A Guide To Moving House Storage

Using self-storage for your house move is an ideal way to tackle it in stages.

It gives you time to decide what you’re taking to your new home without the pressure of packing everything up.

In this article, we look at the benefits of using a storage and moving company.

Why use a Storage and Moving Company?

Moving companies that provide both moving services and storage solutions help simplify the entire moving process. These experts handle all the heavy lifting, ensuring your belongings are safely protected throughout the move.

At Omni Removals, we partner with removal and storage companies that offer Public Liability insurance, so you can rest easy knowing your items are in safe hands. We also collaborate with many reputable removal companies that are members of the British Association of Removers.

To save on your house removals and storage expenses, compare moving and storage quotes from trusted providers.

Benefits of Using Moving House Storage

Below we list the many situations using moving house storage can help.

Pack in Stages

Using self-storage for the items you use the least means your packing time is cut in half.

Storing your furniture while you renovate your new home will help to minimise damage. If you’re downsizing, storing items you don’t have space for in your new home will save on removal costs.

In-between Homes

Around 26% of storage users say they are moving home and in between properties.

Using self-storage during the in-between period means you don’t have to transport everything to temporary accommodation. With the flexibility of storage facilities, you can have your items moved into your new home once everything is finalised.

Flexibility

With both long and short-term storage options available, you can store single items or your whole house. You’ll have easy access to your items and won’t be tied into a lease.

Once you’ve moved in, you can collect your items and unpack them into your new home at your leisure.

Declutter

If your new home is smaller than your current one, you’ll have to be cautious about what you can take. Using storage to declutter can help you save on moving costs. Many people also declutter for viewings to help the buyer imagine their belongings in your property.

Security During a Move

When it comes to moving day, it can be easy to misplace important valuables. If your items are in storage prior to the move, you’ll know exactly where your items are at all times. Storage facilities come with security features such as 24/7 CCTV and intruder alarms.

Temporary Moves

If you’re moving for work, you might not want to sell your current home or leave your items there unattended. Using temporary storage means you can return your items home once your new contract is up.

International Moves

International moves accounted for 9.8% of storage use in 2022 according to the SSA’s UK Industry Report.

Placing some items into storage means you’ll save on shipping costs. This is especially important if you’re splitting your time between the UK and your international home.

Variety of Unit Options

Some unit types will be more beneficial depending on the type of items:

Indoor units - The main benefit of indoor storage is that the units are safe, secure and out of the way from damaging weather.

Climate-controlled units - Wooden furniture poses a risk if it’s not in a temperature-controlled storage unit as this could cause moisture issues.

Outdoor units - Outdoor units such as storage lock ups are better suited for large items such as cars, bikes or boats. You’ll be able to drive right up to your unit and park up.

How Much Storage Do I Need For a House Move?

The size of storage unit you’ll need will depend on the volume and type of items that need storing.

Below we list the ideal storage unit size for a variety of property types including apartments and houses.

1-bedroom flat - 50 sq.ft:

2-bedroom flat - 75 sq.ft:

2-bed house - 100 sq.ft:

3-bed house - 125-150 sq.ft:

To learn more, read storage unit size.

How Much Does Moving House Storage Cost?

Self-storage unit costs £27.19 on average according to the SSA’s 2023 Report.

Your total storage costs will depend on the size of the unit, location and how long you need it for.

Many storage companies offer an introductory offer which is typically 50% off your first 8 weeks of storage. It’s important to ask your storage provider if they have any current deals.

Packing Your Items for Storage

Most removal companies offer a packing service to help safely transport your items to the unit. If you’re transporting the items yourself, follow our packing tips to ensure your items are protected:

Declutter personal belongings

Create an inventory

Choose the right size storage unit

Use bubble wrap and protective packaging

Categorise your storage

Label your storage

Place most commonly used items at the front

Leave a space down the middle for easy access

Weight

Heavier items will cost more to pack as more packing materials and potential reinforcements are required. Special care will need to be taken when these items are packaged and handled, which costs both time and resources.

Value

Higher-value items risk damage so specialist packing and moving are required which costs more than packing standard items.

Is It Worth Paying for Packing?

Yes, there are many reasons why it's worth paying for packing. While removal packing services are an extra cost, they can save you money in the long run.

If you’re not confident in safely packing your valuable items, you risk damaging them during transit. Removal companies have a team of professional packers who have the skills and experience to securely pack your items.

Other benefits of paying for a packing service include:

Ideal for last-minute moves

Helps if you're too busy to pack

Take extra care of heavy and awkward items

Items are protected with professional equipment

Avoid damage if done yourself

You may choose to tip the removal company if you’re happy with the packing service provided.

Does the Packing Service Come with Full Insurance?

All of Omni Removals' removal partners must have Goods in Transit and Public Liability insurance to join our network. This helps to protect movers from any loss or damage to items during transit. Insurance costs should be included in the final removal cost.

To learn more, read: Guide to Removals Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

Can moving companies help pack for storage?

Most moving companies can help you pack items for storage in addition to removals. To protect your possessions from any risk of damp or damage whilst in storage, they will use high-quality packing materials.

Their packing team should also have experience in moving large and awkward items and can help when loading and unloading your belongings at the self-storage or container storage unit.

Do removal companies provide boxes?

Yes, removal companies will provide boxes if you have chosen to use their packing services. Unless you're using the materials to pack items yourself, these will be included in the packing costs.

If you request additional boxes specifically for items such as wardrobes or books on the moving day, you will likely be charged extra for these. It's useful to request these in advance to avoid any unexpected costs.

When does packing happpen before my moving day?

Depending on the type of packing service, the movers and packers will arrive at your home a day or two before your move to ensure everything is ready for your moving day.

For a full packing service, they will likely pack two or more days before moving day. If you’re using a part-pack or self-pack service, the movers will arrive a day before, depending on their schedule.

A pre-move survey will help a removals company to assess how many boxes and packing materials are needed.