Benefits of Short Term Self Storage

Short term self-storage is a great option if you’re looking for a way of decluttering your home or workspace for a few days or weeks. Unlike a lot of storage companies, we don’t ask for a minimum rental period or notice period to vacate so, the day you vacate the unit is the day your rent stops – simple. This means you don’t have to second guess when to give the 7 day notice period a lot of storage providers ask for and you won’t be left paying for a unit when it’s no longer needed.

Here are some reasons when and why you might need to use short term storage.

Selling your home

In today’s housing market, it’s not always possible to sell your home and move straight into your new one. Rather than risk losing a buyer while you sort out your purchase, you can use short term self-storage to keep all of your belongings safe and in one place (rather than in friends’ garages) while you rent or stay with family for a few weeks until you’ve found and completed your new house purchase.

Moving into a new home

Unless you’re moving into a new-build, consider taking just the basics in with you on moving day, and have the rest delivered directly to your short term storage unit. Cleaning, decorating and fitting new carpets will be much easier without having to move all of your furniture from room to room!

During renovations at work or home

These are stressful enough. You do not need the added issue of making sure that none of your stuff gets splashed with paint, covered with dust or otherwise wrecked by builders, plasterers, decorators or errant spouses who are “trying to help”.

Storing garden furniture and tools

If left outside over winter, your garden furniture may well need a lot of TLC before you can use it again in the spring. You might also be worried about leaving your tools in a shed during the dark winter months. Tools and furniture can all be kept clean, dry and safe in a storage unit over winter, ready to be used again in the spring.

Renting out a room or house

When Government guidelines allow us again, AirBnB and similar sites are a popular way for homeowners to make a bit of extra income by renting out a room or the entire house. Most guests don’t like it if there’s a lot of personal belongings around the home, so empty your wardrobes and decant your clothes and other items into your storage unit for the short term until your house is your own again.

Storing student belongings

Sadly, burglars know that student digs are often empty for long periods over Christmas, Easter and summer holidays, and thefts from those properties tend to skyrocket over those periods. You can rent a self-storage unit for a week or longer over the holidays and keep your valuables safe, rather than leaving it vulnerable. Even if you bring it all ‘home’ with you, will there be sufficient room to store it over the holiday period? Using a local self storage provider near to your family home will mean you or someone else are not tripping over books, bags or bikes with the likelihood of damage occurring…. and if you need something from storage, it’s easy to visit and collect what you need.

Clearing the spare room

If you normally use your spare room as a bit of a dumping ground, home gym or office, you might need to clear it out to use it as a bedroom now and then – over Christmas, say, or if you have children at university who want to come home in the holidays.

Start-up business storage

Is your business reaching the point where you need to store stock or equipment rather than keep trying to find space for it around the house? Try short term storage and see if flexible self-storage might be the best use of your resources in the longer term, or just as a stopgap until you can sort a more permanent solution as your business grows.

Life changes

Divorce, downsizing, bereavement and moving in with a partner are all times when you might find that you have more belongings than you have room for. They’re also times when long term decisions are not a wise idea, because you’re still finding your feet after a major life event (good or bad). Short term storage is a good solution for keeping all of your belongings safe without risking throwing away things you’ll use again.

If we at Self Store & More can be of any help with finding the right storage solution to suit your short term needs then please don’t hesitate to contact us on the telephone (01600 735001 or 01594 840860), by email [email protected] or by using our website contact form.

Are you moving, renovating or running out of space at home? Here are some tips on how to declutter and how Self Store & More can help.

Preparing your home for sale or moving into a new house is the perfect excuse to purge excess items you no longer need. However, if you already live in a great location but the house is just too small, overrun with toys, tools, boxes or broken bits, or you simply need to create more space during this current lockdown, then having a declutter and rearrangement of space could be the answer you are looking for.

Whatever the reason, it can sometimes be tricky to determine what to keep and what to throw away. Storing is, of course, another option, especially for those items you don’t use often enough but don’t want to dispose of for sentimental or value reasons.

Here is some advice to help you evaluate if you should pack, throw or store your belongings.

How to Categorise Your Items.

When sorting through your belongings, ask yourself a series of questions to help categorise items:

·        How often do I use it?

·        How emotionally attached am I to it?

