Moving home rarely follows a straight-lined process. There’s often a gap somewhere, whether that’s a few days between handing back keys and picking up new ones, a stretch in rented accommodation while a purchase goes through, or a period of renovation before you can move in properly. That’s where storage units come in.

If you’ve never rented one before, it can feel like yet another unfamiliar task to add to your no doubt lengthy list, but thankfully, it’s not complicated. Below is a complete guide to storage: how to choose the right unit for you, what you can expect to spend, and green (and red) flags to watch out for.

Do you actually need a storage unit for your move?

If your moving dates line up and you’re going straight from one home to another, then you can get away without a unit. But if you’ve got a gap, having somewhere safe to store your belongings takes a lot of pressure off. And if you’re downsizing homes but aren’t ready to part with anything yet, storage can buy you time to make those big decisions around what stays and what goes.

That said, less stuff means less to store, so we do recommend decluttering as much as you can before your move. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, we have a guide to help you through it.

Short-term vs long-term storage rental

A few weeks to a couple of months on a rolling contract would be considered a short-term rental. Facilities offer this as standard because it suits most house moves, which count for 40% of all storage rentals. If you’re going to be away for a while, going through a major renovation, or the move has run into complications, most providers offer better rates for longer commitments.

Before you sign anything, check the notice period. Some facilities need a month’s notice to end a rental, while others are more flexible.

What size unit do you need?

Unit size is the most common thing to get wrong when renting storage for the first time. Too small and you’re back to square one, but too big, and you’re paying for air. Most companies offer a range of sizes, and a good one should be happy to advise you based on what you’re moving. As a guide:

• 25 sq ft unit: About the size of a large wardrobe. Good for boxes, a bike, seasonal kit, or a few smaller pieces of furniture.
• 50 sq ft unit: Normally suitable for the contents of a one-bedroom flat.
• 75-100 sq ft unit: The size of a small garage. Should fit the contents of a two-bedroom or possibly three-bedroom home.

Take these numbers as a rough guide, as what you need will depend on how much clutter and furniture you have. If you’re not sure always err on the bigger end. If you want to talk it through with someone before you book anything, feel free to drop us a message.

What should you look for when choosing a storage facility?

When looking at storage solutions, it’s tempting to default to the nearest one, which is understandable when you’ve got a hundred other things to sort. Location is a big factor, to be sure, but you can save your future self a lot of hassle by doing a few other checks first.

Access

In a perfect world, you drop off all your things, and don’t think about them until you need to move them again. In practice, you’ll almost certainly need to get back in for something you packed away too early, possibly multiple times. To prepare for this, have a look at how access to the unit works on a day-to-day basis. Some facilities have 24/7 access, but some have set open hours.

Access inside the unit itself matters too, and this is another good reason to size up your unit: having a bit of space to move between the boxes saves you tearing out the whole place to reach something in the back.

Conditions

Standard units are fine for furniture, boxes, and most household items, but if you’re storing anything valuable or delicate (instruments, documents, artwork, or electronics), don’t underestimate the damage damp can do over time. Ask the facility if they have any climate-controlled storage options to prevent this.

Security

A good storage service will have CCTV, individual unit locks, and controlled access to the site as a bare minimum. Some also have alarmed units or 24/7 on-site staff.

Also, check whether your home contents insurance covers items in storage, because many policies don’t. Many storage companies offer separate insurance for this.

How much does a storage unit cost?

Prices will vary depending on the unit size, duration of the rental, the facility location, and any add-ons. You might pay anywhere from around £20 to £30 a week for a small unit, up to £80 to £120 or more for a larger one. Facilities in city centres tend to be at the higher end.

To get your money’s worth, request quotes from two or three storage companies, and get clear on what’s included. It’s common for facilities to have admin fees, minimum term rental periods, or insurance requirements that are tucked away in the fine print.

What can and can’t go in storage

Most household contents are absolutely fine, and restrictions are mostly common-sense in the interests of safety. They include:

• Anything flammable, including fuel, paint, or gas canisters.
• Food or perishables.
• Plants or anything living.
• Hazardous or illegal items.
• Vehicles with fuel in them, unless the facility specifically allows it.

If you’re not sure about something specific, just ask. Any decent storage company will give you a straight answer. But if it’s not on this list, and you can’t think of a reason it’d be dangerous, it is most likely fine.

Can removal companies handle storage?

Most removal companies are just that, but some can liaise with storage or offer multi-service package deals. We work in partnership with Access Self Storage Bristol, which means we can arrange storage alongside our removal and/or packing services without you having to co-ordinate three different companies. Your things go from your old home into storage and then into the new one, all handled by the same reliable team.

For moves with a gap in the middle, an all-in-one approach like this can take a lot of admin off your plate, and it guarantees nothing getting left in limbo whilst you wait for two different companies to get in sync, especially in the event of a cancellation or reschedule.

Storage sorted, wherever your move takes you

Like most things in a house move, storage goes a lot more smoothly when you’ve handled and planned it ahead of time. Make sure you’re booked in for the right size and duration, check access and security, and read the terms before you commit.

Bristol Van Removals are partnered with a central facility with alarmed rooms, 24-hour CCTV, dual alarm systems, and individual access codes on every unit.

Whether you need it for six days or six months, booking is straightforward and we can even arrange remote access. We can pack everything up, drive it straight to the unit, and even offload it for you. Give us a ring on 01179025985, or drop us a line at [email protected] for a competitive, no-obligation quote.