How Many Moving Boxes Do You Need to Move? A Simple Guide

One of the first questions people ask themselves when preparing for a move is:

“How many moving boxes do I actually need?”

And yet, it’s surprisingly hard to answer.

Too few boxes, and you’re scrambling at the last minute. Too many, and you’ve wasted money, time, and space. The truth is, there’s no universal number that will work for everyone, but there is a reliable way to estimate what you’ll need based on your factors.

In this guide, we’ll break it down in a practical, stress-free way so you can plan your move with confidence (and fewer last-minute runs for boxes). Also, make sure to check out our move-in checklist for sound advice on what you need to do to move into your new pad!

The Short Answer: Average Moving Box Estimates

As a quick starting point, here’s a general estimate based on home size:

• Studio apartment: 15-25 boxes
• 1-bedroom apartment: 25-40 boxes
• 2-bedroom home: 40-60 boxes
• 3-bedroom home: 60-90 boxes
• 4+ bedroom home: 90-120+ boxes

These numbers assume a mix of small, medium, and large boxes but your actual needs depend on several important factors.

Let’s take a closer look.

What Affects How Many Boxes You’ll Need?

The number of boxes needed depends on several factors, including the size of your home, the number of rooms, and the amount of stuff you have.

Your Lifestyle

Two people living in identical apartments can need wildly different numbers of boxes.

If you’re the type of person who likes to keep things around “just in case” or you have creative hobbies with equipment or supplies, then you’ll probably need more boxes than someone living a more minimalistic lifestyle.

Are your closets packed or curated? Do you have a lot of books, decor, or seasonal items?

These questions can help you understand your packing situation and help you set the right expectations. 

A maximalistic lifestyle definitely requires more boxes, so if you recognize yourself in these traits, expect to be at the higher end of the estimate.

How Long You’ve Lived There

Another important factor to consider is how long you’ve lived in your current home.

Even if it feels like you don’t have much stuff, belongings tend to accumulate over time, often without us noticing. If you’ve lived in the same place for ten years or more, it’s wise to plan for extra boxes. Basements, attics, and spare closets are especially easy to overlook, and they often hold items you won’t think about until moving day arrives.

The Number of People In Your Household

The number of people in your household also plays an important role in determining how many boxes you’ll need. More people usually means more clothing, shoes, personal items, and everyday essentials, all of which add up quickly when it’s time to pack. A home shared by a couple or a family will always require more boxes than a similar-sized space occupied by one person.

Transportation

Transportation and distance matter as well. 

If you’re moving long-distance or using professional movers, your belongings may need to be packed more securely, which can increase the number of boxes required. Longer moves often involve sturdier boxes and more casual item separation to prevent damage, so it’s worth factoring this into your packing supply estimate when planning.

Moving Box Breakdown Based on Home Size

When it comes to planning a move, one of the first things to consider is how many boxes you’ll actually need. The answer depends mainly on the size of your home, the number of people living there, and the type of belongings you own. 

While every move is unique, the following estimates can give you a starting point:

These figures are helpful as guidelines, but they are not set in stone. 

Your lifestyle, your possessions, and storage habits will all influence how many boxes you actually need. A minimalist living in a 4-bedroom home may require far fewer boxes than suggested, while a tiny studio packed with books, collectibles, or hobby items might need more boxes.

Choosing the Right Box Sizes (This Matters More Than You Think)

There are various types of moving boxes available, including small, medium, large, and extra-large boxes, each designed for specific items.

The size and type of boxes you choose can make a huge difference in how efficiently you pack and move your belongings. It’s not just about the number of boxes, but about choosing the right ones for your items.

• Small boxes (around 1.5 cubic feet) are perfect for heavy items, such as books or small appliances. They’re easier to carry and less likely to tear under weight.
• Medium boxes (1.5 to 3 cubic feet) offer versatility. They’re ideal for packing items like clothing, linens, and kitchen supplies. A good trick is to fill these boxes halfway with heavier items, like books, and top them off with lighter items, like towels or sheets.
• Large boxes (2.5 to 3.5 cubic feet) are best for lighter, bulkier items. Think pillows, blankets, or stacking smaller boxes inside. They’re great for consolidating many light items in one place without making them too heavy to lift.
• Extra-large boxes (3.6 cubic feet or more) work well for oversized or oddly shaped items, as well as for piles of lightweight belongings. Just be careful not to overfill them, or they’ll become difficult to move.

Before you start filing boxes, take a moment to assess what you actually own. Items vary in size, weight, and fragility, and your moving plan should reflect that. Knowing what you have will help you select the right type of boxes and the correct number of each size. 

By combining smart estimates, the right box types, and careful planning, you’ll be much more prepared for moving day and it will make unpacking that much easier. Also, check out our blog on drive-up storage options in Northern Oklahoma!

