During a renovation, temporary storage is a commonly chosen solution for safely storing items you do not immediately need off-site. This gives contractors more room to work, helps prevent dust and damage to your belongings, and reduces the risk of delays in the project.
What does storage during renovation really mean for you?
If you want to rent storage space during a renovation, there are several things to consider. You need to arrange transport, choose a suitable storage model, ensure access, take out insurance, and plan return moments. Good preparation is an essential step toward a watertight storage plan.
Depending on the service offered by the storage provider, you can make certain steps easier for yourself or outsource them entirely. The availability of carts, moving vans, loading assistance, and a good labeling system are just a few examples of how the logistics process can be made smoother. You can ask the storage provider about the available options and what this means in terms of costs. The scope of the service is one of the most decisive factors in the rates a facility charges.
Also discuss timelines and any deadlines with your contractor, so you can make a more accurate estimate of the required storage period and keep workspaces accessible until the renovation is completed. A storage provider with flexible terms for the notice period or for extending the rental period is therefore strongly recommended.
To prepare your personal belongings for storage, you should also make sure you have enough packing materials available in time.
What to store (and what not) during a renovation
Some items are better removed from the home during a renovation, especially when there is a lot of demolition work. With the right precautions, however, you can also safely leave certain items in your home.
From your household contents, it is better to put the following items into storage:
- Furniture such as sofas and tables
- Rugs
- Curtains
- Art and textiles
- (dust-sensitive) Electronics
- Seasonal items
Pack everything well using blankets and bubble wrap, and label each item by room, such as living room, kitchen, bedroom, and basement.
There are several storage solutions that can be suitable during a renovation, depending on your specific situation. For example, there are storage containers or boxes that can be placed at your home, provided you have the space and the necessary permits. You can also opt for full-service storage, where the logistics are handled by the storage provider. This means you do not have to move your belongings yourself or arrange transport. These solutions are useful if you want to save time and energy that you can then spend on the renovation.
Some items, if sufficiently protected, can often remain at home. These include daily essentials such as clothes for the week, your work laptop, and a basic set of dishes for breaks during the work.
Small tools and materials for ongoing tasks are also useful to keep close at hand. Just make sure there is a space with a dust barrier where you can store them when they are not needed. A clean cupboard or drawer is often sufficient, as long as no dust can get in.
