A home renovation can be exciting.  Thinking about your new space, finding inspirational ideas, working on new designs, and seeing it all come to life can bring an enjoyable change of pace.  However, anyone who has taken on a renovation will agree that your life will temporarily be interrupted.  While the end result is exciting, the process of a home renovation can be quite stressful.  You are faced with quite a daunting obstacle…what to do with all of you stuff during the renovation? Many homeowners aren’t adequately prepared for this storage challenge and find themselves totally frustrated.  Don’t let this happen to you! Avoid these 7 storage mistakes to ensure an easy, stress-free house renovation.

Mistake #1: Not Storing Furniture and Electronics

Along with any remodeling project come plenty of dirt, dust, and debris.  No matter how well you try to cover these items, it is inevitable that they will under up covered in dust.  This poses a significant risk to your furniture and electronics. In addition to dust, your belongings are also susceptible to damage from paint spills or getting knocked over by a crew of workers.   Save yourself the hassle, and the replacement cost, by storing your furniture and electronics in a portable storage container during your renovation.

Mistake #2: Cramming Your Closets

You might think that you can just stuff everything into your closets but you will soon find that this will only exacerbate your frustration level. You won’t be able to open your closets for fear that everything will come pouring out and you will be unable to easily access the items that you need.

Mistake #3: Sacrificing Your Spare Rooms

It might seem like the perfect idea to store all of your furniture and belongings in a spare bedroom for the duration of the renovation…that is until you have unexpected company coming to visit.  Your livable space will be limited enough during a renovation.  Don’t sacrifice your extra space by turning it into a storage unit.  Portable storage containers are a great solution because they provide the space you need without taking over your home.

Mistake #4: Not Labeling Boxes

There is no doubt that you will have to store items in plastic bins and boxes during a home renovation (especially if you are renovating a kitchen or bathroom).  Don’t forget, however, that you are probably going to need some of these items from time to time.  If you forget to label your boxes you might find yourself spending countless hours looking for specific items. 

Mistake #5: Storing Tools and Materials Outdoors

No matter how big or small your home renovation, one thing is certain: there will be lots of tools and materials involved.  Improper storage of these items could result in damaged tools and materials, injury, or theft.  Don’t leave your tools outside where they could get stolen or damaged by weather.  Instead, make sure your tools and materials are stored in a cool, dry, and secure place. 

Mistake #6: Not Packing an Essentials Box

There is one important rule when it comes to storing items during a renovation: Make sure you have an essentials box for every room in the house.  If you are remodeling your kitchen for example, store your essential items separately where you can easily access them.  This might include silverware, drinking glasses, and dishes.  Your bathroom essentials box should include towels, medications, and toiletry items.  You want these items to be close by and easily accessible.

Mistake #7: Cluttering Up Your Space

It might seem like an easy solution to just stack boxes and furniture in every nook and cranny of your house until the renovation is complete.  However, you will soon find that the clutter will be a huge source of frustration.  Not only will it prevent you and the workers from moving about freely in the home, but the disorganization and mess will only add stress to your situation.  Instead, consider renting a portable portable storage unit where you can neatly store all of your belongings during the renovation.  You will be able to eliminate the clutter and stay organized despite the work going on in your home.