Move Belongings to Storage
Everything must leave the house before construction begins. Rent climate-controlled storage for 12+ months - your belongings will be there longer than you expect. Take time to declutter now; you don't want to pay to store things you'll throw away later.
Quick Summary
Storage Duration
12-18 months
Plan for delays
Monthly Storage Cost
$200-$600
Climate-controlled
Moving Cost
$1,500-$4,000
Professional movers
Why Proper Storage Planning Is Critical
Your belongings need to be completely out of the house before construction begins. Contractors can't work around your furniture, and construction creates dust, debris, and conditions that will damage anything left behind. This isn't optional - it's a requirement for starting work.
Storage decisions made now affect your belongings for over a year. Choosing the wrong facility, skipping climate control, or packing poorly leads to damaged furniture, ruined photos, and lost valuables. Take time to do this right.
- Construction requirement: House must be empty for contractors to work safely and efficiently
- Protection from damage: Construction dust, debris, and activity will ruin anything left behind
- Long-term commitment: 12-18 months of storage requires quality facility and packing
- Decluttering opportunity: Moving everything forces decisions about what you really want to keep
- Insurance protection: Proper inventory and storage protects against loss claims
- Future efficiency: Well-organized storage makes unpacking smoother when renovation completes
Storage Options Compared
Climate-Controlled Self-Storage
RecommendedTemperature and humidity-controlled units in secure facilities. You pack, move, and organize; facility provides space and security.
Pros
- + Protects against temperature/humidity damage
- + 24/7 access at most facilities
- + Security features (cameras, gates, alarms)
- + Various sizes available
- + Month-to-month terms
Cons
- - Higher cost than non-climate units
- - You handle packing and loading
- - May need to reserve size in advance
Cost: $200-$600/month for 10x20 to 10x30 unit | Best for: Most whole home remodel situations
Portable Storage Containers (PODS, etc.)
Container delivered to your home, you pack it, company stores it at their facility or your property (if space allows).
Pros
- + Load at your own pace at home
- + One handling of belongings (not multiple moves)
- + Delivered back when ready
- + Ground-level loading
Cons
- - Not climate-controlled (most options)
- - Limited access while in storage
- - May need multiple containers
- - Delivery/pickup fees add cost
Cost: $200-$400/month per container + delivery fees | Best for: Short projects where climate control is less critical
Full-Service Storage
Company packs, moves, stores, and returns everything. White-glove service for those who want hands-off approach.
Pros
- + Minimal effort required from you
- + Professional packing and handling
- + Often includes inventory management
- + Climate-controlled facilities
Cons
- - Most expensive option
- - Less control over process
- - Harder to access items during storage
- - May have minimum commitments
Cost: $3,000-$8,000 for move + $400-$1,000/month storage | Best for: High-value homes or those with limited time
Complete Moving and Storage Process
Create Comprehensive Inventory
Document everything before packing. This protects you for insurance claims and helps you find things later.
Photo Documentation
Photograph every room from multiple angles. Take close-ups of valuable items, furniture condition, electronics serial numbers. Store photos in cloud backup.
Written Inventory
Spreadsheet listing: item, room, condition, estimated value, box number when packed. This becomes your reference for unpacking and insurance.
High-Value Items
Separate detailed documentation for items over $500: purchase receipts, appraisals, serial numbers, detailed condition photos.
Pro Tip: Video walkthrough with narration is faster than photos and captures details you might miss. Walk through each room describing contents and condition.
Declutter Ruthlessly
Moving everything costs money. Storage costs money. Don't pay to move and store things you'll throw away after the renovation.
Decluttering Questions
- • Have I used this in the past year?
- • Will this fit the style of my renovated home?
- • Is this worth the cost to store for 12+ months?
- • Would I buy this again if I didn't own it?
- • Is this duplicated by something else I own?
Donate
Usable items you no longer need. Schedule pickup or drop off before packing begins. Get receipt for tax deduction.
Sell
Valuable items worth the effort. List early - selling takes time. Consider estate sale company for large volumes.
Discard
Broken, worn, or worthless items. Arrange bulk pickup or dumpster. Properly dispose of hazardous materials.
Select and Reserve Storage
Choose your storage facility 4-6 weeks before move date. Visit in person to inspect security, cleanliness, and unit condition.
Size Selection
1-2 bedroom: 10x15 (150 sq ft)
3-4 bedroom: 10x20 (200 sq ft)
4+ bedroom: 10x30 or larger (300+ sq ft)
Add 20% buffer for access aisles and unexpected items.
Must-Have Features
Climate control, 24/7 access, security cameras, individual unit alarms, well-lit, clean and dry, ground floor or elevator access.
Insurance Requirements
Facility insurance covers the building, not your belongings. Need separate storage insurance or confirm homeowner's policy covers off-site storage.
Pack for Long-Term Storage
Long-term storage packing differs from regular moving. Items need more protection and organization for 12+ months in storage.
