How to Utilize Self Storage During a Home Renovation

Before deciding whether you need to store your furniture in a self-storage unit, you’ll want to understand the nature and scope of your renovation project. Different types of renovations require different approaches to managing your belongings:

Cosmetic Upgrades

Cosmetic upgrades — painting, wallpapering and minor repairs — generally involve less disruption than large-scale renovations. For small projects like these, you may not need to move all your furniture out of the home. Instead, you can simply relocate items within the house or cover them with protective materials (we’ll offer more tips below).

Room Remodels

Room remodels, such as updating a kitchen or bathroom, typically require more extensive work, including plumbing, electrical and structural changes. For these projects, moving furniture and fixtures out of the space is usually a good idea to provide contractors with room to work (and prevent damage to your belongings). 

Whole-Home Renovations

Whole-home renovations involve comprehensive changes to multiple rooms or the entire house. This type of project usually requires you to move most, if not all, of your furniture and personal items out of the home and into a self-storage unit.

Structural Changes and Additions

Structural changes, such as adding a new room or altering the home’s layout, are significant projects that can make it impractical to keep any furniture in the areas being worked on. These renovations typically generate a lot of dust and debris, with contractors needing a significant amount of space to complete their work. Storing furniture and other items in a self-storage unit is often the best solution to protect them from damage.

If you’re doing a lighter renovation where some (or all) of your items will stay inside your home, you’ll want to take precautions to protect your belongings from dust, debris and other kinds of accidental damage. Here are some tips:

• Cover furniture with protective materials such as plastic sheeting, moving blankets or specialized furniture covers to shield them from dust and scratches. This is especially important for fabric or textile items, which are more prone to dust.
• Relocate fragile items like glassware, ceramics and delicate decorations to safe areas away from the renovation zone. If possible, store them in a room that is not being renovated or place them in sturdy, labeled boxes for added protection.
• Consider using temporary partitions or barriers to section off renovation areas and protect the rest of your home. This can help contain dust and debris, minimizing the risk of damage to items that remain in the home. You can also regularly clean and dust the areas adjacent to the renovation.
• Open the windows for ventilation and keep a HEPA air purifier running on high to catch some of the particles. Don’t forget to regularly clean and swap the filters during the course of the renovation.

If you’re doing a more intensive renovation or remodel and need to move items outside of your home, one of your best options is renting a self-storage unit. One of the biggest advantages of self storage during a renovation is the flexibility of month-to-month storage rental terms. Like many large-scale projects, renovations almost always take longer than anticipated (unforeseen delays and complications are bound to happen). With a month-to-month storage unit, you won’t be locked into a long-term contract and can adjust the rental duration as you go, whether for a shorter or longer amount of time.

Some self-storage facilities also offer climate-controlled storage units, which are essential for furniture, electronics, instruments, antiques and other delicate items that are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity levels, especially during the summer months.

With self storage, you’ll also have an easy time accessing your stored items when needed. Most facilities are open seven days a week, allowing you to retrieve or store items at your convenience. Many also offer convenient drive-up units that allow you to load and unload items directly from your car. If you’re remodeling your garage and need a place to store your car, boat or RV, you can also check to see if your local facility offers indoor or outdoor parking spots.

If you’re using self storage, you’ll need to determine what items you need to store and how long you need to store them. In other words, is your renovation a small project that will take a few weeks or a large-scale remodel that might stretch over several months? Are there certain items that you’ll need to retrieve during the course of the renovation? Understanding the timeline will help you determine the extent of your storage needs and how to organize your unit.

Create an Inventory List

First things first — create a detailed inventory of items that need to be stored. This includes furniture, electronics, personal belongings and any other items that might be at risk of damage during the renovation. 

Choose the Right Self-Storage Unit

Once you have a list, you can use a storage unit size guide to help determine how much space you’ll need. Storage facilities offer a variety of unit sizes, usually from small (like a closet) to large (like a two-car garage), so it’s essential to choose one that accommodates all your items without overcrowding.

Additionally, some items, like mattresses, should not be stacked below other items, so you’ll want to factor that into your space needs.

You’ll also want to consider the type of items you’re storing. Delicate and valuable items might require climate-controlled storage units to prevent damage from temperature fluctuations and humidity. Other items, like mattresses, may need to be stored in a specific way to prevent accidental warping and damage. Some facilities also offer air-cooled units that keep the temperature stable but may not protect against moisture.

Even if you’re only keeping your items in a storage unit for a month, you should properly pack and organize your belongings to ensure they stay in mint condition. Start by gathering high-quality packing materials, like sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper and tape. (Some storage facilities also offer moving supplies if you need them!) Label each box clearly with its contents and the room it belongs to, which will make unpacking easier once the renovation is complete.

When packing, place heavier items at the bottom of boxes and lighter, more fragile items on top. Wrap delicate items individually in bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent anything from breaking. Use blankets or furniture covers to protect larger items like sofas, tables and mattresses.

When you organize your storage unit, be strategic. If there are items you need to access frequently throughout the renovation or remodel, keep them near the front of the unit. Stack boxes and furniture carefully (if you can do so without damaging them) to maximize space, and invest in sturdy shelves to take advantage of vertical storage. As always, remember to leave at least one clear pathway within the unit to make it easy to navigate and grab items without moving everything around.

It’s common for your storage needs to change during the course of the renovation. You may need to upgrade to a larger unit if the renovation scope expands or downsize to a smaller unit as you gradually move items back into your home. Most storage facilities offer various unit sizes, making it easy to swap units as needed or even rent multiple units within the same facility. (You may need a climate-controlled unit for some items and a non-climate-controlled unit for other items.)

Whatever the case may be, using self storage during a home renovation or remodel is a great way to keep your belongings safe for as long as you need. If you have any additional questions, feel free to find a facility near you and speak with the location manager or customer service representative. If you want more inspiration for all things storage and organization, check out our blog.