Where to store furniture during a move?
When you're moving, it's not always possible to load the truck, transport and move in all on the same day. Storing furniture and boxes is sometimes the only solution. This is particularly the case if you're moving internationally, or if you're moving into a smaller home. In such cases, there are a number of storage solutions available to help you keep your belongings for a longer or shorter term: self-storage, co-storage, furniture storage... What's the difference between these various services? How do you choose the right solution for your needs?
Furniture storage solutions
To store your furniture on a one-off or long-term basis, there are a number of different services available: co-storage, self-storage and furniture storage. These services do not all offer the same level of service, and are more or less secure depending on the formula. It's up to you to assess your needs and find the best solution for you.
Furniture storage
Furniture warehouses are dedicated spaces offered by professional movers. The services offered by furniture repositories tend to be top-of-the-range. They guarantee the best possible storage conditions for valuable furniture.
At Les Gentlemen, furniture is packaged in 8 m³ to 12 m³ wooden crates, sealed and ventilated. The frost-free premises are particularly suitable for storing valuable furniture and fragile items.
We can also offer you intermediate, more economical solutions, especially when the furniture storage period is very short.
Self-storage
Self-storage centers offer private storage spaces for rent. These units vary in size (from 2 to 50m2) and are freely accessible for as long as you wish (short or long term). You are then solely responsible for the storage and retrieval of your belongings, which you pack yourself.
The lockers are accessible on a self-service basis with an individual key or access code. With the exception of dangerous, flammable and toxic products, you can store all your personal belongings in them. The cost varies according to the location of the center, the size of the lockers and the rental period.
Co-storage
This solution allows you to rent storage space from a private individual who gives you part of their cellar, garage or attic. This collaborative economy storage solution is a cost-effective way to store your belongings. However, there's no guarantee that you'll benefit from the best conditions for storing your furniture and personal effects. Access to your personal belongings may also be restricted, since it depends on the presence of the occupants of the house.
How can you avoid having to pay to store your furniture?
If you're moving to a home that's smaller than what you had before, or if you're managing your move in several stages, you may need storage space to hold your furniture. When the situation is temporary, while you're waiting to move back into a larger living space, furniture storage is an interesting solution.
This may be the case if you're behind schedule with the construction of a new home, or if you're carrying out work on an older property. Renting an intermediate property at the end of a lease can also mean storing things until you move in for good.
If you don't know how long it's going to last, getting rid of certain personal effects before the move can be a much more economical solution than furniture storage. Over time, we often tend to keep personal belongings that turn out to be useless and take up space in our homes. Taking advantage of the move to sort through your belongings will save you a lot of handling and reduce moving costs.
To get rid of furniture that still has some value, think about donating or bartering, which can make many people happy. But it's important to plan ahead, and have enough time before the move.
How do you determine the size of your storage space?
As with renting a removal van, you need to estimate the space you'll need to store your furniture. If you hire a removal company, the professional will work with you to estimate the size of the storage unit you'll need.
But if you're storing your furniture in self-storage or with a private individual, you'll have to make the estimate yourself. Unlike moving trucks, whose size is expressed in volume (m3), storage units are rented according to their surface area (m2).
How much does furniture storage cost?
The prices charged for furniture storage depend on a number of criteria, including :
- the geographical location of the storage site ;
- surface area ;
- rental period ;
- the period during which the spaces are rented...
Prices vary greatly from one city to another, and even from one neighborhood to another within the same city. To get the best deal, don't hesitate to ask for quotes, indicating the length of time and period involved, the surface area required and any special requirements.
When comparing offers, you need to take into account all the criteria for assessing the level of security of the space: remote surveillance and guarding, burglar and fire alarm systems... If you need to store valuable furniture, don't neglect this aspect, at the risk of having to give up your personal belongings in the event of theft or fire.
Do you need furniture storage for your move? Don't hesitate to contact us for an estimate of the costs involved in moving and storing your belongings in furniture storage, whether on a one-off or long-term basis? Our advisors will work with you to estimate the space you'll need to change your life with peace of mind.