How to use storage between house moves
Self storage gives you somewhere safe to keep your belongings when your moving dates do not line up, when you are selling before you buy, or when you want to declutter before your home goes on the market. Most people need storage between house moves for anything from a few days to a few months, and a 50 sq ft drive-up unit at Pickfords, enough for a one-bedroom flat, starts from £18 per week.
This 2027 guide explains when moving house storage helps, how much space you need, what it costs and how to plan each step so your move runs smoothly.
When do you need storage while moving house?
- Your completion dates do not match: if you have to leave your current home before your new one is ready, storage bridges the gap.
- Your chain breaks or is delayed: temporary storage keeps your belongings safe while you stay with family or in rented accommodation.
- You are selling before you buy: many sellers move into a smaller rental and store the rest of their furniture.
- You are preparing your home for sale: a clear, uncluttered home is easier to photograph and show to buyers.
- You are renovating your new home: store furniture until the building work is finished.
- You are downsizing: keep furniture and keepsakes while you decide what will fit in your new home.
How much space do you need?
| Home size | Typical unit size | Where available at Pickfords |
|---|
| A few rooms or boxes only | 15 to 25 sq ft | Cambridge, Norwich and York |
| Studio or one-bedroom flat | 50 sq ft | All 15 locations (drive-up) |
| Two to three bedroom home | 100 sq ft | Cambridge, Norwich and York |
| Three to four bedroom home | 160 to 165 sq ft container | Edinburgh, Horsham, London Wembley, Manchester and Tamworth |
| Large family home | 175 to 300 sq ft | Cambridge, Norwich and York |
For a full breakdown of what fits in each size, read our guide to self storage unit sizes.
Which type of storage suits a house move?
Container storage and traditional self storage are quick access options, ideal when you need to add or collect items often during your move. Drive-up self storage suits longer gaps between homes, as you can park at the door and load straight from your van. Compare the options in our guide to container storage vs traditional self storage.
How much does storage cost when moving house?
At Pickfords, prices start from £8.98 per week in York, £10.50 per week in Cambridge, £15 per week in Norwich and £18 per week for a 50 sq ft drive-up unit or container at most other locations. All prices include VAT with no hidden fees, and you only pay for as long as you need the space. Free collection is available for drive-up storage and containers in Edinburgh, Horsham and Manchester. See the full breakdown in our self storage costs guide.
How to plan storage for your move, step by step
- Book early. Reserve your unit as soon as you have a likely moving date, particularly in the busy spring and summer months.
- Decide what goes into storage. Keep essentials, documents and everyday items with you. Store furniture and boxes you will not need until you move in.
- Declutter first. Sell, donate or recycle anything you no longer need so you pay for less space. Our guide to decluttering with self storage can help.
- Pack for storage. Use strong boxes of the same size, label every box and take apart larger furniture. Read Ask Amanda: how to pack a self storage unit.
- Keep an inventory. A simple list of what is in each box saves time when you move in. See how to create a storage unit inventory.
- Check what cannot be stored. Perishable food, flammable items and anything living are not allowed. See the full list of things you should not put in a self storage unit.
- Arrange your final move. Plan your collection from storage for the day you get the keys to your new home.
Removals and storage together
If you are using a removals company, ask whether they can collect from your current home, store your belongings and deliver them to your new home when it is ready. Pickfords offers removals and storage together, which means one team handles your belongings from start to finish. Boxes and packing materials are available from the Pickfords Eco Box Shop.
Frequently asked questions
- How long can I keep my belongings in storage while moving house?
As long as you need. Pickfords offers flexible terms, so you can store for a few days, a few weeks or several months.
- What size storage unit do I need for a three-bedroom house?
A 160 to 165 sq ft container is usually enough for the contents of a three to four bedroom home.
- Can I access my unit during my move?
Most Pickfords facilities offer 24/7 access. Access arrangements can vary by location, so confirm the hours with your chosen facility.
- Is my furniture safe in storage between house moves?
Choose a secure facility to keep your belongings safe at all times, wrap furniture properly and make sure everything is clean and dry before it goes into storage. It is also advisable to have your belongings insured while in storage.
Plan your move with Pickfords
With 15 self storage locations across the UK and a long history of helping people move home, Pickfords can help you bridge the gap between homes. Explore our self storage options or contact Pickfords today to discuss your storage needs.