5 minute read — Sometimes the dates do not line up. You need to leave one property before you can move into the next. Storage is the solution — here is everything you need to know.
Moving house rarely goes perfectly to plan. One of the most common complications is a gap between leaving your old property and being able to move into the new one. Whether it is a delayed completion, a chain that falls through and is rebuilt, or simply a mismatch in tenancy dates, you may find yourself needing somewhere to put your belongings for days, weeks, or months.
This is where storage comes in. Used correctly it takes a stressful situation and makes it manageable. This guide covers everything you need to know about using storage when moving house in Crawley, Horsham, Brighton, and the surrounding West Sussex and Surrey area.
There are several common situations where storage is the right solution:
Gap between properties — you are leaving your current home before your new one is ready. This is the most common reason. Rather than cramming everything into temporary accommodation or a relative's spare room, storage lets you move out cleanly and move in when the time is right.
Downsizing — you are moving to a smaller property and have more furniture than your new home can accommodate. Storage gives you time to decide what to keep, sell, or donate without the pressure of deciding everything on move day.
Renovation — your new property needs work before it is habitable and you cannot move in immediately. Storage keeps your belongings safe and accessible while the work is done.
Renting while you search — you have sold but not yet found your next purchase. You move into a rental property with just what you need and store the rest until you are ready to move again.
International move — you are moving abroad and cannot take everything with you. Storage keeps your belongings in the UK until you are settled or until you decide what to ship.
You hire a unit at a storage facility and have direct access to it yourself. You load and unload it, you can access it during opening hours, and you pay a monthly rental fee based on the size of the unit. This is the most flexible option and the most widely available. There are self storage facilities in and around Crawley, Horsham, and Brighton.
A storage company delivers a container to your property, you load it, and they collect and store it at their facility. You typically cannot access it while it is in storage but it can be delivered back to you when you are ready. This is often cheaper than self storage for longer periods.
Many removal companies offer storage as part of their service. They load your belongings into their vehicle, take them to their storage facility, and deliver them to your new property when you are ready. This is the most convenient option if you are already using a removal company as it eliminates the need to handle your belongings twice.
Storage costs vary depending on the type, size, location, and duration. As a rough guide in West Sussex and Surrey:
| Storage type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Small self storage unit (25 sq ft) | £30 to £60 per month |
| Medium self storage unit (50 sq ft) | £60 to £120 per month |
| Large self storage unit (100 sq ft) | £120 to £200 per month |
| Container storage | £50 to £100 per month |
| Removal company storage | £80 to £150 per month plus collection and delivery |
Prices vary considerably between providers so it is worth getting quotes from at least two or three before committing. Many providers offer the first month free or discounted as an introductory offer.
Security — look for CCTV, individual unit alarms, secure perimeter fencing, and on-site staff. Ask specifically about the security measures in place before signing up.
Access hours — check when you can access your unit. Some facilities offer 24 hour access, others have restricted hours. If you need to retrieve items at short notice restricted hours can be frustrating.
Insurance — check whether your belongings are covered while in storage. Some facilities include basic insurance in the rental price, others require you to arrange your own. Check that the cover is adequate for the value of what you are storing.
Contract flexibility — can you increase or decrease the size of your unit if your needs change? Is there a minimum rental period? Can you leave with reasonable notice if your move completes sooner than expected?
Location — how easy is it to get to? If you need to access your belongings regularly during the storage period, a facility close to either your old or new home makes practical sense.
Label everything clearly — if there is any chance you will need to retrieve specific items during the storage period, label boxes clearly and keep a list of what is in each one. Searching through unlabelled boxes in a storage unit is frustrating and time consuming.
Wrap and protect furniture properly — storage environments can be dusty and temperature can fluctuate. Use blankets, bubble wrap, and furniture covers to protect upholstered and wooden items. Stand mattresses on their sides rather than laying them flat.
Do not store valuables — keep jewellery, important documents, and irreplaceable items at home or in a safe deposit box rather than in storage.
Consider climate controlled storage for sensitive items — if you are storing antiques, artwork, musical instruments, or electronics, look for a climate controlled unit which maintains a consistent temperature and humidity level.
Many removal companies covering Crawley, Horsham, Brighton, and the surrounding area offer combined removal and storage services. This is often the most convenient arrangement as your belongings are handled by the same team throughout the process.
When you request quotes through UK Move Quotes, mention that you need storage as well as removal. The quote form has a notes field where you can provide details about your storage requirements. This allows removal companies to quote for the complete service rather than just the move itself.
If you need removal quotes in Crawley, removal quotes in Horsham, or removal quotes in Brighton, fill in the form and local companies covering storage and removals will be in touch within 24 hours.
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