Sometimes there is a need to store your own furniture temporarily or even for a longer period of time. If you have to move into a smaller place as an interim solution, for example, because your new building is not yet finished and you have already given notice on your old apartment, you usually have no other option.
Where can I store furniture?
It is especially convenient if you have friends or acquaintances who have space in their basement or garage and can store your furniture there. In addition, in some cities there are offers to temporarily rent space in barns or basements. It is important to make sure storage areas are dry and protected from moisture to prevent damage to your belongings. Alternatively, rent a suitable box at a self-storage facility.
If you are planning to move, there is also the option of temporarily storing the furniture with the shipping company – delivery will then take place at the agreed time.
What should I look for when choosing furniture storage??
When deciding on the right furniture storage facility, you should consider several factors:
- Can you access the warehouse at any time or are there specific opening hours?
- Can you reach the warehouse easily?
- Are the storage rooms dry and clean?
- Is there an alarm system?
- Is there extra protection for fragile furniture??
- For what period can I rent the storage?
- What is the cost of storage??
- Will my belongings be insured while in storage?
Good to know: Generally, your household contents are covered for up to 3 months under your homeowner's policy if temporary storage is provided elsewhere. If you are planning for a longer period of time, you will need to arrange for separate insurance coverage. For an additional monthly fee, you can usually purchase insurance directly from the storage provider.
How much storage space is necessary?
Ideally, get advice from staff to determine the right storage space for your needs. You should first check whether the provider specifies the available space in square meters or cubic meters: the higher the ceiling, the greater the volume. For example, you can stack boxes up high to make the best use of space. It's important to consider ahead of time whether you want to disassemble your furniture and store it in pieces or store cabinets built up, for example. The latter then takes up correspondingly more space.
If you place upholstered furniture underneath, the space above should be kept as clear as possible. If you store boxes or other furnishings on top of the seating furniture, pressure marks or dents will form.
Tip: If you want to get certain things out of the storage room in between, you should leave an aisle free so that you can reach the stored items without having to move around.
Basically, you can count on one cubic meter of storage space per 10 square meters of living space. If you have an apartment of 80 square meters, so your storage room should measure at least 8 square meters. Of course, you need to look at what exactly you want to understudy and how you stack your items. If you want to store the belongings from a single-family home, you need at least 20 square meters of storage space.
Store furniture: what does it cost?
How much you have to pay for furniture storage depends on the area, duration and location. In major cities, where self-storage space is in high demand, prices are higher than in other regions. For example, in Berlin, for an area between 6 and 10 square meters, you pay about 140 to 200 euros per month. For a storage room with more than 10 square meters would cost 200 euros per month and more. Keep in mind that a short-term rental for a few days or weeks will charge a higher rent than a longer-term rental agreement.
Conclusion: Storing furniture – it's all about planning
If you want to store furniture, you should first check exactly what area you need for your items. For example, if you only want to store boxes of books, you can easily stack them up high – so a smaller storage space with a high ceiling is suitable. Compare the conditions of each provider and ask for advice from the staff on the appropriate size of your storage box. However, it does not always have to be a commercial self-storage box. Cellars or barns are also sometimes offered privately for the storage of furniture.