Dealing with the personal belongings of a loved one after their passing can be an overwhelming and emotional task, to say the least. We know that it’s difficult to know where to start, especially when memories are attached to the items.
Practical advice can go a long way in helping you sort, store, and find a secure place for these belongings, easing some of the burden.
Our team at Bluebox Storage is here to help you with affordable, secure storage units across the North East. We have storage units in a variety of sizes, helping you store anything from the contents of a five-bedroom family home to smaller personal belongings.
What should I do first when sorting belongings after death?
Before jumping into sorting through your loved one’s things, we recommend giving yourself time to grieve. Remember that it isn’t a process that you need to rush, and it’s a task that can take a lot of mental power and physical effort. Lean on your support system and take your time.
Once you’re ready, you can start by looking for a storage facility and creating a plan. It can be helpful to make a list of categories, such as keep, donate, sell, and store. This will help you work through the belongings in a structured and manageable way.
Storage units can provide an immediate solution for larger items, like household furniture and heirlooms — especially if you’re not ready to part with them yet or just need extra time to decide what to do.
At Bluebox Storage, we provide personal storage units to accommodate any number of belongings, from a few boxes to an entire home. Whether you’re looking for self storage in Middlesbrough, storage units in Darlington, or storage units in Stockton, we have budget-friendly storage units near you in the North East.
What happens to a loved one’s belongings after death?
In the UK, a person’s belongings are typically passed on according to their will or by legal rules if no will exists. However, it usually falls to family members or executors to handle and sort through the belongings.
Sorting through these items can be both emotionally and physically demanding, which is why taking time to make decisions and using secure storage units can help alleviate some of the pressure.
Our storage units are there to provide you with peace of mind throughout the process and to reassure you that your loved one’s personal belongings are kept safe and secure after death.
What can I store in a personal storage unit?
You can store almost anything in a personal storage unit, from furniture and electronics to sentimental items like photo albums or memorabilia. Storage units can be especially helpful when you’re handling a large amount of belongings or if you need extra space to store things temporarily.
To help make the process as smooth as possible, we’ve created a detailed guide on what you can and can’t store in our storage units.
How can I ensure the safety of belongings in storage?
At Bluebox Storage, our storage facilities in the North East are all designed with security and accessibility in mind, providing you with the confidence that your loved one’s belongings will be looked after until you’re ready.
Security is always a top concern when dealing with items of emotional value, particularly when dealing with personal belongings after death. Each of our durable storage units is equipped with industry-standard locks, security lighting, and 24-hour CCTV monitoring.
We’ve also put together a comprehensive guide about storage container security so you can feel confident that your items are in safe hands with our team at Bluebox Storage.
What size storage unit do I need?
Knowing how much space you’ll need when handling a loved one’s belongings is always a difficult question. The answer depends on the number of belongings you’re storing, so we hope the information below helps you decide on the right storage unit size.
- 10ft storage container: Ideal for small personal items, documents, and boxes.
- 20ft storage container: Suitable for larger items like furniture, appliances, or for a mixture of household and personal belongings.
- 40ft storage container: Equipped for full large house moves, where multiple pieces of furniture, equipment, boxes, and personal belongings need temporary storage.
If you’re unsure which storage unit size is the right fit for you, our friendly team is always on hand to provide you with expert advice and guidance. All we will need is a bit of information about the items you need to store, and we can advise you.
Don’t worry if you don’t have an exact number — we’re quite good at predicting and visualising the space you’ll need!
Sort and store your loved one’s possessions with Bluebox Storage
Sorting and storing a loved one’s personal belongings once they’ve passed is an undeniably challenging and emotional experience — but you never have to do it alone.
Our team is ready to give you the time and space you need, whether that be helping you move particular items into your unit or reassuring you about your stored belongings.
To discuss your storage needs or get a quote, contact our team today. We’re here and ready to help you find a suitable storage solution during this difficult time.
