Moving and renovating both mean your belongings need a safe place for a while. Self-storage gives you that place, for exactly as long as your project lasts. This guide shows when it helps, how to plan and how to pack.
Self-storage bridges the gap between two homes and keeps furniture out of the way during a renovation.
Book from the day you need the space and end the contract when you're settled.
Plan the size: a one-bedroom home needs about 8–10 m², a two-bedroom home about 11–13 m².
Pack by room, label every box and take large furniture apart.
How can self-storage help when you're moving?
A move rarely goes exactly to plan. Self-storage gives you breathing room:
Your new home isn't ready when the old one is sold.
You are downsizing and don't want to sell everything.
You are moving to a smaller place, or abroad for a while.
You want to move in stages instead of in one day.
How can self-storage help during a renovation?
Dust and building work are hard on furniture. Moving it out before the work starts has clear benefits:
Furniture stays clean and undamaged.
Builders get free access to every room.
You can renovate room by room without living around boxes.
How long do people store when moving or renovating?
It varies from a few weeks to several months. The minimum rental period is one month, and after that you can continue for as long as you need. Final rental terms for Portugal will be confirmed before opening.
Declutter: sell, donate or throw away what you no longer need.
Order moving boxes and packing materials.
Pack room by room and label every box.
Take large furniture apart and protect it with covers.
Load heavy items first and keep a small walkway.
Keep a list of what is in the unit.
Timeline: when to do what
Four weeks before: book your unit, order boxes and start decluttering.
Two weeks before: pack the rooms you don't use daily and label everything.
One week before: take large furniture apart and arrange transport.
Moving day: load heavy items first and take a photo of the layout.
After the move: keep the unit as long as you need, then empty it and end the contract.
How to keep storage affordable during a move
Choose the smallest unit that fits, with 10 to 20% spare.
Declutter before you store: sell, donate or recycle.
Book from the day you need the space, not earlier.
End the contract on time, following the notice period.
Packing tips
Pack heavy items in small boxes and light items in larger ones.
Fill empty spaces in boxes so they don't collapse when stacked.
Wrap fragile items and mark those boxes clearly.
Use mattress covers and sheets to protect furniture from dust.
Keep the items you'll need most near the door.
What should you store first?
Start with items you won't need for a while: seasonal items, out-of-season clothes, books, decorations and spare furniture. Keep daily essentials at home until the last moment.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book?
Book when you know your dates. Online booking lets you choose your start date, and availability depends on the location and unit size.
Can I buy packing materials and moving boxes?
Yes. At Storo you can order moving boxes and packing materials online during the booking process, and have them placed in your unit.
Is it safe to store furniture in a unit?
Yes, when you pack and protect it well. Use covers, keep furniture off the floor where possible and avoid storing damp items. The facility is access-controlled and monitored.
What if my renovation takes longer than planned?
You can keep the unit for as long as you need. Rent is charged per rental period, and you can end the contract following the notice period.