Surviving a home renovation?
Most homeowners daydream about that perfectly executed kitchen remodel or stress-free bathroom makeover. But there’s one monster-sized issue that 99% of people overlook until it’s too late…
Where in the world do you put all your stuff?
Planning where to store your belongings while renovating your home is more than an afterthought. It’s literally make or break for your sanity during a remodel.
On average the median spend on home renovations totaled $24,000, a whopping 60% increase over 2020, yet nearly all homeowners are totally unprepared for the storage chaos that comes with it.
In other words, without a coherent plan for storage for items when doing a home renovation you’re not going to make it through renovation without a major meltdown.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Why Storage Planning is Your Secret Weapon
- Smart Storage Solutions That Actually Work
- Creative Space-Saving Hacks
- The Best Professional Storage Options
Why Storage Planning is Your Secret Weapon
Storage during a home renovation isn’t just about “somewhere to put my junk” while the remodel happens. No. Storage for items when doing a home renovation is about protecting your investment AND your mental well-being.
You’re shelling out thousands on a dream renovation, but if your belongings get trashed by dust, debris, or construction workers during remodeling you just opened yourself up to even more costs.
And that’s before we even mention the sheer insanity of trying to live with zero peace and quiet and every surface covered in boxes and chaos for months at a time.
The thing most people don’t get is that professional contractors also need storage and workspace to get the best possible results. If your dining room table is wedged in the hallway and your couch is blocking the kitchen sink, everyone loses. Projects take longer, they cost more, and there’s a greater chance for errors.
Smart homeowners who plan early for storage get better results, faster timelines, and way less stress. Especially for those renovation projects where space is a premium, like in Indianapolis where many homes are built tight and cozy, storage units in Indianapolis, IN provide the perfect solution for safekeeping belongings while creating the workspace contractors need to do their best work.
The other thing to consider is that storage isn’t just for construction phase, it’s also a mental tool to give yourself the brain space you need to make good design decisions. When you’re not tripping over boxes and constantly rearranging furniture you can actually focus on the fun stuff…picking out finishes, reviewing plans, and seeing your vision come to life.
Smart Solutions That Actually Work
Let’s break down the storage solutions that real homeowners love. Each one has its place, and the best solution is usually a mix of the available options based on project size, budget, and time frame.
Self-Storage Units are the Gold Standard
Self-storage units are the go-to solution for most major renovations. When you’re gutting a kitchen, updating a bathroom, or doing a full-house remodel you’re going to need a whole lot of storage capacity.
Here’s why self-storage is the best solution for many home renovations:
Climate Control: Self-storage facilities are climate controlled which is super important for wooden furniture, electronics, and everything sensitive to temperature and humidity. Grandma’s antique desk won’t warp, and your flat-screen TV won’t get moisture damage.
Security: Storage facilities have 24/7 surveillance, individual alarms for each unit, and gated access. Compare that to your garage where any contractor has access and might accidentally scratch your heirloom china cart with a power tool.
Flexibility: Self-storage has flexible rental terms. Most facilities offer month-to-month, so you’re not locked into a long term contract if the project goes faster or slower than expected.
Portable Storage Containers: Next-Level Convenience
Portable storage containers are some of the hottest home renovation products in recent years. A company delivers a container to your driveway, you fill it with stuff, and they store it offsite or leave it in your driveway.
The biggest benefits of portable containers are:
Pack at your own pace. Self-storage facilities have closing times. Portable containers give you the flexibility to pack as quickly or slowly as you need to.
Easy access: Need something during the renovation? Just walk outside, pop the container door, and grab it.
Protection: Containers are weather resistant and secure. If you leave it in your driveway it’s still in a secure, fenced-in facility with surveillance.
In-Home Storage Creativity
Sometimes the best solution is already inside your home. Homeowners often overlook the best in-home storage solutions that can be perfect for smaller scale projects.
Guest Rooms = Temporary Warehouses: Clear out that guest bedroom or home office and turn it into storage central. Furniture pads and plastic sheeting will protect all the contents from dust.
Garages Become the New Storage Units: If your garage isn’t being renovated it’s prime real estate for temporary storage. Just make sure everything is off the floor and properly covered.
Basements and Attics Too: Most people forget about these spaces, but with some smart organization basements and attics can store a surprisingly large amount. Use sturdy shelving and inventory every box so you don’t forget what’s in there.
Creative Space-Saving Hacks For Any Budget
The secret sauce to make storage a breeze is using clever tricks that separate renovation rookies from the pros:
Stack Smart, Not Hard: Packing for storage is all about thinking vertically. Stack chairs on tables, lightweight boxes on heavy ones, and nest furniture when possible.
Vacuum-Sealed Bags Are Magic: Clothing, linens, and all those soft goods really compress with vacuum bags. You’ll be amazed how much you can fit in one bag (literally a whole closet full of clothes).
Disassemble Everything Possible: Take all furniture that can be taken apart into its separate components. Bed frames, dining room tables, bookshelves…they all take up way less space when disassembled. Just keep hardware in labeled bags.
Use Your Appliances: Use washer and dryer drums to store lightweight, non-fragile items before moving them.
Label Like Your Life Depends On It: Color-code each room and keep a master inventory. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re desperately trying to find that missing spice rack.
Best Professional Storage Options
Need a little help from the professionals? 94% of experts believe thoughtfully designed storage spaces are the number one priority for home buyers in 2025 which means investing in storage solutions during your renovation isn’t just smart, it’s the best way to protect your home’s future value.
Full-Service Moving and Storage Companies
Full service moving companies take care of every aspect, including packing, delivery, and insurance. They have equipment, materials, and expertise to best protect your belongings. It’s an added expense, but for big renovation jobs it’s worth every penny for the peace of mind.
Climate-Controlled Warehouse Storage
The high end of professional storage options is climate-controlled warehouses. Anything valuable or sensitive like art, antiques, electronics, and important documents get museum-quality storage.
Mobile Storage Services
Mobile storage containers are a great hybrid of in-home and traditional storage options. The companies bring their containers to your home, help you pack if needed, and store everything at their secure facility.
Wrapping Up Your Storage Game Plan
Planning and implementing the best storage for items when doing a home renovation doesn’t have to be an epic level of stress.
The key is thinking way in advance and choosing the right option for your particular situation and project scope. With some planning and clever organizing, storage can actually be one of the more stress-free parts of your remodel.
Action Plan:
Start by assessing how large of a renovation you are planning and your timeline. Smaller jobs may only require some internal house storage rearranging, whereas larger scale remodels will usually require some off-site storage.
Get quotes from a few different storage companies as early as possible. Prices and availability can vary, especially in peak home renovation seasons.
Declutter before you start packing. You’re about to spend a ton of time and money on your home so now is the perfect time to ruthlessly declutter your belongings.
Homeowners who nail their storage solutions during renovation are the ones who enjoy their home remodels instead of just barely surviving them. With the right plan you can focus on creating your dream space instead of stressing about all your earthly belongings.
