Where To Store Your Items During Home Renovations
Share
If you're renovating your home, you can store furniture and household items in a spare room, garage, self-storage unit or portable container. You can also use storage by the box or ask friends and family to look after a few things.
Even a small renovation can mean moving more than you expected. A new kitchen, for example, means emptying every cupboard and finding somewhere to put what's inside. If you're replacing flooring, you might need to move all the furniture out of multiple rooms.
So, where should everything go? That depends on how much you need to store, how long the work will take and whether you need to get to your things while they're away.
Where Can You Store Your Things During Home Renovations?
There are six main ways to store your things during a renovation. Some cost nothing if you already have space at home. Others involve paying for storage, but mean you don't have to live surrounded by boxes and furniture while the work is being done.
1. Storage By The Box
Storage by the box is a good option if you have smaller items to put away, like books, clothes, kitchen equipment and decorations.
Say you're having your kitchen replaced. You probably don't need to store every single thing, but you might want somewhere to put your spare plates, baking equipment, cookbooks and appliances you won't use for a few weeks.
With The Box Co., you can pack your things into boxes and arrange for them to be collected from your home. They're stored until you're ready to have them back.
Storage starts from £3.56 per box per month, although prices and any extra charges should be checked before booking.
This can work well if you don't have a car or don't want to spend your weekend taking boxes to a storage unit. Just remember that if you need something back during the renovation, you'll have to arrange its return rather than collect it yourself.
2. Self-Storage Units
A self-storage unit can be useful if you're renovating several rooms or need somewhere to put large furniture.
You rent a unit, take your things there and collect them when you need them. Most facilities let you visit during set opening hours, so it's worth checking these before you book.
For example, if you're having the whole ground floor renovated, a unit could hold your sofa, dining table, chairs and other furniture until the work is finished.
The main thing to think about is transport. Moving a few boxes is one thing, but getting a sofa into storage could mean hiring a van.
You'll also need to choose the right size. A bigger unit will usually cost more, so try not to pay for space you won't use.
See our guide on the cost of storage.
3. Garage Or Shed
A garage or shed can be a free place to store things during a renovation, as long as it's dry and a good size for what you're putting inside.
It's worth using for things like bikes, garden furniture and tools, but be careful with anything that could be damaged by damp.
Books, clothes, wooden furniture and electronics can suffer if they're left somewhere cold or damp for weeks. Before moving anything in, check for leaks and condensation. Keep boxes off the floor where possible and avoid stacking them against damp walls.
4. A Spare Room
If you're only renovating one room, moving everything into a spare bedroom or another unused room might be enough.
For example, if you're having your bathroom replaced, you could move towels, toiletries and bathroom furniture into a spare room until it's finished. Try not to fill the room so much that you can't reach anything. Put smaller items into labelled boxes and cover furniture to protect it from dust.
It's also worth asking your builder how far the dust is likely to spread. If you're knocking down walls or sanding floors, even rooms away from the work can get dusty.
5. Friends Or Family
If you only have a few boxes to store, a friend or family member might have some spare space you can borrow.
This could be a garage, spare bedroom or empty cupboard. It might save you money, especially if the work is only expected to take a week or two. Just be clear about how long you'll need the space. Renovations sometimes take longer than planned, and you don't want to leave someone with a pile of boxes for months when they only agreed to a fortnight.
6. Portable Storage Containers
A portable storage container can work well for bigger renovations, especially if you have a driveway or somewhere suitable to keep it.
The container is delivered to your property, and you load your furniture and household items into it. Some companies let you keep it at home, while others collect it and store it elsewhere. If you're renovating several rooms, this can give you somewhere to put larger items without moving them too far.
You'll need to check that there's enough room for the container and delivery vehicle. You should also ask about security, protection from the weather and whether any permission is needed.
Find out more about container storage before deciding if it's right for your property.
Which Storage Option Is Best For Your Renovation?
The best option depends on how much you're moving and how often you'll need to get to it. A few boxes of kitchen equipment are much easier to store than a sofa, dining table and three wardrobes.
Here's a quick comparison:
| Storage Option | Good For | Things To Think About |
|---|---|---|
| Storage by the box | Books, clothes, kitchen items and smaller renovations | Check collection and return arrangements |
| Self-storage unit | Furniture and larger renovations | You may need to hire a van |
| Garage or shed | Bikes, tools and durable items | Damp can damage some items |
| Spare room | Small renovations | You'll lose some living space |
| Friends or family | A few boxes for a short time | Make sure they can keep them long enough |
| Portable container | Large amounts of furniture | Needs enough space for delivery |
If you're only decorating one bedroom, you probably don't need paid storage. But if the builders need to clear multiple rooms, moving furniture out of the house can give them more space to work.
What Should You Put Into Storage During Renovations?
Put away anything you won't need while the work is happening, especially items that could be damaged by dust, paint or building materials. Keep everyday essentials somewhere you can reach them.
What you need to move will depend on the room you're renovating.
| Room | What To Store | What To Keep |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | Spare crockery, cookbooks, baking equipment and small appliances | Kettle, mugs, cutlery and basic cooking equipment |
| Bathroom | Extra towels, spare toiletries, mirrors and bathroom furniture | Medication, everyday toiletries and clean towels |
| Bedroom | Seasonal clothes, books, decorations and unused furniture | Everyday clothes, bedding and chargers |
| Living room | Books, rugs, ornaments and furniture you won't use | Seating and anything you still need each day |
| Whole house | Most furniture, artwork and boxed household items | Important documents, valuables and daily essentials |
If you're staying at home during the renovation, try to keep at least one room clear of boxes and building materials.
And before packing everything away, ask your builder what actually needs moving. You might find that some furniture can stay where it is.
How Much Does Temporary Storage Cost During Renovations?
