We’re sorry you’re facing this: it’s a big change for the whole family. What your parent can take depends on the home, so start by asking the manager what the room will hold, and there’s no need to decide about everything else straight away, because storage can keep it safe while your parent settles in.
Start with the care home
Age UK says most care homes allow residents to take in belongings that help them feel at home, such as photos, soft furnishings, and favourite music and books. Some homes will allow furniture, a television and even your own bed, and Age UK suggests speaking to the care home manager about the options.
When you visit, it helps to ask:
- how big the room is, and what’s already in it, such as a bed, wardrobe or chair;
- whether your parent can bring their own chair, bed or chest of drawers, and whether furniture needs to meet any safety rules;
- whether pictures can go on the walls.
Three piles
Once you know what the room will take, sorting gets easier:
- To the new room: the favourite chair, a lamp, photos, and whatever else there’s space for.
- Into storage: furniture and belongings nobody has decided about yet. If your parent asks after something, it’s still there.
- Home with you: valuables, original papers, and photographs or keepsakes that could never be replaced.
Why waiting can help
Selling or giving away a parent’s furniture can’t be undone, and settling into a new home takes time. A storage unit lets the family hold on to things until your parent is settled and you’ve talked it through together. Our guide to storing, selling or giving away furniture can help when you’re ready.
The minimum stay is two weeks, and after that your storage carries on until you give notice, normally 14 days. New customers pay no deposit, and we refund any days you’ve paid for but don’t use. Every unit has its own alarm, and our CCTV is monitored around the clock by a professional monitoring company. As a rough guide, 50 sq ft holds the contents of a small one-bedroom flat, and 100 sq ft a flat or a modestly furnished house with two or three bedrooms. Our team can help you work out the size.
Whoever is organising the move can rent the unit in their own name, then share access with brothers and sisters through smart entry. If you hold a registered lasting power of attorney for your parent’s property and financial affairs, you can rent it as their attorney.
Age UK’s free advice line is on 0800 678 1602. When you’re ready, call us on 0800 2545585 and we’ll help you take the next step, or get a price online.
Related questions
- How can storage help when a parent with dementia moves home?
- What should I keep when clearing a parent’s home?
- Can I share access to my storage unit?
Further reading