Materials Needed
- • New, sturdy boxes (don't reuse old boxes)
- • Packing paper (not newspaper - ink transfers)
- • Bubble wrap for fragile items
- • Furniture covers (cloth, not plastic)
- • Mattress covers/bags
- • Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes
- • Heavy-duty tape
- • Markers for labeling
- • Silica gel packets for moisture
Packing Tips
- • Disassemble furniture where possible
- • Wrap furniture in cloth covers, not plastic
- • Remove batteries from all electronics
- • Clean appliances thoroughly before storage
- • Don't overpack boxes (35-50 lbs max)
- • Fill boxes completely to prevent collapse
- • Label all boxes on multiple sides
- • Use small boxes for heavy items
Pro Tip: Pack an "access box" with items you might need during storage: extra phone chargers, seasonal items, important cables, or tools. Place this box at the front of your unit.
Execute the Move
Move day requires coordination between your home, movers, and storage facility. Plan the sequence carefully.
Before Movers Arrive
Final walkthrough to ensure nothing missed. Confirm storage unit is ready. Have inventory list and storage unit info for movers. Clear path for loading.
During the Move
Be present to answer questions and direct placement. Verify items against inventory as loaded. Note any damage on mover's paperwork. Save all receipts.
Loading the Unit
Heavy furniture and large items in back. Create center aisle for access. Stack boxes smartly (heavy bottom, light top). Frequently accessed items near front.
Manage Storage During Renovation
Your belongings are in storage for over a year. Some ongoing management ensures they stay in good condition.
Monthly Checks
Visit unit monthly to check for issues: leaks, pests, temperature problems. Catch problems early before damage spreads.
Insurance Maintenance
Keep storage insurance current throughout renovation. Review coverage if you add items. Report any issues immediately.
Payment Management
Set up autopay to avoid missed payments and potential auction. Keep payment records. Watch for rate increases on month-to-month terms.
Items to Keep With You (Not in Storage)
Important Documents
- • Passports and birth certificates
- • Financial documents and tax records
- • Insurance policies
- • Renovation contracts and permits
- • Medical records
- • Legal documents
Valuable Items
- • Jewelry and watches
- • Cash and financial instruments
- • Irreplaceable photos and heirlooms
- • Collectibles of significant value
- • Consider bank safe deposit box
Prohibited Items
- • Flammable liquids (gasoline, propane)
- • Perishable food
- • Plants (living or dried)
- • Fireworks and explosives
- • Chemicals and hazardous materials
- • Anything illegal
Daily Needs
- • Medications (daily and emergency)
- • Essential electronics and chargers
- • Clothing for temporary housing
- • Kitchen essentials
- • Work-from-home equipment
- • Pet supplies
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not decluttering before packing and moving
Consequence: Paying to store items you don't want, larger unit needed, more moving costs, harder unpacking later
Prevention: Sort everything before packing. Donate, sell, or discard items you no longer need. Moving is the perfect time to downsize.
Choosing non-climate-controlled storage
Consequence: Damaged furniture, warped wood, mold on fabrics, ruined electronics, photos stuck together
Prevention: Always choose climate-controlled for 12+ month storage. The extra $50-$150/month protects thousands in belongings.
Underestimating storage unit size needed
Consequence: Items don't fit, need second unit at higher cost, belongings damaged from cramming
Prevention: Err on the side of larger unit. Calculate based on room count plus 20% buffer. Walk through unit before signing.
Not creating inventory and documenting condition
Consequence: Can't verify insurance claims if damage occurs, forget what you have, can't find items later
Prevention: Photo and list everything before packing. Note condition of valuable items. Keep inventory copy outside storage.
Packing items you'll need during renovation
Consequence: Multiple trips to storage, frustration, may need to buy duplicate items
Prevention: Set aside 'access needed' items before packing. Pack these last and place at front of unit. Create access list.
Using cheap boxes and packing materials
Consequence: Boxes collapse under weight during long storage, inadequate protection causes damage
Prevention: Use new, sturdy boxes rated for weight. Don't overpack boxes. Use quality bubble wrap and packing paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much storage do I need for a whole house?
A typical 2,000-3,000 sq ft home requires a 10x20 or 10x30 unit (200-300 sq ft). This fits all furniture, boxes, and appliances with access room. For larger homes, consider multiple units or 15x30 space. Climate-controlled units cost $200-$600/month.
Do I need climate-controlled storage?
Yes, strongly recommended for 12+ months. Temperature and humidity fluctuations damage wood, electronics, artwork, photos, leather, and fabrics. Climate-controlled units maintain 55-85 degrees F. The extra $50-$150/month is worthwhile insurance.
Should I hire professional movers?
Yes, for whole-house moves to storage. Professionals are faster, have proper equipment, and pack units efficiently. Cost: $1,500-$4,000 for whole house. DIY saves money but takes longer and risks injury or damage.
What items should not go into storage?
Don't store: flammables, perishable food, plants, important documents, daily medications, irreplaceable valuables (use safe deposit box), propane, chemicals. Remove batteries from electronics. Consider professional art storage for valuable artwork.
How far in advance should I book storage and movers?
Book storage 4-6 weeks before move date. Book movers 3-4 weeks for weekday moves, 6-8 weeks for weekend or month-end. Summer and month-ends are busiest. Confirm reservations 1 week before move date.