles in LA
3–4BR homes (2,000+ sq ft) or commercial moves demand space. 10×20 fits 3BR + car: appliances, patio set, holiday overflow.
10×20 Specs: 1,600 cu ft; drive-up for trucks. LA favorite for boats/kayaks (Marina del Rey vibes). Bundle with movers for load efficiency.
10×30 Max: Entire estates/offices — RVs, commercial files. 2,400 cu ft; rare but essential for Downtown relos. Add parking for vehicles ($50–$150/mo extra).
Office Example: Culver City startup — 10×30 for archived servers/furniture during merger.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them in LA Moves
- Ignoring Height/Access: 8-ft walls wasted without shelves. LA stairs? Choose drive-up (+10% cost).
- No Inventory: List rooms — kitchen=20 boxes, garage=50. Double home storage first.
- Forgetting Climate: LA humidity warps wood — pay 15% more for protection.
- Oversizing for “Future”: Extra space = wasted $100+/mo. Start small, upgrade free.
- Vehicle Oversights: Cars need 10×20+; measure wheelbase.
Mover Hack: Use our pickup service — pros optimize packing for 20% space savings.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Your LA Storage Unit
- Pallets & Shelving: Elevate 6″ off floor; vertical organizers free floor.
- Label Everything: Room-coded boxes speed access.
- Declutter Pre-Move: Sell/donate 20% — cuts size/cost.
- Bundle Perks: Moving + storage = free first month often.
- Measure Twice: App calculators or site visits ensure fit.
For LA heat: Prioritize climate; saves $500+ in damages.
Choosing the right storage unit size streamlines your LA move — 5×10 for studios, 10×20 for houses. Avoid pitfalls with inventory and pro help. Affordable Moving integrates sizing with pickup/delivery for perfection.
Need personalized advice? Get free quote on Storage Services — let’s match your move today.