·        Is this ready for an upgrade?

·        Could someone else get more use out of it?

·        Does it still function correctly?

·        Will this fit the décor of my new home or extension?

·        Is there room for this in my new house if I move?

Pack up or keep all the items that pass these questions. The rest will fall into one of the categories in the following sections.

What to Throw Away (and other options)

Remember to be honest with yourself when sorting through items. This will help eliminate unnecessary clutter taking up valuable space in the future. Besides broken items, some items to consider kicking to the curb are:

·        Items with missing parts.

·        Old greeting cards, letters, magazines.

·        Rusty equipment, such as gardening tools, old bikes or toys that are no longer played with.

Although getting rid of excess items can be a relief, sometimes it may be difficult to just throw your items away. If so, why not consider other options that can give your useful belongings a second life, such as donating, selling or giving them away.

·  Clothes that are no longer worn.

·  Extra or unused kitchenware (plates, glasses, mugs, silverware).

·  Lightly worn furniture.

·  Lightly worn rugs.

·  Décor that is no longer used, such as lamps, paintings or sculptures.

So How Can Self Store & More Help?

Some of the items you want to keep may not be of use to you anymore, but have sentimental memories, or be future hand-me-downs for when the children go to university or move into their first house.

At Self Store & More, we offer a wide range of cost effective solutions to suit your needs so, whether it’s one box or a whole house, we will listen, discuss and advise what’s best for you.

 

Some items to consider storing, include:

·        Unused musical instruments.

·        Holiday decorations.

·        Family photographs or keepsakes.

·        Patio Furniture.

·        Kitchen appliances.

·        Seasonal clothing.

·        Outdoor tools (e.g. lawn mower, rakes, shovels, DIY tools).

If you wish to discuss your storage requirements, or simply need some free advice then please call us on 01600 735001 seven days a week or email via our contact us page. 

Why Use Self Storage?

As space is becoming a problem for many households and businesses, self storage has become the first choice for many. At some point, many of us will need a self storage unit whether it’s for home or business. The fact that it’s safe, convenient, reliable and affordable makes it even more attractive.

While there are several reasons why people use self storage, the most common include moving home or office, renovating, storing collectables, archiving and stock storage. It is even used by students and those who travel extensively as a safe haven for their belongings.

Most Common Reasons People Use Self Storage?

Not everyone has the luxury of having enough space at home to keep all of our belongings safe. This is particularly the case if it involves larger items that fill up open space very quickly. From small to medium businesses, households, students and travellers, here are some of the most common reasons why people use self storage and why you should consider it too.

Home Clear Out

We are connected to our stuff whether we like to admit it or not. People, in general, are reluctant to get rid of things even if they no longer use it and that’s where a home clear out is so important. Along with self storage, you can even keep things “just in case” like furniture or toys to help the kids when they eventually enter the expensive housing market.

Moving House

People often have to find a temporary residence when moving to a new house which means space could be an issue. If there’s nowhere to safely store your furniture, clothes, sporting equipment and garden tools while waiting for the new property to become available, self storage is the answer. It can help keep you organised by storing things temporarily and simply collecting it when everything is ready. It certainly beats the alternative of selling old stuff and buying everything new.

Home Renovations

With the rise in housing costs, many people are renovating instead of moving as it is more affordable. While it may be cheaper, renovations and extensions can be time-consuming but you can always rely on self storage to keep things safe while builders are in-and-out. It’s the ideal solution to store your valuables, keep the house clear of clutter and worker safety.

Downsizing Home Or Moving To A Smaller Office

Self storage is also widely used when moving into a smaller home or office space. If there are things you cannot take with to the new premises, keep them in self storage until a later date. You never know what will happen as you may want to relocate where the extra furniture or equipment could come in handy.

Baby On The Way

A baby can change all the dynamics of your current living situation as it often requires completely clearing out a room or making the home safer. This means packing away all the old stuff to make space for the cot and other baby essentials. If you have a spare bed that is ‘baby-ready’, simply put in storage along with the desk, chest of drawers and cabinets. When the little one turns 3 or so, you can collect and refurbish the room accordingly.

