Furniture storage means temporarily placing your furniture in a secure storage space. This can be a self-storage unit where you drive yourself, or a full-service storage option where your furniture is picked up, stored, and returned whenever you want. In the Netherlands, more and more people choose furniture storage during a move, renovation, or simply when they need extra space. Costs and options vary by provider, but the most important thing is that your furniture stays dry, clean, and safe.
Why people store furniture
Many situations make temporary furniture storage the best solution. The most common reasons to rent storage space for furniture in the Netherlands are:
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Moving and timing issues
Moving days often do not align. Sometimes you have to leave your old home while you do not yet have the keys to the new one. Short-term furniture storage bridges this gap without the stress of having your furniture temporarily left in an unsafe or uncovered location. This also applies to expats or people waiting for the completion of a property.
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Renovation or remodelling
During renovations, you want to protect your furniture from dust, moisture, or construction damage. Temporary storage creates extra workspace and reduces the risk of damage.
- Downsizing and life events
When moving in together, separating, experiencing a death, or clearing out a student room, you want to keep valuable items. Renting storage space allows you to take time to decide what to keep or discard.
- Seasonal changes and home staging
Some furniture is only used during certain seasons. Other pieces may get in the way during house viewings for sale. Temporarily storing items makes a room look larger, calmer, and easier to clean.
- Business use
Companies store office furniture, temporary event equipment, or archive materials. This keeps the workspace organised, allows more efficient use of space, and creates a professional appearance.
- Preserving quality
Antique furniture, leather sofas, and solid wood are sensitive to temperature and moisture. A storage unit with proper climate control prevents warping, cracking, mold, and discoloration, unlike garages or basements.
What types of furniture do you want to store and for how long
Before choosing a storage space, it is helpful to determine exactly what you want to store. Consider sofas, bed frames, mattresses, chairs, tables, antique furniture, wooden cabinets, or electronic furniture such as TV units.
Make distinctions between these categories:
- Upholstered furniture such as sofas and armchairs
- Wooden furniture and antique pieces
- Electronics and fragile components
- Large items such as cabinets or bed frames
Some items require special care. Antique furniture and electronics often need a more stable climate and proper packaging. Large furniture can sometimes be disassembled to save space.
Also, determine the storage duration:
- Short term. Up to three months: ideal for a move or small renovation
- Medium term. Three to twelve months: suitable for long-term projects or temporary relocation
- Long term. Over a year: climate-controlled storage is often advisable
The duration affects not only the price but also the materials and protection needed.
Which storage option fits your needs
There are three commonly used ways to store furniture. The table below shows the main differences and when each option works best:
|
Storage option |
Suitable for |
Advantages |
Points to consider |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Self storage |
People on a budget who want to load and access furniture themselves regularly |
Usually the cheapest option, frequent access on your own schedule |
You must drive, load, and unload yourself; higher risk of damage during transport and extra costs |
|
Full-service storage |
People without a car, busy professionals, families, or anyone who wants convenience and lower risk |
Pickup and delivery, no lifting or driving, professional handling reduces damage |
Usually no free access; dependent on scheduling |
|
Storage container |
Large renovations, temporary projects, or on-site storage |
Useful for project-based work, container can stay near home or construction site |
Location limitations, sensitive to temperature and moisture, less suitable for valuable or wooden furniture |
When climate-controlled storage is worth it
A climate-controlled storage unit keeps temperature and humidity stable. This is especially important for:
- Antique furniture
- Solid wood
- Veneer
- Leather furniture
- Art objects
- Electronics
Temperature or humidity fluctuations can warp wood, dry out leather, and damage electronics. Moist basements or unheated garages increase the risk of mold and deterioration. For valuable or sensitive furniture, controlled storage is often the safest choice.
How much does it cost to store furniture
The cost mainly depends on the amount of furniture, the location, and extra services chosen. Many Dutch providers charge per cubic meter or with fixed units such as 6 m² or 12 m².
Main price drivers:
- Amount of space needed (m² or m³)
- Storage duration
- Storage location
- Extra access options, e.g., 24-hour access
- Climate control
- Insurance
- Pickup and transport service
- Packaging materials or packing assistance
The more efficiently you pack, the less space you need and the more you can save. Disassembling furniture or using pallets can help with better organization.
