Tips & Advice
7 Ways Self-Storage Makes Moving House Easier in East Devon
Moving house rarely follows a perfect timeline. Plans change, completion dates move, decorators can run over schedule – and that’s without the added stress of trying to keep your property clear and tidy while preparing for viewings.
That is exactly why self-storage can be so useful during a move.
For many households across East Devon, storage gives you much-needed breathing space. As well as helping you organise the move in stages, the pressure of moving day can be greatly reduced, and keep your new home from filling up with boxes before you are ready.
If you are moving in or around Sidmouth, Honiton, Seaton, Exeter or nearby, using local storage can make the whole process a whole lot more manageable!
Here at East Devon Removals, we provide secure storage options with flexible rental periods, including 20ft container storage in Sidmouth and additional unit sizes at our Monkton facility.
Alongside our expert removal service, we can help with collection and delivery, so your move and storage can be planned together rather than as two separate jobs.
1. Self-storage helps you declutter before viewings
If you are selling your home, first impressions make a real difference. And, for those coming to view your property, rooms will look much better if they’re not overcrowded with furniture, children’s toys, or stacks of boxes you have already packed.
Self-storage gives you a secure place to move those items out of the house while viewings are taking place, making bedrooms feel larger, hallways easier to walk through, and spare rooms easier for buyers to understand.
It also makes day-to-day life simpler for you while your home is on the market, as you’re not constantly trying to tidy around things you no longer need at hand.
This is particularly helpful for family homes in East Devon, where garages, conservatories and spare rooms often become temporary storage spaces during a sale. Moving those items into a storage unit can make the whole property feel more open and easier to present.
2. It gives you a practical buffer between moving dates
One of the most common reasons people use storage when moving house is timing. It might be the case that you need to leave one property before the next one is ready, or your completion date may change at short notice.
Storage gives you a reliable backup plan.
Instead of rushing to solve everything in one day, you can move your belongings into storage and then arrange delivery once you have access to your new home. That extra flexibility can take a lot of pressure out of the process, particularly if solicitors, chains or key handovers are causing delays.
For local moves around Sidmouth, Honiton and Seaton, this can be a straightforward way to avoid panic if moving dates shift. Your belongings stay secure with a clear plan in place.
3. Storage makes renovations and decorating easier
It might be that you have the keys to your new property, but it’s not quite ready to live in yet. You may want to decorate first, replace flooring, update a kitchen, or carry out repairs before your furniture goes in.
Putting some or all of your belongings into storage gives you valuable space to get that work done properly. Decorators and tradespeople can move around more easily, and you avoid the constant job of shuffling furniture from room to room.
It’s a smart option for people moving into older properties across East Devon, where work is often planned before the house is fully set up. You can bring items back in stages as rooms are completed, which makes the whole move feel far more organised.
4. It is ideal for downsizing without rushed decisions
Downsizing often comes with bigger decisions than people might expect. Furniture that fits perfectly in your current home may not suit the new one, and some belongings carry sentimental value even if you are not sure where they will go next.
Storage gives you the time and space to make those choices carefully. You can move into your new home with the essentials first, then review the rest over a few weeks or months. That kind of approach is far easier than trying to decide everything under pressure on moving day.
Many customers find this especially helpful when moving later in life or when clearing a family home. A secure storage unit allows you to keep items safe while you plan the next steps.
5. It helps you pack in stages instead of all at once
However well you plan in advance, packing typically takes longer than expected. If you leave everything until the final week, it can quickly become overwhelming.
Using storage allows you to pack gradually. You can start with non-essential items such as books, spare kitchenware, decorations and archive paperwork, then move them into storage well before the main move. That leaves you with a more manageable list as moving day gets closer.
A staged approach is particularly useful for busy households and business owners who cannot stop everything for a week just to pack. It also helps keep your current home more functional while you prepare to move.
6. It supports removals and storage under one plan
One of the biggest advantages of using East Devon Removals for both removals and storage is coordination. Your move, storage period, and return delivery can all be arranged together, making planning much easier.
Instead of the hassle of booking a removals company, then finding separate storage, then sorting transport again later, you can deal with one local team that already understands your timeline and particular needs. If your circumstances change, it is also much easier to update one provider than several.
7. You get secure access to your belongings when you need it
A good storage solution needs to be secure, but it also needs to be practical.
East Devon Removals offer secure facilities with locked gate access and personal key arrangements, so customers know their belongings are protected.
Access is also designed to be convenient. Sidmouth storage customers can access their units 24/7, and Monkton storage offers indoor units with set access arrangements. That means you can still reach important items during your move, instead of feeling cut off from everything you have packed away.
For people moving locally, having storage close to home is a major benefit. You can drop off items, collect what you need, and adjust your plans without long trips or complicated logistics.
When self-storage makes the most sense during a move
Storage is particularly useful if you are trying to sell a busy family home, dealing with a gap between properties, moving into a house that needs work, or downsizing and sorting through years of belongings. It is also a great option if you want to keep your move organised by packing in stages.
In all of these situations, the main benefit is flexibility. You get more control over the timing, and that usually leads to a smoother move.
If you are planning a move in East Devon, it is worth discussing removals and storage together from the start. East Devon Removals can talk you through the options and help you build a plan that fits your dates, your property and the quantity of items you need to store.
Planning your move with storage in East Devon
If you are moving house and think storage could help, the best next step is to request a quote and explain your likely timeline. Even if your moving date is not fully confirmed yet, an early conversation helps you plan ahead and gives you a clearer picture of what is possible.
East Devon Removals supports customers across Sidmouth, Honiton, Seaton, Exeter, Cranbrook and surrounding areas, with nearly 40 years of experience in removals and storage. Our experienced, friendly team can help with both short-term and long-term storage options, and we can arrange collection and delivery as part of your move.
Posted on February 26th 2026
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