Driveway Storage in D17 (Sme Stock + Business Inventory): €60-€130/Month
Driveway storage in D17 routing key area for SME stock + business inventory. €60-€130/month at car 12-18 m² / van 18-25 m². €300 Host Guarantee aggregate per booking.
€300 Host Guarantee · Stripe Identity KYC · Monthly rolling · 5% host fee
List in D17 → · Browse D17 hosts →
What fits in D17 driveway for SME stock + business inventory
trading stock, packaging supplies, marketing materials, office archive, trade tools + materials buffer.
Why P2P wins in D17
Big Yellow + Shurgard + Safestore are entirely ABSENT from Ireland. Domestic chains (Nesta, Storage 365) have ~20 facilities concentrated in Dublin + Cork. D17 routing key may have no domestic facility either. Packhood hosts are D17 residents with garages, sheds, attics.
€300 Host Guarantee
- €300 aggregate per booking.
- Stripe Identity KYC on every renter.
- Stripe escrow.
- 5% host fee + 20% renter fee.
Tax
Schedule D Case V per Revenue TDM 07-01-32. Rent-a-Room Relief NOT for storage.
Business & SME Storage
Small businesses generate stuff — stock, equipment, files, seasonal inventory, trade tools, samples, marketing materials. Renting a commercial warehouse unit is overkill when you only need 10-20 m² of space, and serviced offices rarely include storage. That's why thousands of SMEs across the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands use peer-to-peer storage for the overflow that doesn't fit in the office.
The economics are straightforward. A 15 m² commercial storage unit in Dublin costs €250-€400/month. A comparable Packhood garage runs €100-€180. For a business watching every euro, that's real money — £1,200-£2,400 a year in savings that goes straight to the bottom line. And because Packhood bookings are month-to-month, you can scale up for busy seasons and scale back when things are quiet, without being locked into a 6-month lease.
Trade businesses — electricians, plumbers, tilers, landscapers — have a particular need for flexible local storage. Your van holds today's job, but the bulk stock of cable reels, pipe fittings, or tile pallets needs a home base. A Packhood garage near your patch gives you a cost-effective depot without the overheads of commercial premises.
How to organise business & sme storage
Step 1: Audit your storage needs List what you need to store and estimate the volume. A pallet of stock is roughly 1 m²; a desk and filing cabinet need 2 m². Be specific about access frequency — daily, weekly, or just seasonally.
Step 2: Choose a space type Trade tools and heavy stock suit garages with drive-up access. Documents and samples work well in spare rooms. Consider whether you need power outlets for charging tools.
Step 3: Check access terms If you need to visit regularly, look for hosts who offer flexible or 24/7 access. Packhood listings state access arrangements clearly.
Step 4: Book and set up Treat the space like a mini warehouse. Install basic shelving (with the host's permission) to maximise vertical space. Label sections by product line or project.
Step 5: Manage inventory Keep a simple inventory list — a shared Google Sheet works. Update it when you add or remove stock. This saves time and prevents overordering.
Step 6: Review quarterly Reassess your storage needs every 3 months. You might be able to downsize, or you might need a second space for a busy period.
Real-world scenarios
Landscaper in Surrey Mike stores his winter-season equipment — a ride-on mower, leaf blower, and 20 bags of mulch — in a Packhood garage from November to March at £90/month. It frees up his van for winter jobs like fencing and paving.
Accountancy firm in Dublin A 5-person firm needed to archive 7 years of client files. They use a dry Packhood spare room in Rathmines for €45/month — a fraction of the €180/month their previous storage provider charged.
Event signage company in Manchester Between events, 30+ roller banners, backdrops, and display stands need a home. A Packhood garage in Salford at £100/month holds everything with room to lay out and check inventory before each event.
Tiler in Amsterdam Joost keeps surplus tile pallets and a wet saw in a Packhood garage in Amstelveen for €85/month. He picks up materials on the way to each job site, saving a 40-minute detour to the supplier.
Best space types for business & sme storage
- Garage — Drive-up access for heavy stock and equipment. Concrete floors handle weight well. Easy to install temporary shelving.
- Commercial Unit — For businesses that need 20+ m² or regular daily access. Packhood-listed commercial spaces offer better rates than direct lease.
- Spare Room — Ideal for archived records, samples, and light stock. Climate-controlled and secure within someone's home.
- Shed — Budget option for trade tools and materials that can handle outdoor-adjacent conditions. Good for seasonal overflow.
Pro tips
- Invest in basic metal shelving — a 5-tier unit costs about £25/€30 and triples your usable storage space. Ask the host before installing.
