Moving house rarely goes exactly to plan.
Completion dates shift. Chains collapse. Renovations overrun. Downsizing means furniture no longer fits. Sometimes you simply need breathing space between selling and buying.
If you need storage while moving house, the best solution depends on how much you’re storing, how uncertain your moving dates are, how long you need the unit, and how easily you want to access your belongings.
Here’s how to choose the right option.
🔑 Quick answer
- For most house moves, the best option is usually a full-size 20ft drive-up container unit, because it:
- Fits the contents of a typical three-bedroom house (around 160 sq ft)
- Allows you to park directly outside for faster loading and unloading
- Works well for short-term or flexible month-to-month rental
- Avoids navigating corridors, lifts or multiple smaller rooms
This guide explains the options in more detail below.
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Storage Solutions While Moving House
The most common storage solutions for house moves are indoor self storage, drive-up container storage, removal company storage and temporary storage with friends or family. The right option depends on how much space you need, how often you need access, and whether your moving dates are fixed or likely to change.
| Storage Option | Best For | Things to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Drive-up container storage | Full house contents, furniture, appliances and flexible moving dates. | Access hours, security, insurance and monthly rental terms. |
| Indoor self storage | Smaller loads, delicate items or customers wanting indoor corridors. | Unit size, lift access, loading distance and price increases for larger rooms. |
| Removal company storage | Moves where the same company handles transport and storage. | Access restrictions, handling fees and how quickly you can retrieve items. |
| Temporary storage with family or friends | Small amounts of belongings for very short periods. | Security, insurance, space limits and inconvenience. |
For many domestic moves, drive-up container storage offers the best balance of space, access and flexibility because you can park directly outside the unit and rent on a month-to-month basis.
Common House Move Storage Scenarios
Before choosing a storage type, think about your situation.
1️⃣ Chain Delays
You’ve sold your home but your purchase is delayed. You need temporary storage for furniture while staying with family or renting short term.
You’ll likely need:
- Full-house storage
- Easy access
- Flexible month-to-month terms
2️⃣ Renovations Before Moving In
You’ve bought your new home but need to complete renovations before moving furniture in.
You’ll want:
- Secure storage
- Flexible access
- Enough space to store bulky items
3️⃣ Downsizing
When moving to a smaller property, not everything fits immediately.
Storage allows:
- Gradual decision-making
- Reduced clutter during transition
- Extra time to sell or donate items
Why Storage Reduces Moving Stress
One of the biggest pressures during a house move is timing. When sale and purchase dates don’t align perfectly, everything can feel rushed.
Having storage in place gives you breathing space. It allows you to move out on schedule, avoid cluttering temporary accommodation, and complete renovations without working around stacked furniture.
For many homeowners, storage isn’t just about space – it’s about control.
Indoor Self Storage vs Container Storage for House Moves
There are typically two main options.
Indoor Self Storage
Often located inside multi-storey buildings, with:
- Corridors
- Lifts
- Multiple unit sizes
These can be suitable for smaller quantities of items or delicate belongings.
However, loading furniture through corridors and lifts can be time-consuming – particularly during a full house move.
Drive-Up Container Storage
Drive-up storage units sit at ground level, allowing you to park directly outside the door.
For house moves, this means:
- Faster loading and unloading
- Fewer trips back and forth
- Easier handling of sofas, wardrobes and appliances
A standard 20ft container provides around 160 sq ft of space – typically enough for the contents of a three-bedroom house.
You can read more about how drive-up storage works here.
Looking for Storage Near You?
If you’re searching for storage near you in Lancashire, our Accrington site offers secure, drive-up container storage with clear pricing and easy access from across the region.
Storage Near Me
Temporary Storage While Moving House with Uncertain Dates
House moves often change at short notice. Solicitor delays, chain issues, survey problems and renovation work can all affect when you actually move in.
