If you’re moving house and you have a lot of stuff, storage units can seem like a great solution. You can pay to store what you can’t fit into your home, or clear out your house before you put it on the market. However, storage units are not a cheap solution – think carefully before you commit. 

In this blog, we look at the pros and cons of storage units and how to get the best value if you decide to rent one. 

Why might I need a storage unit when I’m moving house? 

There are a number of reasons why storage units are useful to people planning to move house. 

If you have hobbies that require equipment, your living space might feature a telescope, sewing machine, climbing ropes, musical instruments or other items. You probably see this equipment as either beautiful, useful, or both, but a potential buyer might see it as clutter. Before you put your house on the market, it might be a good idea to find a temporary home for some of these items – a storage unit can be a great solution. 

Sometimes, life demands that we move home in a hurry. If you don’t have time for a clear-out before you put your house on the market, renting a storage unit means you can just move your clutter out quickly and deal with it later. 

Some business owners have a lot of equipment that needs to be stored. Do your maths and see if it would be better value to rent a smaller property and storage unit separately, rather than trying to find a larger property that will accommodate both you and your business needs. 

Alternatively, you might be moving out of your home so you can travel, in which case you will need to store your possessions until you return. 

What are the disadvantages of storage units? 

The main problem with storage units is that they are a relatively expensive option. With this in mind, it’s important to ask yourself whether you really need what you put in storage, or if you should just give it away. 

How can I get the best value from a storage unit?

Before you store your stuff, establish what it is you’re trying to achieve. Is it a short-term solution while you market your house and move? Is it a necessity because you won’t have a home of your own for a while? Is it the right business decision? 

Once you’ve worked that out, it should be easier to put other limits in place. If it’s a temporary step, decide how long you will rent the storage unit for and stick to it. If it’s a long-term solution, you might be able to negotiate a better deal – do your maths and be prepared!

Above all, don’t take on a storage unit just because you can’t face sorting out your clutter. Summon up your strength and start giving away and throwing away. You might find you feel lighter and better prepared for the challenges of moving house!

Declutter before you move house

We always suggest decluttering and tidying up before you put your house on the market, and again before potential buyers come to view it. If you don’t know where to start, there are loads of decluttering resources online. Cobbles can also connect you with professional house doctors who can help you let go of unnecessary possessions and get your house ready to sell. Contact us today on 01483 457 000 to find out more.