Specialty Moving Boxes

Sometimes standard boxes just won’t cut it. That’s where specialty boxes come in handy.

• Book boxes: If you have lots of books, 12” x 12” boxes (roughly 1 cubic foot) keep them manageable in weight while protecting them during transport.
• Dish barrel boxes: Fragile items like glassware and china benefit from these reinforced corrugated boxes. Always mark them “fragile” and avoid stacking heavy boxes on top.
• Wardrobe boxes: Perfect for hanging clothes, these extra-large boxes include an internal rod, so you can move clothes directly from your closet without folding them. They save time and prevent wrinkles, making closet packing much faster.
• Lamp boxes: They are designed to protect lamps and lampshades, which can be challenging to pack safely in standard boxes. Their tall, adjustable shape allows you to separate bases from shades and pad each piece properly to prevent cracks or dents.
• Mirror and picture boxes: These are flat, adjustable boxes made for framed artwork, mirrors, and large photos. They help prevent bending, cracking, or shattered glass and are especially useful for oversized or delicate wall decor.

Using specialty moving boxes where needed can make a big difference in protecting your belongings and reducing stress on moving day.

When to Consider Self Storage for Your Move

Sometimes, even the best packing plan and accurate box estimates aren’t enough to make a move completely stress-free. That’s where self-storage can make a big difference. 

If your new home isn’t quite ready yet, or if you need to move out before you can fully unpack, a storage unit gives you the extra space to keep your belongings safe and organized.

Self-storage is also a smart option if you’re downsizing, renovating, or simply want to unpack gradually without feeling overwhelmed. By temporarily storing boxes and larger items, you can take your time arranging your new home exactly the way you want it while keeping your possessions secure.

Even for smaller moves, self-storage can be helpful for items you don’t use every day, seasonal belongings, or fragile items that need extra care. Knowing you have a safe place to store your things lets you focus on the move itself without the stress of overcrowding your new space.

In short, storage is a flexible, practical tool that can make any move smoother, calmer, and much more manageable.

Final Thoughts: Plan Smartly, Pack Calmly

So, just how many boxes do you need?

The honest answer is that it depends, but not in a way that’s impossible to estimate. What matters most is having enough boxes to pack comfortably without rushing or overloading boxes just to make everything fit.

By thinking realistically about your home, your belongings, and how you live, you can arrive at a number that works for you.

We know moving can be exciting and overwhelming, and we’re here to help. At My Storage Box, we offer secure, affordable storage solutions with 24/7 access, video monitoring, and gated entry, so your belongings stay safe every step of the way.

Ready to make your move easier? Call us at (580) 300-3006 or reserve your unit online today. Also, make sure to check out our pricing ahead of time.

Secure, Affordable Storage Near Enid, OK: Choose My Storage Box

Looking for storage units in Enid, OK? You need a place that’s secure, affordable, and hassle-free because the last thing you want is to overpay or stress about your things. Whether you’re moving, decluttering, or just need extra storage space, finding the right facility is key.

Just a short drive away from Enid, My Storage Box in Ponca City, Oklahoma, offers everything you need: secure units, great rates, and the convenience you want.

Instead of settling for limited options, it’s worth exploring why expanding your search beyond city limits can lead to better value and peace of mind. Let’s break it down together.

What to Look For in a Storage Unit in Enid, OK

With so many self-storage options, where do you even begin? The right facility should offer more than just a place to stash your belongings. Before you commit, here’s what to consider:

• Security: This is a non-negotiable. Your belongings deserve the best protection, so look for a facility with gated fenced access, surveillance cameras, and bright lighting to keep everything safe.
• Size options: Whether you’re storing seasonal decor, bulky furniture, or business inventory, the right unit size matters. Choose a facility that offers flexibility so you’re not stuck paying for space you don’t need or scrambling for more.
• Affordability: No one wants to overpay for storage. Compare pricing, watch for hidden fees, and look for promotions to get the best deal.
• Accessibility: If convenience is a priority, drive-up access and 24/7 availability can make a world of difference. Make sure the facility’s access hours and layout fit in your life and schedule.
• Temperature-controlled units: Climate control is particularly important when you’re storing electronics, antiques, or important documents. Make sure the facility you choose is waterproof and safe from the elements.

Why Consider My Storage Box in Ponca City?

While there are local options in Enid, My Storage Box in Ponca City, OK, offers top-tier features at a great value for your money. Here are some reasons why making the trip is worth it:

Convenient and Hassle-Free

Ponca City is very close to Enid, and My Storage Box makes the trip worthwhile with features designed for your convenience. We provide drive-up access so you can easily load and unload your items with no hassle. Our online bill system allows you to manage your account effortlessly from anywhere. Plus, our friendly customer service will help you with whatever you need, whether you need assistance choosing the right unit size or just need driving directions. Our access hours are 24/7/365, 7 days a week, so you can visit your unit anytime that suits your schedule.

