Moving out of one property and straight into another would be ideal. Unfortunately, house moves do not always work that neatly.

Completion dates can change, property chains can be delayed and your new home may need work before it is ready. You might also be staying with family or moving into temporary accommodation for a few weeks.

In any of these situations, using temporary storage between house moves can give you a secure place for your furniture and belongings until you are ready for them.

Why might you need storage between house moves?

Temporary storage can help in several common situations.

Your completion dates do not match

You may need to leave your current property before you receive the keys to your new home. Rather than trying to fit the contents of your house into temporary accommodation, your belongings can be collected and held in storage during the gap.

Your new home is not ready

Even after completion, a property may need decorating, new flooring or more substantial renovation work. Storing furniture temporarily can give tradespeople more room and help protect your belongings from dust, paint and accidental damage.

You are moving into temporary accommodation

If you are staying with relatives, renting a furnished property or living in a hotel, you are unlikely to have space for all your possessions.

Storage allows you to take only what you need while keeping everything else together until you move into your permanent home.

You are downsizing

Moving to a smaller property can leave you with more furniture and belongings than you can comfortably accommodate. Temporary storage gives you time to decide what to keep, sell, donate or pass on without making rushed decisions before moving day.

You want to declutter before selling

Removing surplus furniture and boxes can make rooms appear larger and help potential buyers see the property more clearly. Items can be placed into storage while your home is marketed, then delivered to your new address later.

How does temporary storage with Gallagher’s work?

Gallagher’s of Newcastle offers containerised storage alongside its home removal services.

Your belongings are loaded directly into secure storage containers at your property. The containers are then sealed and stored in a clean, dry and protected facility until you need your items again.

Because the container is not repeatedly emptied and reloaded, your possessions require less handling than they would with a conventional move into a self-storage unit.

When your new property is ready, Gallagher’s can arrange for your belongings to be delivered to the new address.

This means your removal and storage can be managed as one coordinated service, rather than dealing separately with a removal company, a storage provider and additional vehicle hire.

What can you put into temporary storage?

Most ordinary household contents can be stored, including:

• Sofas, tables and other furniture
• Beds and mattresses
• Boxes of clothing and bedding
• Books, ornaments and decorations
• Crockery, glassware and kitchen equipment
• Clean, dry garden furniture and tools
• Appliances that have been emptied, cleaned and prepared correctly

If you are uncertain about a particular item, ask the Gallagher’s team before packing it.

What should stay with you?

Before moving day, separate anything you may need while you are in temporary accommodation. Once your belongings have been placed into storage, retrieving one particular item may require advance arrangements.

Keep the following with you:

• Passports and important documents
• Medication
• Valuables
• House-purchase paperwork
• Chargers and everyday electronics
• Clothing and toiletries
• Children’s essentials
• Pet food and supplies
• Work equipment you regularly use
• Basic kitchen items

It can help to prepare a clearly labelled essentials box that travels with you rather than with the main removal.

What should not go into storage?

Certain belongings may be unsafe, unsuitable or prohibited. These commonly include:

• Perishable food
• Plants and other living items
• Fuel and gas bottles
• Paint, solvents and flammable liquids
• Hazardous chemicals
• Wet or damp belongings
• Illegal items

Always confirm the prohibited-items policy before packing. Important or irreplaceable documents should also remain with you, even if they are technically suitable for storage.

How should you prepare your belongings?

Proper preparation protects your possessions and makes redelivery easier.

Use strong boxes

Use sturdy removal boxes that can be safely stacked. Avoid overloading large boxes with heavy items such as books, as they can become difficult to lift and may split at the bottom.

Label everything clearly

Mark each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. Clear labels make unloading at the new property much quicker.

Numbering your boxes and keeping a simple inventory will also help you confirm that everything has been delivered.

Dismantle larger furniture

Beds, tables and other large furniture may take up less room when dismantled. Place screws and fittings in labelled bags and keep them attached to the corresponding item where possible.

Clean and dry appliances

Fridges, freezers, washing machines and other appliances should be emptied, disconnected and thoroughly dried before storage. Leaving moisture inside can cause smells, mildew and damage.

Identify fragile and valuable items

Wrap glassware, crockery, mirrors, pictures and ornaments carefully. Gallagher’s offers full and part packing services if you would prefer an experienced team to prepare some or all of your belongings.

How long can you keep your belongings in storage?

Storage can be useful for a short gap of several days or for a longer period while building work or other arrangements are completed.

The right solution will depend on how much you need to store and how long you expect the storage period to last. If your moving date is uncertain, explain this when requesting your quote so suitable arrangements can be discussed.

Can you access your belongings while they are stored?

Gallagher’s offers convenient access to stored belongings. However, it is still sensible to discuss what you might need and how access will be arranged before your container is loaded.

Anything you expect to retrieve should be clearly labelled and positioned so it can be found more easily.

Arrange removals and storage through one company

Coordinating temporary storage alongside your removal can reduce the number of arrangements you need to make during an already busy period.

Gallagher’s is a family-owned and operated removal company established in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1997. The team handles home and office removals across Newcastle, Gateshead, Tyneside and Northumberland, as well as countrywide and European moves.

If there is a gap between moving out and moving in, explore Gallagher’s Tyneside storage services or request a free quotation. The team can discuss your removal dates, the volume of belongings involved and the storage arrangement that best suits your move.