Home renovation: storing furniture in Central Switzerland

Renovations are finally underway: the new kitchen, the open-plan living room, the converted attic. But before the first tradesperson arrives, a practical question arises – where to put the furniture? Shifting the sofa, dining table and wardrobes back and forth in the flat during the construction phase risks scratches, dust damage and annoyed tradespeople having to work around obstacles.

The better solution: get the furniture off the construction site and into temporary storage. In Central Switzerland, several Squarefoot locations are ready for this – in Lucerne, Zug, Baar and Cham.

Why temporary storage is worth it during renovations

• Protection from dust and damage: Construction dust penetrates every crevice – into upholstery, electronics and wooden surfaces. Stored furniture is spared from this.
• Faster construction progress: Empty rooms can be worked on more efficiently. Tradespeople can get on without moving things around, which saves construction time and often costs.
• Less stress: You don't have to adjust dust sheets and stack furniture every day – your furnishings wait safely for their move back in.
• Clearly predictable: The storage costs are fixed right from the start – unlike many other items in the renovation budget.

How to prepare and store furniture properly

With just a few simple steps, your furnishings will survive the renovation period undamaged:

• Clean and dry: Only store clean, dry furniture – this prevents stains and odours.
• Dismantle what you can: Storing beds, tables and shelving units dismantled saves space; attach screws in labelled bags directly to the furniture.
• Protect properly: Use blankets and breathable covers instead of airtight plastic wrap; secure edges with cardboard corner protectors; transport and store glass tops upright.
• Stack cleverly: Heavy items at the bottom, delicate items at the top, frequently used items at the front – and keep a narrow access path clear.

Kitchens and electrical appliances: the special cases

When renovating a kitchen, appliances also move into storage. The fridge and freezer must be completely defrosted, emptied and dried – leave the doors slightly open so no odours form. With washing machines, drain the residual water and secure the drum with the transit bolts. Thoroughly clean the oven and dishwasher before they go into the unit. Transport electronics like TVs best in their original packaging or between soft blankets – upright, never lying flat. And remember: petrol-driven garden equipment may only be stored with an empty tank, and gas bottles or paint tins not at all.

The right unit size for your renovation

How much space you need depends on the scope of the renovation. The units at Squarefoot range between 1 and 40 m³. As a rule of thumb: 5 to 8 m³ is usually enough for a single room, for a complete flat's furniture calculate 10 to 20 m³, and an entire house fits into the large units up to 40 m³. When in doubt, choose one size larger – then an aisle remains free, and you can access individual items during the renovation. Thanks to PIN access, around the clock from 00 to 24 o'clock at many locations, you can retrieve forgotten items at any time.

Stay flexible if the schedule changes

Anyone who has ever renovated knows that construction schedules are estimates. All the more important that your temporary storage plays along. At Squarefoot, the minimum rental period is 30 days, after which the unit can be cancelled monthly – if the final inspection is delayed, simply extend. Prices are per month excluding 8,1 % VAT, plus a one-off registration fee of 40 CHF. Currently, the first month costs only 1 CHF with a two-month minimum commitment. You can find an overview on the storage costs page.

Conclusion: Renovating without furniture Tetris

Renovations are stressful enough – your furniture doesn't need to be right in the middle of it. With temporary storage in Lucerne, Zug, Baar or Cham, you create a clear path for tradespeople and protect your furnishings from dust and scratches. Secure your storage unit in Lucerne or at another Central Switzerland location and book your box conveniently online. By the way, a storage unit is often still worth it after the renovation: whatever doesn't fit when moving back in has already found its space. Now let the renovation begin.