Storage When Moving House: Short-Term vs Long-Term Options Explained

Moving house sounds simple on paper: pack up, load the van, head to your new place, unload, and you’re done. In reality? It's rarely that neat. Completion dates don’t always line up, renovations run over, and sometimes you just need space to breathe before everything gets unpacked.

That’s usually the point people ask themselves: “What do we do with all our stuff in the meantime?”

The answer, more often than not, is storage. Whether you need it for a couple of weeks or for several months, having somewhere secure for your belongings can take a huge weight off your shoulders. The big question is: do you go for short-term or long-term storage? Let’s break it down.

Why Storage Can Make Moving Easier

If you’ve ever moved house, you’ll know that timing rarely works out perfectly. You might be asked to move out before your new place is ready, or you might want to get a fresh lick of paint on the walls before shifting in wardrobes and sofas.

Without storage, you’re stuck. Either you cram belongings into every corner of a relative’s house, or you live surrounded by boxes until you can get properly settled. Neither option is ideal.

Storage gives you that all-important breathing space. Instead of stressing about moving everything in one day, you can relax knowing your belongings are safe, out of the way, and ready for when you actually need them.

Short-Term Storage: A Temporary Home for Your Belongings

Short-term storage is the quick fix most people turn to during a move. Think of it as a safe pit stop for your furniture and boxes while the rest of the move catches up.

Let’s say you’re moving out on the 1st, but the keys to your new place won’t be ready until the 15th. Or maybe you’ve planned ahead and want to decorate a couple of rooms before carrying all your belongings in. In both cases, short-term storage is the perfect solution.

It means you don’t have to pile everything into your new home the moment you get the keys. You can take your time, focus on settling in, and bring things in gradually. For a lot of people, that flexibility makes moving far less stressful.

Long-Term Storage: When You Need More Time

Short-term storage works well when you’re between homes or waiting a couple of weeks. But sometimes life calls for a longer break. That’s where long-term storage comes in.

You might be heading overseas for work and need to leave your furniture behind until you’re back. Or maybe you’ve decided to rent out your property but don’t want to sell the pieces you’ll need later. Some people use it while they renovate, so they don’t have to shuffle heavy items around builders. Others are downsizing and need time to figure out what stays and what goes.

The best thing about long-term storage is the headspace it gives you. Once your belongings are packed away, you can forget about them for a while and get on with whatever’s next, knowing they’ll be right there waiting when you need them again.

Choosing Between Short-Term and Long-Term

So how do you know which one’s right for you? It usually comes down to how much time you think you’ll need.

If you’re only dealing with a small gap, maybe a couple of weeks between moving out and moving in, short-term storage will do the job nicely. It keeps everything safe without you needing to commit to anything long-term.

If you can already see it’s going to stretch into months, long-term storage is often the smarter choice. Not only does it suit the situation better, but it can also be more cost-effective, since many companies adjust pricing for longer stays.

Of course, plans can change. What starts out as short-term sometimes ends up running longer - and that’s fine too. The point is having an option that fits around your move, rather than the other way round.

Making Storage Work for Your Move

The beauty of storage when moving house is that it gives you control over a process that can otherwise feel chaotic. Instead of juggling dates or trying to cram everything into one weekend, you’ve got a safety net.

You can move in stages, settle into your new place gradually, or press pause until life catches up with your plans. For many people, that flexibility is worth more than anything.

And the best part? Once you’ve got storage sorted, the rest of the move feels a lot less daunting.

Storage Solutions with Stephens Removals

At Stephens Removals, we’ve been helping families move home since 1962, and storage has become a big part of that. Our secure Bedford facility offers both short-term and long-term containerised storage, giving you peace of mind whether you need your belongings tucked away for a few weeks or for much longer.

If you’re moving and think storage could make the process easier, give us a call on 01582 572967 or request a free quote online. We’ll keep everything safe until you’re ready for it again.

FAQs About Storage When Moving House

Can I get to my things while they’re in storage?
With containerised storage, your items are sealed and kept safe until you’re ready for them. If you’ll need access in between, it’s best to mention that up front.

How much does storage cost?
It depends on how much you’re storing and for how long. A few boxes for a couple of weeks will cost less than a whole house for months. The simplest way is to get a tailored quote.

Do I need storage if I’m only moving locally?
It can still help. Even short-distance moves get messy if the dates don’t match or you’re decorating before moving in. Storage gives you flexibility no matter the distance.

What can I put into storage?
Pretty much all your household items - furniture, boxes, and equipment. Just avoid perishables or anything unsafe.