Secure and Reliable Storage You Can Trust

You can’t put a price on your peace of mind, and that’s exactly what we deliver. That’s why we prioritize top-tier security at My Storage Box. Our fully fenced and gated facility is equipped with a state-of-the-art camera system to ensure that only authorized individuals enter the site and keep your belongings protected at all times. So no matter how long you’re storing your things with us, you can trust that they’re in the right hands.

Affordable Storage Options

We understand that storage fees can add up fast, which is why we keep our prices competitive without cutting corners on quality or security. You’ll find a variety of budget-friendly options, transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and special promotions to help you save even more. Plus, we offer a free lock with every move-in so you can secure your unit right away at no extra cost.

Storage Unit Sizes to Fit Your Self Storage Needs

Whether you need a small space for seasonal items or a large unit for business inventory, we have a size for everyone:

• 8×10 Storage Unit – Ideal for small furniture, boxes, or business supplies.
• 8×20 Storage Unit – Fits the contents of a small apartment or office space.
• 8×40 Storage Unit – Great for storing furniture, appliances, or larger business inventory.
• 10×40 Outdoor Parking (Car, Boat, RV) – Our parking options offer a convenient way to safely store your vehicles.

If you’re unsure which size is for you, our team is happy to help you find the perfect fit.

What Our Customers Are Saying

Customer satisfaction speaks for itself. We’re proud to have a 5-star rating on Google, with reviews highlighting our secure facilities, convenient location, and unbeatable prices. Our commitment to excellent service makes us a trusted choice for the Enid, Oklahoma, community and beyond.

Make the Right Choice for Your Storage Needs

If you’re on the hunt for storage units in Enid, OK, don’t limit your options. Choose a facility that offers more for your money. My Storage Box is conveniently located in Ponca City and gives you secure, affordable, and flexible storage without the hassle. Whether you need extra space for your personal belongings or business supplies, we make storage easy and stress-free.

Ready for a great deal on storage? Contact MyStorageBox.com to check availability and reserve your unit today!

Simplify College Living: Top Storage Units for Students

Managing your belongings and space is a reality of college life. Storage units for students provide a convenient solution to safely store your items.

As a fresh college student, there’s a lot going on for you and plenty on your mind. While you’re gearing up for what might be the most exciting and nerve-wracking time of your life, the last thing you want to stress about is storage. However, that’s one of the realities of adult life you’re stepping into — managing your belongings and your space.

Not to worry, though, because My Storage Box has you covered with convenient solutions for your student storage needs. In this blog post, we’ll help you understand how to find the best storage unit as a student, whether you’re settling into a new dorm or transitioning between semesters. Let’s dive in!

Why Is Storage Important For Students?

Student storage provides a secure, accessible solution for college students to store their belongings during school breaks, summer, or while studying abroad.

Here are some of the main benefits of college student storage:

• Peace of mind and reduced stress – College life is stressful enough as is. There’s no reason to have the added burden of clutter on top of that. That’s why student storage is so important and helps take some pressure off.
• Convenience and flexibility for busy students: Accessible storage units let students retrieve their belongings whenever needed, making it much more convenient.
• Added safety and security: Dorms may not be the safest place for valuable items, so it’s smart to store them in a storage unit. Secure storage units protect valuable items from damage, theft, or loss, and are great for students who have moved away from home.
• Allows for extra space in your dorm room – Shared houses and university dorms often don’t have enough space for everyone’s stuff. Renting a self-storage unit can help keep your room neat and organized — key for staying focused and productive in college.
• Practical for summer months – A self-storage unit offers practical solutions for your stuff until the next semester, freeing you from the hassle of going back and forth with packing and unpacking.

What Is the Best Self-Storage for Students?

The best self-storage for college students is the one that meets their unique needs. That means it addresses the key factors: location, size, affordability, and safety. 

Ideally, the facility should be close to you so you don’t have to travel far to access your belongings. It should be near your university campus, making it easy for you to get your stuff during busy periods like finals or when moving in and out between semesters. With these factors in mind, you’ll want a storage solution that makes student life easier from day one.

At My Storage Box, we offer student-friendly storage solutions that can easily fit the contents of a three- to four-bedroom house, perfect for sharing with roommates or keeping all your essentials safe over the break. We keep all our units extremely secure, gated, and keypad-accessible so you can come and go as you please, while also giving you the peace of mind that your stuff is in the right hands. 

Our goal is to give you the best self-storage experience so you can focus on this extraordinary new part of your life. 

How to Rent a Storage Unit as a Student?

In case you need extra help with renting out your first self-storage unit, here’s a mini guide to make sure you cover all the important steps. 

Look for Key Features for Your Needs

Let’s get the most vital step out of the way first – make sure you know your exact needs. 

Before you even start exploring storage facilities near you, it’s important to know what you’ll be storing. This will help you understand the unit features you should look out for.

