Sometimes, there isn’t enough room for all of your belongings – and arranging storage, on top of moving can be a blessing in disguise – or a nightmare. So you need another, convenient, cheap option for your furniture.

Storage companies are basically large warehouses or lockups that you can rent – and range in size from a box room to an area large enough to store a complete house.

Storage is great if you’re needing to move out of one house before your other house is ready – or when you’ve sold your old house but haven’t finished arranging the new one. It saves the you having to work out what to do with your things.

It’s also a good idea when you have too much furniture for your new house, and no where to store it yourself – and while garages and basements are great for short-term storage, they aren’t protected, in some cases against the elements, nor, possibly insured against accidents, such as fires or flood. Garages and basements also, while accessible, may also need to be used for other things.

It is possible for your belongings to be damaged in storage, but highly unlikely – you’ll be given a list of belongings that you’re checking in – and you should check at that time that everything is secure, sealed and stacked or placed well.

If you’re moving long distance, its always good to research, thoroughly, by phone and if possible, in person, how much access you’ll have to your furniture, and belongings, and what sort of notice you need to give – you’ll also need to work out what is going into storage and how much space you’ll need for it all.

If you’re unsure of storage companies, and you’re using a removal company – ask them – they may have a group of storage companies they deal with, and offer you a better premium than you may otherwise get. It also means that you’ve got less research to deal with.