Moving house rarely goes perfectly to plan. Whether there’s a delay in your completion date, a short gap between tenancies, or you’re waiting for renovations to finish, you might find yourself needing somewhere to keep your belongings safe in the meantime.
Temporary storage is a simple and affordable solution. It gives you the flexibility to move on your own schedule and the peace of mind that your possessions are secure.
1. Why You Might Need Temporary Storage
There are many reasons why homeowners and renters use short-term storage during a move.
Common situations include:
- Your sale and purchase dates don’t line up
- You’re renovating before moving in
- You’re waiting for new furniture or flooring
- You’re downsizing and need time to sort belongings
- You’re relocating temporarily for work or travel
Using self storage gives you space to breathe. You can move out on time, avoid paying double rent, and take your time unpacking when your new place is ready.
If you’re moving within the city, Cheap Storage Manchester offers affordable storage with free collections and removals and no deposit required.
2. The Benefits of Using Temporary Storage
Temporary storage can make the entire moving process smoother, especially when plans change at the last minute.
Top benefits include:
- Flexibility if your move-in date changes
- Extra time to clean, decorate, or renovate your new home
- Safe space for furniture and valuables
- Short-term contracts that fit your schedule
- Reduced stress on moving day
It also allows you to move gradually rather than in one rushed day, making the transition between homes much more manageable.
3. Types of Temporary Storage Available
Not all storage options are the same. The right choice depends on how long you need storage, how much space you require, and how often you’ll need access to your belongings.
Self storage units
These are the most popular option. You rent a secure, private space that only you can access. It’s ideal for short-term storage during a move.
Container storage
Your items are stored in sealed wooden or metal containers. Access is limited, but it’s a good option for long-term storage when you don’t need regular entry.
Mobile storage
A company delivers a storage pod to your home for you to fill, then collects it and stores it securely. It’s convenient, but access can be difficult once the container is picked up.
Most people find self storage offers the best balance between cost, access, and flexibility. You can view all our options and storage prices online.
4. How to Choose the Right Size Unit
Choosing the right unit size saves money and prevents overpaying for unused space. Think about the size of your home, the amount of furniture you’re storing, and whether you need extra room to move around inside the unit.
General size guide:
- 25 sq ft: Boxes and small items
- 50 sq ft: Contents of a one-bedroom flat
- 75 sq ft: Contents of a two-bedroom home
- 100+ sq ft: Contents of a larger family house
If you’re unsure which size is right, our team can help you choose based on your inventory. We also provide free packing boxes with every unit to make preparation easier.
5. What to Store Between Moves
When you’re in transition between homes, it’s worth storing non-essential or bulky items to simplify the move.
Items ideal for temporary storage:
- Furniture and large appliances
- Seasonal clothes and sports gear
- Books and personal collections
- Sentimental keepsakes
- Kitchen items or decorations you won’t need right away
Keeping your essentials with you and storing everything else helps you move in stages, reducing stress and clutter.
If you need somewhere safe for furniture, check our furniture storage page for details.
6. How Long Can You Use Temporary Storage?
The beauty of short-term storage is that it’s completely flexible. You can rent a unit for a few days, a few weeks, or longer if needed.
At Cheap Storage Manchester, contracts are fully adjustable. You only pay for the time you use, and you can extend or end your agreement at any time.
Many customers use storage for:
- 1–3 weeks between moves
- 1–2 months during renovations
- 3+ months while waiting for completion or travel plans
With 50% off your first 9 weeks, it’s one of the most cost-effective options in Manchester.
7. Keeping Your Belongings Safe and Secure
Security is one of the biggest priorities during any move. You want to know that your possessions are protected until you’re ready for them.
Our safe and secure storage facility includes:
- 24-hour CCTV monitoring
- Pin-controlled access
- Fire and alarm systems
- Individual lockable units
- Clean and dry conditions
You can visit your unit any day of the week, thanks to our open 7 days a week policy.
8. Cost of Temporary Storage in Manchester
Storage prices vary depending on size, duration, and any extra services you use.
Average weekly prices in Manchester:
- Small unit: £10–£15 per week
- Medium unit: £25–£40 per week
- Large unit: £50–£80 per week
If you’re storing business stock or documents during your move, you can also explore our business storage and documents and archive storage options.
9. Making Moving Day Easier with Storage
Using storage simplifies the moving process from start to finish. You can move out on time without rushing, store your furniture while waiting for keys, and unpack gradually once you’re in your new home.
How storage helps during a move:
- Reduces stress if completion dates change
- Avoids double rent or hotel stays
- Protects items during cleaning or renovation
- Keeps hallways and rooms clear on moving day
If you’re using a removals company, we can coordinate directly with them through our free removals service to transfer items to and from your storage unit.
10. Final Thoughts
Temporary storage is one of the most practical ways to bridge the gap between homes. It saves time, reduces stress, and gives you complete flexibility when plans change.
If you’re moving in or around Manchester and need somewhere safe to keep your belongings, Cheap Storage Manchester offers affordable, secure, and convenient solutions with free collections and no deposit required.
Learn more about our moving home storage solutions or get a quick quote through our contact page today.