There are various unit sizes available to fit different needs, ranging from small units that accommodate single dorm rooms to large units that can accommodate shared apartments. These units are ideal for storing furniture, clothing, appliances, and more.

Then there’s the key feature that should be non-negotiable for every storage company: 24/7 access and security measures. It provides students with convenient access to their belongings at any time. It typically includes features like video recording, gated entry, and on-site staff.

Browse Storage Companies in Your Area

The next step is to find several potential companies near campus that fit your needs. You can either search online or go the tried-and-true route of word of mouth. Some older students on your campus might already be using a local storage unit, so don’t be shy and ask away! Once you’ve identified potential storage providers, either visit their facilities to see how they operate or rent space online. 

Understand Rental Periods and Payment Options

One more step before you rent out a space: understand the available rental periods and payment options. Most storage companies offer month-to-month rentals, which are ideal for summer breaks or short-term storage needs. But this flexibility also allows you to plan for the long term and adapt your storage plan according to your academic needs.

Look for facilities that provide multiple payment options, including online payment portals and automatic billing. This is especially helpful for busy students who want easy management without worrying about missed payments.

Pack and Store Your Belongings

Almost done! Now it’s time to pack your stuff. 

You may think this is not such a crucial step, but trust us, it’s more important than you think, particularly if you’re looking to save money. 

Smart packing helps you avoid overpaying for extra space you don’t need. Plus, it saves you the hassle later on when you’re juggling classes and exams, and you can just quickly come and go to retrieve the items you need.

Use sturdy boxes and packing materials to protect items. This ensures that everything is stored safely, efficiently, and systematically.

Label and organize boxes for easy access. Future ‘you’ will thank you when you’re able to quickly find what you need without stress.

Finally, consider renting climate controlled storage unit for sensitive items such as electronics, important documents, photographs, or artwork. This extra protection ensures your valuables remain in pristine condition, regardless of the weather.

Final Thoughts

University life is one of the most exciting chapters of your life, and making the most out of your tiny dorm room can help you fully enjoy it. Instead of getting drowned in unnecessary clutter, student storage offers the ideal solution to keep your space neat and your mind clear, allowing you to focus on what truly matters — your studies and experiences.

My Storage Box in Ponca City, Oklahoma, is here to meet all your storage needs. You can contact us 24/7, 7 days a week, and our friendly staff will be happy to help you find the right storage unit for your belongings!

The Best Wichita Suburbs for Families and Professionals to Consider

Wichita, Kansas, is a fine city in the Great Plains, poised for rapid growth over the next decade. In fact, some researchers anticipate a 17% growth in the Wichita Metro between now and 2035, outpacing the national average of 12% by a fair margin. It’s not hard to understand why: Wichita scores roughly 10 percentage points below the national average on the cost-of-living index, making it an extremely affordable place to live. Located directly on Interstate 35 (I-35), traveling to Oklahoma City, Dallas/Fort Worth, and even on to Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and even the beaches of Coastal Texas is a breeze. If you want to go east or west, it is an easy drive up to I-70 and take it to either coast. 

But living downtown or in the city isn’t always everyone’s cup of tea, and we get it. The suburbs are quieter with less crime and more amenities, and Wichita has plenty of nice suburbs. Let’s take a look at these and help you find out which one is the best fit for you and your family. 

Overview of Wichita Suburbs

Wichita is the largest independent city in Kansas and is nearly twice the size of the state’s second-largest city. Wichita is home to iconic companies like Cessna, Beechcraft, and Learjet. Also, Wichita is the original home of Pizza Hut pizza! 

Wichita’s population is just shy of 400,000, although the entire metroplex is over 650,000, so it has all the amenities of major U.S. cities, a full-service airport with daily flights, and maintains the feel of a much smaller city. Also, Wichita’s cost of living index is roughly ten points below the national average, meaning your dollar goes a lot farther.

The great thing about Wichita is the way it is built to make it easy for people to get from one side to the other. It is an easy city to get across, with a sprawling main drag that sometimes spans six or seven lanes. This is Kellogg Avenue, which is also U.S. Route 400 and Kansas State Highway 54. With this massive roadway, along with I-35/135/235 and a few other main arteries, you can get across town easily.    

Wichita suburbs offer a range of options for families and professionals, from affordable housing to top-rated schools and community amenities. Wichita has close to 20 suburbs, depending on what you consider a suburb. These towns and small cities range in size from around 3,000 to about 25,000 and are some of the most desirable places to live in the metro. The suburbs are known for their safe and welcoming communities, making them an attractive choice for those looking to relocate.

With easy access to downtown Wichita, the suburbs offer the best of both worlds: a suburban lifestyle with urban amenities. Even downtown Wichita is a relatively short drive from most suburbs, thanks to the simple, fast roadway system. If city life isn’t really your cup of tea in the Wichita area, it’s okay; we’ve got you covered with the best suburbs in the metro. There are a number of excellent school districts in the highest-ranked suburbs of the Wichita area. 

