Moving House? 7 Things to Do With Your Furniture Before the Big Move

1. Declutter Before You Pack

Moving is the perfect opportunity to get rid of furniture you no longer use or need.

Ask yourself:

• Have I used this in the last year?
• Will it fit in my new home?
• Is it worth moving?

Large furniture can be expensive and time-consuming to transport, so decluttering early can reduce moving costs and save space.

Popular items to declutter include:

• Old wardrobes
• Broken tables
• Unused office furniture
• Spare mattresses

Tip:
Sell unwanted furniture on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or local community groups.

2. Put Furniture Into Self Storage

One of the easiest solutions during a house move is using a secure self storage unit.

Many homeowners use storage when:

• Completion dates don’t line up
• They are downsizing
• Renovating a property
• Moving temporarily
• Waiting for furniture delivery

Using self storage gives you flexibility and prevents your new home from becoming overcrowded during the move.

At Store First, customers can access:

• Flexible storage contracts
• Secure facilities with CCTV
• 24-hour access
• Short-term and long-term storage options

If you’re searching for self storage near you, choosing a local storage facility can make moving day significantly easier.

3. Protect Valuable Furniture Properly

Furniture can easily become scratched or damaged during a move.

Before transporting or storing furniture:

• Wrap sofas and chairs with protective covers
• Use bubble wrap for glass surfaces
• Disassemble large items where possible
• Label furniture parts clearly

Wooden furniture should also be protected from moisture and dirt during transport.

Taking extra care before moving can help avoid expensive repairs later.

Top tip: Store First also sell packaging!

4. Measure Your New Space First

One common moving mistake is assuming all furniture will fit in the new property.

Before moving:

• Measure doorways
• Check staircases
• Compare room dimensions
• Plan furniture layouts

This helps avoid awkward moving-day surprises and prevents unnecessary stress.

If some items won’t fit immediately, temporary furniture storage can provide extra breathing space while you reorganise.

5. Donate or Recycle Unwanted Items

Not every piece of furniture needs to move with you.

Many charities accept:

• Sofas
• Tables
• Beds
• Wardrobes

You can also use local recycling centres for damaged furniture that cannot be reused.

Donating furniture is a great way to reduce waste while helping others.

6. Keep Essential Furniture Accessible

During a move, it’s easy to lose track of important everyday items.

Keep essentials easily accessible, including:

• Beds
• Dining chairs
• Basic storage units
• Home office equipment
• Don’t forget the kettle!

If you’re using storage during your move, organise your unit so essential furniture can be accessed quickly.

This is especially useful for families moving over several days.

7. Use Professional Storage for Peace of Mind

Moving house often comes with delays, unexpected issues, and temporary lack of space.

Using a professional self storage facility can help you:

• Reduce clutter
• Stay organised
• Protect valuable furniture
• Make moving less stressful

Store First offers flexible and secure self storage solutions across the UK, helping homeowners store furniture safely during every stage of the moving process.

Whether you need storage for a few weeks or several months, choosing the right storage solution can make your house move smoother and more manageable.

Need Furniture Storage During Your Move?

If you’re moving house and need extra space, Store First offers secure and flexible self storage units for homeowners across the UK.

Benefits include:

• 24-hour access
• Flexible contracts
• Secure CCTV-monitored facilities
• Affordable short-term storage

Reserve your storage unit online today and make your move easier – or call into your nearest store and speak to our friendly team.

You can see all Store First locations here: www.storefirst.com/locations skip to a price calculator here: www.storefirst.com/price/calculator or get to our Frequently Asked Questions here: www.storefirst.com/faqs