- If you store paper records, use plastic document boxes rather than cardboard. They resist damp and stack securely.
- For trade tools, consider a lockable tool chest within the storage space for an extra layer of security on expensive kit.
- Keep a running inventory with a free app like Sortly or even a shared Google Sheet. Knowing exactly what's in storage saves wasted trips.
- Review your business insurance — many SME policies cover goods stored off-premises if you can prove the storage is secure.
- If you're VAT-registered, Packhood storage costs are a deductible business expense.
How Packhood compares to self-storage in Ireland
Across Ireland, the main commercial self-storage operators include Elephant Self Storage, National Self Storage, Store4U, U Store It. These companies operate purpose-built facilities with climate-controlled indoor units, typically located on commercial estates outside city centres. Monthly pricing ranges from €60 to €450 depending on unit size and location, with additional charges for insurance, padlocks and admin fees.
Packhood offers a fundamentally different approach. Instead of driving to a commercial facility, you book unused space from a verified neighbour — a garage, spare room, driveway, attic or basement within a few streets of your home. Packhood hosts set their own monthly price, which is typically 30-50% lower than commercial self-storage rates. There are no admin fees, no mandatory padlock purchases and no insurance upsells. The listed price is the all-in monthly cost.
Commercial self-storage facilities have genuine advantages in specific scenarios. Climate-controlled indoor units are better for temperature-sensitive items like electronics, wine or artwork. Facilities with 24/7 PIN-code access let you visit your unit at any hour without coordinating with anyone. Staffed receptions can accept deliveries and provide on-site support. For these use cases, a commercial operator may be the right choice.
For most personal and small-business storage needs, however, Packhood delivers better value. The 30-50% cost saving adds up quickly over a 3-6 month booking — that is €120-600 back in your pocket. Neighbourhood proximity means you can walk to your storage rather than loading a car. Month-to-month billing with 14 days' notice means no lock-in contracts. And every booking includes the Packhood Host Guarantee, with €300 per-booking protection, €25k items cover and €100k host liability cover.
Storage demand in May
May is the single busiest month for storage across all three Packhood markets. Three forces converge: the peak of moving season, the end of the university academic year, and the first genuinely warm weekends that drive garden and outdoor storage rotation. In Ireland, the May bank holiday weekend (first Monday) is traditionally one of the biggest moving weekends of the year.
University students across Ireland, the UK, and the Netherlands face a hard deadline: vacate halls or private accommodation by late May or early June. International students who cannot ship belongings home and domestic students who are between leases create enormous demand for short-term campus-adjacent storage. In Dublin alone, approximately 35,000 students need to move out within a 2-3 week window. Similar pressure hits London, Manchester, Birmingham, Amsterdam, and Leiden.
The property market reaches its annual high-water mark. More houses complete in May and June than any other months, and the chain-gap storage phenomenon from April intensifies. Full-household storage (requiring 15-30 m² units like double garages or warehouse bays) is in short supply.
Festival season kicks off. Across all three countries, music festivals, food festivals, and cultural events require performers, vendors, and organisers to store equipment, stock, and staging. Meanwhile, households retrieve barbecues, patio sets, and outdoor play equipment for summer use.
What people store and retrieve in May
- Student move-out storage — The largest single-category storage event of the year. Students need 2-5 m² each for 2-4 months, with demand concentrated within walking distance of major universities.
- House move gap storage — Peak completion month means peak gap storage. Entire household contents — furniture, white goods, boxes — fill garages and warehouse units for 1-6 weeks.
- Summer wardrobe swap completion — The final push to rotate winter clothing into storage. Vacuum-sealed bags of coats, jumpers, and boots head to attics and spare rooms.
- Festival equipment staging — Vendor stock, event infrastructure, and performer equipment move into nearby storage before festivals. Demand spikes around Electric Picnic prep, Glastonbury build-out, and Dutch festival season.
- Garden and patio full deployment — Everything comes out: barbecues, parasols, outdoor cushions, children's play equipment. The sheds and garages they occupied become available for other renters.
- Wedding season prep — Couples storing decorations, gifts, and supplies ahead of summer weddings. Short-term bookings of 1-4 weeks for venue-adjacent storage.
- Renovation intensification — Builders and homeowners take advantage of longer days and drier weather. Room-by-room renovation storage peaks.
- Surfboard and water sports gear retrieval — Wetsuits, surfboards, kayaks, and paddleboards emerge from garage storage as water temperatures become tolerable.