Education

One thing that is almost universally accepted as the ultimate bellwether of suburban development is the educational outlook. Whether you are looking for an independent school, a classical school, or private schools nearby, these are all important considerations. 

Of course, most people are not seeking top private schools, or even nearby private schools, so they will congregate near public schools with high scores and rankings. 

Top-Rated Schools in Wichita Suburbs

Here is a list of the highest-ranking schools in the Wichita area, along with the town they are in. 

Park Hill Elementary School in Derby, Kansas

Located to the south of Wichita, Derby is one of the largest and most popular suburbs in the Wichita area. Derby is a popular town for service members to call home, too, since it is just outside of McConnell Air Force Base. 

Park Hill Elementary in Derby is a great place to start. According to popular school-review website Niche, Park Hill Elementary scores a solid B+. It comes in at the 215th best public elementary school in Kansas out of 703 surveyed.

Maize Central Elementary School (A−) in Maize, Kansas

Maize lies opposite Wichita. Maize is a small suburb with a population slightly under 6,000, which keeps it with a small-town appeal and charm that gets lost in some of the other cities.  Surrounded by rolling prairie, Maize is a great place to call home. 

Maize Central is also a great place for your kiddos to call their academic home. Niche gives Maize Central an A-and ranks it as the 111th-best public elementary school in Kansas. 

Derby North Middle School (B+) in Derby, Kansas

Back to Derby, we find Derby North Middle School. Derby North scores a B ranking and has a student-teacher ratio of roughly 14 to 1. This school is a large middle school with over 800 students, feeding into Class 6A Derby High School.

Robert M. Martin Elementary School (A) in Andover, Kansas

Robert M. Martin Elementary in Andover is a quality public school, with over 63% of students scoring proficient in reading and math. This is higher than both the district and state averages. In fact, USNews.com ranks Robert M. Martin Elementary as the second-best elementary school in the Andover Public Schools District and the 15th best in Kansas.

Abilene Elementary School (A) in Valley Center, Kansas

Another excellent school in the Wichita area is in Valley Center on the north side of the city. Valley Center Elementary nabs a solid A rating from Niche.com with 75% proficiency rating in math and 65% in reading. 

Wheatland Elementary School (A) in Andover, Kansas

One of the very best schools in Kansas is in the popular, quaint Wichita suburb of Andover. Wheatland Elementary School is the #6 best grade school in Kansas according to the U.S. News and World Report. Proficiency levels are nearly 80% for math and a little over 70% for reading, making it an all-star school for your kids. 

Don’t overlook Wheatland Elementary School as a top educational destination for your kids. 

Andover Middle School (A) in Andover, Kansas

Andover has really dialed in education as a priority, and it shows. Andover Middle School ranks 12th among Kansas middle schools, out of 326. Over half of the students are proficient in math and science. Again, Andover is a great place to be in Wichita. 

Maize South High School (A−) in Maize, Kansas

Rounding out the city’s different areas is Maize. Maize is on the west side of Wichita, and Maize High School, with an enrollment just shy of 1,100, puts it in the 6A bracket, the largest in Kansas. 

Maize is a good option for parents who still want their kids to have access to a state-of-the-art, large high school without some of the less savory problems associated with large inner-city schools. 

Pray-Woodman Elementary School (A−) in Maize, Kansas

Pray-Woodman in Maize earns a B+ rating and is the #157 school in the state out of 703 schools. It sits comfortably in the top quarter of grade schools in the state, and with a good high school in the district, Maize is a fine place to call home. 

Family-Friendly Suburbs

With around ten suburbs closely nestled to Wichita, you have a lot of great places to choose from. Yet, all of the iconic things that make Wichita such a cool place to live are never far away. The famous Keeper of the Plains, Botanica, Old Cowtown, the Kansas Aviation Museum, the Great Plains Nature Center, and a whole lot more make Wichita a top place to call home. You can pick a classical school if you want, or one of the many excellent school districts in the suburbs to settle down in.  

Andover, Kansas

Andover is one of the nicest small cities in Kansas. That is mostly a personal anecdote, but as a native Kansan who has lived here for 38 years, I know a thing or two about the state. Some towns are wonderful, while others seem content to just exist. 

Andover is a wonderful place to grow up and grow old. Wichita is more than enough city to support anyone’s dreams. With a heaping helping of cutting-edge industry and manufacturing, and lots of high-quality schools nearby, Andover residents can pursue college degrees while enjoying the quiet and extra space that a small city affords. 

Andover is home to excellent schools, including Andover Middle School (A) and Wheatland Elementary School (A). All of the schools in the district receive high marks from trusted sources like Niche and U.S. News and World Report. 

