Choosing the right furniture storage
Between homes, during renovations or while living abroad: the right arrangement depends on quantity, duration and access needs. Storage offers do not all include the same services.
Self-storage or managed furniture storage?
With self-storage, you usually rent an individual unit and arrange loading and unloading yourself. In managed storage, the company handles movements; furniture may be held in a storage crate. Collection and subsequent delivery can be arranged, but are not automatically included.
If you frequently retrieve items, access and organisation matter particularly. If everything stays until your next move, storage without independent access may suit you. Confirm the process, notice and charges for partial withdrawals.
| Need | What to check |
|---|---|
| Frequent retrieval | Access hours, individual unit and reachable items |
| Storage until moving | Custody, release and redelivery |
| Collection needed | Carrying, packing and transport agreed separately |
| Sensitive objects | Suitable conditions rather than ordinary storage space |
Estimate space without a rigid room formula
Square metres describe floor area; cubic metres describe volume. Height, door opening and stackability also matter. Space that is sufficient on paper may not accommodate a long sofa or items that cannot be stacked.
A list of large furniture and approximate box count is more useful than an automatic conversion from home size. Dismantling can save space but may incur labour charges. Allow a passage if individual items need to remain accessible.
Compare complete storage costs
One published furniture-storage tariff lists CHF 80 per month for a container of approximately 7.5 m³, excluding VAT. Storage handling, release and insurance are among the separately listed charges. The container price is therefore not the complete cost of collection, storage and return. It is an individual example, not a Swiss average.
Check the billing period. In a purely illustrative calculation, CHF 200 every four weeks totals CHF 2600 over 52 weeks; CHF 200 per calendar month totals CHF 2400 over twelve months. These are chosen calculation figures with VAT assumed to be included, not storage quotes. Compare the full duration, minimum term and notice period.
Include inbound and outbound transport, handling, insurance, locks or access devices, possible invoice fees and stated VAT. A refundable deposit differs from a final charge, but funds must be available at the start.
Store furniture clean and dry
Furniture and textiles should be clean and fully dry. Protection must suit the material and duration. Wrapping a damp item does not make it fit for storage. Prepare household appliances according to their instructions.
Keep fittings with their corresponding parts, label boxes and record the condition of valuable pieces. Pianos, artwork and especially sensitive furniture need suitable arrangements. Ask what is actually guaranteed: dry, heated and climate-controlled do not automatically mean the same thing.
Clarify access, insurance and release
Check access hours, appointment requirements and accepted items. Operators typically exclude certain dangerous or perishable substances; the specific list is in their conditions. Entry may require a key, code or smartphone.
Confirm insured risks and values and whether separate storage cover is required. Existing household insurance should not be assumed valid at every external storage location. Coordinate notice, release, transport and final clearance. Not yet knowing your next home address does not prevent an initial storage enquiry.
Frequently asked questions
Can I store furniture for only a few weeks?
Yes, but compare minimum hire, billing period, notice and one-off handling charges at entry and release.
Can I access my furniture at any time?
It depends on the location and arrangement. Managed storage often requires an appointment. Around-the-clock access must be expressly confirmed.
Do I need the exact volume?
No. A clear approximate quantity is enough initially. A furniture list, box count or later survey helps determine actual space requirements.
Can the company collect and later deliver my furniture?
Yes, if agreed. Transport, carrying, packing and any assembly should be itemised. The delivery address can be supplied once known.
