Temporary Storage for Real Estate Staging and Selling
Selling a home isn’t just about listing it; it’s about presenting it. In today’s real estate market, staging is one of the most powerful tools for speeding up the sale process and boosting the sale price. But what do you do with all the excess furniture, personal items, and clutter while your home is being shown?
That’s where temporary self-storage comes in. Whether you're a homeowner prepping for open houses or a real estate professional managing multiple properties, self-storage solutions offer a simple, secure, and cost-effective way to keep your spaces clean, minimal, and show-ready.
Let’s explore how temporary storage can be your secret weapon for successful staging and selling.
The Connection Between Clutter and Closing Delays
Multiple studies have shown that cluttered homes tend to stay on the market longer. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 81% of buyers say it’s easier to visualize a property as their future home when it’s staged, and that starts with clearing out unnecessary items.
Yet, decluttering isn’t as easy as it sounds:
- You might be living in the home while it's on the market.
- You might have bulky furniture that dominates the room.
- You might not want to permanently toss personal or seasonal items.
That’s why temporary storage spaces are the go-to solution for sellers who want their homes to shine without getting rid of everything.
Why Use Temporary Storage for Staging?
1. Makes the Home Appear Bigger
Furniture takes up visual space. Removing extra chairs, bookshelves, or dressers can immediately open up a room, making it look larger and more appealing.
2. Protects Personal Items
Staging often involves removing personal photographs, heirlooms, and items of sentimental or financial value. A secure storage facility keeps them safe during the selling process.
3. Simplifies the Moving Process
Storing non-essential items during staging means you're already halfway packed when the home sells, saving time and stress later.
4. Allows for Flexible Access
Drive-up storage or indoor climate-controlled storage lets you retrieve or swap out items anytime during the listing period.
What to Put in Storage While Staging a Home
When staging a home for sale, less is more. Here’s what most professionals recommend putting into temporary storage units:
| Item Type | Examples | Storage Type Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Bulky Furniture | Extra sofas, recliners, and dining tables | Drive-up or enclosed storage |
| Personal Items | Family photos, collectibles, and keepsakes | Climate-controlled storage |
| Seasonal Decor | Holiday items, off-season decorations | Indoor storage unit |
| Garage & Yard Clutter | Tools, bikes, gardening equipment | Drive-up or outdoor storage |
| Excess Kitchenware | Duplicate utensils, appliances, and dishes | Indoor or climate-controlled |
| Kid or Pet Items | Toys, large pet crates, playsets | Secure residential storage unit |
| Office or Business Items | Filing cabinets, supplies, and home office furniture | Business storage unit |
Tip
Label your boxes by room to make unpacking easier later!
Best Storage Solutions for Home Sellers
When choosing a temporary storage solution, it’s important to pick the right type of storage unit based on your items, duration, and access needs. The Storage Advantage offers a wide range of options:
Drive-Up Storage
Great for heavy furniture, garage items, and anything you want to load/unload quickly.
Climate-Controlled Storage
Ideal for items sensitive to temperature and humidity, like wood furniture, artwork, documents, or electronics.
Enclosed Storage Spaces
For maximum privacy and protection, especially if you’re storing valuables during the selling process.
Secure Storage Facilities
Peace of mind knowing your items are protected until you need them again.
Real Estate Use Cases: How People Use Temporary Storage to Sell Faster
Case 1: Downsizing Before Selling
A couple moving to a smaller home needed to stage their 5-bedroom house. They rented a 10x10 climate-controlled unit to store their extra bedroom furniture and collectibles. Their house sold in 17 days faster than the local average.
Case 2: Flipping and Furnishing a Vacant Property
A real estate investor staging a flip property used drive-up storage to keep rented furniture and decor supplies safe until open house day.
Case 3: Selling While Living in the Home
A family with kids used enclosed storage for toys, pet beds, and seasonal items, making their home feel like a blank canvas to potential buyers.
Packing Tips for Short-Term Storage During Staging
If you’re planning to use storage for a few weeks or months, follow these best practices:
Use Clear Bins or Label Everything
You don’t want to dig through a dozen boxes looking for your coffee maker.
Stack Strategically
Put heavier items on the bottom and lighter ones on top to avoid crushing.
Use Furniture Covers
Protect furniture from dust or moisture with breathable covers.
Store Vertically
Use shelves or stackable bins to maximize your space inside the unit.
Temporary Storage: Not Just for Homeowners
Real estate agents, stagers, and contractors also use storage units to streamline the staging and selling process:
- Store reusable staging decor between listings
- Keep “open house kits” (signs, flyers, cleaning supplies) ready to go
- Hold furniture for multiple properties in rotation
If you're in the business of helping homes look their best, temporary business storage gives you control and flexibility without the overhead of a warehouse.
Seasonal Tip: Spring and Summer are Selling Season
Most real estate markets see a spike in listings between March and July. This is when temporary storage becomes especially useful:
- Remove bulky winter gear to show off the closets
- Store lawn tools or patio furniture to keep yards clean
- Prep for moving day ahead of time by storing packed boxes early
What Size Storage Unit Do You Need?
Here’s a quick reference guide for common home staging scenarios:
| Home Size | Recommended Unit Size | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Studio/1BR | 5x10 or 10x10 | Boxes, small furniture, seasonal décor |
| 2–3 Bedroom Home | 10x10 or 10x15 | Larger furniture, appliances, kids’ items |
| 4+ Bedroom Home | 10x20 or 10x30 | Full-room furniture, garage items, and large appliances |
Self Storage as a Home Selling Strategy
Temporary self-storage isn't just for moving; it's a strategic tool that can:
- Help stage your home more effectively
- Make your listing photos and open house stand out
- Speed up your move and reduce stress
Whether you’re an experienced agent or a first-time seller, temporary storage solutions offer the flexibility, protection, and space you need during a major life transition.
Ready to Stage Smarter?
Get the Storage Advantage Today
At The Storage Advantage, we offer a wide variety of storage unit types, drive-up, climate-controlled, RV, boat, trailer, and more, designed to support homeowners, real estate professionals, and businesses alike. No matter where you are in the sales journey, we have clean, secure, and convenient storage to meet your needs.
Explore your options now at thestorageadvantage.com and take the first step toward a faster, simpler home sale.