Storage tips for May
- Students: book your summer storage before exam season begins. Waiting until the week of move-out means paying 15-20% more and potentially storing 2 km from campus instead of 200 m.
- If you are moving house in May, book your Packhood space at least 3 weeks in advance. Share your completion date with your host so they can confirm availability.
- Hosts near universities (UCD, TCD, UvA, Imperial, Manchester) can earn their highest monthly income in May. Set up a student-friendly listing with weekly rates and flexible check-in times.
- For wedding decoration storage, choose a space with easy vehicle access. You will be loading and unloading on tight timelines, and narrow stairways to an attic are not ideal.
- Photograph all stored items before sealing boxes — especially if you are between houses. Insurance claims require proof of condition.
- Check your Packhood booking insurance coverage before storing high-value items during a house move. Packhood's €300 host guarantee covers incidents, but valuable items may need supplemental cover.
Key dates driving storage demand
- May bank holiday (first Monday) — peak moving weekend
- End of university exams (late May) — TCD, UCD, UCC, NUIG student move-out
- Bloom festival (Phoenix Park, late May) — garden and horticultural equipment storage
- Start of GAA championship season — club equipment storage and retrieval
Summer Festival Season: Equipment and Vendor Storage
The summer festival circuit across Ireland, the UK, and the Netherlands is a logistical operation that depends on flexible storage. Electric Picnic, Longitude, and Body & Soul in Ireland; Glastonbury, Reading, Leeds, and dozens of regional festivals in the UK; Lowlands, Pinkpop, Mysteryland, and Down the Rabbit Hole in the Netherlands — each event involves hundreds of vendors, performers, and production companies who need local storage before, during, and after the event. Food vendors store non-perishable stock, cooking equipment, and stall components. Merchandise sellers hold product inventory. Production companies stage lighting rigs, sound equipment, and staging materials. Even individual festival-goers with elaborate camping setups — bell tents, camping kitchens, and solar panel arrays — need staging space near the festival site. Packhood spaces near major festival venues see a predictable annual spike: bookings open 4-6 weeks before the event and vacate 1-2 weeks after. Hosts within 20 km of major festival sites can earn premium rates during festival weeks. For vendors and small businesses, the total storage cost of €60-150/month or £55-140/month for 10-20 m² of space is a minor expense against festival revenue, and the flexibility of month-to-month terms beats any commercial alternative.
Expat Storage: Moving Abroad Without Losing Everything
Ireland, the UK, and the Netherlands are all countries with significant expatriate populations — both inbound and outbound. Each year, thousands of professionals relocate for work assignments lasting 1-3 years, and the question of what to do with their belongings is one of the most stressful aspects of the move. Shipping a household overseas costs €3,000-8,000 or £2,500-7,000 and involves weeks of transit time. Selling everything and repurchasing at the destination costs even more in total. Packhood storage offers the middle path: keep your belongings safe and accessible in your home country while you are abroad. A 10-20 m² space holds the contents of a typical one- or two-bedroom flat at €60-130/month or £55-120/month. Over a two-year assignment, that is €1,440-3,120 or £1,320-2,880 — less than a single shipping container in each direction. The key for expat storage is choosing a host you trust for a long-term relationship. Communicate your expected return timeline, agree on access arrangements (you may send a friend or family member to retrieve occasional items), and ensure the space is suitable for year-round storage including winter conditions. Packhood's messaging system allows you to stay in contact with your host from anywhere in the world.
Frequently asked questions
How much storage do I need for a full house renovation?
A full house renovation (every room stripped) typically needs 20-35 m² for a 2-3 bed house. That's equivalent to a large double garage or small warehouse bay. On Packhood, costs run €120-250/month for this volume. Project timelines are 3-6 months. Book early — large spaces are less common and fill faster.
Can I add my own security camera to a Packhood space?
Ask the host first — many are fine with a battery-powered camera pointed at your stored items. Wi-Fi connected cameras need the host's network access, so discuss this before booking. Standalone cameras with mobile data (e.g. Ring Stick Up Cam, €50-100) work without the host's Wi-Fi. Always respect the host's privacy in shared areas.
Can I store a kennel or dog run temporarily?
Flat-pack kennels and disassembled dog runs fit well in garages and sheds. A standard kennel takes 1 x 1.5 m floor space. Clean thoroughly and dry completely before storing to prevent mould and odour. A Packhood shed or garage is ideal at €40-65/month. Store run panels vertically against a wall to save space.
Where should I store Christmas decorations and seasonal items?
