Advantages of Storage During Home Renovation

Renovations rarely run on time. If your project’s about to start or you’re already living in the chaos. Storage during home renovations is one of those things you don’t think about until the builder says “we need that room cleared by Monday.” Flexible storage on steel containers, no long contracts, just 7 days’ notice when the dust settles.

You planned for three months. Booked your construction company, and your builder was confident. Now it is month five, you are eating takeaway meals in the conservatory, and half your furniture is crammed into the spare room under dust sheets. If that sounds familiar, you are in good company.

Renovation timelines slip. Walls come down, and unexpected problems come up. Materials arrive late. All the while, your belongings are sitting in harm’s way.  Construction dust is a significant concern during and after renovations. The fine particles from plaster, wood, concrete and paint can settle into every nook & cranny, furniture is at risk from damp plaster and constant foot traffic.

This guide covers everything you need to know about storage during home renovations in Wiltshire and Somerset: how much it costs, which size container you actually need, how to protect your furniture, and what to do when your three-month project turns into six.

Storage During Home Renovations

Why is renovating at home so hard on your belongings?

Building work generates more dust, moisture, and general chaos than most people expect. Fine plaster dust travels through closed doors and settles into upholstery. Wet plaster and fresh concrete raise moisture levels that can warp wooden furniture over periods of weeks. Builders need clear routes through rooms you thought would be untouched.

Many people try to manage by stacking furniture in bedrooms or squeezing boxes into the garage. This usually works for a week or two. After that, you cannot find anything; the furniture is getting marred, scratches, gouges, and rub marks from friction, and the stress of living in the middle of it all adds up fast.

Getting your furniture properly stored at the start of a renovation is one of the decisions our customers from Yeovil, Salisbury, across Wiltshire & Somerset consistently say they wish they had made sooner.

Which container size do you need for a renovation?

Container sizing is simpler than most people think. Here is a straightforward guide based on what we see customers actually store during renovations across Somerset and Wiltshire.

ContainerFloor areaPrice/monthRoomsBest for
8ft64 sq. ft£115/month1 roomBathroom or kitchen clear out
10ft80 sq. ft£125/month1-2 roomsSingle bedroom + contents
20ft160 sq. ft£190/month3-4 roomsMost home renovations
40ft320 sq. ft£275/monthWhole houseFull house or loft conversion or both

Still not sure? Give us a call. We’ve helped hundreds of renovation customers work out exactly what they need, from storing a kitchen bought from Salisbury Howdens Kitchens to clearing a whole floor before builders arrive. We’d rather help you get it right first time than have you paying for more space than you need.

What does storage during a renovation cost?

Prices include VAT, 24/7 access, CCTV security, and drive-up loading. There are no hidden fees and no long-term contracts. What you see on the price list is what you pay each month.

The 20ft container at £190/month is the most popular choice for home renovations. It comfortably holds three to four rooms of furniture, which covers most kitchen extensions, downstairs renovations, and loft conversions. Many customers store for four to six months, so you are typically looking at £760 to £1,140 total for a 20ft unit.

If your project expands, which it often does, you can add a second container. If you finish earlier than expected, just give us 7 days’ notice, and we will pro-rata your final month. No added fees and no penalties, no fuss.

How do you protect furniture during a long renovation?

Packing matters more when you are storing for months rather than weeks. A few things that make a real difference:

  • Wrap upholstered furniture in old sheets or breathable furniture covers, not plastic sheeting, which can trap moisture
  • Dismantle bed frames and larger pieces to save space and protect joints
  • Store mattresses on their side rather than flat, if possible, supported so they do not bow
  • Use proper cardboard boxes or plastic storage boxes for fragile items, not bin bags, which tear and give no protection
  • Label everything clearly, especially for boxes near the front of the container for items you will need regularly

Our containers are constructed from robust steel trusted to carry valuable cargo across the world’s oceans. Customers who have stored for 18 months or more consistently tell us that everything came out dry and undamaged. The ventilation in the containers helps prevent condensation, which is the main concern with long-term storage.  For extra protection, follow these simple steps:

  • Use disposable dehumidifiers/moisture-absorbing poles
  • Avoid storing wet items or items that hold water (no plants in plant pots). Ensure washing machines are thoroughly dried out inside before storing
  • Stack items away from the walls and roof
  • Use pallets to lift items off the floor
  • If you can air your container, pop down and open the doors; it all helps protect your belongings

What do Giant Storage customers say about storing during renovations?

We asked customers who had used storage during building work what made the biggest difference. The same things come up again and again: flexibility on timing, being able to access belongings easily, and not being locked into a contract when the builder’s schedule changes.

