Helping a parent with dementia move is a lot to carry, and storage can take one pressure off: it gives the family time. Your parent’s furniture and belongings stay safe in a unit while they settle into a care home, in with you or somewhere smaller, and you decide together what to keep, at a pace you can manage.
What goes where
Before you pack, ask what the new room will take. Alzheimer’s Society suggests setting up the room with familiar things, so it feels like home when your parent arrives. That gives you three piles:
- To the new room: their chair, the lamp, a few pictures, whatever there’s space for.
- Into storage: furniture and belongings nobody has decided about yet. If your parent asks after something, it’s there.
- Home with you: valuables, original papers, and photographs or keepsakes that could never be replaced. Alzheimer’s Society suggests keeping originals at home and using copies in the care home.
A simple list of what’s in the unit, with a few photos, helps everyone. It saves questions between brothers and sisters later, and helps you choose the right level of cover.
Who rents the unit, and who can get in
We just need one named account holder who’s responsible for the unit, usually the son, daughter, husband or wife organising the move. They can then share access with anyone they choose through smart entry, for a set period or indefinitely, so brothers and sisters can visit too. At Chipping Norton, which uses padlocks, you share access by giving them the keys and access codes.
If you hold a registered lasting power of attorney for your parent’s property and financial affairs, you can rent the unit in your name as their attorney. If your parent can no longer make decisions and nobody holds a power of attorney, have a quick word with a solicitor before you book, because whoever rents the unit confirms they’re entitled to deal with what’s stored in it. The Office of the Public Guardian, on 0300 456 0300, helps with questions about powers of attorney.
On moving day and after
If a removals firm is doing the lifting, you or someone with access needs to be there while they load the unit. Please leave the shed’s paint, fuel and spray cans behind: we keep anything flammable off site to protect everyone’s belongings. Everything stored needs to be insured, through our contents protection or your own policy.
Not sure how much space you need? Our team can help you work it out. As a rough guide, 50 sq ft holds the contents of a small one-bedroom flat, and 100 sq ft a typical furnished three-bedroom house. The minimum term is two weeks, and when the family is ready, you give notice, normally 14 days.
If your parent already rents a unit with us, call us and we’ll talk you through the options.
Support, and when you’re ready
Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Support Line is on 0333 150 3456, and Age UK’s free advice line is on 0800 678 1602. When you’re ready, get a price online or call us on 0800 2545585, and we’ll help you take the next step.
Related questions
- Can I share access to my storage unit?
- Can someone else sign the storage agreement?
- How do I give notice to leave my storage unit?
Further reading
- Alzheimer’s Society: Supporting a person with dementia in a care home
- GOV.UK: Make, register or end a lasting power of attorney
- NHS: Care homes and dementia