Beautiful parks and green spaces, perfect for outdoor activities. Even though we are enveloped in a nasty winter storm at the moment, Andover and the rest of South Central Kansas actually enjoy a very nice, long, warm season. There are really only a couple of cold months here (January and February), and nearby Southeastern Kansas is well known for excellent fishing in the waterways. There are ample lakes in the area, and just a couple of hours to the Southeast gets you into the Ozarks.

Strong community ties make it easy to feel at home in a small city with a population of just under 15,000 that still feels like a sleepy, quaint small town. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Wichita, it’s got access to everything you want without being burdened by the noise and traffic. 

Andover High School is a smaller high school (4A), which gives your kids a quieter experience with more one-on-one teacher-to-student opportunities than the much larger schools in the area. Andover is definitely one of the best suburbs in the Wichita area. 

Derby, Kansas

With its close proximity to McConnell Air Force Base, Derby is a very popular small town for locals and military families alike. McConnell is one of the major employers in Wichita and accounts for somewhere in the ballpark of 10,000 direct and indirect jobs in the area and hasa $1 Billion economic impact on the community. The base is on the outskirts of Wichita to start with, so many military members choose to live in the suburbs on that side of Wichita rather than in the city itself. 

Derby is a traditional suburb in the sense that it maintains small-town charm yet with one of the largest high schools in the state, your kids have the chance to access elite athletics programs (Derby has a rare “threepeat” of 6A football championships from 2017-2019 in the largest classification in the state, plus a fourth championship in 2013), and elite academics. 

Ike’s interstate system runs right outside of Derby, making it easy to get up to Topeka or Kansas City, or connect to I-70 to head out west to Denver and beyond. Or, you can get on I-35 south and head all the way to the beaches of South Texas if you want. 

Derby has a low cost of living with lots of affordable housing options, making it a great choice for growing families. The median home price fluctuates between about $277,000 and $284,000, depending on the source, which is far below the national median of around $406,000. With a lively city so close and mortgages that are so much less than much of the country, it’s no wonder Derby is a top suburb of Wichita. 

Derby is home to lots of parks and recreational facilities, including Rock River Rapids Aquatic Park, and at only about 15-20 minutes away from downtown Wichita, you can be in the thick of things in no time. 

The weather grade for Derby is consistent with Wichita and earns a B+ on Niche.com, and as a native Kansan, I agree! This region of America has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by warm and humid summers and cold winters. According to the Köppen-Geiger classification, the climate type in this region is Cfa, which indicates a climate with no dry season and warm summers. Here are some key points about the climate of the Wichita area:

• Humid Subtropical Climate: Wichita experiences hot and humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The city’s climate is characterized by significant seasonal variation.
• Average Temperature: The average temperature in Wichita is 14.4 °C | 58.0 °F.
• Precipitation: The city receives an annual precipitation level of 924 mm | 36.4 inches.
• Warmest Month: July is the warmest month with an average high of 92.5°F (33.6°C).
• Coldest Month: January is the coldest month, with an average low of 26.6°F (-3°C).
• Rainfall: May typically experiences the highest rainfall, averaging 2.8 inches (71mm), while December generally registers the least, at around 0.39 inches (10mm).
• Snowfall: January and February are peak periods for snowfall, making them challenging months for outdoor activities.
• Daylight Hours: Daylight hours vary from 9.9 hours in December to 14.7 hours in June.

Maize, Kansas

Located on the opposite side of Wichita from Derby is Maize, a small city with a population of just under 6,000. You really do get a small-town feel in Maize because it is a small town. The weather grade is a B+ for the same reasons as Derby and Wichita.

For recent high school graduates or working adults alike, there are ample opportunities to pursue college degrees from top private schools like Friends University or major state schools like Wichita State University. You can expect college-town amenities within easy reach of Maize, as it is only about 15 minutes from downtown Wichita. But if you want quiet and extra space to stretch out and admire the open plains, the Maize is a great place. 

The median rental price in Maize is about $1,500, according to Zumper, which is about 20% lower than the national average. Who could ask for more? Small town feel, located in the air capital of the world, and easy access to Ike’s interstate system. 

Family-oriented lifestyle with a focus on active living with a mix of modern amenities and small-town charm. There are plenty of single-family homes to choose from, and all areas of Wichita still beat the national average by up to 10 percentage points. 

Affordable Suburbs

You can definitely consider all of the suburbs of Wichita to be what you’d call affordable. Whether you want to live the high life in the city or you want to settle onto a little farmstead and raise chickens and goats, Wichita has a suburb to offer you, either at a very affordable price point. 

Haysville, Kansas

Haysville is located on the south side of Wichita, right on the opposite (west) side of Derby off of I-35. Haysville is home to around 11,000. Median home prices are hovering around $200,000, but a quick look at Zillow showed me there were plenty of houses in the $130,000 range. 