“We used Giant Storage for 6 months and were very happy with all elements of the service. Communication was quick, professional, and Mel was really flexible and accommodated all our needs. Site security was high, and we experienced no damage to our belongings over 6 months.” Suzanna, Salisbury

That flexibility is built into how we work. Need to extend your storage by a month because the tiling took longer than expected? No problem. Want to pop in midweek to grab the school uniforms you packed away? Your ACCESS code works any time, day or night.

How does 24/7 access work during a renovation?

You can visit your container any time, any day, without booking in advance. Your ACCESS code gets you onto the site, and you drive straight up to your container. There are no lifts, no stairs, and no narrow corridors to navigate with furniture or boxes. Open the doors, load or unload directly from your car or van, and leave.

This matters during a renovation because your builder’s schedule is unpredictable. If they need a room cleared by 7 am on a Monday, you can do that on Sunday evening. If you remember at 9 pm that the folder you need for work tomorrow is in your container, you can go and get it.

We have locations in Salisbury, Amesbury, Warminster, Frome, Yeovil, and Crewkerne, so wherever you are in Wiltshire or Somerset, there is a site within a reasonable drive.

Ready to get your renovation sorted?

Renovation chaos is stressful enough without your furniture getting caught in the middle of it. Whether your builders start next week or you are already three months in and looking for a better solution, we can usually get you set up within 24 hours.

Call your nearest location or get a quote online. We will help you work out the right container size for what you are considering storing, answer your questions without any sales pressure, and get you started quickly. No hidden fees, no long contracts, just solid steel containers and flexible storage that works around your build.

Storage During Home Renovations FAQs

How much does storage cost during a renovation in Frome or Somerset?
At Giant Storage, prices start from £115 per month, including VAT for an 8ft container. A 20ft container, which is the most popular size for renovation customers, costs £190 per month. A 40ft container for a full house clearance is £275 per month. All prices include VAT. There are no hidden fees, no administration charges, and no deposit required. What you see is what you pay.
How do I work out what size container I need for my renovation?
Start by listing the rooms that will need to be completely cleared during the build, including rooms adjacent to the work area. A single room clearance usually fits in an 8ft container. A full ground floor, or the contents of a two to three-bedroom house, typically needs a 20ft container. A whole house renovation or major extension needs a 40ft. If you are unsure, contact your nearest Giant Storage site and describe the project. The team can help you size correctly before you commit to anything.
Can I access my storage unit during the renovation if I need something?
Yes. All Giant Storage sites offer 24/7 access every day of the year, including bank holidays. Every container is at ground level with drive-up access, so you can pull up and retrieve whatever you need without any assistance, booking, or advance notice. There are no restricted hours.
What happens if my renovation runs over schedule?
Giant Storage operates on a month-to-month basis with just seven days’ notice required to leave. There is no minimum term and no fixed contract end date. If your project runs over by weeks or months, you simply continue month by month. When you are ready to leave, give seven days’ notice and the rental ends. No penalties, no negotiation.
Will my furniture be safe from dust and damp during a renovation?
Yes. Giant Storage uses solid steel containers rather than plasterboard-walled units. Steel is impermeable to dust, moisture, and pests. Items stored in our containers during building projects of six months or more consistently come back in the same condition they went in. We also have CCTV on all sites and individual locks on every container.
Are storage containers better than traditional storage units for renovation?
For renovation use, steel containers have clear practical advantages. Drive-up ground-level access means you can load and unload large furniture directly from your van without corridors or lifts. Steel walls keep dust and moisture out more reliably than plasterboard. Each container is entirely self-contained with no shared walls, so nothing from a neighbouring unit can affect yours. For the specific demands of a building project, the container format is almost always the more practical choice.
Where can I find furniture storage near me during a home renovation in Wiltshire or Somerset?
Giant Storage has six sites across the region: Frome, Warminster, Salisbury (two sites), Amesbury, Yeovil, and Crewkerne. All sites offer drive-up ground-level access with 24/7 opening. Prices start from £115 per month including VAT, with no hidden fees and no long-term contracts.
How far in advance should I book storage for a renovation?
Ideally, book your container two to three weeks before the build starts. This gives you time to assess what needs storing, load methodically without rushing, and have the container ready before the builder arrives on day one. During busy periods, particularly spring and summer when renovation activity peaks across Somerset and Wiltshire, booking ahead means you are guaranteed the right size. That said, if you need storage urgently, get in touch, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Do I need to give notice before leaving?
You only need to give seven days’ notice to end your rental at Giant Storage. There is no minimum term, no early exit fee, and no penalty for finishing earlier than expected. You pay for the months you use, nothing more.