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Let’s be honest, living through a major home renovation can feel like camping indoors with all the chaos but none of the fun. Dust everywhere, tools on every surface, and furniture crammed into corners you didn’t even know existed. But here’s a little secret that can save your sanity: using a storage unit. Not only does it free up space, but it protects your belongings and gives you room to breathe while your home transforms.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to making the most of storage during home improvement projects, whether you’re knocking down walls or simply giving your kitchen a well-deserved facelift.
Why You Need Storage When Renovating
Renovations are messy. There’s no way around it. From plaster dust to unexpected delays, your home is about to go through some profound upheaval. Moving furniture, electronics, and personal items out of the way keeps them clean and damage-free. More importantly, it gives your contractors space to work safely and efficiently.
That’s where storage during home improvement becomes a game-changer. It’s not just about getting stuff out of the way; it’s about protecting your peace of mind.
You may also be juggling your day-to-day life amid the chaos: making breakfast with no kitchen, navigating furniture squeezed into hallways, and finding dust in places you didn’t think dust could reach. Having offsite storage offers you back the breathing room you need to function normally during what’s often a highly disruptive time.
Step 1: Decide What Needs to Go
Start with a walk-through of your renovation zone. Anything in the path of your project should be considered for storage:
- Furniture (especially large or valuable pieces)
- Appliances not in use
- Decorations and artwork
- Books, toys, and soft furnishings
- Fragile or sentimental items
Even if the renovation is confined to one area, dust and disruption tend to travel. You’d be surprised where the chaos can reach.
Not sure where to start? Go room by room and create a checklist. If you haven’t used something in the last few weeks or you know it’ll be in the way, out it goes (for now).
Step 2: Choose the Right Storage Option
This is where the magic happens. Not all storage is created equal, especially when you’re mid-renovation. Think about what kind of access you’ll need, how long you’ll store your items, and how much space you’re working with.
- Newbury Self Store offers a variety of storage options for renovation that work around your needs:
- Personal Storage: Great for homeowners needing short-term or flexible space.
- Container Storage: Ideal for larger furniture or if you’re clearing multiple rooms.
- Packaging Supplies: Everything from bubble wrap to boxes to keep your things secure.
Each of these gives you peace of mind knowing your belongings are safe, dry, and easily accessible. Plus, the convenience of flexible access means you’re not cut off from your essentials.
Step 3: Pack Like a Pro
You don’t need to be a moving expert, just a little bit strategic. Here’s how to pack smart:
- Use sturdy boxes and label everything clearly
- Wrap fragile items carefully using proper packing materials
- Dismantle large furniture to save space
- Keep similar items together, so unpacking is easier later.
Top tip: Create a “first-out” box with essentials you’ll want right away when you move things back in.
If you’re storing items for more than a few weeks, avoid plastic bags , they trap moisture and lead to mildew. Stick with breathable fabric covers for furniture and consider a moisture absorber in your unit to protect soft furnishings.
Step 4: Make a Storage Plan
Before loading up the car, sketch out a rough layout of how your items will go into storage. Store less-used items at the back and things you might need at the front. Think seasonally, too. If you’re renovating in summer, maybe stash those winter coats further back.
Most importantly, don’t forget to leave a walkway so you can get to things without needing a treasure map.
Use shelving units if possible to keep boxes off the ground, especially if you’re storing things long term. This improves airflow and makes retrieving things much easier. Consider colour-coded labels or a number system for better organisation.
Step 5: Move In (and Breathe Out)
Once your storage unit is packed and organised, you’ll feel the weight lift. You’ve cleared your space, protected your possessions, and made room for the transformation to happen smoothly.
And the best part? You can pop in and out anytime you like. Newbury Self Store offers flexible access, so you’re never locked out of what you need.
This flexibility is beneficial when your renovation timeline shifts, and it will. Having the option to access your storage unit or extend your rental period removes a significant source of stress during the unexpected.
Extra Tips for a Smooth Renovation
- Check your timelines: Overruns happen. Make sure your storage plan allows for flexibility.
- Keep a home inventory: Knowing what you’ve stored and where saves a ton of hassle later.
- Speak to your contractors: Ask if there are areas you can reclaim sooner or items you’ll need to bring back in stages.
- Use vertical space: Stack boxes safely to maximise room without damaging contents.
- Set calendar reminders: Keep track of your storage renewal dates and project milestones.
A little planning goes a long way in making the renovation experience smoother and more manageable.
Why Newbury Self Store Is Perfect for Renovations
When it comes to renovation-friendly storage, Newbury Self Store makes things easy. Clean, secure, and local, with a team that genuinely cares about helping you through the madness of home upgrades.
Whether you’re revamping a single room or gutting the whole place, they’ve got a solution to fit your life (and your stuff). If you’re unsure where to start, their expert team can help you assess your storage options for renovation, so you find exactly what fits.
Need help figuring out which unit works best? The team’s just a click away; reach out via the Contact page for advice or availability.
You’re not alone in the renovation process; a trusted local storage provider can be one of the most helpful tools in your toolkit.
Let the Dust Fly, Not Your Sanity
Renovating your home doesn’t have to mean living in clutter or risking damage to your favourite things. With a solid plan and the proper storage support, you can sail through the process a little more smoothly, and maybe even enjoy it (well, parts of it).
Give yourself the gift of space, simplicity, and a little breathing room. Your future, beautifully renovated home will thank you for it.
Ready to clear the way? Start your renovation journey with secure, flexible storage from Newbury Self Store.