3 July 2026 | 6 minute read
Not every house move goes from A to B in a straight line. Sometimes there is a gap between leaving one property and moving into the next — and that is where storage comes in. This guide explains when you might need storage during a move, what it costs, and how to find removal companies in Crawley and West Sussex that handle both the move and the storage together.
The most common reason people need storage during a move is a gap between completion dates. If you are selling a property and buying one at the same time, the two completions do not always happen on the same day. If you complete on the sale before you complete on the purchase you need somewhere to put your belongings in the meantime.
Other common situations where storage becomes necessary:
Chain collapse — if the chain above or below you falls through at short notice you may need to vacate your property quickly with nowhere to go immediately. Storage buys you time while you regroup.
New build delays — new build completion dates regularly slip by weeks or months. If you have already sold and your new build is not ready you need storage.
Downsizing — if you are moving to a smaller property you may want to put some furniture into storage while you decide what to keep and what to sell or donate.
Renovation — if you are moving into a property that needs work done before you can fully move in, storage keeps your belongings safe and out of the way while the work is completed.
International moves — if you are moving abroad and your new home is not ready to receive your belongings, storage at the UK end or in the destination country bridges the gap.
Removal company storage — many removal companies have their own storage facilities or work with local storage partners. This is often the most convenient option as your belongings are packed and moved into storage by the same team who will eventually deliver them to your new home. You do not pay for a second move.
Self storage units — facilities like Safestore, Big Yellow, and Access Self Storage have branches across Surrey and West Sussex. You rent a unit by the week or month and access your belongings whenever you need them. Good for longer term storage where you need regular access.
Container storage — a storage container is delivered to your property, you load it yourself, and it is collected and stored at a secure facility until you need it. Often cheaper than self storage for larger volumes over a longer period.
Portable storage pods — similar to container storage but smaller and more flexible. Companies like Big Yellow and Lok'nStore offer pods that sit on your driveway while you load them.
Storage costs vary considerably depending on the type, the volume of belongings, the location, and the duration. As a rough guide:
Removal company storage — typically charged per week based on the volume stored. For a two to three bedroom house expect to pay between £40 and £80 per week. This usually includes insurance for your belongings while in storage.
Self storage units — prices vary by location and unit size. In Surrey and West Sussex a unit large enough for a two bedroom flat typically costs between £100 and £200 per month. Units near Crawley, Horsham, and Brighton tend to be competitively priced.
Container storage — typically cheaper for larger volumes over longer periods. A 20 foot container storing the contents of a three to four bedroom house might cost between £150 and £300 per month depending on the provider and location.
Most people who need storage during a house move only need it for a relatively short period — typically two to eight weeks while completion dates are sorted out. For new build delays or renovation projects storage periods of three to six months are more common.
It is worth asking any removal company you get quotes from whether they offer storage, what the minimum period is, and whether the same team handles both the initial move into storage and the final delivery to your new home.
Not all removal companies offer storage as part of their service. When you request quotes through UK Move Quotes mention in the additional notes field that you may need storage — this helps us match you with companies who can handle the full end-to-end process.
If you are moving in Crawley, Horsham, Brighton, or the surrounding West Sussex area and need both removal and storage, get free quotes here and mention your storage requirement in the notes. Local companies will come back to you with options for both.
Label everything clearly before it goes into storage, particularly if you will need to access specific items before the full delivery. Create an inventory of what goes into storage so you know exactly what is there.
Check what insurance is included in the storage price. Most facilities include basic cover but valuable items like antiques, jewellery, or electronics may need additional cover.
If you are using self storage ask about access hours before you commit. Some facilities have restricted hours which can be inconvenient if you need to collect something urgently.
Get the storage period confirmed in writing before you commit to anything. Be realistic about how long you might need it — it is better to book for longer and not need it than to find yourself scrambling for more time.
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