Temporary storage can cost nothing if you use a spare room or garage. If you need paid storage, the price depends on how much you're storing, the type of storage and how long you need it.
With The Box Co., storage by the box starts from £3.56 per box per month.
Here's what that would cost at the starting rate:
| Number Of Boxes | 1 Month | 2 Months | 3 Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 boxes | £17.80 | £35.60 | £53.40 |
| 10 boxes | £35.60 | £71.20 | £106.80 |
| 15 boxes | £53.40 | £106.80 | £160.20 |
| 20 boxes | £71.20 | £142.40 | £213.60 |
These figures are based on the £3.56 starting storage rate. They don't include any additional charges. Check current prices and availability before booking.
So, if you're having a new kitchen fitted and need to store ten boxes for two months, the storage itself would cost £71.20 at that rate.
Furniture storage and larger storage units are priced differently, so you'll need to compare quotes.
Before booking, check the full cost, including:
✓ Collection or van hire
✓ Packing materials
✓ Insurance or protection cover
✓ Return delivery
✓ Any minimum rental period
✓ Extra storage time if the renovation takes longer
How Should You Pack Your Things Before A Renovation?
Start by packing anything you know you won't need until the work is finished. Keep everyday items out until the last minute, and label boxes so you know what's inside them.
If you're having a kitchen replaced, for example, you can pack away cake tins, serving dishes and spare mugs well before the builders arrive. The kettle and your everyday plates can wait.
A few things will make packing easier:
✓ Have a clear-out first: If you're emptying cupboards anyway, get rid of anything you no longer use. There's no point paying to store it.
✓ Keep similar items together: Pack books with books and kitchen equipment with kitchen equipment. You'll have an easier time finding things later.
✓ Label every box: Write the room and what's inside. "Kitchen: baking equipment" is much more useful than "Kitchen stuff".
✓ Wrap fragile items: Use packing paper or bubble wrap for glasses, plates and ornaments. Fill empty spaces so they don't move around.
✓ Don't make boxes too heavy: Use smaller boxes for books and crockery, and larger ones for bedding and clothes.
✓ Keep an essentials box at home: Put chargers, medication, important paperwork and anything else you'll need during the work in one place.
That last one is easy to forget. You don't want to find out your phone charger is packed away with the things you've sent into storage.
How Can You Protect Furniture During Renovations?
Protect furniture by moving it away from the building work, covering it properly and keeping it somewhere dry. If there's a lot of dust or heavy work planned, storing furniture outside the house may be safer.
Big items can be difficult to move, especially if there's nowhere else for them to go. A sofa might not fit upstairs, and a dining table could be blocking the space where your new kitchen is going.
If you're leaving furniture at home, use suitable dust sheets or furniture covers. For work involving plastering, sanding or knocking down walls, ask your builder whether it's safe to leave furniture nearby.
How To Prepare Furniture For Storage
Clean and dry furniture before storing it, then use suitable covers to protect it from scratches and dirt.
It's also worth doing the following:
✓ Remove table legs or dismantle bed frames where possible to make them easier to move.
✓ Keep screws and fittings in labelled bags.
✓ Use moving blankets to protect wooden surfaces.
✓ Avoid wrapping damp furniture tightly in plastic.
✓ Take photos of expensive or delicate items before they're moved.
Be careful about leaving wooden furniture, mattresses or sofas in damp garages and sheds for weeks.
If you don't have space at home, professional furniture storage is another option. The Box Co. can collect furniture from your property and arrange its return when the work is finished, so you don't have to organise a van yourself.
When Should You Arrange Storage For A Renovation?
Arrange storage before the building work starts, leaving enough time to pack and clear the rooms your builders need. If you're using a storage company, check collection dates as soon as you know when the work will begin.
Ask your builder exactly what needs moving and when. For a small job, you might only need to clear one room. For a full refurbishment, you could be moving furniture out of several rooms at once.
It's also worth allowing for delays. Materials can arrive late, unexpected repairs can come up and some jobs take longer than planned.
Before paying for storage, ask what happens if you need an extra week or month.
Once the work is finished, don't rush to bring everything back. Make sure rooms have been cleaned and any paint, plaster or flooring materials have dried as recommended.
If you've changed the layout of a room, measure the new space before arranging for large furniture to be returned.
Does Home Insurance Cover Items In Storage During Renovations?
Home insurance may cover some items during renovation work, but it depends on your policy. You should check with your insurer before the work starts, especially if you're having major building work done or moving furniture into storage.
Ask whether your policy covers:
✓ Damage to furniture during building work
✓ Items moved into temporary storage
✓ Transport to and from storage
✓ Valuable items such as artwork or antiques
If you're using a storage company, ask what insurance or protection is available and whether there are any limits.
It's better to check before moving expensive furniture than to find out afterwards that something wasn't covered.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renovation Storage
Where Can I Store Furniture While Renovating My House?
You can store furniture in a spare room, garage, self-storage unit or with a furniture storage company. If you're clearing multiple rooms, having furniture collected can save you arranging transport yourself.
What Is The Cheapest Way To Store Things During Renovations?
Using a spare room, garage or space offered by friends and family is usually cheapest because there's no rental fee. If you need paid storage, compare the total price of storage by the box and self-storage, including any transport costs.
What If My Renovation Takes Longer Than Expected?
You may need to extend your storage booking if the work runs over schedule. Check the storage company's terms before booking so you know whether extra time is available and what it will cost.
Need Storage While Your Home Is Being Renovated?
If you're planning a renovation and haven't worked out where everything's going yet, it's worth sorting storage before the builders arrive.
The Box Co. can collect boxes, furniture and household items from your home, store them while the work takes place and arrange their return when you're ready.
Take a look at our short-term storage options and tell us what you need to move out of the way.
