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When you’re embarking on a Planning Home extension project, the excitement of transforming your home can quickly turn into stress once the dust starts flying and furniture gets in the way. Builders need room to move, and your precious belongings need protection from the inevitable chaos. That’s where self storage comes in, a simple, practical solution that clears the way for construction and safeguards your possessions at the same time.
Why Self Storage Makes Sense for Home Renovations
Renovation isn’t just about knocking down walls and choosing paint colours, it’s about reshaping the way you live. And with that comes a bit of upheaval. One of the smartest moves you can make during Renovation planning is giving builders the space they need by temporarily moving furniture, appliances, and décor into self-storage.
Facilities like Newbury Self Store offer personal storage units designed to suit every stage of a renovation. Whether you’re extending outwards, building upwards, or completely reimagining your layout, having a secure space for your items gives you one less thing to worry about.
Planning Home Extension Projects with Less Stress
Getting Clear on the Timeline
Every successful Planning Home extension starts with a realistic timeline. Builders will need open access to different parts of your property at other times, so it helps to know when the big jobs, like demolition or rewiring, are happening. That’s the ideal moment to move items into self storage.
Booking your storage unit ahead of time ensures a smooth transition. There’s no last-minute panic or scrambling to make space, just peace of mind and a clear path for your renovation team to get stuck in.
Choosing a Self Storage Option That Fits
Not all storage is created equal. The right solution should meet your needs in terms of:
- Size – Only need to store a few boxes? Or an entire kitchen’s worth of furniture?
- Security – Look for CCTV, locked compounds, and staff on site.
- Access – If you’ll need to dip in and out, check accessibility hours.
Personal storage is ideal for household belongings during a build, while container storage offers even more space and flexibility if you’re moving out major items. And if you run a business from home, business storage might also come in handy for keeping stock or paperwork out of the way.
Keeping Renovations Tidy and Safe
Builders can work more efficiently and safely in a space that’s free of furniture, clutter, and sentimental items. Self storage lets you temporarily declutter without committing to throwing anything away.
Let’s be honest, renovations are messy. There’s dust, debris, and sometimes even water damage risk if structural work is involved. The last thing you want is for your family heirloom sideboard to get splashed with paint or your sofa to be covered in plaster dust.
Keeping your belongings in a secure, off-site location keeps them clean and protected, while also giving the tradespeople room to do their best work.
Steps to Using Storage During a Home Extension
1. Take Inventory Before You Pack
Start your Renovation planning by walking room to room and making a note of everything that can be moved. It’s incredible how quickly it adds up: bookshelves, artwork, side tables, TV stands, boxes of cables, and all the things you forgot you even owned.
Once you know what’s staying and what’s going, it’s easier to estimate the size of the storage unit you’ll need.
2. Time Your Move to Storage Just Right
You don’t want your belongings out of the house for longer than necessary, but trying to move them once the builders have started is asking for stress. Schedule your storage move the week before major works begin so you’re not shifting things around with muddy boots and tools in the way.
Storage providers like Newbury Self Store offer flexible rental terms so you can book for just as long, or as short, as your extension takes.
3. Pack Like a Pro
Invest in proper packing materials. Wrap furniture, use sturdy boxes, and don’t forget bubble wrap for delicate items. Make sure everything is labelled clearly (and on the side of the box, not just the top), so you know exactly what’s what when it comes time to move back in.
Check out the packaging supplies section for everything you might need, from boxes to tape to protective covers.
4. Keep a Few Essentials Accessible
Even if you’ve packed up most of your home, there will be things you want to keep close. Documents, tools, spare clothes, or children’s school supplies may still be needed. Keep a separate box or two at home with the essentials you’ll need during the build.
Some storage units offer quick-access compartments so you can pop in and out without disturbing everything else.
Real-World Renovation Woes (and Wins)
A couple I spoke to recently had a nightmare during their kitchen extension. They tried to stack their dining chairs, crockery, and sideboard into their spare room, only to end up tripping over boxes every day and slowing down the builders.
The following year, when they moved on to their loft conversion, they chose a storage unit instead. They stored half their furniture, cleared out two rooms, and made life easier for everyone. The job finished earlier, with fewer hiccups, and they weren’t constantly panicking about their stuff getting damaged.
Their feedback? “We should’ve done this the first time.”
The Money-Saving Angle of Self Storage
Avoiding Hidden Extension Costs
Every day a builder can’t work efficiently is a day you’re paying for delays. Cluttered spaces can slow down progress or even cause accidents, pushing your budget up unexpectedly. Clearing the site from day one ensures smoother sailing.
Minimising Damage and Loss
Even careful builders can’t control every speck of dust or rogue hammer tap. Keeping your valuables safe in storage protects them from accidental breakages and the inevitable mess of a significant project.
Supporting Your Property’s Value
A neat, well-organised renovation shows off your home’s full potential, whether you’re selling after your extension or just want to enjoy the extra space. A clutter-free finish makes a world of difference to the final result.
Moving Back In: The Finishing Touches
Reintroduce Items Thoughtfully
Don’t just dump everything back where it came from. Use this opportunity to rethink how you use your new space. Maybe that big cabinet isn’t needed anymore, or your old layout no longer suits the room.
A fresh start deserves a fresh approach.
Keep That Organised Feeling Going
If your renovation included new wardrobes, storage benches, or built-in units, make the most of them. You’ve gone through the hassle of extending; keep that clutter-free feeling alive with innovative storage solutions that blend into your home beautifully.
Need a Hand?
If you’re unsure about the right size unit or need help figuring out packing, expert support is just a few clicks away through the contact page. It’s always worth a chat to get the best solution tailored to your project.
Key Takeaways for a Smoother Renovation
- Start your Planning Home extension with a clear timeline and space plan
- Declutter and protect your belongings using secure self-storage
- Choose flexible, accessible options like personal or container storage
- Pack carefully, label everything, and keep essentials on hand
- Use the opportunity to rethink how you want your new space to function
- Avoid delays and reduce stress by giving your builders room to work.
Whether you’re knocking through a wall or building an entire new wing, a well-thought-out Renovation planning strategy makes all the difference. Self-storage isn’t just a nice-to-have during home improvements; it’s a practical, cost-effective way to make space for progress.
Secure, flexible, and right around the corner, Newbury Self Store has everything you need to keep your project running smoothly, while protecting the things that matter most.