• Median home price: ~$200,000. 
• Affordable housing options make it a great choice for first-time homebuyers
• Good schools, including Haysville High School

Valley Center, Kansas

Valley Center is located north of Wichita on I-135, just past Bel Aire and Park City. Valley Center is also reasonably close to Newton, in case your work takes you there. 

• Median home price: ~$239,000
• Affordable housing options make it a great choice for families
• Good schools, including Valley Center High School

Valley Center is a small suburb with just over 7,000 residents, making it a great place to call home. Since it is fairly far outside of Wichita, you can get far from the city lights to enjoy the sprawling prairie and find some acreage to buy or build on.

Parting Thoughts

Wichita is a great city to live in or live near. Home to several four-year universities and excellent trade schools like Wichita State University Tech, you can attend an excellent primary school in a Wichita suburb, graduate, and then move on to learning a valuable skill without the necessity of moving away. 

It’s also a great place to move to. Wichita has tons of opportunities for entrepreneurs and people looking for something new or a good place to stretch their dollar. 

Top Tulsa Suburbs for Families: Your Guide to the Best Areas

Tulsa is fast becoming a destination for people who have decided to call it quits in areas that have outpaced their budgets. Tulsa has been coined the Cultural Capital of Oklahoma thanks to extensive cultural offerings. It has also been dubbed “the San Francisco of the Midwest” by some, but also retains the monikers of “Oil Capital of the World” and “Magic City,” a throwback to Tulsa’s rapid economic growth and prosperity thanks to the discovery of oil in the region. 

When you drive through Tulsa, you will see reminders of its boomtown past all over the place. But Tulsa didn’t just spark a flash in the pan and fizzle out. Tulsa is a great city to grow up in and grow old in, but living in the middle of the city isn’t for everyone. Thankfully, there are lots of great suburbs to choose from in the Tulsa metro, so let’s take a look at a few. 

Introduction to the Tulsa Metropolitan Area

The Tulsa metropolitan area is a great place to raise a family, with a range of suburbs offering excellent schools, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy. Tulsa has really exploded as a cultural hub, and it is ideally located near some of the most beautiful areas in America. Tulsa has several world-class lakes within an hour or two, and it is located at the western edge of the Ozark Mountain Range. If the outdoors are calling, Tulsa answers. 

From the Arkansas River to the surrounding suburbs, there’s something for everyone in the Tulsa area. The Arkansas flows beautifully through the heart of Tulsa, providing great fishing and recreational opportunities. 

Tulsa is home to several colleges and universities, including the world-famous Oral Roberts University, the University of Tulsa, and the Spartan School of Aeronautics, among others. With natural resources to spare, manufacturing, and a laundry list of white-collar opportunities, Tulsa is an awesome place to call home.  

Top Suburbs for Families

Tulsa is surrounded by a crop of excellent suburbs with just about every amenity you could ever ask for. Here are some of the best ones by the books. 

Jenks

Jenks is a storied suburb of Tulsa that has produced a ton of football stars in the state over the years. Jenks is also one of the fastest-growing cities in Oklahoma; from 2010 to 2020, Jenks grew by an astounding 54%, and it is still growing fast. 

Jenks is a suburb of Tulsa with a population of around 27,000 and a median income of $101,767. It’s ranked among the best suburbs to raise a family in the Tulsa area, with excellent schools and a low cost of living.

Jenks is located along the Arkansas River, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Tulsa is well-designed with a beltway and major highways cutting through it, so getting across the city is a breeze. You can live in Jenks and be in the heart of Tulsa in just minutes. 

Broken Arrow

Much larger than Jenks, Broken Arrow is the largest suburb of Tulsa and, in itself, a good-sized city with around 114,000 inhabitants. In fact, it is the fourth-largest city in the State of Oklahoma and accounts for roughly one-tenth of the Tulsa metropolitan area, which numbers just over one million. 

Originally a railroad town, Broken Arrow is now a very modern, smart city home to loads of manufacturing. It is the third-largest manufacturing concentration in the state and is still in the middle of one of the largest oil and gas markets in the world. This Tulsa suburb has it all: great jobs, proximity to downtown Tulsa, and a cost of living well below the national average. 

Sand Springs

On the far west side of Tulsa lies Sand Springs. Sand Springs sprawls across three counties (Osage, Creek, and Tulsa). With a population of approximately 20,000, it is slightly smaller than Jenks and has grown by 5.1% over the past decade. 

Sand Spring is on the edge of the Tulsa metro area with a median home price in the ballpark of $248,000. This price is a moving target, but it’s still roughly 40% below the national average. If you want the amenities of a real city but a lot less noise, then Sand Springs is a great place to be part of the city without being in the city. 

Owasso

A large percentage of the Tulsa population lives in the suburbs, and the best suburb in the greater Tulsa area is always a popular debate. Residents are occasionally deeply territorial, especially when it comes to high school football. 