Students Going Home For The Holidays

Students will inevitably collect excess items when they are at university. Things like television, computer, sofa and bed to mention a few. If it’s not their final year and summer holidays are around the corner, they will not bring everything home just to take it all back the next term. If that is the case, consider renting a storage unit close to your university accommodation. It is a very small price to pay for absolute convenience and peace of mind over the summer holidays.

Taking A Gap Year

Today, many students take a gap year and travel before they enter the world of adulthood and work. Self storage is perfect for this as there may not be enough room at mum and dad’s place for all the extra stuff. This means they have nowhere to store their belongings from the time they leave university until they get back and move into their own place.

Working Abroad

For those who have been offered the opportunity to work abroad on an extended contract, look no further than a self storage unit. If you have a property, you will likely rent it out for additional passive income until you return and would prefer to keep your valuables safe.

Empty Nesters

There comes a time when all the kids have left, either for university or moving into their own place. Things change after every move as the eldest who leaves at 18 didn’t take his bed and desk which the youngest of 12 could use one day. To save space until then, or if you want to turn the newly emptied room into a study or crafts room, put everything in storage. Long-term storage contracts are typically cheaper than short-term agreements so you’ll save even more.

Garden Furniture, Tools & Equipment

Seasons dictate the type of garden furniture, equipment and tools we use and knowing what to do with everything will help. Summer furniture, toys and tools can go into the shed or garage but space could be limited thanks to the new table or lounger you bought. Considering that you are not going to use any of these items for a few months, why not put it all into self storage?

A Change In Relationship Status

A breakup or divorce is never a nice experience especially when partners were living together. One, or both, has to move out which means making arrangements to store their belongings until life gets back to normal.

Family Bereavement

Nobody likes talking about it but the sad fact is that many people will inherit a home with all its contents following a family bereavement. While some may be lucky enough to hold onto everything, others need to distribute the inheritance or pay the associated costs which means the house must be sold. Secure storage may not be a top priority at this point but it can really help when dealing with the aftermath of losing a relative or partner.

What About Business Storage?

We’ve already mentioned that businesses use self storage when they downsize but what are the other reasons? Safe and accessible business storage is essential and we are not talking about keeping files in lofts or garages either. Documents, stock, equipment and even vehicles need a safe place without taking up all the room at the office.

Fact is, a business storage unit can benefit all types of companies as it helps to minimise overheads. After all, a self storage unit with all the necessary room is much more affordable than renting additional warehouse space.

How Do Companies Use Business Storage?

Storage units can help ease some of the stresses that accompany a growing business. Truth is, retail business owners, artisans, e-commerce brands and other entrepreneurs can greatly benefit. Here’s a quick look at the types of businesses that use self storage.

• Publishers and Book Dealers
• Construction, Landscaping, Roofing and Painting Companies
• Electricians and Plumbers
• Retail and E-commerce Businesses
• Restaurants and Catering Companies
• Sales and Servicing Businesses

If you need any advice on how self storage can help you at home or work then please do not hesitate to contact us by phone, email, website enquiry form or Facebook Messenger.

We’re available 7 days a week.

Tips to planning a home renovation or extension.

If you love the location and feel of your home, but need more space to grow as a family, then adding an extension or renovating internal rooms may be the most attractive solution compared to moving.  Extension or renovation work can be an exciting project that will breathe new life into your home and give you that much needed extra space to live and grow. It does however come with several logistical challenges as the work starts, and perhaps continues for a few months, until the work is completed. As with all projects, the key is in the planning.

Here are a few tips on how to effectively plan your home renovation to make it as stress-free as possible.

• Section the project

To begin with, start small and divide the project up into parts so that it does not become one daunting project. Start with one area at a time, prioritising those that are most in use. That way, you can tick those off the list first so that you could start to use them as quickly as possible if you chose to remain in your home during the renovation. This way you can also close off the renovation work in the evening or weekends and relax in comfort rather than live in a building site for weeks or months, which can soon become stressful.

• Work inside out

If you are hiring professionals to do structural or more technical changes, you’ll note that they usually start to work from the inside out. If you are doing a lot of it yourself, start inside the walls with plumbing and electrical and then move outward until you get to the more cosmetic changes, like paint and wallpaper.

