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.

Self Storage Hints and Tips – A Short Guide

PACK YOUR ITEMS WELL

• Using proper packing materials such as corrugated boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, air pillows etc will maintain and protect your goods whilst in transit and storage.
• Fill boxes to capacity, and pack heavier items into smaller boxes. Partially filled boxes and cartons may tip over or collapse.
• Pack books flat, not on their spines.
• Label or number your boxes, this makes unpacking easier when your self storage needs are over. Not to mention that finding that particular box in your room will not be such a daunting task!
• Make a comprehensive list of your stored items and keep this safely at home
• Remove any batteries
• Use wardrobe boxes to help your clothes keep their shape
• Remove all moisture from any item going into storage. Make sure fridges and freezers are fully defrosted

PLAN YOUR STORAGE SPACE

• Put the boxes or items that you will need to get to the most often, near the front
• Stack similar sized boxes together to maximise space
• Stack chairs seat to seat with a protective layer between them
• Leave fridge and freezer doors open to allow the air to circulate
• Avoid putting heavy items on top of soft furnishings – these should be near the top
• To aid ventilation, try not to lean or stack furniture against the outside walls
• Cover your goods with dust sheets to protect from dust

To find the storage solution to suit your needs, don’t hesitate to call us on 01600 735001 – We’re here to help.

How does self storage work?

Anyone can use self storage – business owners (from large corporations to start-ups), families, students and house movers, to name but a few, and most people end up needing self-storage at least once in their lifetime. That means a lot of first-time customers who may not be sure about how self storage works. If you’re looking at renting storage space for the first time or just aren’t sure what self-storage is then don’t worry as the below will help get you started.

What is self storage?

Self storage is a service that enables people, whether it’s individuals or businesses, to rent storage space remotely. This is usually because they don’t have enough space on their own premises or because what they want to store doesn’t need to be kept on premises and is therefore potentially wasting the space it is using.

Self storage facilities are all different and may specialise in particular areas or industries or offer different amenities and additional services, but all storage facilities should offer some basic necessities.

Security – CCTV and alarm security systems should all be in place to ensure your goods always stay safe and secure.

Clean and dry space – storage units should always be clean and dry to protect your goods against damp and other damage.

Accessible – whether there are clearly outlined working hours with a member of staff available or secure pin-code access for 24/7 access, you should know when you can get to your goods and should always have access during these times.

Why do people need self storage?

Self storage is born out of the necessity for more space, but there are many reasons why people may need more space in their life. For individuals looking at personal storage one of the most popular reasons is moving house where it is often necessary to store some or all furniture and personal items between properties.

Personal storage is also great for keeping your items safe and making space for renovation at home, decluttering and claiming back previously unused space in the home or simply because your property is too small for some of your more sentimental but rarely used belongings. Students especially may require storage for keeping their personal effects during the summer between student housing or while they travel.

For businesses, storage space can be used as additional stock space and mini-warehousing, a central hub for storing stock and running an online business, archiving old documents that are still needed for legal reasons, storing bulky exhibition equipment that is only needed once or twice a year and even as affordable office space to run the businesses itself.

How can you rent self storage?

Renting your own storage space is relatively straightforward but it can be hard to know where to start or be confused by some of the processes if you’ve never done it before. Here’s a step by step guide on how self storage works and what to do.

Choose your location and narrow down your search

Deciding your location will have a huge influence on which facility you eventually end up with but it doesn’t have to be the sole determining factor. Different areas in the UK will cost differently, for example self storage in London costs significantly more than elsewhere. While you may need to be near your belongings and this may restrict you, if you can look elsewhere and can travel a bit further than you may benefit by getting more affordable space.

Decide on your type of storage

The type of storage solution you need will also help determine which storage facility you choose as not all of them will offer what you need. If you’re moving to a new house or just need storage for yourself or your family then you’ll just need personal storage, but if you’re a business then you’ll want a facility that can better meet your needs. Some may specialise more in archiving or bespoke offices, or you may want a storage company that can do it all. All of this may determine whether you need single box storage, standard storage space, container storage or even bespoke office space.

Choose your unit size

You’ll then need to decide on the size of unit to suit your needs, which is the main factor for determining how much your storage solution will cost. At Self Store & More we are always happy to discuss your needs in detail and use our years of experience to guide you to the right unit size before any decision is made. There a few things to be aware of when choosing the size, such as whether you need to access any of the things you are storing. If you do, then you may want a larger space to create walkways and room to get around your unit.

Reserve your unit

Once you’ve confirmed which storage facility you’re using and have decided on the unit you want to secure you can either reserve your unit or move your belongings in straight away.

Move in

You can move in at a time that suits you depending on the hours of the facility you choose. Your storage company may even be able to help you to organise any removals. At Self Store & More we also offer a cost effective collection service using our portable warehouse units (visit our Mobile Self Storage page for more details on how this service can save you time, money and effort). Always ask for advice on the best way to pack your belongings and organise your storage unit to suit your needs and to make the most of the space you have. From there you can access your unit anytime you want according to your facility times, which is 24/7 for the majority of our storage solutions.

