Storage when moving house – a complete guide
Moving house is one of the most disruptive things you can do, and storage when moving house is something most people only think about once they are already under pressure. Whether you are downsizing to a smaller property, renovating before you move in, or clearing space ahead of viewings, a portable storage unit delivered straight to your home makes the whole process far easier to manage.
Unlike off-site self-storage, Door To Store brings the unit to you. It is built on-site, stays on your land for as long as you need it, and you can get to your belongings at any time without driving anywhere.
When does storage help with a house move?
Not every move creates a storage problem, but several common situations do.
- Downsizing: Moving from a four-bedroom house to a two-bedroom property almost always leaves you with more furniture than the new home can hold. A unit on-site gives you time to decide what to keep, sell, or pass on, without making rushed choices on moving day.
- Renovating before moving in: If you have bought a property that needs work, storing your belongings in a unit on the same plot means you can reach what you need while the work is done, especially useful if you are living in part of the property during the build.
- Pre-sale decluttering: Estate agents often suggest clearing excess furniture before a property goes on the market. Emptying a few rooms makes the space photograph better and feel larger at viewings, and a unit on your driveway lets you do this without getting rid of anything for good.
- Chain delays: If your sale completes before your purchase does, a unit at your current address keeps everything secure while you wait, without committing to a long off-site contract.
Choosing the right size unit for a house move
Door To Store units are sized in metres. Here is a rough guide to help you work out what you need:
- A 2×4 metre unit (80 sq ft) suits a small flat or a partial load, such as the contents of one or two rooms.
- A 2×6 metre unit (120 sq ft) holds the contents of a typical two or three-bedroom property.
- A 2×8 metre unit (160 sq ft) works well for a three to four-bedroom house during a renovation or an extended chain delay.
- A 2×10 metre (200 sq ft) or 2×12 metre (240 sq ft) unit gives space for the full contents of a large family home, including bulky items like sofas, wardrobes, and white goods.
How Door To Store helps with house moves
Door To Store delivers and builds portable steel storage units at your home across the UK, with most work within easy reach of our Bedfordshire base. The unit is built on-site and collected at the end of your hire, so you never need to drive to a facility.
Each unit has two built-in deadlocks and we supply the keys. Because the unit sits on your own land, you have 24/7 access, with no opening hours to work around and no reception to sign in at. The ground does not need to be perfectly level, as we place wooden blocks under each corner to level the unit and allow air to circulate underneath, which also helps reduce condensation. For longer-term storage, Absorpole condensation sticks are available to keep moisture under control inside the unit.
Hire starts at a minimum of four weeks, with fixed hire, delivery, and collection rates quoted upfront so there are no surprises. To get a quote, visit doortostore.co.uk or call 0800 043 9302.
Common questions about storage when moving house
Q: How long can I hire a storage unit for when moving house?
The minimum hire period is four weeks. Most moves do not need longer, but if a renovation runs over or a chain takes time to resolve, the hire can be extended. We ask for seven days’ notice to book, though shorter lead times can often be accommodated subject to availability.
Q: Can the unit be delivered to my new address once it is loaded?
No. Units must be completely empty before they can be dismantled and moved. If you need storage at your new property, a fresh unit can be delivered and built there separately.
Q: What surface does the unit need to sit on?
Grass, gravel, or concrete all work. The ground does not need to be perfectly flat, as we level the unit using wooden blocks under each corner during installation. The access route needs a minimum height clearance of 2,150mm, and we have even built units in underground car parks. Unusual access is assessed on enquiry.
Q: How quickly can a unit be installed?
A 2×4 metre unit typically takes 45 to 60 minutes to build on-site. Larger units take longer, with a 2×12 metre unit taking up to three hours depending on access.
Q: What can I store in a portable storage unit?
Most household furniture, appliances, boxed belongings, garden equipment, and tools. Prohibited items include hazardous materials, perishables, and stolen goods. If you are unsure whether something is suitable, speak to the team before you start packing.
Planning your storage when moving house a few weeks ahead takes a lot of stress out of the process. Call 0800 043 9302 or visit doortostore.co.uk for a free quote.
