Introduction
Renting out your home — whether short-term, long-term or as part of a relocation plan — comes with a long checklist. From safety certificates to insurance and finding the right tenants, there’s a lot to think about. One area that often gets overlooked? What to do with your own belongings.
Whether you’re letting your home furnished, unfurnished or somewhere in between, self storage offers a smart and secure solution for your personal possessions. It gives you the flexibility to clear the property for new tenants while protecting the things you care about most.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through why self storage is a landlord’s best friend, what items are worth storing, and how SecureStore in Bury makes the process easy and affordable.
Why Use Storage When Letting Out Your House?
Let’s start with a basic question: why would you need storage at all?
If you’re letting out your house while moving abroad, downsizing, or simply trialling the landlord life, it’s likely that some of your belongings won’t be suitable to leave in the property. You might not want tenants using your favourite armchair, or your great-grandmother’s antique mirror.
Storage allows you to:
- Protect valuable or sentimental items
- Create a neutral, decluttered look that appeals to renters
- Avoid damage to personal possessions
- Comply with insurance and landlord requirements
- Retain items for future use without cluttering family garages or lofts
In short, storage gives you peace of mind and professional presentation.
Furnished, Part-Furnished or Unfurnished: What’s the Difference?
The way you let out your home will influence what needs to be stored:
Furnished
You provide all major furniture and appliances. Tenants move in with just their personal items. This setup is common for student lets and short-term rentals.
Storage use: Store any items that are valuable, fragile, overly personal or not suitable for general use.
Part-Furnished
Some furniture is provided — often large items like sofas, beds or wardrobes — but tenants are expected to bring some of their own. Very common in the private rental sector.
Storage use: Store everything not essential to the tenancy. You’ll want to create a flexible environment that doesn’t feel cluttered.
Unfurnished
Only basic fixtures are provided (e.g. carpets, blinds, white goods). Ideal for long-term tenants who want to furnish the property themselves.
Storage use: Store the majority of your furniture and contents elsewhere until you decide what to do with them permanently.
What Should You Put in Storage?
Here’s a useful guide to what landlords often place in self storage before letting out a home:
- Personal furniture – anything high-value, fragile, or not designed for general use
- Soft furnishings – rugs, throws, cushions, which may hold scents or stains
- Books and decorative items – especially if they’re part of a personal collection
- Clothing and footwear – left behind in wardrobes or under-bed drawers
- Family photographs or memorabilia – best kept out of view for privacy
- Artwork and prints – especially valuable or irreplaceable pieces
- Children’s toys, games or schoolwork – sentimental but unnecessary for tenants
- Electronics or hobby gear – such as cameras, instruments, tools or gym equipment
- Kitchen extras – such as niche appliances, baking gear or glassware collections
- Paperwork and archives – old tax documents, bills, receipts or sensitive material
In short: if you wouldn’t want a stranger using it, losing it, or breaking it — store it.
How Self Storage Protects Your Belongings
Putting your possessions in storage isn’t just about moving things out of the way. It’s about safeguarding them properly while you’re away or renting out your space.
At SecureStore in Bury, our facility offers:
- Secure key fob access — only authorised users can enter the premises
- You bring your own padlock — only you hold the key
- CCTV-monitored site — 24/7 security systems in place
- Clean, dry units — no risk of damp or mould
- Range of sizes — from a few boxes to a full house’s worth of furniture
- Flexible terms — no long-term tie-ins or hidden fees
We treat your items with the respect and protection they deserve, whether you’re storing for a month or a year.
Short-Term and Long-Term Storage Options
Whether you’re letting out your home short-term while travelling or setting up as a long-term landlord, we’ve got options that suit:
Short-Term Storage (1–6 months)
- Ideal for landlords testing the market
- Great for short lets, Airbnb or temporary relocations
- Allows you to hold on to belongings while plans settle
Long-Term Storage (6–24+ months)
- Ideal for overseas relocation, sabbaticals, or retirement lets
- Safe home for possessions you’re not yet ready to sell
- Perfect for storing items you want to pass on to children or future homes
Our rolling contracts let you stay flexible — no fixed term required unless you want it.
Letting Agents Love a Clutter-Free Home
If you’re working with a letting agent, they’ll likely advise you to depersonalise the space before marketing it.
Why?
- It helps potential tenants visualise their own life in the home
- It makes rooms look bigger and brighter
- It removes the risk of damage to your possessions
- It can increase the rental value by presenting a well-staged interior
Storage helps you follow this advice without sacrificing your belongings.
Case Study: Emma’s Relocation to London
Emma, a Bury homeowner, landed a two-year contract in London and decided to let out her home while away.
She stored:
- Her bedroom furniture (opting to let the house part-furnished)
- Family heirlooms and photos
- Her book collection and personal decorations
- Seasonal clothing and documents
Emma returned last year to find her items perfectly preserved, her home income-generating, and her re-move-in process stress-free.
What About Insurance?
Most standard home insurance policies don’t cover stored items — especially when you’re not living in the property.
We offer guidance on:
- Low-cost storage insurance tailored to your items
- Understanding what’s included in our protection policy
- Working with your current insurer if required
Your peace of mind is our priority.
Can I Store Garden Equipment, Bikes or Tools?
Yes. Our storage units are a great place to keep:
- Garden furniture during winter lets
- DIY tools and ladders
- Bikes or sports equipment
- Camping gear or seasonal hobby items
- Spare paint, tiles or decorating items
Many landlords choose to remove these to avoid tenant misuse or damage — and they’re perfect candidates for storage.
Letting Multiple Properties? Storage Scales with You
If you’re a portfolio landlord, you may find you have:
- Extra beds, sofas or appliances
- Paperwork or tenancy documentation
- Spare fixtures and fittings
- Tools or decorating gear for upkeep
Storage gives you a base of operations. We even support local landlords who operate HMO or serviced accommodation setups.
Ask about our larger unit sizes or multi-unit options.
Why SecureStore is the Landlord’s Choice in Bury
We’re proud to be a trusted local facility for landlords, homeowners and property managers.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Easy, flexible contracts
- Central Bury location with good access and parking
- Clean and secure units in a range of sizes
- Friendly staff who offer practical advice
- Competitive pricing with no nonsense
- Full transparency with no admin fees
Whether you’re letting your home to a family, students or professionals, SecureStore ensures your belongings are safe while you earn rental income.
Conclusion: Make Letting Simpler with Smart Storage
Letting your home doesn’t have to mean letting go of your belongings.
SecureStore helps you:
✔ Protect the things that matter
✔ Present your property professionally
✔ Avoid unnecessary clutter
✔ Stay flexible as your plans evolve
With our storage solutions, you can be a confident landlord and a careful homeowner — all at once.
Contact Us to Learn More
574 Manchester Road, Bury, BL9 9SW
0161 470 0288
info@securestoreselfstorage.co.uk
