Over a quarter of people admit they use their parents’ home as a “forever storage unit”

• Over a quarter (26 per cent) of adults who have left home still have possessions at their parents’/guardians’ home 
• Almost half of those storing items with their parents/guardians say it is because they hold sentimental value and 29 per cent admit that they do not want the items but can’t throw them away
• Over a third (35%) of those storing items with their parents/guardians are holding onto old schoolwork
• Nearly one in ten (8 per cent) say their childhood room has not changed since they moved out

Whilst most adults eventually move out of their childhood homes, for many, their belongings never do. In fact, a quarter (26%) of adults who have flown the nest say they are still storing childhood possessions with their parents or guardians. From old posters and photos to wedding dresses and schoolwork, parents’ homes often serve as “forever storage units” and for many, their childhood bedrooms remain untouched for years.

Almost half of those still storing items at their parents’/guardians’ homes say that they hold sentimental value for their family. However, 29% admit that they do not really want them, but cannot bring themselves to throw them away. A quarter (25%) say that they do not have space for the items at their own homes.

Table 1: Items stored with parents/guardians

The Churchill research reveals that stashing away doesn’t only happen at the homes of parents and guardians. Amongst those no longer storing items with their parents or guardians, almost a third (31%) admit that they have just moved the items into their loft or garage, whilst a further 6% have put them into storage.

Others have simply thrown the items away (36%), donated them to charity shops (25%) or sold their childhood possessions at car boot sales (5%). One in six (17%) say they’ve passed items to their children or other family members.

The sentiment of holding on to nostalgic items is not limited to adult children. Parents also find it hard to let go, taking an average of 3.2 years to repurpose their child’s old bedroom after they have left home. In fact, almost one in ten adults who have moved out (8 per cent) say their room has stayed exactly the same since they left.. Some adult children also admit they enjoy revisiting their time capsule rooms and look forward to passing on items to their children one day. 

Sarah Khan, Head of Churchill Home Insurance, commented: “It is fascinating how many of us struggle to part with our past, whether this means childhood keepsakes or sentimental items that remind us of home. For parents, this often means their house doubles up as a forever storage unit long after their children have flown the nest. While it is heart-warming to hold onto memories, it is also a reminder that homes are evolving spaces, and keeping them protected, no matter how they are used, remains essential.

“While many sentimental items may not have a high monetary value, there are certain toys and collections which have dramatically increased in value over the years – so it’s important that people do their homework and check they have appropriate cover in place.

“From keepsakes to clutter, our belongings tell the story of our lives and often, our parents’ homes are where those stories are stored. As the way we use our homes continues to change, Churchill home insurance is here to help make sure every corner is covered.”

 
-ENDS-

Notes to Editors

1. Research conducted by Opinium, amongst a representative sample of 2,000 UK adults, data collected between 19.09.2025 – 23.09.2025. 

For further information, please contact: 
Unni Henry 
PR Manager 
Email: unni.henry@directlinegroup.co.uk

About Churchill

Founded in 1989, Churchill is now one of the UK's leading providers of general insurance, offering car, home and pet insurance cover over the phone or on-line and is part of the Aviva Group.  

Customers can find out more about Churchill products or get a quote by calling 0300 200 300 or visiting www.churchill.com