Do you store your belongings in storage containers during renovations?

Hello friends,We are planning to renovate our house. It is a great task to keep our furniture and belongings protected and out of the way during the renovation process. While we were thinking about how to protect the belongings, our neighbor recommended us that storage container in Calgary would be a great option to store items during the renovation. Is there anyone here had used storage containers? Where you satisfied with?

  7 answers
  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Aug 08, 2019

    Hi Jeannett,


    We have some friends that were apartment owners and had to evict the occupants because they did not pay their rent, the occupants rented a storage pod, kept it in their yard and filled it with the household, it worked well. They had the security of organizing, packing, and monitoring their items. It was very handy. When the time came, they had it moved and unpacked it.

    This system worked well for their circumstance, it gave them time to move.

    It should also work well for you, your belongings are accessable, protected, and not being subjected to the dust from the renovation.

    An alternative is to put your items in a room not being renovated, hang plastic on the doors and cover your items.

    Then there are storage facilities you can rent a space in, take your items there and store them until you are ready to move them back into your household. Some facilities offer a promotion of 1 month free.

    I don't know what the cost is, but you could check that out in your area for either type of storage.

    One word of advice if you decide to get a pod, is to keep your pod locked.

  • Laura Cooper Laura Cooper on Aug 08, 2019

    We use a shipping container as a storage unit. Advantages include no vermin, weather tight and waterproof. Disadvantages are that there's no protection from extreme temperature changes. They get hot and cold so paints and things don't store well as they will freeze. Another disadvantage is that there is no light inside. I keep a flashlight inside the unit at all times.

  • Seth Seth on Aug 08, 2019

    We used the type of container Laura mentioned while we were selling our house to get rid of clutter a few years back. It was a 10x8x8. If I remember correctly, the monthly fee (3 month minimum) was about $60 U.S., but the delivery and pick up charges were expensive, $120 U.S. I think. Not cheap, but it worked for us. The doors leak even if the rest of the container is waterproof so have the container tipped forward ever so slightly so water does not run towards the back.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Aug 08, 2019

    You will want them climate controlled and you might want to invest in a dehumidifier or DampRid type products. Check regularly on your items. Do a lot of homework for security and how well your items will be protected from flood as well. My son & DIL had quite a bit of furniture in 2 of them for 3 years will great results.

  • I rented a storage unit that was temperature controlled and hired movers. 24 hour security. Buy the insurance as typically your homeowners policy does not apply. I have never had any problems. Your items stay clean and dry. If you are staying in the house during the renovation, only keep a minimum of items. All your "stuff" can slow down the process costing you more money in the long run. Set yourself up with a backyard bbq or makeshift camping style set up. If you have friends with an RV see if you can borrow it for the length of your renovation.

  • Tinyshoes Tinyshoes on Aug 08, 2019

    Jeannett.....My husband has a storage trailer and we parked it beside the driveway and loaded it up. We were just working on a couple of rooms so it wasn't the whole house but worked nicely while we were having some repairs and renovations done. You might check with friends and family and see if they know where you might get one. Of course, PODS are nice but I hear they can be pricey. Good luck to you with your project and finding what you need!

  • Lindsay Aratari Lindsay Aratari on Mar 31, 2020

    I think that's a great idea! Keeps your belongings safe and dry