Giga
The short answer
Storing furniture during a renovation: what it costs
Building work means dust and danger, so furniture is safer out of the house. Giga arranges storage through a partner facility: the contents of a one-bedroom home cost £250 to £350 a month (about 80 sq ft for £300 a month), VAT included, with the first month paid upfront. We move your things in and bring them back at our normal hourly rates.
- Plaster dust gets through cardboard. Cover furniture properly before it goes into storage.
- Container storage usually costs less than self-storage if you do not need regular access.
- Keep an inventory with photos so you know what is in storage.
- Book one collection-to-storage job so you do not need to hire a separate van.
- Label every box with the room it belongs in. Delivery back is then quicker.
Protecting Furniture from Construction Hazards
Renovations are messy. Plastering, painting and structural work throw up dust and debris that can ruin fabric and wood finishes. Plaster dust is abrasive and works its way into carpets, cushions and the vents of electronics.
An empty room also means no bumps, paint drips or tool scratches. Builders work faster in a clear space, which can bring the finish date forward.
Self-Storage vs. Containerised Storage
There are two main options for renovation storage: self-storage and container storage in a warehouse.
Self-storage gives you a private unit you can visit at any time. It is flexible, but you handle the transport. Container storage is run by your movers: they load a container, take it to a secure warehouse and bring it back when you are ready. Because access is limited, it is usually 20–30% cheaper.
Related reading: Removals Insurance in London: What Is Actually Covered When You Move? and Moving Crates London: The Complete Guide to Hiring Crates.
Inventory Listings and Collection Logistics
With a collection-to-storage service, the movers do the lifting and the record-keeping. They arrive, wrap your furniture and log each item on an inventory.
The inventory keeps things organised and makes delivery back simple. If the work finishes room by room, you can ask for particular boxes or pieces back and leave the rest in storage.
Packing Tips for Climate-Controlled Storage
A few simple rules keep furniture in good condition while it is stored:
- Avoid Damp Cardboard: In an unheated space, use plastic bins rather than cardboard to keep moisture out.
- Use Breathable Wraps: Do not put shrink wrap straight onto leather or solid wood. It traps moisture and can cause mould. Use moving blankets or breathable paper first.
- Disassemble to Save Space: Take off table legs and headboards. Smaller items need a smaller, cheaper unit.
- Clean Everything: Vacuum sofas and wipe down appliances before they go in, so nothing smells when it comes out.
Storage Options
Renovation storage options compared (2026)
| Storage Type | Access Frequency | Collection Included | Typical Market Weekly Cost (100 sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Storage Unit | Unlimited (24/7) | No (DIY/Hire van) | £35 - £55 |
| Containerised Storage | By appointment | Yes (Movers load) | £20 - £35 |
| Lock-up Garage | Unlimited | No | £15 - £25 (Unsecured) |
Clear answers
Frequently asked questions
As long as the work takes. Giga's partner storage is paid monthly, with the first month upfront, and you can keep extending while the work goes on. Building projects often overrun, so check the notice period for ending storage. That way your furniture comes back as soon as the rooms are ready, not weeks later.
Yes. We load your furniture from storage, bring it back, put each item in the right room and take the wrapping away. Label items by room before they go in, and tell us which rooms will be finished first. If the work is done in stages, we can bring things back in stages too, so furniture never blocks a room the builders still need.
A typical 2-bedroom flat needs roughly 75 to 100 square feet. It depends on how much furniture you have and how well it stacks. Sofas, wardrobes and beds take the most room; boxes stack neatly. Send us a room-by-room list or photos and we will give you a closer estimate.
Container storage is built to keep things dry. Containers are sealed and kept inside a secure warehouse, away from rain and with less risk of damp. For longer stays, use breathable covers on upholstery rather than plastic, make sure everything is fully dry before it goes in, and ask about conditions inside the warehouse.
