The Complete Guide to Self-Storage When Moving House

The Complete Guide to Self-Storage When Moving House

Moving house is often described as one of life’s most stressful events—and with good reason. Between packing boxes, managing contracts, changing utilities, and organizing transport, the to-do list can feel endless. However, one simple solution is increasingly being used to reduce the pressure of moving: self-storage.

Self-storage gives you space, flexibility, and peace of mind during a move. Whether you’re moving out before your new home is ready, renovating, or unsure if everything will fit in your new place, a storage unit can help bridge the gap.

This article explores the many benefits of self-storage when moving house, offers practical advice on choosing the right storage solution, and provides insight into how to maximise your space while keeping costs under control.

Reducing Stress on Moving Day

One of the biggest advantages of using self-storage is the ability to spread the move out over time. Instead of doing everything in one high-pressure day, you can start by moving non-essential items into storage in advance. This lightens the load on moving day and helps you avoid the chaos of living among packed boxes.

Example:
If you’re waiting for a new garden shed, storing your outdoor equipment in a unit temporarily means you don’t need to fill your new home with spades and wheelbarrows.

Flexible Moving Timelines

Delays in moving are common—sales fall through, completion dates shift, or renovations take longer than expected. Storage provides a safety net, especially if you’re in a complex housing chain. It allows you to sell your home, store your belongings, and become a chain-free buyer, giving you more negotiating power and flexibility.

What is Self-Storage?

Self-storage centres offer units in various sizes—from lockers to rooms the size of a garage—available for rent on flexible terms. Most units are protected by CCTV, intruder alarms, and customer-only access.

Typical Unit Sizes:

• 35 sq. ft: Contents of a short wheelbase van
• 75 sq. ft: Contents of a Luton van
• 125 sq. ft:5 tonne van
• 300 sq. ft: Articulated lorry (entire household contents)

When Should You Use Storage?

Self-storage is useful for many scenarios during a house move, including:

• Clearing clutter ahead of house viewings or moving day
• Renovating your new property
• Delays in the moving chain
• Downsizing and unsure of what will fit
• Renting temporarily while waiting for your next purchase

Storage can be your best ally when your moving timeline is unpredictable.

Choosing a Storage Facility

Not all storage units are created equal. Here’s what to consider:

1. Security

Choose a facility with strong security measures:

• CCTV monitoring
• Individually alarmed units
• Secure gated access
• Staffed reception or regular patrols

Avoid facilities that allow unsupervised 24/7 access without internal security measures. Invest in a high-quality padlock and store your key in a safe place.

2. Building Conditions

The condition of the building can affect the safety of your belongings. Look for:

• Monitored humidity levels
• Clean, well-maintained interiors
• Weather-resistant construction

Use a battery-operated humidity detector and consider plastic boxes or vacuum sealing for moisture-prone items. Avoid cardboard in damp environments.

3. Unit Location

Storage units vary in accessibility. Ask:

• Is the unit on the ground floor?
• How far is it from the entrance?
• Will I be charged more if removal teams need extra time?

If your unit is far from the door, request a discount or easier access.

Cost Considerations

How Much Does Storage Cost?

Storage prices vary depending on unit size, location, and rental duration. Some tips to manage cost include:

• Look for weekly billing: Avoid paying for full months if you only need a few extra days.
• Choose the right size: Don’t overpay for space you won’t use. Get a proper estimate and reduce clutter before booking.
• Be cautious with promotional offers: Many companies offer “first month free” or “half-price for 8 weeks,” but these often lead to higher costs long-term. Most people keep their belongings in storage for 9 months, not the 4-6 weeks they expect.
• Watch out for expensive in-house insurance: Storage facilities are secure, so your monthly insurance should be a few pounds per £1,000 of cover. Choose an FSA-regulated policy to ensure proper protection.

Packing Tips for Moving into Storage

1. Pack Strategically

• Use strong plastic boxes and label everything.
• Mark fragile items clearly and store them on top.
• Keep frequently needed items near the front.
• Use colour-coded labels by room or item type.

2. Make the Most of Your Space

• Store long items vertically to maximise floor area.
• Stack boxes by size, with heavy items at the bottom.
• Disassemble furniture and tape small parts (screws, fittings) to the main piece.

Pro Tip: Create a detailed inventory and a “map” of your unit for easy access.

Combining Storage and Removals

Many removal companies offer storage as part of their services. Using one provider for the entire process simplifies the move and provides a single point of contact if anything goes wrong.

Look for removals services that offer:

• Packing and transport
• Temporary storage
• Delivery to your new home

This end-to-end service removes the hassle of coordinating multiple providers.

What Can’t Be Stored?

Storage facilities have strict rules on prohibited items. Do not store:

• Food or perishables
• Flammable, combustible, or explosive items
• Firearms and ammunition
• Radioactive material
• Live animals or plants

Always check with your storage provider for their specific list of restricted items.

Making Storage Work for You

Self-storage gives you freedom. It lets you:

• Declutter and stage your home for sale
• Move out quickly when the sale completes
• Renovate without living in chaos
• Wait for the right property to come along without pressure

In today’s fast-moving property market, flexibility is essential, and that’s exactly what self-storage offers.

Final Thoughts: Is Self-Storage Worth It?

For anyone moving home, self-storage can be a game-changer. It offers peace of mind, logistical flexibility, and space when you need it most. Instead of rushing to fit everything into one day, you can move at your own pace, knowing your belongings are secure.

If you’re preparing to move, renovate, or transition between homes, consider a self-storage solution that’s secure, flexible, and fairly priced.

At Easy Access Self Storage, we offer:

• Units from 100 sq. ft and up
• Drive-up and indoor storage
• Flexible access
• Affordable, transparent pricing
• Clean, monitored, and climate-safe facilities

Make your move smoother and less stressful with storage you can trust.