Storage During a Home Renovation — How to Plan It Right

Author

Celtic Self Storage

Renovating a flat in Warsaw is a project that can stretch over weeks or even months. One of the biggest logistical headaches is not the renovation itself — it is the question: what do you do with your furniture and belongings once the contractors move in? Here is a complete guide to help you plan storage during your renovation.

Why you need a storage unit for a renovation

Many people try to "work around" the problem by shifting furniture from room to room. That approach:

• Slows down the renovation — contractors work in cramped conditions, manoeuvring around your things
• Increases the risk of damage — dust, paint splatter, and moisture attack furniture, electronics, and clothing
• Creates daily stress — constantly rearranging items is exhausting
• Drives up the renovation bill — slower work means more labour hours, which means a higher invoice

Estimate: A renovation with furniture left in the flat takes 20–30 percent longer than one in an empty space. At contractor rates of 200–400 PLN per day, an extra 5–10 days costs 1,000–4,000 PLN — far more than renting a storage unit.

The action plan: before, during, and after

PHASE 1: Before the renovation (2–4 weeks ahead)

Step 1: Assess the scope

Step 2: Sort and declutter

A renovation is the perfect excuse for a major clear-out. Before you start packing, divide your belongings into four categories:

1. Store in the unit — furniture, valuables, electronics
2. Keep in the flat — essentials you need every day (one bed, basic kitchenware)
3. Sell or donate — old furniture, unwanted items (OLX, Vinted, charity drives)
4. Throw away — broken furniture, dead appliances

Tip: The fewer items you store, the smaller (and cheaper) your unit can be.

Step 3: Reserve the unit in advance

Do not leave it until the day before contractors arrive. Book your unit at least a week before work begins. That gives you time to pack and transport at a comfortable pace.

Step 4: Stock up on packing materials

• Boxes in various sizes (20–40 for a typical two-bedroom flat)
• Stretch wrap and bubble wrap
• Packing tape
• Moving blankets
• A marker for labelling

PHASE 2: Packing and transport (3–7 days before work starts)

Packing sequence

Start with the things you use least often:

One week before:

1. Decorations, pictures, mementoes
2. Books, albums, collections
3. Off-season clothing
4. Sports equipment

3–4 days before: 5. Electronics (other than daily essentials) 6. Kitchenware (except a basic set) 7. Spare bedding

1–2 days before: 8. Furniture (disassembly and transport) 9. Large appliances 10. Final boxes of everyday items

For a detailed breakdown of how to pack each type of furniture, read our furniture packing guide.

Transport to the unit

You have several options:

• Your own car — cheapest if you have an estate car or van
• Hired van — from 150–250 PLN per day
• Removal company — 300–800 PLN for loading and delivery

At Celtic, you get free parking and drive-in access — unloading takes minimal time.

PHASE 3: During the renovation

Organising daily life

If you are living in the flat while work is underway (which is the norm), set up a "survival base":

• One clean room — choose the room that will be renovated last
• Basic kit: bed or mattress, microwave, kettle, crockery for 2–3 people
• Clothes for two weeks — the rest stays in the unit

Accessing the unit during renovation

During a renovation, you will almost certainly need to retrieve something from storage. Plan ahead:

• Items needed during the renovation go near the front of the unit (drill, tools, supplies)
• Items needed only after the renovation go at the back (furniture, decorations)
• With Celtic's 24/7 access, you can pop in even after work in the evening

PHASE 4: After the renovation (1–2 weeks after completion)

When to start bringing things back

Do not rush. After the renovation:

1. Wait for everything to dry — paint, plaster, and flooring need 3–7 days
2. Ventilate the flat — paint and adhesive fumes are not kind to furniture
3. Do a thorough clean — renovation dust settles everywhere
4. Only then begin moving items back from the unit

Unpacking sequence

Reverse the packing order:

1. Large furniture (wardrobes, beds, tables)
2. Appliances (fridge, washing machine)
3. Boxes of everyday items
4. Decorations and finishing touches (last, once everything else is in place)

What does it cost? A budget breakdown

Example: Full renovation of a 50 m² two-bedroom flat, duration two months

Comparison: with a unit vs without

The cost of a two-month unit rental is lower than replacing a single damaged piece of furniture. A new sofa runs 2,000–5,000 PLN; a new washing machine 1,500–3,000 PLN.

Unit size by flat type

Not sure about the size? Use our calculator or give us a call — we are happy to advise.

Renovation storage checklist

• Determine the renovation scope and expected duration
• Sort belongings (store / donate / throw away)
• Reserve a unit at Celtic (at least a week ahead)
• Buy packing materials
• Photograph furniture before disassembly
• Pack in order: rarely used items first, daily essentials last
• Arrange transport
• Set up a "survival base" in the flat
• Confirm the renovation is finished and the flat is dry before moving items back
• Unpack in reverse order

Summary

Storage during a renovation is not a luxury — it is a practical solution that saves time, money, and stress. An empty flat is renovated faster, more cheaply, and without the risk of damaging your belongings.

At Celtic Self Storage, we offer flexible contracts starting from just one month, which is ideal for renovation timelines. You are not locked into a six-month commitment — rent a unit for the duration of the work and hand it back when you are done.

Planning a renovation? Give us a call:

• Lomianki: 668 116 622
• Piaseczno: 606 914 856

Also read our guide on how to pack furniture for storage and visit Celtic Self Storage.

Have questions? Check our FAQ or get in touch.

Empty flat equals faster renovation equals less stress. It really is that simple.