Storage During Renovation: Where to Store Your Stuff When Renovating

Remodeling your home is an exciting venture, but it often comes with the challenge of storing your belongings during the process. Proper storage solutions are essential to ensure a smooth and organized renovation experience.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of storage during home remodeling and provide practical tips for each stage of the process. Whether you’re using warehouse storage, self-storage units, portable containers, or alternative options, Roadway Moving is here to help you with practical advice.

Assessing Your Storage Needs

Before you dive into your remodeling project, it’s vital to assess your storage requirements. Start by categorizing and prioritizing items that need to be stored. This process will help you determine the appropriate storage solutions for your belongings.

Temporary Storage Options During Home Renovation

When it comes to temporary storage during remodeling, you have several options to choose from:

1. Warehouse Storage

Pros:

High Security: Professional warehouse storage facilities typically offer advanced security measures, including surveillance cameras, access control systems, and on-site staff, ensuring the safety of your belongings.

Climate Control: Many warehouse storage facilities provide climate-controlled storage, protecting your items from temperature and humidity fluctuations.

Accessibility: You can access your belongings during the storage period, making it convenient if you need to retrieve specific items during the remodeling process.

Reliable Service: Reputable companies like Roadway Moving offer reliable and trusted storage solutions, backed by years of experience in the moving and storage industry.

Cons:

Cost: Warehouse storage can be more expensive than other temporary storage options due to the additional security and amenities provided. If you are interested in this option you may get a free storage quote.

Location: Depending on the facility’s location, it might be less convenient to access compared to self-storage units or containers delivered to your doorstep. However, many moving and storage companies, like Roadway Moving, offer full-service storage solutions, which means that we can pick up and move your items to storage and deliver them back once you need them again.

2. Renting a Self-Storage Unit

Pros:

Convenience: Self-storage units are often available in various sizes, giving you the flexibility to choose one that suits your storage needs.

Accessibility: You can access your items whenever you need them during the storage period, offering convenience during the renovation.

Range of Locations: Self-storage facilities are typically widespread, making it easier to find one near your home or the renovation site.

Cons:

Limited Climate Control: Not all self-storage units offer climate control, potentially exposing temperature-sensitive items to extreme conditions.

Security Varies: The level of security can vary between different self-storage facilities, so it’s essential to choose a reputable one with adequate security measures.

3. Portable Storage Containers

Pros:

Convenience and Flexibility: Portable storage containers are delivered to your doorstep, providing the flexibility to pack and load your items at your own pace.

Versatility: You can keep the container on-site if you need frequent access to your belongings during the renovation.

Transportation Included: The moving company typically handles transportation to and from the storage facility, saving you time and effort.

Cons:

Limited Space: Portable containers come in various sizes, and if you exceed the container’s capacity, you may need to rent additional units.

Exterior Exposure: If the container stays on-site, your belongings might be exposed to the elements, so careful packing and covering are necessary.

Accessibility Challenges: Once the container is loaded, it might be challenging to access specific items inside without unloading everything.

4. Spare Rooms

Pros:

Cost-Effective: Utilizing spare rooms within your home for storage is a budget-friendly option since you won’t incur additional rental fees.

Easy Access: You have immediate access to your belongings without leaving your property, making it convenient during the renovation.

Cons:

Limited Space: Spare rooms have limited storage capacity, which might not be sufficient for all your belongings.

Limited Renovation Space: Using a spare room for storage might reduce the available space for renovation-related tasks.

Security: The level of security for items stored in your home relies on your existing home security measures.

5. Storing Items at the Center of the Room Being Renovated

Pros:

Proximity: Storing items at the center of the room being renovated keeps them close to the space you are currently working on, allowing for easy access to necessary belongings.

Time-Saving: With belongings conveniently located nearby, you can quickly retrieve items needed during the renovation without having to travel to a separate storage area.

Reduced Disruption: Keeping items in the center of the room being renovated may reduce the need to move them multiple times, minimizing the potential for accidental damage.

Cons:

Space Limitations: Depending on the size of the room and the extent of the renovation, storing all your belongings at the center of the room might not be feasible, especially for larger items like furniture.

Safety Concerns: During the renovation, construction activities could pose a risk to stored items in the center of the room. Ensure that valuable or delicate items are adequately protected from potential damage.

Lack of Organization: Without proper planning and organization, items stored in the center of the room might become disorganized and hard to access, leading to frustration during the renovation process.

When considering this option, it’s crucial to assess the size and scope of the room being renovated and the nature of the items you intend to store. Small and non-fragile items may be more suitable for storage in the center of the room, while larger and delicate belongings might require alternative storage options. Proper organization and protection are essential to ensure that your items remain safe and accessible during the renovation.

6. Storing with Family or Friends

Pros:

Cost-Effective: Storing belongings with family or friends might come at no cost, saving you storage fees.

Trustworthy Environment: You can have peace of mind knowing your items are with people you trust.

Cons:

Limited Space: The available storage space at their location might be limited, restricting the number of items you can store.

Inconvenience: Retrieving items from another location may be inconvenient, especially if you need them frequently during the renovation.