Attics, spare rooms and sheds on Packhood are perfect for bulky seasonal items. Use clear plastic bins so you can see contents without opening them. A 4-6 m² shed or attic holds a full-size artificial tree, 10+ decoration boxes and outdoor lights. Book from January to November for around €45-70/month and free up valuable home space year-round.
Can I set different prices for different months?
Not currently through automatic seasonal pricing, but you can manually update your listing price at any time. Existing bookings keep their locked-in rate — only new bookings see the updated price. Some hosts raise prices 10-15% during peak demand (May-June, September) and lower them 5-10% during quiet months (November-February).
Can I negotiate a lower price with a Packhood host?
You can message any host before booking to discuss pricing. Hosts are more likely to offer a discount for longer commitments (3+ months), mid-week move-ins, or off-peak bookings. A polite message explaining your timeline and budget works — many hosts are flexible. Avoid lowballing; a 10-15% discount request is reasonable for a 6-month booking.
What do I do with my car when relocating abroad?
SORN the vehicle (UK) or declare off-road (Ireland) and store on a Packhood driveway (€35-60/month) or in a garage (€70-120/month). Winterise the car: disconnect battery, fill fuel tank, inflate tyres. Arrange for someone to start it monthly. Cheaper than selling at a loss and re-buying when you return.
How is Packhood different from Stashbee or Storemates?
Packhood operates specifically in Ireland, the UK and the Netherlands with local Stripe payouts, ID verification, and the €300/£300 Host Guarantee. Month-to-month rolling, no minimum term. Hosts keep 95% (5% commission vs 15-20% on some platforms).
Can I store a chiminea or fire pit over summer?
Clean ash and soot thoroughly. Cover the opening with a breathable cloth (not plastic — trapped moisture cracks clay chimineas). Store a clay chiminea in a dry indoor space; metal fire pits handle garages and sheds fine. A chiminea takes roughly 0.6 x 0.6 m floor space. Protect from frost and direct rain.
What if I need to stage a house for sale — does decluttering storage help?
Significantly. Removing 30-40% of furniture makes rooms feel larger and photographs better. Store personal items, excess furniture, children's toys and clutter in a nearby Packhood space. Properties sell 15-25% faster when professionally decluttered, according to RICS surveys. A 2-3 month booking at €80-120/month is a worthwhile investment.
Can two households share a single storage space on Packhood?
Yes, but only one booking is needed. List one person as the primary renter and add the second person's details in the message thread. Divide the space clearly (use tape lines or separate shelving sections) and split the cost privately. Both parties should have the host's access details.
What do builders need cleared before starting work?
Builders typically need the work area completely empty plus a 1-metre clearance around it. For a kitchen refit, clear all appliances, crockery, food and freestanding furniture. For a loft conversion, empty the entire attic. Book your Packhood space 1-2 weeks before builders start so you can move items out without rushing on day one.
How quickly can I access my business stock on Packhood?
Depends on the host's access window. Filter by "24/7 access" for daily fulfilment needs. Many garage and lock-up hosts offer unrestricted access via a key or code. Typical response time for access requests is under 2 hours during listed hours. For time-critical stock, choose a space within 10 minutes of your premises.
What types of trade materials can I store?
Timber, plasterboard, tiles, plumbing fittings, electrical supplies, paint (sealed tins only), hand and power tools, scaffolding sections, and work benches are all common. Avoid storing flammable solvents, gas cylinders or hazardous chemicals — these are prohibited. A standard garage fits a plumber's or electrician's full kit plus 2-3 months of materials.
What happens to my stored items if I extend my time abroad?
Nothing changes — your Packhood booking rolls month-to-month with no extension fees. Keep your payment method up to date and the booking continues automatically. If you need to adjust the arrangement (different space, downsize), message the host and coordinate changes. There's no penalty for a long-term booking.
Understanding storage costs
Storage prices depend on space type, size, access frequency and location. On Packhood, renters pay €35–€200/month for verified neighbour storage — typically 35–60% less than commercial self-storage.
What's included in the price: The listing price on Packhood is the all-in monthly price. Packhood's 20% service fee is already included — nothing extra at checkout. Hosts pay 5% commission. No signup fees, no admin charges, no insurance upsells.
Host Guarantee: Every booking includes up to €300 of Host Guarantee protection per booking. Hosts are ID-verified through Stripe Connect. Renters can message hosts before booking to ask questions and arrange viewings.
Ready to find affordable storage?
Renters: Browse available spaces → — verified hosts, month-to-month, save 35-60% vs self-storage.
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