• Leave it to the professionals when needed

If the changes you are planning to make are more technical or advanced, just remember you may have to live in this space until it is completed. If you are choosing to stay at home while renovating, this means that you will need to live in a space of disruption. Hiring a professional team could mean that the renovation is done quicker, and you can get your home back to normal.

• Make space for the renovation

During a renovation there is a lot of dust and materials that end up lying around as the project goes through the various phases. To avoid damage to your household items, why not consider storing them with a local self-storage company while the work is completed. Not only will it keep those items protected, but it will also allow for a faster project as the contractors will have an empty space to work with.

If you are renovating, extending or simply decorating your home, and need a secure space to store your household (or business) items, then please don’t hesitate to contact Self Store & More on 01600  735001 or 01594 840860.

We can even collect direct from your door using our Mobile Self Storage service.

Why do People use Self Storage?

As space is becoming a problem for many households and businesses, self storage has become the first choice for many. At some point, many of us will need a self storage unit whether it’s for home or business. The fact that it’s safe, convenient, reliable and affordable makes it even more attractive.

While there are several reasons why people use self storage, the most common include moving home or office, renovating, storing collectables, archiving and stock storage. It is even used by students and those who travel extensively as a safe haven for their belongings.

Most Common Reasons People Use Self Storage?

Not everyone has the luxury of having enough space at home to keep all of our belongings safe. This is particularly the case if it involves larger items that fill up open space very quickly. From small to medium businesses, households, students and travellers, here are some of the most common reasons why people use self storage and why you should consider it too.

Home Clear Out

We are connected to our stuff whether we like to admit it or not. People, in general, are reluctant to get rid of things even if they no longer use it and that’s where a home clear out is so important. Along with self storage, you can even keep things “just in case” like furniture or toys to help the kids when they eventually enter the expensive housing market.

Moving House

People often have to find a temporary residence when moving to a new house which means space could be an issue. If there’s nowhere to safely store your furniture, clothes, sporting equipment and garden tools while waiting for the new property to become available, self storage is the answer. It can help keep you organised by storing things temporarily and simply collecting it when everything is ready. It certainly beats the alternative of selling old stuff and buying everything new.

Home Renovations

With the rise in housing costs, many people are renovating instead of moving as it is more affordable. While it may be cheaper, renovations and extensions can be time-consuming but you can always rely on self storage to keep things safe while builders are in-and-out. It’s the ideal solution to store your valuables, keep the house clear of clutter and worker safety.

Downsizing Home Or Moving To A Smaller Office

Self storage is also widely used when moving into a smaller home or office space. If there are things you cannot take with to the new premises, keep them in self storage until a later date. You never know what will happen as you may want to relocate where the extra furniture or equipment could come in handy.

Baby On The Way

A baby can change all the dynamics of your current living situation as it often requires completely clearing out a room or making the home safer. This means packing away all the old stuff to make space for the cot and other baby essentials. If you have a spare bed that is ‘baby-ready’, simply put in storage along with the desk, chest of drawers and cabinets. When the little one turns 3 or so, you can collect and refurbish the room accordingly.

Students Going Home For The Holidays

Students will inevitably collect excess items when they are at university. Things like television, computer, sofa and bed to mention a few. If it’s not their final year and summer holidays are around the corner, they will not bring everything home just to take it all back the next term. If that is the case, consider renting a storage unit close to your university accommodation. It is a very small price to pay for absolute convenience and peace of mind over the summer holidays.

Taking A Gap Year

Today, many students take a gap year and travel before they enter the world of adulthood and work. Self storage is perfect for this as there may not be enough room at mum and dad’s place for all the extra stuff. This means they have nowhere to store their belongings from the time they leave university until they get back and move into their own place.

Working Abroad

For those who have been offered the opportunity to work abroad on an extended contract, look no further than a self storage unit. If you have a property, you will likely rent it out for additional passive income until you return and would prefer to keep your valuables safe.

Empty Nesters

There comes a time when all the kids have left, either for university or moving into their own place. Things change after every move as the eldest who leaves at 18 didn’t take his bed and desk which the youngest of 12 could use one day. To save space until then, or if you want to turn the newly emptied room into a study or crafts room, put everything in storage. Long-term storage contracts are typically cheaper than short-term agreements so you’ll save even more.