The concentration of parks, proximity to downtown, and other Tulsa-area attractions make Owasso a top pick. Owasso is north of Tulsa and located only a few minutes from Tulsa International Airport, one of Tulsa’s largest employers. Owasso is located in Rogers County and Tulsa County and is a rapidly growing suburb in the Tulsa region. 

Coweta 

Back to the south side of Tulsa, just down the road from Broken Arrow, you’ll find the smaller suburb of Coweta. At around ten thousand people, Coweta is a small town at heart but it is only 30 minutes from the heart of downtown Tulsa. This is a nice buffer distance from the big city, while giving you lots of room to stretch out.

Small enough to feel like home with local restaurants, parks, and a tidy downtown district, residents enjoy small-town living situated south of Tulsa. You can have your real estate agent find land there, settle down in a country church, and live life to the fullest in Coweta. Make sure to check out the Coweta Chamber for news and events. 

Kiefer

Kiefer is the smallest town on the list with a population of just over two thousand, making it not only feel like a small town, but it is a small town. Kiefer is an old oil town that never really grew all that much, even though it is just about to be swallowed up by Glenpool and Sapulpa. Adjacent to Glenpool, and a little south of much larger Jenks, Kiefer gives you an actual small town in the Tulsa metro area.  

Sapulpa 

Finally, we have Sapulpa. Interstate 44 runs directly through Sapulpa, giving it tremendous access to not only all of Tulsa, but everywhere else in the nation if you want it. You can get to Oklahoma City in about 90 minutes, and from there you can get just about anywhere. Of course, you don’t have to go anywhere; Tulsa has it all. 

Fine arts, culture, jobs, and cheap real estate. Sapulpa is only minutes from downtown Tulsa, but it is also close to several high-quality lakes and the Arkansas River. 

Affordable Suburbs

The great thing about the greater Tulsa metropolitan area is that the entire place is cheaper than the rest of the nation by a fair amount. It doesn’t matter which suburb you pick because all of them beat the national average.     

Housing is over 20% below the national average, and transportation is almost 15% below. Healthcare is a staggering 21% cheaper. If you are moving from San Francisco, you can expect your cost of living to be over 90% less than in the Bay Area. 

Washington D.C.? Almost 50%. Nearly 60% less than Boston. All of these states are courtesy of Salary.com. 

If you are moving to Tulsa to save money, just pick a suburb based on aesthetics or nearness to city attractions. 

Suburbs with Excellent Schools

As with all major cities in the U.S., the best public schools are not in the city itself but in the suburbs, and the Tulsa area is no exception to this at all. 

Jenks

Jenks has an excellent school system, scoring a fantastic A+ rating from Niche.com. In fact, it is the #1 school district in the entire state, and it is also the #1 school district for athletes in the state. If you have athletically gifted children, you should definitely consider Jenks. They will get a solid academic experience and will have the best possible exposure to great coaches in Jenks. And this is nothing new: Jenks was notoriously good when I was a high school athlete in neighboring Kansas 25 years ago! 

They have been building a tradition of athletic greatness for decades and feeding top-tier talent straight to OU and OSU. 

Broken Arrow

Crosstown rival Broken Arrow is no slouch. While slightly lower on the totem pole (#8 in athletics and #25 in overall ranking), Broken Arrow is a great destination. One thing that I really like about Broken Arrow is that it is further away from Tulsa proper, so if you really don’t want to be that close to the city, but you don’t want to live two hours away from Costco. 

Broken Arrow is a little pricier than Tulsa proper, as all suburbs usually are, but it is still well below the national median average. 

Owasso 

Tulsa really is a hotbed of incredible athletes, and the local school districts have catered to this phenomenon. 

On the north side of Tulsa, between Tulsa and Bartlesville, is Owasso. Owasso is the #3 best district in the state for athletes and the 18th best overall school district. 

Also, with a cost of living around 15% below the national average, Owasso is a very attractive place to live. 

Suburbs with a Growing Economy

Tulsa itself continues to outpace national economic growth, and the Tulsa area accounts for nearly one-third of Oklahoma’s economy. This is a staggering statistic, considering the products across Oklahoma, including oil and gas, cattle and other livestock, and crops.  

Since Tulsa is a relatively easy city to traverse, you can simply pick one based on the other salient characteristics that you like about it. You can choose a neighborhood you like and know that you are no more than 30 minutes from anywhere else in the metro. 

Final Thoughts

Tulsa is one of the hottest places to live right now, and that trend isn’t going anywhere. With arts and culture at your fingertips, highly affordable housing, and loads of jobs, not to mention excellent school districts and incredible athletics, all you need to do is pick the suburb you like and go with it. 

Also, make sure to keep tabs on My Storage Boxes’ new locations. We are planning new locations and will post locations as they come online!