By considering the pros and cons of each temporary storage option, you can make an informed decision based on your specific storage needs, budget, and convenience requirements. It’s essential to strike a balance between the benefits and drawbacks of each option to ensure a smooth and stress-free renovation process.

Choosing the Right Storage Facility

If you opt for a professional storage facility, it’s crucial to select the right one to meet your needs. Consider the following factors:

• Location: Choose a facility that is conveniently located, ensuring easy access to your belongings during the renovation.
• Security Measures: Look for facilities with robust security measures such as surveillance cameras, access control systems, and on-site staff.
• Climate Control: Climate-controlled storage is essential for protecting sensitive items from temperature and humidity fluctuations. At Roadway Moving we offer climate-controlled storage in cities like NYC, Philadelphia, Miami, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
• Pricing: Compare prices and find a storage facility that fits your budget without compromising on security and convenience.

Don’t forget to read reviews and check references to ensure you choose a reliable service. When it comes to Roadway Moving, we are in the moving and storage business since 2008 and have thousands of five star reviews on Google, Yelp and other platforms.

Packing and Organizing for Storage

Proper packing and organizing for storage are essential to ensure your belongings remain safe and easily accessible during the remodeling process. Here are some practical tips to maximize space and protect your items:

1. Select Sturdy Boxes and Packing Materials: Invest in high-quality moving boxes that can withstand the weight of your items. Avoid using damaged or old boxes as they may compromise the integrity of your belongings. Use packing materials like bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and foam inserts to provide extra protection for fragile items.
2. Label Boxes Clearly: Label each box with its contents and the room it came from. This simple step will save you time and effort when you need to find specific items later. Consider color-coding the labels to quickly identify which room the box belongs to.
3. Create an Inventory List: Make a detailed inventory of all the items you’re storing. This list will help you keep track of your belongings and assist you during the unpacking process once the renovation is complete.
4. Disassemble Furniture: To save space, disassemble large furniture items when possible. Keep all screws, bolts, and hardware in clearly labeled bags and tape them securely to the furniture pieces they belong to. This way, you won’t have to search for them later.
5. Protect Furniture with Covers: Use furniture covers or blankets to shield larger furniture pieces from dust, scratches, and potential damage during storage.
6. Utilize Vertical Space: When storing items in a storage unit or spare room, make use of vertical space. Stack boxes from floor to ceiling, with heavier and sturdier boxes at the bottom and lighter ones on top. Leave a small aisle in the middle for easy access to all areas.
7. Create an Organized Layout: Plan your storage layout strategically. Keep items you may need during the renovation at the front for easy access. Group similar items together to make finding specific belongings more efficient.
8. Keep Frequently Used Items Accessible: If you have multiple storage areas, keep frequently used items within reach. For example, store kitchen essentials or bathroom supplies closer to the entrance of the storage unit or room.
9. Protect Delicate Items Properly: Use bubble wrap or packing paper to individually wrap delicate and breakable items. Pack them tightly in boxes with soft filler materials to prevent shifting during transport.
10. Fill Empty Spaces: To prevent items from shifting and potentially breaking, fill any gaps or voids in boxes with packing materials. This will add stability and cushioning during transportation.
11. Consider Climate Control: If using a storage unit, opt for climate-controlled storage if you are storing temperature-sensitive items. This will help protect belongings from extreme temperatures and humidity.
12. Keep a Layout Diagram: For larger storage areas, create a simple diagram of where items are placed. This will help you locate specific belongings without having to dig through the entire storage space.

By following these practical tips, you can ensure your belongings are well-protected and efficiently stored during the remodeling process. A well-organized storage plan will save you time and reduce stress when it’s time to retrieve your items after the renovation is complete. Remember to always pack with care and label everything clearly to make the storage experience hassle-free.

Furniture and Fragile Item Storage

During storage, furniture and fragile items require extra care. Follow these tips to ensure their protection:

1. Furniture Covers: Use covers to shield furniture from dust and scratches.
2. Protective Materials: Utilize proper padding and cushioning for fragile items like artwork and glassware.
3. Securing Valuables: During the renovation, it’s crucial to secure your valuables and important documents. Consider these options:
4. Secure Storage: Utilize lockable boxes or safes for your valuable items.
5. Trusted Family or Friends: Entrust your valuables to people you trust if they have space for storage.

Managing the Moving Process

Efficiently moving items into and out of storage is essential for a smooth renovation experience. Roadway Moving offers full-service storage, meaning we can handle everything from packing to delivery.

Also, if you decided to store your items within your home, it is good to know that many moving companies like ours offer “labor-only” moving service, meaning that movers can move your furniture and items within your home or building.

Conclusion

Remodeling your home is an exciting journey, and careful planning for storage needs is essential to protect your belongings. Assess your storage requirements, choose the appropriate storage option, and ensure proper packing and organization.

Roadway Moving is here to provide secure and reliable storage solutions, making your renovation experience seamless and worry-free. Plan ahead, take advantage of trusted storage services, and focus on creating your dream space with confidence.