Guide

Storage when moving: everything you need to know

Updated June 20264 min readBy Selvbetjeningslageret

The dates rarely line up perfectly when you move. This guide covers when storage pays off, how large a unit you need, what it costs — and how to pack your belongings so they stay safe in the meantime.

When do you need storage during a move?

Most people don't think about storage until the puzzle suddenly won't come together. The handover is delayed, you sell before you buy, or the new home needs work before you move in. In situations like these, a temporary storage unit is often the simplest and cheapest solution.

The most common situations we see among our customers:

  • Between two homes. You've sold before buying — or the other way around — and need somewhere to keep your belongings in the meantime.
  • Waiting for handover. The handover date is a few weeks away and you'd rather not stack your whole home at friends' and family's.
  • Preparing for sale. Empty, tidy rooms sell best. Put furniture and boxes in storage while the agent photographs and shows the property.
  • Renovating before moving in. Painting or new floors going in? Keep your belongings dust-free and safe until the rooms are finished.
Tip: Storage makes the moving day itself easier. By putting boxes and seasonal items into storage beforehand, you move fewer things on the busiest day.

How long should you rent?

The big advantage of self-service storage is that you don't have to commit. With us you rent month to month, with no lock-in and no notice period. In practice that means you only pay for the time your move actually takes — whether that's two weeks or six months.

It pays to budget a little extra: a move usually takes a bit longer than planned, and it's far more annoying to be short of space than to pay for a few extra days. You can always cancel early or extend along the way.

Which size fits your home?

The most common worry is getting the size wrong. The overview below gives a rough guide based on the size of the home you're moving from. Remember that how high and tightly you stack makes a big difference — two similar flats can need different units depending on how much furniture you have.

  • Studio / 1-room: approx. 5 m² — bed, sofa, dresser and 10–15 boxes.
  • 2-room flat: approx. 7 m² — living room and bedroom contents, appliances and boxes.
  • 3-room flat: approx. 11 m² — furniture from several rooms, appliances and bikes.
  • House / townhouse: approx. 31 m² — the full contents of a whole house with shed and garage.

If in doubt, call us on 55 25 95 90 — we've helped thousands choose the right size, and it's better to save a little than to overshoot. You can also check available units and prices at your nearest branch.

What does storage cost when moving?

The price depends on two things: the size of the unit and which branch you choose. The smallest units start from a few hundred kroner a month, while a typical unit for a two-room flat is a little higher. You pay per month and can switch to a larger or smaller unit along the way at no charge if your needs change.

It's also worth counting what you save: with free loan of an enclosed trailer you avoid renting a moving van, which quickly costs more than a month's storage on its own. See current prices under prices and sizes.

How to pack your belongings safely

With a little preparation, your things are just as good when you collect them as when you put them in. The most important steps:

  • Use identical boxes. They stack more steadily and use the height of the unit better than bags and loose items.
  • Heavy things at the bottom. Books and kitchenware at the base, light and fragile on top.
  • Leave an aisle. Put what you might need along the way nearest the door, so you don't have to empty the whole unit.
  • Disassemble large furniture. Beds and tables take up far less space flat-packed — keep the screws in a labelled bag.
  • Cover up — but let the air through. A sheet over the sofa keeps dust off; avoid tight plastic against upholstery, which can cause condensation.

Checklist before moving day

Four short steps so everything is in place when the moving load arrives:

  1. Reserve the unit. Choose a size and branch and sign the contract digitally — it takes under five minutes.
  2. Book the trailer. Arrange when to borrow the free enclosed box trailer so it's ready on moving day.
  3. Label every box. Write the room and contents on each box to save time when you collect them.
  4. Get your access code. You receive a personal code by SMS and can move in the same day, between 07:00 and 23:00.

Our sizes and prices

Fixed monthly prices with no lock-in — from-prices across our locations.

Storage sizes, what they fit and monthly from-price
SizeFitsFrom price
3 m³Seasonal storage: tyres, skis, bikes, garden furniture and 10–15 moving boxes.from 125 kr/mo
6 m³The contents of a bedsit – 20–30 boxes, a pram and small furniture.from 625 kr/mo
10 m³A studio apartment – bed, sofa, appliances and 30–50 boxes.from 1 125 kr/mo
15 m³A 1–2 room apartment with furniture – 40–60 boxes.from 1 625 kr/mo
20 m³A 2–3 room apartment – complete furnishings and 60–80 boxes.from 2 250 kr/mo
30 m³A 3–4 room apartment – corner sofa, appliances and 80–120 boxes.from 3 250 kr/mo
42 m³A house (100–150 m²), goods and archive storage – 120+ boxes.from 4 875 kr/mo

Monthly from-prices across our locations. Final price and availability are shown on each location.

Frequently asked questions

How long can I rent storage when moving?

As short or as long as you need. You rent month to month with no lock-in, so whether the move takes two weeks or six months, you only pay for the time you actually use the unit. You can cancel or extend along the way.

How large a unit do I need for a 2-room flat?

A typical two-room flat usually fits in a unit of around 7 m². How high you stack and how much furniture you have affects the need, so if in doubt we will help you get the size right — and it is easy to switch units along the way.

What does storage cost when moving?

The price depends on the size of the unit and which branch you choose. The smallest units start from a few hundred kroner a month. You pay per month with no lock-in, and with free loan of a trailer you usually save the cost of a moving van. See current prices under Prices and sizes.

Can I borrow a trailer for the move?

Yes. As a tenant you borrow an enclosed Tysse box trailer for free, so you can easily transport your belongings to and from the storage facility. Book the trailer in advance so it is ready when you need it.

Can I move into the unit the same day?

Yes. You reserve the unit and sign the contract digitally in a few minutes, and receive a personal access code by SMS. You can then move in the same day, any day between 07:00 and 23:00.