Have you finally decided how you want your home remodel to look? We understand the urge to immediately pull out your tools or call up contractors. However, before you get too ahead of yourself, consider one question: Where will I put my things while everything is being renovated? Sure, you could move your belongings into an adjacent room temporarily, but that can clutter your home in a hurry. Not to mention the way renovations have a habit of spilling into every room, even when the project is contained.
This is where a storage unit comes in handy. By planning ahead and storing your belongings before you renovate, you can prevent the headache of watching your home clutter over time.
Preventing the Mess
Renovations can get messy. Between paint splatter, dust, tools, and potential added foot traffic from contractors, at least a little clutter is expected. However, in the chaos of remodeling, the last thing you want is for all that mess to end up on your furniture. With a storage unit, even if you only plan to use it for a few weeks, you can keep your belongings away from the debris. If you are worried about more delicate items like electronics or sentimental items, a climate-controlled storage unit can be a good fit for your needs.
If you’re still unsure if a storage unit can help you during your renovation, here are some benefits of using one:
- Keeps pathways clear for contractors
- Makes cleaning easier throughout the project
- Helps maintain organization across renovation phases
- Provides flexibility as timelines shift
Creating Safer, More Efficient Workspaces
Contractors work faster when they are not navigating around couches or stacks of boxes. By using a storage unit to clear out rooms, you can improve both safety and efficiency during your renovation. Temporary storage can also reduce delays, lower the risk of accidents, and help keep the renovation timeline on track.
If you aren’t sure what items would be best to move into storage before renovations begin, here are some ideas to get you started:
- Large furniture like sofas, beds, and dining tables
- Electronics and appliances not in use
- Seasonal items that are already packed away
- Rugs and textiles that can trap dust
Organizing Your Storage Unit for Easy Access
For full room renovations, the project usually needs to be done in phases. One week can be dedicated to flooring, the next to painting, etc. As your needs change, storage units can act as an opportunity to use a rotating system and move items in or out. In order to keep track of everything between these shifts, you can group items by room, try out various labeling systems like color coding, and create an inventory list on your phone. This way, you can avoid that pesky “where did we put that?” problem.
Choosing the Right Storage Option for Your Project
Some projects take just a few weeks to complete, like a quick flooring change or paint job. Larger projects, especially if you plan to DIY for the entire project, can easily stretch on for months. The timeline of the project affects your storage organization strategy just as much as any other part of the project. Just picking the first unit you find within your budget isn’t always the best move. For a shorter project, making your belongings easy to access is best. For longer ones, maximizing your space efficiently is key since you will likely have to put more items in there as the project increases in scope.
Making Your Home Livable Mid-Project
Even when they go well, renovations can be stressful. With your belongings stored away off-site, there is more of an opportunity to create some breathing room during the project. Maintaining peace of mind during a busy project is an often-overlooked part of the process, especially during a project that lasts longer than you expected. Be sure to plan your storage strategy early so you can focus on the exciting new look of your renovation instead of constantly managing clutter.
