So, you’re taking the plunge! Dust sheets are out, paint swatches are everywhere, and the kettle is permanently on for those much-needed builder chats. Home renovation is exciting, transformative, and let’s be honest, a little bit chaotic. Whether you’re dreaming of a sleek new kitchen, an extra bedroom, or a complete overhaul, you’re about to embark on a journey that promises beautiful results, and a temporary period of living in what feels like a building site!
One of the biggest headaches during a renovation is figuring out what to do with all your stuff. Your precious furniture, sentimental heirlooms, and even the everyday essentials can quickly become obstacles, gather dust, or worse, get damaged. This is where the unsung hero of home improvement steps in: self storage!
Declutter Your Way to a Smoother Renovation
Renovations are booming in the UK, but they can turn your home upside down. More than half of homeowners tackled upgrades in 2024, according to homebuilding.co.uk.
Imagine painters taping off your TV and sanding dust on your sofa. Suddenly that renovation you were excited about feels like a juggling act with hammers and porcelain vases. That’s where self-storage steps in.
In fact, people in the UK who are renovating are three times more likely to rent a storage unit, according to top-removals.co.uk. In other words, using storage during a remodel isn’t just a luxury – it’s practically a rite of passage for DIY-ers these days.
Imagine your builders arrive, ready to knock down that wall, and there’s a clear path. No tripping over antique lamps, no carefully moving stacks of books out of harm’s way. Sounds like a dream, right? That’s the power of self storage. By moving non-essential items into a secure unit, you instantly create more space for your renovation team to work efficiently and safely. This can actually speed up the process, and who doesn’t want their home back sooner?
Protection from the Renovation Zone
Let’s face it, renovations are messy. There’s dust, so much dust, paint splatters, accidental bumps, and the general wear and tear that comes with a busy building site. Leaving your beloved sofa or dining table exposed is just asking for trouble. Self storage offers a clean, dry, and secure environment, safeguarding your belongings from potential damage, dirt, and even theft during your renovation. Think of it as a protective cocoon for your prized possessions.
Through-out our UK self-storage sites we have worked extensively with kitchen suppliers and customers. Sometimes you’re new kitchen is ready before you are. Booking a Blue Bear storage unit means your kitchen can be dropped off at one of our storage facilities. You book the unit and share you access code with the delivery team and they can store you’re kitchen safely until for home is ready for it to be installed. Simply pick it up when you’re ready for the installation.
Essential Tips for Using Self Storage During Your Renovation
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Plan your pack-out: Before the builders arrive, decide what stays and what goes. Pack room by room. Keep daily essentials at home or in an “active” room, and move everything else into storage ahead of time.
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Label everything: Use markers or labels on boxes so you know exactly what’s inside. Label by room or category (e.g. “Kitchen and Dishes” or “Upstairs and Clothes”) to avoid mystery unpacking.
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Protect fragile items: Wrap delicate belongings like glassware, mirrors, and artwork in bubble wrap, blankets or shrink wrap. Put heavy items on the bottom of stacks in your storage unit so they don’t crush lighter boxes.
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Disassemble bulky furniture: Beds, tables and shelves take up less space when taken apart. Keep screws and hardware in labelled bags taped to the furniture. This saves room (and backache!) when moving.
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Use suitcases and drawers: Don’t forget to utilize your luggage and dresser drawers. Suitcases can be filled with soft items and zipped shut, while dresser drawers packed with clothes or linens slide right into the unit for easy access.
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Take an inventory: Make a simple list or take photos of your packed belongings. This helps you keep track of what’s stored where (and speeds up insurance claims if the unlikely happens).
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Check access hours: Different facilities have different opening times. If you need early or late access, choose a storage provider (like Blue Bear Self Storage) that offers extended hours (Blue Bear is open 7 days a week, early to late).
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Pack an “open during renovation” box: Keep one box of essentials at home. Items like dishware, towels, some clothes, tools or first-aid. Things that you’ll still need while work is happening. This way you’re not digging through storage boxes for the tape measure or a coffee mug every day.
By following these tips, you’ll turn your storage unit into an organized extension of your home. No more chaos when it’s time to renovate the kitchen or bathroom!
The Clear-Out, The Calm, The Comeback
Imagine having a clear run at your home renovation. No need to constantly shift furniture or worry about your favourite armchair getting paint on it. You can focus on the exciting parts like choosing colours, picking fittings, and seeing your vision come to life. And when the work is done and the dust has settled, bringing your items back from storage will feel like a fresh start in your newly transformed home. It’s truly a seamless way to manage the chaos!
Nearly a third of the possessions in a typical UK home are unused, research has revealed. according to express.co.uk. While you might not be storing unused items during a renovation, it highlights how much stuff we accumulate, and how beneficial it is to have extra space when you need it most.
How Blue Bear Self Storage Can Help Your Renovation Run Smoothly
When it’s time to move your belongings out of harm’s way, Blue Bear Self Storage is ready to lend a paw. We have multiple UK locations (see the list further below), so there’s likely a site near your home. Each Blue Bear facility is designed for convenience during life’s big projects:
- Drive-up access: Pull your van right up to your storage unit door. No dragging boxes through halls, just load and unload from the parking spot outside your storage container.
- Secure and dry: All of our storage sites are fenced, gated and under 24/7 CCTV. Units are built from steel and are fully weatherproof and Grafotherm-treated to keep out rain, wind and protect from damp. Your stuff will stay as snug as a bug in a bear hug.
- Extended access: Access your unit 7 days a week (early mornings to late evenings). So if you suddenly need that paint roller on a Sunday evening, you won’t be locked out.
- Discounted Van Hire: We’re official partners of Enterprise and when you book a storage unit during a renovation you might need a van to move your items efficiently. You can save on van hire costs with our Enterprise van hire discount when you book.
- Low weekly rates: Blue Bear offers affordable prices, so you can store belongings for the duration of your renovation without breaking the bank.
- Customer support: Our friendly UK-based team can advise on unit size, packing tips, and anything else you need. We’ve helped hundreds of DIYers and renovators find the right storage solution. Check out our “excellent” Trustpilot reviews to see how our existing customers feel.
Think of Blue Bear as your renovation sidekick. We’re the space-saving pit crew that keeps your project rolling smoothly. With your items tucked away safely, you can focus on choosing tiles and paint, not worrying about scratches or spills. And when the work is done and you’re ready to pop everything back home, it’s a breeze. No unnecessary moves or damaged furniture.
In short, using self-storage during a remodel is smart and practical, and Blue Bear Self Storage makes it even easier with secure, convenient storage tailored for home projects. Let us help clear the clutter and protect your possessions while you bring your renovation vision to life!
Blue Bear Self Storage Locations
- Buckingham, Buckinghamshire – Secure units in the heart of Buckingham to serve the surrounding area.
- Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk – Two sites (Barton Road and Dettingen Way) offering easy-access storage in West Suffolk.
- Cheltenham, Gloucestershire – A brand new facility to serve Cheltenham and the Cotswolds area.
- Corby, Northamptonshire – Drive-up storage serving Corby and the wider Northamptonshire region.
- Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire – Conveniently located for Huntingdon and nearby towns in Cambridgeshire.
- Petersfield, Hampshire – Storage units ready to help customers across Petersfield and the South East Hampshire area.
- St Ives, Cambridgeshire – Serving St Ives and the greater Cambridgeshire community with our signature easy access units.
Whether you’re revamping a cottage or updating a flat, Blue Bear Self Storage is here to make your home renovation smoother and less stressful. Give us a call or visit our website to get a quick storage price and choose the perfect unit for your project!
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