Moving house can often feel like organised chaos. Boxes stacked high, essential items mysteriously vanishing, and the constant pressure to clear your old home while simultaneously setting up the new one.
But what if you had a simple solution that gave you breathing space? Self-storage units can be your saving grace, offering clean, secure, and flexible storage options to smooth out the entire moving process.
Read on to discover our top five expert tips for using self-storage effectively during your move.
Why Use a Storage Solution When Moving House?
Moving home is rarely as smooth as we’d like.
Sometimes, you move out before your new place is ready. Other times, you’re caught between completion dates or struggling with rental overlaps.
That’s where self-storage becomes your secret weapon.
1. Bridge the gap between moving dates
If it’s for a few days or a few weeks in between properties, self-storage keeps your stuff safe and sound while you wait.
2. Stage your home to sell or rent faster
Estate agents love a tidy home. Clearing out non-essentials and putting them into storage makes your space look bigger and brighter for those crucial photos and viewings.
3. Protect your valuables during renovations or deep-cleans
Moving out of a place often involves some deep scrubbing or light refurbishing.
Rather than leaving boxes in the middle of it, keep them clean and secure off-site.
Tip 1: Start Early and Create a Self-Storage Plan
The best moves begin with early and thorough planning. We recommend starting your self-storage preparations 6–8 weeks before moving day. This allows ample time to book the ideal storage unit, order packing materials, and organise your transportation.
Begin by triaging your belongings into clear categories: Keep, Store, Sell, Donate, and Recycle.
This helps streamline your packing and ensures only the necessary items make it into your new home immediately.
Utilise collaborative online tools such as Google Sheets or Trello to maintain a shared checklist accessible to all household members. This ensures everyone stays informed, reducing the chances of last-minute confusion.
To further ease your move, consider reserving a moving van slot early with SO Storage’s professional house-removal crew. This step helps avoid stressful scrambles as moving day approaches.
Tip 2: Choose the Right Storage Unit
Selecting the correct storage unit is crucial to ensuring your moving experience is smooth. Consider factors such as size, security, climate control, and ease of access. SO Storage offers a variety of unit sizes, from compact lockers for smaller items to spacious units capable of accommodating entire households.
Evaluate the nature of the items you plan to store. Sensitive items like electronics, wooden furniture, or documents often require climate-controlled units to avoid damage due to humidity or temperature fluctuations.
Visit the storage facility in person to check the cleanliness, security measures, and accessibility. At SO Storage, our units are individually alarmed, monitored by 24/7 CCTV, and feature flexible access to meet your busy schedule.
Choosing the Right Size Storage Facility
To select the right size unit, use this simple guide:
- 35 sq ft: Ideal for contents from a typical one-bedroom flat.
- 50 sq ft: Suitable for a small two-bedroom house.
- 75 sq ft: Fits belongings from a medium two-bedroom home.
- 100+ sq ft: Recommended for larger houses with extensive furniture and appliances.
Remember, choosing the right-sized unit initially saves money compared to renting multiple undersized units. Get a free quote to understand your required storage unit.
Tip 3: Use the Right Packing Materials
Protecting your belongings starts with the right packing materials:
- Double-walled boxes: Provide extra strength for heavier items.
- Mattress bags and wardrobe cartons: Preserve bedding and clothes, keeping them clean and wrinkle-free.
- Acid-free tissue paper: Essential for protecting antiques, artwork, and other delicate items.
Always opt for bubble wrap over newspapers, as newspapers can leave ink residues on your items. Clearly label boxes on two sides and the top, and consider colour-coding by room to simplify unpacking.
Tip 4: Label, List & Lay Out for Easy Access
Efficiently organising your storage unit will make accessing your items much easier:
- Create a central aisle for easy navigation.
- Place heavier boxes at the bottom and fragile or frequently needed items at the top.
- Map the layout on paper or your smartphone and snap a photo once finished.
- Keep “Day-One Essentials”, like a kettle, bedding, and children’s toys, near the entrance.
To further simplify your organisation, use digital inventory apps such as Sortly or Google Keep to track contents, store receipts, and maintain accurate records for insurance purposes.
Tip 5: Store Only What You Need
Moving is an ideal opportunity to declutter and streamline your belongings. Before storing items, ask yourself critical questions:
- Does it hold value?
- How frequently do I use it?
- Is there a sentimental attachment?
Consider holding a garage sale or listing items on local marketplaces such as Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace to reduce the volume of items you’re storing.
Donating items to charities such as the British Heart Foundation or Freecycle not only simplifies your move but also helps those in need.
Bonus Tip: Long-Term vs Short-Term Storage Options
Clarify whether you need short-term storage (weeks) or long-term storage (months or years). Short-term storage suits brief transitions, while long-term storage is ideal for extensive renovations or downsizing.
Save money by switching from climate-controlled to standard storage units once sensitive renovations have settled. Always update your contents insurance accordingly.
At SO Storage, enjoy the flexibility to upgrade, downsize, or cancel your storage with just 14 days’ notice.
Make Your Move with SO Storage
SO Storage offers safe, clean, and spacious units equipped with individual alarms, 24/7 CCTV, and climate-controlled options. From student belongings to business inventory, our storage solutions cover all needs.
Benefit from our professional house removal services featuring trained crews, modern vehicles, and comprehensive goods-in-transit insurance.
Our flexible terms, weekly, monthly, or yearly, allow you to adjust your storage requirements anytime. Plus, take advantage of our on-site Box Shop, free trolleys, and ample parking.
Call us today at +44 (0)1865 88 15 15 or fill in our quick enquiry form for a free, no-obligation quote. Spaces fill fast, secure yours today and move with confidence!
