It might seem too early to think about having to clear the Christmas clutter, but early planning is always essential.
There is nothing quite like the aftermath of Christmas to make you realise just how much “stuff” you actually own.
For a few weeks in December, the house feels magical.
But once the tree comes down and the guests go home, you are often left with a sea of new toys, piles of packaging, and decorations that seem to have doubled in volume since last year.
Suddenly, the house feels a little… tight.
And that is before you consider where everything will live for the next eleven months.
If you are stepping into the New Year promising yourself more space and less stress, the answer might not be a bigger house, but smarter storage.
At Curtiss Moving & Storage, our containerised facilities in Portsmouth offer the perfect winter solution.
Whether you are decluttering for a 2026 move or can’t face wrestling the Christmas tree back into the loft, here is how we can help you reclaim your space.
Why Winter is the Season of the “Space Squeeze”
Winter naturally drives us indoors. We spend more time at home, making clutter more noticeable.
It isn’t just the Christmas influx; it’s the lifestyle shift. The hallway is full of heavy coats and muddy boots.
The spare room is likely full of drying laundry. When you add a mountain of new gifts and displaced furniture into the mix, it is easy for your home to feel claustrophobic in January.
Many of our customers use this time to reassess their living arrangements.
They want a “fresh start” for the New Year—perhaps to set up a home office, make room for a new hobby, or simply enjoy a minimalist, tidy environment. Storage gives you breathing room without forcing you to discard items.
Why Curtiss Containerised Storage is Different
When people think of storage, they often imagine driving to a metal unit on an industrial estate every weekend. Our service is different.
We offer containerised storage designed for security, longevity, and ease.
This isn’t a damp garage lock-up; it is a professional system used by the removals industry to keep goods in pristine condition.
How it simplifies your life:
- We come to you: There is no need to hire a van or haul heavy boxes yourself. Our team collects your goods directly from your Hampshire home.
- Sealed and Secure: Your items are loaded into specialist wooden containers. These are sealed, dust-free, and breathable, preventing the “sweating” and mildew that can happen in metal units during winter.
- Inventory Management: We create a detailed inventory of every item, so you never lose track of what you have stored.
- Safe Warehousing: Once loaded, the containers are transported to our secure, alarmed warehouse in Portsmouth, where they stay dry and protected until you need them back.
What to Store (It’s Not Just for Moving House)
While we handle hundreds of house moves, many of our clients use storage purely to declutter. If you live in a Portsmouth apartment with no loft or a modern build with limited cupboard space, off-site storage is a game-changer.
Top candidates for winter storage include:
- The Christmas Hoard: Artificial trees, large outdoor reindeer, and fragile glass baubles take up huge amounts of space.
- Summer Gear: Why let garden furniture, BBQs, and camping equipment rust in a damp shed? Keep them pristine with us until spring.
- The “Guest Room” Overflow: If you turned your home office into a guest bedroom for the holidays, store the spare bed and linens with us so you can get back to work.
- Seasonal Wardrobes: Bulky winter coats take up wardrobe space. Store your summer clothes now, and swap them over when the weather turns.
Protection from the Elements
This is particularly relevant for those living on the coast. Storing items in a garage, shed, or uninsulated loft during a British winter is risky.
Cold snaps, damp air, and frost can wreak havoc on your belongings.
Cardboard boxes turn soggy, fabrics can develop mildew, and wooden furniture may warp in fluctuating temperatures.
By using professional storage, you eliminate these environmental risks. Your belongings remain dry, clean, and temperature-regulated. If you have heirloom decorations or expensive sports equipment, professional storage is the best insurance policy against winter damage.
Preparing for Collection: A Quick Guide
Before the Curtiss team arrives to collect your items, a little preparation goes a long way.
- Clean and Dry: Ensure everything is spotless. Storing muddy garden chairs or damp tents is a recipe for mould.
- Batteries Out: If you are storing Christmas lights or electronic toys, remove the batteries. They can leak and ruin the item over time.
- Label Everything: You might think you will remember what is in “Box 4”, but in six months, you won’t. Be specific.
- Fragile Items: Use plenty of bubble wrap for delicate ornaments. If you hate packing, ask us about our professional packing service—we can handle the wrapping for you to ensure maximum protection.
Clear the Christmas Clutter with Curtiss Moving & Storage
Space changes how you feel about your home.
Taking the time to clear the Christmas clutter can transform a cramped living room into a relaxing sanctuary or turn a chaotic spare room into a functional workspace.
Storage allows you to hit the reset button without the finality of throwing things away. It moves the clutter out of sight, but keeps it safe for when you need it again.
Why Choose Curtiss Moving & Storage?
We have been moving Portsmouth since 1871.
We aren’t just a “man and van”; we are a heritage company with a reputation for care, security, and professionalism.
Being members of the British Association of Removers means we adhere to strict industry standards, giving you total peace of mind that your belongings are in safe hands.
Whether you need to store the contents of a whole house or just a few boxes of Christmas decorations, we have a flexible solution for you.
Contact us today for a free quote, and let’s get your home organised for the New Year.
