Self-Storage Tips for a House Move: What to Store and How
How to choose a self-storage unit, pack it efficiently and protect belongings from damp and damage during a UK house move, with a layout plan and checklist.
Self-storage turns a mismatch of dates into a manageable gap. Used well, it is a neat solution. Used badly, it becomes an expensive cupboard of damp furniture you cannot get at. A few decisions at the start decide which of those you get.
Decide what actually goes in
Storage is charged by the week, so every item has a running cost. Be selective:
- Definitely: furniture you will use again, boxed possessions, seasonal items, sentimental things.
- Think twice: cheap flat-pack, broken items and things you have not used in years.
- Do not store: perishable food, plants, fuel, gas bottles, paint and anything flammable or hazardous. Most operators ban these, see what movers won't carry.
Costs are covered in storage cost while moving.
Choosing a unit
Size
Choose a size that fits with a little room to walk in. Too tight, and you cannot reach anything. Too large, and you pay for air. Operators usually give a guide to what fits in each size.
Features
- Access hours and how easy it is to get to.
- Ground floor or lift access, for heavy items.
- Security: CCTV, secure gates, individual alarms.
- Climate control if you are storing delicate items such as books, instruments and antiques.
- Damp-proofing: look and smell for signs of damp.
Terms
Check the minimum term, notice period, insurance requirements and any fees. Read the section on cover carefully, and check your own contents policy. Do not assume your home insurance extends to storage.
Preparing items for storage
- Clean and dry everything. Mould grows on damp items.
- Empty and defrost appliances, leaving doors ajar.
- Dismantle furniture where possible. See disassembling furniture for a move.
- Wrap upholstered items in breathable covers, not sealed plastic for long periods.
- Box and label with contents and a numbered inventory. See how to label boxes.
- Use strong boxes of consistent sizes so they stack well.
How to load the unit
- Floor protection: lay pallets, boards or old blankets to keep items off the floor.
- Heavy and sturdy items at the back and bottom, such as wardrobes and appliances.
- Mattresses upright, wrapped, along a wall.
- Boxes in stacks with heaviest at the bottom and labels facing out.
- Leave an aisle down the middle, or at least a path to things you will need.
- Keep a small item near the door with essentials such as seasonal items.
Do not pack boxes against the walls with no gaps. A few centimetres of air circulation helps reduce damp.
Keep a record
Make an inventory and photograph the unit once it is loaded. Store a copy in your phone. It helps you find things, and gives evidence for any future claim.
Visiting and maintaining
Check the unit now and then, especially after bad weather. Look for signs of damp, pests or leaks. Move items away from walls if there is condensation, and consider moisture absorbers.
Moving in and out
A van with a tail lift or a few helpers will make loading faster. If you are moving belongings by man and van, give the storage address and any access details when requesting a quote. See how much a man and van costs. Allow time, since two-stage moves add handling.
Ending the storage
Know the notice period and clear the unit by the end of the term. Take photos of the empty unit, and return keys. Check for any additional fees.
A worked example: loading a 50 sq ft unit
For a two-bed flat, start with the largest, sturdiest items against the back wall: a wardrobe stood on its end, the base of the bed on its side, a dining table with its legs removed. Stack boxes in front in two or three tiers, with heavy ones at the bottom and labels facing the aisle. Put the sofa on its end, wrapped in a breathable cover, against one side, and leave a narrow aisle so you can reach the boxes. Light items such as lamps and bedding go on top, and a small box of things you may need, such as a screwdriver and a bag, goes by the door.
Quick reference for loading
| Layer | What goes there |
|---|---|
| Floor | Pallets, boards or old blankets |
| Back and bottom | Heavy furniture and appliances |
| Middle | Boxes, stacked evenly |
| Top | Light items and soft goods |
| Front | Things you may need to reach |
Common mistakes
- Wrapping furniture in plastic, which traps moisture
- Leaving no access to items at the back
- Storing items that were damp when packed
- Using a flimsy lock without checking the unit's security
- Forgetting to leave space for airflow
Special items
- Mattresses: keep clean, dry and upright or flat on a pallet, never leaning on a damp wall.
- Electronics: wrap and keep off the floor, ideally in a climate-controlled unit.
- Books and papers: use boxes with lids, and avoid the bottom layer.
- Wooden furniture: avoid extreme heat or damp, and use breathable covers.
Before you leave the unit
Take a photo of the loaded unit and a note of the unit number and gate code. Check the door is secure, and keep your lock key safe. A quick walk-round the next week is worth doing to spot leaks.
Frequently asked questions
Is storage safe for furniture?
Generally, if the unit is dry and the items are clean and well wrapped. Climate-controlled units are better for delicate items.
Can I store a mattress?
Yes. Wrap it in a breathable or purpose-made cover, and keep it upright or flat on a clean surface.
How long can I store items for?
Most operators allow you to continue as long as you pay, but check the terms and any notice requirements.
Should I use plastic boxes or cardboard?
Plastic stacks well and resists damp, but costs more. Cardboard is fine for a short stay in a dry unit, while plastic is better for longer periods.