Garden Furniture, Tools & Equipment

Seasons dictate the type of garden furniture, equipment and tools we use and knowing what to do with everything will help. Summer furniture, toys and tools can go into the shed or garage but space could be limited thanks to the new table or lounger you bought. Considering that you are not going to use any of these items for a few months, why not put it all into self storage?

A Change In Relationship Status

A breakup or divorce is never a nice experience especially when partners were living together. One, or both, has to move out which means making arrangements to store their belongings until life gets back to normal.

Family Bereavement

Nobody likes talking about it but the sad fact is that many people will inherit a home with all its contents following a family bereavement. While some may be lucky enough to hold onto everything, others need to distribute the inheritance or pay the associated costs which means the house must be sold. Secure storage may not be a top priority at this point but it can really help when dealing with the aftermath of losing a relative or partner.

What About Business Storage?

We’ve already mentioned that businesses use self storage when they downsize but what are the other reasons? Safe and accessible business storage is essential and we are not talking about keeping files in lofts or garages either. Documents, stock, equipment and even vehicles need a safe place without taking up all the room at the office.

Fact is, a business storage unit can benefit all types of companies as it helps to minimise overheads. After all, a self storage unit with all the necessary room is much more affordable than renting additional warehouse space.

How Do Companies Use Business Storage?

Storage units can help ease some of the stresses that accompany a growing business. Truth is, retail business owners, artisans, e-commerce brands and other entrepreneurs can greatly benefit. Here’s a quick look at the types of businesses that use self storage.

• Publishers and Book Dealers
• Construction, Landscaping, Roofing and Painting Companies
• Electricians and Plumbers
• Retail and E-commerce Businesses
• Restaurants and Catering Companies
• Sales and Servicing Businesses

If you need any advice on how self storage can help you at home or work then please do not hesitate to contact us by phone, email, website enquiry form or Facebook Messenger.

We’re available 7 days a week.

Building Work – Don’t let your dreams turn into a disaster.

With the warm weather and longer days, you’ll want to get all your building work or renovations done now. After all, having work done in the house when it’s pouring down is no fun at all – in fact, it can be a major inconvenience!
While the workers you hired are happy to get on with their tasks, you’re probably on standby with the hoover to catch any dust or are busy keeping the kettle on the boil for any on-demand brews.
This is all fine. The problem begins when you have to tuck all of your belongings away. This can be a bit challenging and send your stress levels sky high. Of course, it doesn’t have to be like that. Building work shouldn’t be synonymous with building stress.

No Space, No Problem
If you don’t have a lot of space in your home you will probably need to move your furniture about. After all, the workers need to move around freely without being hindered by your furniture. However, you may not be able to place your furniture in another room of your home, especially if you don’t have a spare bedroom (and piling your stuff on top of your other stuff is far from ideal)!
And can you imagine anything worse than having to take out all of your furniture and put it on the kerb while you have work done in the house? You’ll soon get tired of explaining to your neighbours that no, you’re not having a garage sale or quickly trying to cover your prized possessions in plastic during the unexpected rainfall.
On the other hand, putting your furniture in storage temporarily, can solve all of your problems. You don’t have to worry about space and will have peace of mind of knowing that everything is safe and ready for you to collect when you want.

Damage Can Be Real… Very Real
If the work you’re having done has even a slight chance of damaging your belongings, you’re likely to be stressed about it. It could be simple paintwork, a mess about with the water pipes, or the installation of a new floor.
No matter why you’ve called workers to your home, the last thing you want is to be on edge worrying about your antique table or model car collection.
The only sure way to ensure you can avoid any damage to your belongings is to get them out of the house! By placing them in storage, you can rest assured that your belongings will be well-taken care of and there’s no way they will get damaged during the building work.

The Old “I’ll Just Cover This with Plastic”
No matter how long workers take to finish the job, it’s likely you won’t want to live in a crinkly mess for that time. Maybe you’re having the house painted or maybe you’re finally getting that wall knocked down to make more room for a baby – instead of resorting to plastic, have you considered putting your belongings in storage?
This way, your home will still look tidy (well, as tidy as it can be when you’re having work done…) and you don’t have to live in a plastic nightmare!
Take Advantage of Self Store & More’s range of storage options to suit your needs
Be it because you don’t want to keep moving furniture around or because you’re afraid that despite your precautions your possessions may still end up damaged – take a look at our range of self storage options available as we are sure there is a solution to suit your needs.
The alternative is to keep covering the furniture with cloth or plastic sheets, keep moving each piece around as needed (especially difficult if they weigh a ton, making you regret getting that solid oak dresser!), and constantly and obsessively checking for any marks or chipped corners. Not to mention the inconvenience of clambering around and over all the out-of-place items.

