Moving home is not always a straight line. Completion and tenancy dates do not always match, and you can easily end up ‘between homes’. A bit of planning, and the right storage, can make that gap much easier to handle. With that in mind, we invited Martin Wildman, Director at We Pack & Store, as a guest blogger to share his tips for sellers and tenants in transit. Here’s what he said.
The ‘between homes’ challenge
For sellers, there may be a gap between completing on your sale and getting the keys to your new property. For tenants, one tenancy can end days or weeks before the next begins. In both cases, short term storage helps you keep the property clear, protect your belongings and stay flexible if dates change.
Storage tips for owners who are selling
When you are selling, storage is as much about presentation as practicality.
Before photos and viewings, move anything that makes rooms feel crowded into storage, such as bulky furniture, excess toys, gym equipment and very personal items. Aim for bright, neutral spaces that help buyers imagine living there.
Next, store things you do not use every day, like seasonal clothes, decorations and spare bedding. Doing this early reduces the pressure in the final week.
As you get close to exchange, make a simple room by room plan for what goes into storage and what moves with you. Pack non essential items in advance and, if possible, arrange collections in stages rather than all on one day.
Storage tips for tenants moving home
Tenants often have tighter timings, so planning ahead is key.
Start by decluttering so you are not paying to move and store things you no longer want. Sort belongings into keep, donate, sell and recycle, and be honest about anything that will not suit your next place.
If there is a gap between tenancies, pack with that in mind. Create a clearly labelled first day box with essentials such as a kettle, a few mugs and plates, bedding, toiletries, chargers and any children’s comfort items. Ask your removals team to load this last and unload it first. Keep a small overnight bag with you if you are staying with family, in a hotel or short let.
Protecting your belongings
Whether you are selling or renting, a few simple habits will keep things organised.
Use good quality boxes, wrap fragile items and label each box with the room and a short description of what is inside. Take quick photos of any valuables before they go into storage and make a rough note of how many boxes you have per room. This makes checking in and out of storage much easier.
Avoid storing perishables, plants and anything flammable or hazardous. Keep important documents, such as passports, vehicle papers and key financial or work documents, with you in a secure folder rather than in storage. If dates move or you need something quickly, you will know exactly where it is.
Choosing a storage solution between homes
A good storage provider should make your move simpler. When comparing options, think about security, access, whether they offer collection and redelivery, how clear the pricing is and what the insurance covers. Helpful, experienced staff who understand moving timelines can make a big difference if your dates change.
For many sellers and tenants, a full service option, where a team helps with packing, loading, storage and delivery to the new home, removes a lot of stress. A trusted local provider such as We Pack and Store can support you through that “in between” stage so you can focus on settling into your new home.
Martin Wildman
Director
We Pack & Store
As Director of Operations at We Pack & Store, Martin Wildman helps design and oversee practical storage solutions for people in-between homes. His guidance is shaped by hands-on experience managing logistics, customer needs, and long-term storage for both trade clients and private customers.