White goods like washing machines, cookers and fridges, as well as smaller appliances like kettles, air fryers and bread machines can all be kept in your storage unit.
Can I keep a kitchen appliance in storage?
Most storage companies will allow you to store clean, dry kitchen appliances. You may not be allowed to store gas cylinders in your storage unit, however. And usually, you won’t be allowed to switch your appliances on in your storage unit, so you can’t keep a running fridge full of food.
How large a storage unit do I need for my kitchen appliances?
Storage companies offer different sizes of unit, but if you’re storing a fridge, cooker, washing machine and tumble dryer, between 35 square feet and 50 square feet should do it. Larger fridges and range-style cookers will need more space, obviously. Many storage organisations have a handy visualiser tool on their website to help you work out what will fit in your unit; or you could ring up and ask when you call round to get storage quotes.
Ask for a storage unit near the entrance when you’re storing kitchen appliances to ensure you don’t have to carry them too far.
Is it worth storing kitchen appliances?
If your appliance is broken, it’s not worth storing. Take it to the tip and dispose of it responsibly.
High-end or bespoke appliances are usually worth storing, particularly if you have an end-date in sight.
It may not be worth storing low-end appliances for indefinite periods. And if you know how long you’ll be storing your white goods for, you may find that it works out cheaper to get rid of them and buy new when you need a working kitchen again.
Functioning appliances get snapped up on local buy and sell sites, so it’s not hard to get rid of them.
How do I prepare an appliance for storage?
Thoroughly clean and dry your kitchen appliance before storing. Consider getting a professional clean for your oven so that it is fresh and ready to go when you bring it out of storage.
Dirty appliances may attract pests, and they can make the rest of your stored items smell, too. This is definitely a ‘stitch in time saves nine’ sort of situation. Half an hour of cleaning your appliances can save a whole lot of work later on. UK White Goods has some solid advice on cleaning all kinds of appliances.
Moving kitchen appliances safely
Kitchen appliances are bulky and some of them (washing machines, mainly) are heavy. Use padding to protect finishes, and refer to the instruction manual to learn about any special precautions you’ll need to take when moving appliances.
We’ve got a few tips about safe lifting that may help with moving kitchen appliances.
How much is it to rent a storage unit for my kitchen appliances?
The Self Storage Association UK reports an average rental rate of £23.94 per square foot per year. But the cost of renting a storage unit depends on a few factors.
Larger units naturally cost more than smaller ones, so the more stuff you store, the more you’ll pay.
Storage costs are generally higher in major cities like Manchester or Birmingham. But they will be lower in smaller towns and rural areas.
Weekly rates for self-storage are typically higher than monthly or annual rates. So you’ll pay less if you pay for a longer period up front. Storage companies that offer features like 24/7 access, climate control, and security upgrades will charge more.
Don’t forget to check the cost of your self-storage insurance. Reputable storage companies will require you to insure your stored goods; but it can pay to shop around with a few different self-storage insurance providers. Get a quick quote from Store and Insure to start you off.