Why go through all that?

With building work ongoing, life is often stressful enough. So, don’t add to it by stressing about your belongings all the time.

Why not visit our website pages and take a look at the following options to find out which solution suits your needs? Of course, if you wish to discuss your requirements with an experienced member of staff then please do not hesitate to call our 24/7 customer support service, email [email protected] or complete our website Quote Request Form.

• Warehouse Storage Units – Available in three different sizes
• Mobile Self Storage Collection Service – Save time, money & effort on removals and van hire and let us collect direct from your door.
• Store @ Your Door – Why not have a secure storage unit delivered and sited at your home – the most convenient storage solution you’ll find.
• Steel Storage Units – Available is 8’, 10’, 20’ and 40’ lengths
• Heated Store Rooms – Starting from only 45 sq. ft

Access to all of our units are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (some by appointment only) so, if you need to collect, drop off or simply have a look through your items, we will be here to help when it suits you.

For further information, please have a read through our website or contact us 7 days a week to find out how we can help protect your possessions in a cost effective, convenient and stress free way.

Tips for DIY Beginners.

Tips for DIY Beginners

Now the days are longer and the weather is warmer many of us will start to think about improving our home ready for the summer. For some, this can be an exciting time but, for others, the thought of DIY can seem daunting. If completed correctly, it is a great way of improving your home whilst saving money on professionals so here are some tips before starting.

1. Know what you’re getting into – Before starting your DIY project, brush up on the work needed and educate yourself by reading a DIY how-to site on-line, watching a demonstration video or even asking a friend who has relevant experience. Having motivation is essential to see the project through, but you really need to know how to do the job first.
2. Budgeting for your project – keep some budget aside for unforeseen costs – even a professional will have a contingency for each project. Having to stop your project before it’s finished due to lack of funds can be avoided if you budget correctly and keep a list of all the materials and their costs as you go along.
3. Know what you CANNOT do – Some things, such as working with gas and most new electrical work, are covered by regulations which prohibit the ordinary DIY’er from carrying out the work even in their own home The regulations are there for safety sake so don’t try to do these jobs, not only is it against the law but you can endanger yourself and your family.
4. Stay safe at all times – Make sure to always read safety instructions on all products and tools, and use protective clothing when necessary. Protective clothing such as goggles and gloves won’t cost you much and will be of use for years to come.
5. Start small – To avoid disappointment, possible damage and possible expense of getting a professional to finish it off, make your first DIY project a simple job and get bolder as you gain experience. Although knocking down a wall may look simple enough, more experience DIY veterans and professionals will know to look for possible complications such as what the wall supports, water pipes, electricity cables and other issues.
6. Always test – For many DIY projects, particularly for complicated ones always test your skills and materials on a small scale first. This will allow you to try out your tools, ensure you have all the necessary materials and avoid causing any damage. For example, if you decided to re-coat your hardwood floor after several years of use, testing your method first on a small surface area is what most retailers recommend.
7. Allow enough time and don’t rush the job – When starting your DIY project, the chances are you will discover that whatever it is, it takes longer than you thought. Because there’s nothing worse than ending up with half a job done, make sure you allow enough time to complete the work and allow some extra time for complications. Some projects seem to require one weekend, but in reality one weekend could eventually spread across a few.
8. Protect your prized possessions – this is where a local self storage company can help. There is nothing worse than trying to carry out DIY whilst constantly bumping into the furniture that has been left stacked up in the middle of the room. There are not many homes that can accommodate two rooms in one and still be habitable so, by clearing out the bulky furniture you will ultimately save lots of undue stress and effort. At Self Store & More, we have small, medium and large storage solutions to suit your needs so why not contact us to find out how we can help you.
9. Finally and most importantly  – Enjoy your project so you look forward to the next one.