If your purchase timeline keeps changing, flexible temporary storage is usually safer than committing to a fixed end date. A rolling monthly unit means you can move belongings out of your old property, keep them secure, and collect them when your new home is ready.
This can be especially useful when you need to complete a sale, stay in temporary accommodation, or keep furniture out of the way while decorating or renovating.
How Long Do You Need Storage For?
House move storage is often short-term – but not always.
Some moves require:
- 1 month
- 2–3 months
- Longer periods during major renovations
Flexible month-to-month rental avoids being locked into long contracts if plans change.
Practical Tips When Storing During a Move
To make the process smoother:
- Label boxes clearly by room
- Keep essential items separate and accessible
- Place heavier furniture at the back of the unit
- Leave a narrow walkway if you may need access during storage
When using drive-up storage, direct vehicle access makes organising the unit far simpler compared to navigating lifts and corridors.
What Should You Look for in House Move Storage?
When comparing storage options in Accrington or nearby towns, consider:
- Unit size
- Access hours
- Security features
- Clear pricing
- Insurance requirements
- Ease of loading
For example, 24/7 access can be helpful if removal timings shift unexpectedly.
How Much Does Storage Cost During a House Move?
Costs vary depending on unit size and facility type.
Smaller indoor units may start at lower prices, but once you need space for full furniture contents, pricing often increases significantly.
A full 20ft container storage unit at Accrington Container Storage costs £150 per month including VAT, offering fixed pricing for larger moves.
If you’re comparing options, you can read our full guide on storage costs in Accrington.
Is Container Storage Secure for House Moves?
Security is understandably a priority during a move.
Modern container storage facilities typically include:
- Gated access
- CCTV monitoring
- Fencing
- Secure locks
You may also wish to arrange insurance for your stored goods, especially during longer moves.
Many homeowners relocating from villages across the Ribble Valley use our Accrington facility during property transitions, particularly when downsizing or renovating before moving in. If you’re planning a move in that area, you can view our container storage serving Ribble Valley page for travel details and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Storage for House Moves
If you’re moving house, small uncertainties can quickly become big worries. These are some of the most common questions people ask when deciding whether to use storage during a move.
What size storage unit do I need for a three-bedroom house?
A 20ft container (around 160 sq ft) is typically sufficient for the contents of a standard three-bedroom property, depending on volume.
Is short-term storage expensive?
Short-term storage pricing varies. Month-to-month rental offers flexibility without long-term commitment.
Can I access my belongings during the move?
Most facilities allow access during opening hours. Some, including drive-up container sites, offer 24/7 access.
Do removal companies deliver directly to storage units?
Yes, most removal companies can unload directly into a container storage unit – particularly when vehicle access is straightforward.
Is storage useful if my completion dates don’t line up?
Yes. Many homeowners use short-term storage when selling and buying dates don’t match, allowing them to move out without delaying the chain.
What are the best moving house storage solutions?
The best moving house storage solutions usually include drive-up container storage, indoor self storage, removal company storage or temporary storage with family. For full house moves, drive-up container storage is often practical because it offers space, direct vehicle access and flexible rental.
Is short-term storage suitable when moving house?
Yes. Short-term storage is often ideal during a house move, especially if completion dates do not line up, renovations overrun or you need temporary space between properties.
How do I compare storage places for household moves?
Compare storage places by checking unit size, access hours, loading convenience, security, insurance requirements, minimum rental period and total monthly cost. For house moves, easy loading and flexible terms are especially important.
What is the best temporary storage option for moving houses?
For many households, the best temporary storage option is a full-size drive-up container unit because it can hold bulky furniture, allows direct vehicle access and can usually be rented monthly while moving dates remain uncertain.
Choosing the Right Storage for Your Move
The best storage option during a house move is one that:
- Fits the full contents of your property
- Offers flexible terms
- Provides easy access
- Keeps pricing transparent
- Gives you confidence about security
Moving house is stressful enough. Storage should reduce pressure – not add to it.