Moving in Basel: Smart use of temporary storage

In Basel, moves traditionally concentrate on a few dates a year – and that's precisely when things get tight: Removal companies are fully booked, lifts reserved, and not infrequently there's a gap of days or weeks between moving out of the old flat and moving into the new one. Temporary storage turns this deadline pressure into a manageable logistics problem.

Read this article to find out how to use temporary storage in Basel cleverly.

When temporary storage pays off during a move

Typical situations where a storage unit saves the move:

• Schedule gap: The old flat must be handed over by the end of the month, the new one is only available later.
• Renovation: Painting or floor replacement is still underway in the new flat – furniture would just be in the way.
• Downsizing: You are moving into a smaller flat and want to decide in peace what stays.
• Stopover: You are staying in furnished temporary housing or with friends before moving permanently.

Instead of hastily distributing the sofa and boxes in friends' cellars, store everything together in one place – clean, dry and accessible at all times.

How to plan your move with temporary storage

Moving in two stages sounds like more effort, but is often much more relaxing than doing everything in a single day. This process has proven effective:

• Four weeks before: Sort through household goods, clear out, and estimate space required. As a rule of thumb, a box of 10 to 15 m³ is usually enough for a 3-room flat.
• Two weeks before: Reserve a storage unit online and get moving supplies. Sturdy, uniform boxes stack better in your storage unit.
• When moving in: Heavy items at the bottom, frequently used items at the front, a narrow aisle in the middle. Label every box on two sides.
• When moving out: Move out room by room and place items directly in the correct spot in the new flat.

What belongs in temporary storage – and what doesn't

Not all household items need to take a detour through storage. First, pack an emergency box with everything you need daily during the transition – documents, chargers, clothes for two weeks, coffee machine. This stays with you. Everything else can go into the box: furniture, books, kitchenware, decor and seasonal clothing. Just note that perishable food, flammable materials like paint or gas canisters, and valuables like cash do not belong in self storage. Store fridge and washing machine emptied, defrosted and with the door slightly ajar – so everything stays fresh for a new start in the new flat.

Two locations in Basel – and fair terms

Squarefoot operates two self storage locations in Basel, allowing you to choose temporary storage close to your old or new flat. The boxes range from 1 to 40 m³ and can be rented in just a few minutes.

Flexibility is key, especially when moving: the minimum rental period is just 30 days, after which you can cancel monthly. If your move-in date is delayed, simply extend by another month. Prices are per month excl. 8,1 % VAT, plus a one-off registration fee of 40 CHF. You can also benefit from a special offer right now: the first month costs just 1 CHF with a two-month minimum contract – ideal for bridging the gap during a move. You can find full price details on our storage costs page.

Access at any time thanks to your PIN code

When moving house, things rarely go strictly to plan. Conveniently, you access your box using your personal PIN code – at many locations 24/7 from 00 to 24. If you remember in the evening that the power drill is still in storage, just go and get it. That way, your temporary storage isn't a rigid space, but a flexible buffer for the entire moving phase.

Summary: Relaxed moving instead of frantic deadlines

Temporary storage separates moving out from moving in – taking the stress out of your Basel move. You can hand over your old flat broom-clean and in peace, set up your new home without mountains of boxes, and maintain access to your belongings at all times. Secure your storage unit in Basel in good time and book your box online – your next moving day can come.