Moving can be excite, but let’s face it—it’s also one of life’s most stressful experiences. Surprisingly, many overlook the game-changing benefits of using storage when moving house. From packing up your entire life to navigating delays and unexpected surprises, the process can quickly become a logistical challenge. Whether you’re downsizing, redecorating, waiting on a chain to complete, or simply trying to declutter before listing your home, a storage unit gives you breathing room. It offers a practical solution to ease the chaos and make the transition smoother.
Why Is Moving House So Stressful?
According to Index Digital, moving house is ranked as one of the most stressful life events—often outranking divorce, starting a new job, or even serious financial difficulties. In a 2023 survey, nearly half of respondents (47%) reported experiencing increased stress levels due to the process of moving, highlighting just how overwhelming this life transition can be.
Here are the most common reasons moving can be stressful:
- You are working to tight (and often shifting) deadlines, trying to coordinate various parties like removal companies, estate agents, and landlords.
- There’s often no overlap between leaving one property and moving into the next, meaning you may have limited time to pack, clean, and complete the transition.
- You’re responsible for almost everything; from sorting and packing to lifting cleaning, and coordinating logistics, which can feel like an endless to-do list.
- If you’re in a property chain, you’re reliant on several other people getting their timing right, and even one delay can derail the whole process.
It’s a lot to juggle, which is why so many people look for ways to make the process easier. Temporary storage solutions, for example, have become increasingly popular because they provide a much-needed buffer when things don’t go as planned.
Whether you’re downsizing, waiting for your new home to be ready, or simply trying to declutter, having access to secure storage can relieve some of the pressure and help you navigate the chaos of moving with greater ease.
When Should You Use Storage When Moving House?
Here’s the beauty of self storage—it’s flexible. It can be helpful at any stage of the moving process. Let’s take a closer look at before, during and after the house move.
Before the Move
If you’re planning a move but haven’t found your new home yet, self storage can provide a temporary solution for storing your belongings until you find the perfect place.
- Decluttering before listing your property
- Staging your home for estate agent photos
- Getting furniture out of the way for repainting or light renovation
During the Move
Even if you have already found your new home, there may be delays in moving or unexpected issues that arise. Self storage when moving house allows you to keep your belongings safe and easily accessible while you wait for things to fall into place.
- Bridging the gap between move-out and move-in dates
- Storing everything while you stay temporarily with family or in rented accommodation
- Keeping valuables or breakables safe from transit chaos
After the Move
Once you’ve successfully moved into your new home, self storage can still come in handy. Whether it’s storing seasonal items or decluttering as you unpack, having access to storage can help make the transition smoother and more organised.
- Giving yourself breathing space while you settle in
- Redecorating without dodging furniture
- Waiting for new furniture to arrive before fully unpacking
This flexibility is exactly what makes self storage when moving house such a sanity-saver.
What Can You Store in a Unit?
Almost everything you’d typically move from one home to another can be safely stored, giving you peace of mind during transitions. From furniture and appliances to clothing, books, and personal belongings, storage solutions are designed to accommodate a wide range of items. Here are just a few examples:
- Sofas, dining tables and bulky furniture
- Washing machines, fridges, and white goods
- Clothing, shoes and accessories
- Seasonal items like Christmas decorations or garden furniture
- DIY tools, books, paperwork, and even kids’ toys
- Sentimental items you don’t want to part with but also don’t need right away
Recommended: What Can I Fit In a 120 sq ft Storage Unit?
How to Use Temporary Storage for Moving (Effectively)
Getting a storage unit is the first step—using it smartly is where the real magic happens. Here are some practical tips for making the most out of your short-term storage unit during a move:
- Pack like a pro by labelling everything, using plastic boxes when possible, and keeping an inventory list
- Group by room makes unpacking easier at the other end
- Keep essentials at home as you don’t want your passport or kettle locked away
- Disassemble large items to save space and make transport easier
- Use vertical space by stacking boxes smartly and using shelving to maximise storage
Recommended: Self-Storage Rules: What You Can and Cannot Store
Why More People Choose Space Centre for Self Storage When Moving House
Space Centre Self Storage isn’t your average storage company—we’re focused on affordability, security, and convenience. Here’s why people across Stroud, Bristol, Stonehouse, and Gloucester trust us:
- Competitive prices with no hidden fees
- Flexible contracts — rent for as little or as long as you need
- Free insurance included for goods up to the value of £3,000
- Easy access with free parking and loading bays
- Local experts who help you choose the right size for your needs
- Clean, secure, and monitored facilities for peace of mind
If you’re moving locally, this kind of support makes all the difference. See what some of our customers are saying.
Real-Life Scenario: Where Do You Put It All?
Imagine this: you’ve sold your house, but your new build isn’t ready for another six weeks. You’re crashing at your in-laws, and there’s no chance your four-seater sofa is squeezing into their spare room.
This is where temporary storage for moving house becomes a lifesaver. Instead of juggling boxes across multiple locations or panicking over delivery timings, you can move everything into a secure unit, access it when you need to, and get on with your life.
It’s the bridge between “everything’s in flux” and “everything’s sorted.”
Our Thoughts on Storage When Moving House
Moving house will probably never be completely stress-free but it also doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a little organisation and planning, it can be manageable. One of the key factors in making this possible is having access to storage solutions.
Storage when moving house is not just about finding a place to temporarily store your belongings. It’s also about creating a sense of calm and control during an otherwise chaotic time.
By using self storage when moving house, you give yourself time, flexibility, and space to make better decisions. Whether you’re staging your home, stuck in a chain, or simply need room to breathe, self storage can be your best move—before you actually do.
With Space Centre Self Storage, you’ll get the support, security and affordability you need to move smarter. Explore our self storage options now.