The work begins and, all of a sudden, the living room looks like a battlefield: white dust over the sofa, furniture shoved into the hallway and the fridge sharing space with the toolbox. When a renovation starts, the chaos doesn’t give you warning. And if you haven’t thought ahead about where your furniture will go while it lasts, you risk finishing the job with things broken, scratched or simply lost under the weight of the mess.
Using a storage unit during a renovation is one of the most practical decisions you can make before the builders arrive. It not only protects your belongings but also makes the workers’ job easier and turns a stressful process into something far more manageable. In this article we tell you everything you need to know to do it right.
→ What a storage unit is and why to use one during a renovation
→ When to book a storage unit: types of renovation
→ How to prepare your furniture before storing it
→ What types of storage units exist
→ How much space you need for your furniture
→ Common mistakes to avoid
→ How long a renovation lasts and how long you’ll need the storage unit
What a storage unit is and why to use one during a renovation
A storage unit is a temporary storage space under professional custody where you keep your belongings for as long as you need. Unlike piling furniture up in another room, a storage unit offers a controlled, clean and secure environment, designed specifically to protect household items.
In the context of a renovation, this service solves three problems at once:
- The dust that gets into everything (even rooms far from the work area).
- The accidental knocks furniture takes when workers are moving around it.
- The lack of space that slows the work down.
A storage unit during a renovation isn’t a luxury. More often than not, it’s the difference between finishing the job with your things intact or with a list of damages.
When to book a storage unit: types of renovation
Not every renovation means emptying the home completely, but there are situations where a storage unit becomes almost essential.
Full renovations are the clearest case: when the whole home is being worked on, there’s no safe room to leave the furniture in.
Kitchen or bathroom renovations also generate more dust and moisture than you’d expect, and nearby furniture ends up paying the price.
The same goes for installation work — plumbing, electrics, underfloor heating — that means lifting floors or opening up walls throughout the house.
What if the renovation affects just one room? It depends on how long it takes and the type of work, but if it’s going to run longer than two weeks, clearing the furniture out of that area can be a very good idea.
There are also less obvious cases: renovations in blocks of flats that cause vibrations, work on the exterior of the building, or even simultaneous moves where the destination home isn’t ready yet. In all these scenarios, a temporary storage space gives you room to manoeuvre.
How to prepare your furniture before storing it
Preparation makes the difference between getting your furniture back in perfect condition or finding unpleasant surprises. The first step is to disassemble everything you can: table legs, shelving modules, drawer handles. Dismantled pieces take up less space and travel far more safely.
Next, wrap each piece in the right materials. Breathable fabric covers are perfect for upholstery; bubble wrap protects hard surfaces from scratches. It’s important that the packaging isn’t airtight: materials that don’t breathe trap moisture, and moisture is wood’s worst enemy.
Finally, label everything. It sounds obvious, but when you’ve got twelve boxes and three dismantled wardrobe modules, clear labelling will save you hours when it’s time to put things back. Write down the contents, the destination room and, if there are delicate pieces, a visible warning.
What types of storage units exist
The market offers different options depending on your needs.
Self-storage units or individual boxes are enclosed, private spaces where you can access your things whenever you need, often with extended hours or 24-hour access. They’re ideal if you need to retrieve specific items during the renovation.
Shared warehouse storage under custody is another option: your furniture is kept in a space managed by the company, with tighter access control. It tends to be cheaper for long stays.
Finally, some services offer temperature- and humidity-controlled storage, especially suited to artwork, musical instruments, antiques or anything sensitive to changes in climate.
At Mudanzas Trallero we offer a storage service designed for those who need a secure, accessible space for as long as their renovation lasts, with the reassurance of knowing their belongings are properly looked after.
How much space you need for your furniture
Working out the space you need is simpler than it seems if you follow a practical approach. A complete master bedroom — bed, wardrobe, bedside tables and chest of drawers — usually needs between 8 and 10 m². A standard living room with a sofa, table, sideboard and TV can need between 10 and 15 m². Add a kitchen or dining room and the figure goes up.
A handy tip: make a list of all the furniture you want to store, note its approximate dimensions and ask the company for guidance. It’s better to book a little more space than you think you need than to have to leave pieces out because you came up short. Dismantled, well-stacked furniture can cut the total volume by up to 30%, so preparing in advance has a direct financial impact too.
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Common mistakes to avoid
The most common mistake is storing furniture without fabric protection, trusting only the stability of the warehouse. Any rub during transport or storage can leave marks. Always use covers or removal blankets, especially on lacquered surfaces or fine wood.
Another frequent error is putting away items with residual moisture: appliances that aren’t fully defrosted, recently watered plants, or slightly damp textiles. Moisture in an enclosed space breeds mould with surprising speed, and the damage can be irreversible.
Storing without cataloguing is another classic. When the renovation ends, opening dozens of unlabelled boxes is a slow and frustrating process. Spend a few minutes making a basic inventory: a list on paper or your phone with the box numbers and their contents will save you plenty of time on the way back.
Finally, don’t underestimate the packing of fragile items: lamps, mirrors, pictures or crockery need specific protection. Wrapping them in newspaper isn’t enough. Use cushioning materials and label the boxes clearly with the contents.
How long a renovation lasts and how long you’ll need the storage unit
Planning the storage period is just as important as the space. According to construction industry data, a full renovation of a home of around 80-100 m² in Spain lasts on average between 2 and 4 months, although delays are common due to issues with materials, permits or subcontractors.
Partial renovations — kitchen, bathroom or new flooring — are usually sorted in 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the scope. The sensible approach is to book the storage unit for the estimated duration of the work plus a margin of 2 to 4 extra weeks. Delays in construction are the rule, not the exception.
With Mudanzas Trallero you can adjust the storage period to your real needs, without committing to fixed terms that don’t match the pace of your work. Flexibility is part of the service.
Protect your furniture before the dust starts
Using a storage unit during a renovation is a decision you’ll appreciate from the very first day of work. It protects your things, clears the work area and reduces the stress of living surrounded by chaos. The key is to plan ahead: book the space before the workers arrive, prepare each piece properly and have a clear idea of how long you’ll need it.
A renovation is a significant investment in your home. It makes a lot of sense to protect what you already have too.
Protect your furniture during your renovation with a secure storage unit. Request your quote from Mudanzas Trallero.
