Where to Put Extra Belongings When Moving: A Storage Guide
Published: 24 September 2026 • 5 min readWhere do you put extra belongings when moving? Moving into a new home, but because it is smaller, not all of your old belongings will fit? Looking for somewhere you can safely leave your things temporarily until your new home is ready? Many people face these questions when they move. Our storage guide for extra belongings offers ideas to help you solve this problem.
Where Do You Put Extra Belongings When Moving?
The Problem of Extra Belongings When Moving
These days, many people run into the problem of having too many belongings when moving to a smaller home than their current one. Between downsizing and renovation or moving timelines that don't line up, people often don't know what to do with their things. In this situation, there are several alternative solutions.
Solutions for Extra Belongings
From free temporary alternatives to professional self storage services, there are options to suit every budget and need. We have looked at the question of where to put extra belongings when moving from every angle and laid out the pros and cons to help you make the right decision.
The Basement
An apartment building's basement can be used for storage. It can be a practical solution for small items. However, although it costs nothing, it has a few drawbacks. You should keep in mind the potential for moisture, poor ventilation and security issues, since it is a shared space. Wooden furniture and electronics in particular can be damaged in a basement. It is also risky when it comes to theft.
The Homes of Relatives, Friends and Acquaintances
If you are wondering "Where do I put extra belongings when moving?", you might consider the home of someone you know. If someone close to you lives in a spacious home, you can keep your belongings there. But even though it costs nothing, it is a risky approach. As many people have experienced, keeping belongings there for a long time can cause problems and even strain your relationship. You may also run into issues such as security, pests and moisture. Frankly, it won't let you solve your extra-belongings problem with peace of mind.
If the storage period will exceed one month, if your belongings include valuable, delicate or electronic items, or if you have any doubts about security, these free alternatives can end up costing you dearly in the long run. A damaged piece of furniture or a stolen item can turn into a far heavier cost than months of storage rent.
Professional Storage Facilities
Can your belongings be stored without damage, in a safe environment and somewhere you can access whenever you need them? Yes — with a professional household storage company, you can keep your belongings in a secure environment.
Household storage services in Türkiye have reached an advanced level. Today there are technologically equipped secure personal storage spaces that go far beyond simply locking your things away somewhere.
- With personal storage, you get your own lock and key. Only you can access your storage room. No one, including company staff, can touch your belongings without your permission.
- You can choose a space of a different size depending on the volume of your belongings. Space can be allocated to suit every need and volume, from small individual items to the furniture of an entire home.
- Your belongings are stored in areas with climate and humidity control. Professional facilities keep temperature and humidity levels stable, which protects wooden, leather and electronic items in particular.
- Your belongings are protected by a 24/7 security system. There are CCTV cameras, alarms, motion sensors and security staff.
Container Storage
For those who want to store the entire contents of a home in particular, container-based systems make more sense. They are popular during home and office moves or long processes such as renovations and urban renewal (earthquake-driven redevelopment). They are more affordable than a private room. If you would like more detailed information about container storage, take a look at our Container Storage article.
How to Store Extra Belongings by Item Type
Storing Home Appliances
Unplug your home appliances 2 days before storing them and drain all the water completely. Then leave their doors half open so the interiors can dry out. Doors left closed can cause mold and odors to form inside the machine. When preparing them for storage, wrap the outer surfaces in a protective cover.
Storing Wooden Furniture
Wrap your wooden furniture in blankets, covers or stretch film to prevent scratches. Be sure to tape the drawers and doors shut. That way, they won't open during transport. Moisture is a major risk for wooden items. They should be stored in areas with climate control and ventilation to protect them from humidity.
Storing Clothing and Textiles
By putting summer and winter clothes into vacuum bags, you can make them take up less space. You also protect them from moisture.
Storing Electronics
You can store electronic devices in their original boxes, if you have them. If you don't have the original boxes, pack them tightly with foam or bubble wrap. Remove the batteries from battery-powered devices. Batteries can cause serious damage, especially during long-term storage.
Storing Fragile Items
Wrap glass, porcelain and ceramic items individually in newspaper or bubble wrap. Fill the empty spaces inside the boxes to keep items from shifting. Write "fragile" on the boxes.
Tips for Storing Extra Belongings
If you opt for professional storage for your belongings, here are a few tips to help you prepare properly before putting them into storage.
First, you can sort the items to be stored into categories. When clothes, books, kitchenware, electronics, furniture and fragile items are grouped separately, the packing process runs more smoothly and it is easier to find what you are looking for when you need it. Writing the contents on the outside of each box is also helpful.
Belongings should be stored dry and clean. Textiles, rugs, sofas and wooden furniture in particular should be cleaned before storage, and you should make sure they are completely dry. Items stored damp or dirty can develop problems such as odors, stains or warping over time.
When choosing a storage space, it is also important to assess the amount of your belongings accurately. At Troy Depo, the storage space you need and the household storage price are determined by the volume of your items, the storage period, the location and the type of service you choose. That is why making a list of the items you will put into storage in advance makes it easier to choose the storage space that suits you best.
Finally, don't leave items you may need often at the bottom of the boxes. Seasonal clothes, documents or personal items you may use from time to time should be placed where they are easier to reach. With a professional household storage service, neat packing, proper placement and a secure facility let you keep your extra belongings in a controlled, safe way without them taking up space in your home.
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