10 Things To Put In Self-Storage When Selling Your Home
Selling your home? There’s a lot to think about - from fresh coats of paint to fixing that dripping tap.
But if you want to attract serious buyers, you're going to need to start by decluttering.
Creating a clean, calm and spacious home helps potential buyers imagine themselves living there. And that’s where self-storage becomes your best friend.
At The Box Co., we offer simple storage that comes straight to your door. Whether it’s boxes, bikes, or bulky furniture, we’ll pick it up, store it, and return it when you're ready.
So if you're wondering what to move out of the house before viewings begin - start here.
Quick List: 10 Things to Store When Selling Your Home
- Sentimental decor
- Kids’ toys
- Pet toys
- Large or mismatched furniture
- Exercise equipment
- Small kitchen appliances
- Out-of-season clothing
- Garage and garden gear
- General clutter and paperwork
- Inherited or old things
Start With the Personal Touches
When it comes to decluttering, the first place to start is with your personal items.
Family photographs, kids’ artwork, holiday souvenirs, and fridge magnets may make your house feel like home to you, but they can be distracting for buyers. The goal is to create a blank canvas that helps them imagine what the house could look like with their own things in it.
By moving these items and putting them in storage, you're taking a huge step towards depersonalising your space - which is exactly what makes a home feel market-ready.
You don’t need to strip the place bare, but swapping personal mementos for simple, neutral touches like a candle or a houseplant can go a long way.
Tidy Away Children’s Toys
We all know how quickly toys can take over a house.
While it’s completely fine to keep a few favourites neatly arranged in a child’s bedroom, toys scattered throughout living spaces can make your home feel smaller and more chaotic. Potential buyers without children may struggle to imagine the space working for them.
The best approach is to pack away the bulk of the toys, especially anything large or noisy, and create a tidier, calmer space for viewings. Think of it as a temporary shift that gives you a head start on packing while also helping your home feel more inviting.
Remove Signs of Pets
Your furry friends are part of the family, but not everyone will feel the same way during a house viewing.
Some buyers may be allergic to pets, others might not want to see signs of animals in the home. Pet toys, litter trays, food bowls, and scratching posts can all create unnecessary clutter.
If possible, store these items off-site while your home is on the market. A quick vacuum and a subtle air freshener can also help give your home that fresh, neutral feel that buyers tend to love.
Remove Bulky Furniture
Large or mismatched furniture can dominate a room and make it feel much smaller than it actually is. That oversized armchair, the extra coffee table, or the sideboard that’s been passed down for generations - they might all have a place in your heart, but they’re not helping your home sell.
Home staging experts often recommend removing around a third of the furniture in your house to make rooms feel more spacious. By storing a few select pieces during the selling process, you’ll make it easier for buyers to appreciate the size and flow of each space.
Put Exercise Equipment Away
Many of us have exercise bikes or treadmills set up in spare rooms, especially after the rise of working out from home. For buyers, this equipment can be distracting or make it difficult to see the potential of a room.
Storing your workout gear elsewhere means you can present that space as a guest bedroom, a home office, or a quiet reading room. It’s all about giving buyers options and helping them imagine how the space could suit their lifestyle.
Streamline The Kitchen
Kitchens often play a starring role in a buyer’s decision-making process. A cluttered kitchen with appliances on every surface can make the room feel cramped and less functional.
Even if you love your coffee machine, air fryer, or smoothie blender, it’s worth putting them away or storing them until after the sale. A clear, clean kitchen gives the impression of more workspace - and more room to enjoy cooking and entertaining.
Clear Out Wardrobes and Cupboards
Storage is one of the top things buyers look for in a home. So when they peek inside a wardrobe and see it overflowing, it can be off-putting. It’s better to show half-empty cupboards that give the impression of space rather than ones crammed to the brim with clothes you haven’t worn in years.
Packing away out-of-season clothing is a great place to start. Think winter coats in summer or beach gear in winter. This gives the illusion of extra storage and helps your wardrobes feel larger and more organised.
Don’t Forget The Garage and Garden Shed
It’s easy to focus all your attention on the main rooms of the house, but garages, sheds, and hallways can be just as important when it comes to first impressions.
Buyers will often check these areas to see how much extra storage is available - so make sure what they find adds value.
Store away any bikes, gardening tools, or half-finished DIY projects. The fewer things on display, the bigger and more functional these spaces will feel.
Tackle General Clutter
Everyday life comes with clutter - but when you're selling your house, it's best to keep surfaces as clear as possible. Bathroom counters, hallway tables, and worktops can become catch-alls for bits and pieces like paperwork, post, makeup, or electronics.
It’s a good idea to gather up anything you don’t use daily and put it in storage. If you need access to a few essentials, keep them in a tidy drawer that can be quickly hidden before viewings.
That way, your home always looks ready for a last-minute visit.
Say Goodbye (For Now) to Outdated or Sentimental Furniture
Finally, if you have furniture that you describe as “a bit tired but comfy” or “ugly but useful,” it might be time to store it away for a while.
Pieces that are worn, faded, or out of step with the rest of the room can drag down the feel of your space.
Removing these items and replacing them with lighter, more neutral alternatives - or just leaving more open space - makes a big difference. Buyers will have an easier time picturing their own style and furniture in the space, which is exactly what you want.
Decluttering Makes a Big Difference
Selling your home is all about helping buyers imagine a fresh start - and decluttering with the help of self-storage can help make that happen. It allows you to present your home in its best light, make rooms feel more spacious, and reduce stress in the run-up to moving day.
Even better? It doesn’t have to be a hassle.
The Box Co. Makes Decluttering Easy
At The Box Co., we offer a simple, stress-free way to store your belongings while your home is on the market. We deliver storage boxes to your door, collect them when you're ready, and keep everything safe until you need it back. You only pay for what you store, and every box comes with £100 insurance included.
So whether it’s furniture, clothes, or sentimental bits you’re not ready to part with, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to get started?
Get your home market-ready with our by-the-box storage today. It’s easy, affordable, and one less thing to worry about while selling your home.
Get a free quote now – and let’s make your move a little smoother.
