Store furniture during a move: How to bridge the gap between homes
Moving out and moving in on different days? Learn how to store your furniture safely, find the right storage solution and bridge the gap between homes with less stress.
Sometimes, the timing simply does not work out when you move: your old tenancy agreement ends, but the new one does not begin until later. Or your moving date is approaching while your new home is still being renovated, painted or fitted with new flooring. This quickly raises an important question: Where can you keep your sofa, bed, wardrobes and moving boxes until everything is ready?
In this guide, you will learn when it makes sense to place furniture in temporary storage during a move, which alternatives are available and how to plan the transport, storage unit and move into your new home with as little stress as possible.
Storing furniture during a move: When does it make sense?
Temporary furniture storage makes sense when there is a gap between moving out and moving into your new home. This can happen, for example, when your old tenancy agreement ends before the new one begins or when your new home is not yet ready on moving day. Temporary storage helps you bridge this gap without having to leave your furniture in a cellar, garage or at a friend’s home. Everything remains together in one place, dry and accessible.
Temporary storage is particularly useful when:
- moving out and moving in do not take place on the same day
- you need to coordinate several moving dates
- furniture or boxes temporarily need to be kept out of the way
- you are renovating or painting before moving in
Renting a temporary storage unit can therefore provide exactly the flexible bridge you need when your moving dates do not align.
Moving out before moving in: What can you do when your tenancy agreements do not align?
If your old tenancy agreement ends before the new one begins, you first need a clear interim plan. Determine how long the gap will last and which furniture, boxes or appliances cannot yet be taken to your new home.
A practical order is:
- Confirm your moving-out date and the handover of your old home.
- Confirm the moving-in date and key handover for your new home.
- Check which pieces of furniture genuinely need to be placed in temporary storage.
- Plan the transport for moving out, taking everything into storage and moving into your new home later.
- Choose a storage unit that allows you to access important boxes when necessary.
When everything is stored in one place, you do not have to distribute your furniture across several cellars, garages or homes. This reduces coordination, additional journeys and stress on moving day. For gaps between moving dates, Zebrabox offers suitable solutions for storing your belongings during a move.
Tip: The Swiss authorities’ information portal provides a practical moving checklist to help you plan your move. The Swiss authorities’ information portal provides a practical moving checklist to help you plan your move.
Temporary storage solutions during a renovation
Temporary furniture storage can also be useful during a renovation. When walls are being painted, surfaces sanded, holes drilled or new flooring installed, sofas, wardrobes and boxes can quickly get in the way and may be damaged. A storage unit creates space for tradespeople, materials and renovation work inside your home. At the same time, it protects your furniture from dust, paint, moisture and scratches.
Temporary storage during a renovation is particularly useful when:
- several rooms are being renovated at the same time
- flooring or painting work is planned
- large pieces of furniture cannot be covered securely
- you want to protect delicate furniture, artwork or electronic devices
- the renovation takes longer than expected
This means you do not have to keep moving your furniture from one room to another, and you have more space to work during the renovation.
Storing furniture instead of using a temporary makeshift solution: Which option is better?
A simple temporary solution may be sufficient for a few sturdy boxes. However, when you need to store a sofa, bed, wardrobes, delicate materials or belongings for several weeks, leaving them in a makeshift location can quickly become impractical. A storage unit is particularly useful when you want to keep everything together in a central, dry and secure location. Access is also easier because you do not have to coordinate several different locations.
If your main priority is storing furniture, professional furniture storage may be more suitable than distributing your belongings across several cellars or garages.
How much does it cost to store furniture during a move?
The cost mainly depends on the location, rental period and size of the storage unit. Facilities, access options and additional transport services can also affect the price.
The main price factors are:
- location of the storage unit
- duration of the temporary storage period
- required storage space
- security and access options
- transport, packaging materials and other additional services
Tip: Before requesting a quote, make a rough list of what genuinely needs to go into storage and how long you will need the storage unit. This will make it easier to compare offers and avoid unnecessary costs.
What size storage unit do you need for furniture and boxes?
The right storage unit size depends on what you want to store temporarily. A small storage unit is often enough for a few moving boxes. If you also need to store a sofa, bed, wardrobes or the contents of an entire home, you will require more space.
The following overview can help you estimate your space requirements:
Allow additional space for walkways and access. If you need to retrieve certain boxes during the gap between homes, they should not be placed at the very back or underneath heavy furniture.
Preparing furniture correctly: How to protect it during temporary storage
Before placing furniture in storage, make sure that it is clean, dry and ready for transport. This helps prevent scratches, pressure marks and moisture damage during the storage period.
The most important steps are:
- clean furniture and allow it to dry completely
- empty and secure drawers and doors
- protect delicate surfaces with blankets or bubble wrap
- keep screws, handles and small parts in labelled bags
- do not place heavy furniture on delicate edges
- label boxes clearly, especially if you may need to retrieve something later
- do not place essential items such as documents, medication or charging cables in storage
For longer storage periods, avoid stacking furniture too closely together. This keeps everything more accessible and reduces the pressure placed on delicate items.
Checklist: How to plan temporary storage, transport and moving in without stress
Use the following points to plan your move:
- Confirm the dates: Finalise the moving-out date, property handover, moving-in date and key handover.
- Estimate the storage period: How many days or weeks will your furniture and boxes need to remain in temporary storage?
- Select the furniture: Decide what will go directly to your new home and what will go into storage.
- Rent a storage unit: Check the size, location, access conditions and rental period.
- Plan the transport: Decide whether you will move everything yourself or hire a moving company.
- Organise packing materials: Prepare boxes, blankets, protective film, adhesive tape and labels.
- Label the boxes: Clearly mark important items and keep them easily accessible.
- Prepare for moving in: Plan the order so that large pieces of furniture can be placed in their final positions first.
- Allow extra time: When renovations, property handovers or appointments with tradespeople are involved, include some additional time in your schedule.
One final point: A gap between moving dates can be frustrating, but it is manageable with the right planning. When your furniture and boxes are stored safely, you can organise moving out, renovation work and moving into your new home much more calmly.