Tips for Moving and Storing Furniture During Home Renovation

Kicking off a home renovation project is an exciting occasion for a homeowner. Whether it’s something major, like a whole-house remodel, or something less intense, like repainting your living room, there’s plenty to prepare for before you get started.

But what will you do with your furniture? If your renovation involves paint, dust, moisture, or some other harmful debris (most do), you’ll need to be sure your furniture is out of the way and protected. Often, that involves using protective materials and temporary furniture storage.

Ready to get started with your project? Use this guide to learn more about moving and storing furniture during a home renovation.

1. Prepping Your Furniture for Moving and Storage

Whether you’re moving your furniture into storage for a few days, a few weeks, or a few months, there are some steps you should take to get your belongings prepared.

First, make sure your furniture is thoroughly cleaned before you move it out of your home, especially if your renovation is going to take some time. The reason being, dust, dirt, and other contaminants can damage fabrics and leather if they're given time to settle. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper cleaning and maintenance. Doing so will help extend the life of your furniture and keep it looking its best.

You may also want to disassemble your furniture. This will allow you to transport the pieces more easily and maximize your storage space. For example, you might be able to remove the legs from your sofa or remove the headboard from your bed to make things more manageable. Don't forget to store the leftover hardware in a safe place for later.

2. Covering Your Furniture for Storage

Just as you would use protective materials to pack items into a box, you should also be using specific materials to safeguard your furniture. This is especially important when you are undertaking a home renovation, as paint splatters, heavy layers of dust, and other types of debris are all too common.

Plastic furniture covers are by far the most effective solution. These convenient covers can be quickly and easily slipped on and off, providing reliable protection from moisture, dirt, paint, and dust.

To make plastic furniture protection even easier, U-Haul offers covers in three sizes:

• Chair
• Love Seat
• Sofa

3. Finding the Right Storage During Renovation

With your furniture cleaned, disassembled, and protected, you can start planning what you’re going to do with it while you renovate your home. If your project is relatively small, you may be able to cover your furniture and leave it in place. However, in most cases, it's more practical to move the items out of the way entirely and use temporary storage during renovation.

Here are three common renovation storage solutions.

Store it in another room

If you have the space, it's best to keep your belongings in your home. This will not only save you money, but it will also give you the added assurance that your furniture is safe and secure. We suggest using a spare bedroom, garage, or storage shed for this purpose.

If you go this route, we still recommend using protective covers. Additionally, bear in mind that renovation projects can often be unpredictable - cramming a sectional into your home office may seem like a good idea for a brief period, but after a month, it could become a source of frustration.

Use a portable storage container

Using portable storage containers, such as U-Box® containers, is becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience, security, and customizability. These containers can be rented for as long as necessary and stored in your driveway or parking lot for easy access. You can rent as many containers as you need and load and unload them at your own convenience.

Just be aware there are regulations on the placement of portable storage containers. Some homeowners associations prohibit them altogether, while certain towns or villages have restrictions. Before making a reservation, be sure to thoroughly research the rules and regulations. If you are unable to keep a container on your property, U-Box offers the choice of storing it at a nearby U-Haul facility.

Rent a self-storage unit

Traditional self-storage is great for renovations that will almost certainly take several weeks or more. You’ll likely be able to find a storage facility close by, but keep in mind that this choice will require more travel than the others.

Many facilities offer month-to-month rental units, so you can move out when you're ready. To ensure your furniture is well-protected and make your job easier, be sure to choose a facility that offers climate control, high-level security, and drive-up access.

4. Moving Furniture into Storage

When you're ready to move your furniture, you'll want to do so in a way that keeps everything intact – that includes you, your furniture, and your home. Start by padding your door frames with a moving blanket to protect your home from any potential damage. Additionally, using a furniture dolly or the U-Haul Forearm Forklift can make lifting and carrying much easier.

If you're undertaking a larger project, such as replacing the carpet in your home, it may be best to leave the strenuous activity to the professionals. Hiring local movers to do the heavy lifting can save you time, energy, and potential injury.

Additional Moving & Storage Tips For a Renovation

Protecting your furniture and moving it from point A to point B are major steps in the home renovation process, but it doesn’t stop there. Use these added tips for a successful home renovation.

Make Use of Moving Boxes

Plastic furniture covers aren’t the only useful item. Moving boxes are an excellent resource for organizing your loose belongings and getting them out of the way. Be sure to use sturdy boxes with perforated handles to make lifting easier. Try U-Haul specialty boxes for your oddly shaped items, like clothes on hangers, flat screen TVs, framed items, and more.

Try Plastic Moving Boxes

In addition to standard cardboard boxes, we recommend trying plastic moving boxes, like U-Haul Ready-To-Go Box®. These containers are ideal for temporarily storing smaller items, particularly during home renovation. They’re stackable, easy to lift, and designed to easily maneuver through doorways.

Load Your Storage Space Correctly

Packing a storage unit or storage container isn’t as simple as you might think. Consider that you may need something from your storage unit during the renovation; if you don’t know where it is, or don’t have an easy way to get it, you’re in trouble. Be sure to load your storage unit thoughtfully by leaving access rows and stacking your boxes carefully.

Label Your Boxes Clearly

Labeling is another crucial part of organizing a storage unit. It’s not enough to be sure your boxes are easily accessible. They should also be clearly labeled so you know what’s in them. You can use markers or color-coded stickers for quick and effective labeling. That way, you don’t have to dig through endless stacks of boxes to find something after the fact.

Ready to get your home renovation project underway? From plastic furniture covers to moving boxes to portable storage containers, U-Haul has everything you need to stay organized and keep your belongings protected throughout the process.