Storing Furniture: Costs, Contract & What to Watch For

Not every move runs seamlessly from the old flat to the new one. Often a gap appears: the old tenancy has ended, but the new home is not yet ready – or renovation, time abroad and estate matters call for interim solutions. In these situations, storing furniture and household goods is not a luxury option but a practical way to reduce time pressure and keep your inventory safe.

Typical situations for furniture storage

• Moving gap: the old flat is already cleared, but the new one is only available weeks later.
• Time abroad: temporary job, studies or extended travel – flat given up, furniture kept.
• Renovation: flat or house being refurbished; furniture must be out of the way but should not be sold.
• Estate: household being wound up, sale or re-letting takes time – inventory needs secure interim storage.

Especially with tight moving dates in Switzerland, professional interim storage is often the less stressful alternative to a double move or storing items with friends. Deciding early whether storage is needed lets you align transport, unit size and contract term better with your overall plan – for example in combination with the checklist for a structured private move.

Furniture storage costs depend mainly on the floor area (m²) or volume (m³) required, the contract term and the storage standard chosen. As a rough guide for Switzerland, monthly prices of CHF 120 to 350 apply for typical interim storage as part of a move – as shown in our overview of moving company costs. Larger units, climate control or frequent access can push the total higher.

For size estimation: a fully furnished 2-room flat typically needs about 6–8 m² of storage space. Smaller households manage with 3–4 m², larger flats with 10–12 m² or more. The table below summarises typical size bands and monthly cost ranges.

Guide values: storage costs by unit size (per month)

What else affects the price

• Contract term: short-term storage is often more expensive per month than longer contracts.
• Access: self-storage with 24/7 access may have different rates than managed storage.
• Transport: delivery to and collection from the warehouse are usually priced separately.
• Climate control: for sensitive furniture, books or electronics, controlled climate is worthwhile.
• Insurance: cover for stored goods should be clearly defined in the contract.

Before storing furniture, it is worth reading the storage contract carefully. It governs not only the monthly price but also deadlines, liability and practical conditions. Unclear contracts easily lead to extra costs or disputes on termination and return.

Notice period and minimum term

Many providers require a minimum term – often one month, longer for long-term contracts. The notice period is typically 14 to 30 days to the end of a month. Check whether notice must be given in writing and whether automatic renewal applies if you do not cancel in time. For moving gaps with an uncertain end date, flexible monthly cancellation is a clear advantage.

Insurance and liability

By default, storage contracts often cover only limited liability – for example by weight or a flat amount. For valuable furniture, antiques or electronics you should check extended storage insurance or an adjustment via household contents insurance. Document the condition before storage with photos and an inventory list; this makes claims much easier.

Access times and use

• When may you enter the unit – only during office hours or around the clock?
• Do you need a key, access code or appointment?
• May you remove items during the term or only on full clearance?
• Are there rules on prohibited goods (flammable substances, food, animals)?

Climate and humidity

Wooden furniture, upholstery, mattresses and textiles react sensitively to humidity and temperature swings. Ask about controlled air, insulation and ventilation. Cellars without climate management are often risky for longer storage. For multi-month storage or damp seasons, a climate-controlled unit is the safer choice – even if it costs a little more.

Well-prepared furniture survives storage much better. Dirt, residual moisture or poor protection lead to odours, mould or scratches – costs that a simple preparation step can avoid.

Checklist: storing furniture

1. Disassemble: take apart shelves, beds and tables where possible – saves space and reduces breakage risk. Keep screws in labelled bags attached to the piece.
2. Clean: thoroughly clean surfaces, upholstery and drawers. Dust and grease attract pests and odours over months.
3. Dry: let all parts dry completely before wrapping or covering. Moisture is the most common storage mistake.
4. Cover upholstery: use breathable covers (e.g. cotton blankets, fabric furniture covers) – no tight plastic film directly on fabrics, as condensation can form.
5. Keep an inventory list: note every stored item, ideally with a photo. This helps with insurance, return and later removal of individual pieces.

Extra tips for delicate items

• Store mattresses upright or flat on an even surface, do not fold.
• Secure mirrors and glass with edge protection and stable packaging.
• Protect electronics in original boxes or with padding against impacts.
• Do not place wooden furniture directly on cold floors – use spacers or boards.

If you book transport and storage from one provider, you often benefit from professional packing materials and structured placement in the warehouse. That saves time and reduces the risk of transport damage between home and storage.

The best storage solution depends heavily on how long your inventory actually needs to stay put. Short-term and long-term storage differ in price, contract flexibility and requirements for storage quality.

Short-term vs. long-term: comparison

When does which option pay off?

For a moving gap of a few weeks, a medium unit (6–8 m²) and a flexible monthly contract are usually enough. If you plan more than six months abroad or estate furniture must wait until the property sells, you should plan from the start for climate control, clear insurance and realistic space. Long-term storage costs add up quickly: an 8 m² unit at CHF 220 per month already costs over CHF 2'600 in a year – a reason to review inventory critically and sell or dispose of unnecessary items beforehand.

Whatever the duration: enquire early, calculate size realistically and fix contract details in writing. That keeps storage a predictable part of your move – not an expensive afterthought.