How do you store furniture the right way
Proper storage protects the frame, finish, and fabric of furniture from damage, moisture, and pressure points, while maximising space and maintaining airflow.
Measures to protect your furniture:
|
Packing |
Disassembling |
Stacking |
Protection |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Use bubble wrap |
Disassemble beds, cabinets, and tables when possible |
Place heavy items at the bottom and lighter items on top |
Protect wooden furniture with moving blankets and breathable covers |
|
Use cardboard corner protectors |
Keep screws and small parts in labelled bags |
Allow space for ventilation and use pallets if allowed |
For furniture with electronics: keep dry, preferably in original or sturdy boxes, remove batteries to prevent fire risk |
|
Do not wrap upholstered furniture tightly in plastic; leave some air to prevent condensation |
Keep loose parts with the corresponding furniture |
Do not place anything on soft upholstery to avoid deformation or tears |
For furniture with a finished surface: consider when the last finish was applied and whether it suits your storage period |
|
Prefer breathable covers, sheets, or cloth instead of plastic |
Store small furniture inside larger pieces if they cannot be disassembled |
Do not stack above the safe maximum height |
Clean furniture well before storage to prevent dirt-related damage |
Furniture storage checklist
Good preparation is half the work. This checklist helps you store furniture smoothly and safely:
Step 1: inventory
- List all furniture and valuables
- Take photos of all items, especially fragile or antique pieces, for insurance or reference
Step 2: sort and select
- Decide what needs temporary storage and what can be discarded
- Consider selling, donating, or giving away items no longer needed
Step 3: calculate required space
- Measure large furniture (m³: length, width, height)
- Account for extra space for packing materials and ventilation
Step 4: choose the right storage option
- Self storage, full-service storage, or storage container
- Consider location, budget, access, and sensitive items
Step 5: organise transport
- Hire a moving company, schedule pickup service, or arrange a van/trailer
- Plan date and time to ensure smooth execution
Step 6: pack and label
- Wrap furniture in bubble wrap, covers, or sheets; protect corners
- Disassemble when possible and store screws in labeled bags
- Label boxes with contents and exact storage location
Step 7: loading and arranging
- Place heavy items at the bottom, lighter on top
- Ensure ventilation between furniture
- Use pallets to prevent moisture and pressure damage
Step 8: check and document
- Review inventory before closing storage
- Note any existing damage or missing items
Step 9: check storage environment
- Check temperature, moisture risk, and security
- Avoid basements or garages without proper ventilation or alarms
Extra tip: keep essential materials like tape, labels, trolleys, straps, and insurance documents close.
Which packing materials do you need
Must-haves
- Moving boxes: strong cardboard for small and fragile items; label clearly
- Bubble wrap: protects surfaces; wrap fragile items in multiple layers with air gaps
- Moving blankets or sheets: for wooden furniture, tables, cabinets, and sofas
- Tape and labels: strong tape for boxes and wrap; labels for content and location
- Corner protectors: protect edges during transport and storage
- Stretch film for wood and metal: keeps loose parts together and dust-free
- Pallets (if allowed): keep furniture off the floor, prevent moisture, and make stacking easier
Nice-to-haves
- Breathable mattress covers: prevent condensation, heat buildup, and mold
- Bags for screws and small parts: attach to furniture or store in drawers
- Dollies or trolleys: make moving heavy furniture easier and safer
- Work gloves: protect hands during packing, lifting, and loading
Tip: use fire-safe or fire-resistant packing material when possible. Avoid cheap plastic that traps moisture.
When full-service storage saves you money and stress
Full-service storage means everything is handled for you: pickup, loading, storage, and later delivery by appointment. Each item is labelled, photographed, and stored securely. This saves time, effort, and reduces the risk of damage. Furniture storage can also be arranged online.
Who benefits from full-service storage?
- People without a car or transport
- Busy professionals and families
- Businesses with office or project materials
- Owners of valuable or fragile furniture, such as antiques or solid wood
- Those needing long-term storage
- People living in urban areas with limited parking
Full-service storage is also a good option for anyone who wants to store furniture without stress or hassle.