Move out – No Notice Period Required

If you want to move out at any point, you don’t even need to give us any notice as we like to offer the best flexibility to suit your needs. Simply let us know when you are moving out and a member of staff will be on site to receive the key to our padlock (provided free of charge) and thank you for your valued custom.

Ready to reserve your own storage space today? Give us a call, fill in our easy quote request form or come in and see us.

Home Staging: Can it Help You Sell Your Home?

When you move house, using self storage can be advantageous, not just for securely storing your belongings during or after the move, but also in the months leading up to your sale if you opt for home staging.

Home staging may be a term you’re unfamiliar with, but if you’ve been brought up on a diet of interior design shows, you will understand the concept.

Or perhaps you are aware of it, but can’t see the point of styling your home for sale?

So why bother?

If presentation is how we judge candidates at interviews, book covers in shops and food in a restaurant, why do we mistakenly believe that people are not swayed by a stylish living room?

Home stagers enable you to display your home in a way that makes it more attractive to viewers, enticing them to make an offer. It’s not simply a case of cleanliness and good taste luring people in.

Home staging, also referred to as property styling involves using props and furniture items to create this illusion.

What is home staging?

After the initial preparations of cleaning your house, decluttering and fixing instances of wear and tear, a staging expert will help you organise your home furnishings to make the property appear more spacious and attractive. The idea is to remove personal effects and establish a canvas.

Advantages of using a pro:

Home staging is not cheap, so it’s hard for sellers to justify spending money sprucing the place up for someone else to reap the benefit.

However, Right Move conducted a survey that revealed you can increase your selling price by 8% if you style your home ahead of putting it on the market.

Pricing models can be an agreed amount depending on the number of rooms that need dressing. Other experts may ask for a percentage of your sale.

If you choose to pay for a pro, you can expect the following:

• Interior design expertise that you might not possess yourself;
• Someone who knows the latest trends, and yet can create a display that has universal appeal;
• The ability to rent props and furniture instead of purchasing them yourself;
• More time to concentrate on other aspects of your imminent sale rather than decorating;
• A neutral pair of eyes can help you depersonalise your home in a way that may be difficult for you to see.

Can you do it yourself?

Yes you can, and people are opting to do this.

If you choose to go over your walls in Magnolia before a house move, then you have already experienced home staging at a simpler level.

If you are considering the DIY route, here are some tips to take on board:

• Remove personal effects from the space so it looks more like a show home – Use a local self storage unit to keep everything out the way while you prepare your house for viewings;
• Tidy up the insides of your cupboards in case people want to see inside;
• Each room should have one primary use i.e. bedroom, dining room;
• Add some tasteful props, but don’t go over board;
• Remove any faded window nets or blinds, or anything that is perceived to be worn or outdated;
• Fix any snags;
• Clean your carpets to freshen the place up and remove unsightly coffee stains;
• Paint your walls with a light colour – Light colours make a space more airy;
• Style your home for the person you want to sell to, not yourself.

Props you can use:

• A few select jars of cream and toiletries in the bathroom;
• Rolled up towels in one or two colours (hide the day-to-day football themed bath towels);
• Throws and cushions to add colour and cosiness;
• Attractive hardback books strategically placed on your coffee table or sideboard;
• Baskets and ottomans;
• Candles;
• Extra lamps to create pools of light in different parts of the room;
• Plants and flowers.

Last thoughts:

• Think of all the senses – Coffee smells and fresh bread are appetising and homely. Try not to burn your toast on the morning of the viewing, however.
• Think outside the house – Don’t forget to clean the outside of your house, refreshing the paint and weeding the driveway.
• Think Storage –  A storage unit from Self Store & more will keep your belongings safe and secure until you move into your new home. With locations covering Monmouth, Ross-on-Wye, Lydney and the surrounding areas, we have a range of storage sizes to suit your needs.
• To save you time, money and effort, we can even collect direct from your door using our Mobile Self Storage Service (www.selfstoreandmore.co.uk/mobile-self-storage).

What is Mobile Self Storage and how can it save you time, money & effort?

You may be aware of standard Self Storage and may have used it before. Self Storage involves you usually hiring and fuelling a van to transport your items to a storage space where they are kept until you want to access or collect them. We also offer this service for those that have their own transport and that works well for a lot of our customers.

But what if you don’t want to hire a van or wish to make numerous trips back and forth using your own vehicle? This is where our Mobile Self Storage collection service helps save you time, money and effort as we will deliver one or more of our standard size warehouse storage units direct to your door aswell as provide FREE assistance to help load your belongings into the unit. This also allows to make sure your belongings are secure ready for transportation.

Our Mobile Self Storage service offers the same benefits as Self Storage – free access to your items as many times as you like and flexible storage terms but with the added bonus of transport. Not only does this mean there’s no need to hire and fuel a van but your items are not double handled as, once they are loaded into the storage unit, they stay there until you visit our secure warehouse facility to collect or we return the unit back to your property. This also means that you only pay for the storage space you use. Instead of hiring a storage unit that you may only partially use, we can book you as many units as you need until the move is complete. If you’re not sure how many units are required we will be happy to discuss your needs prior to booking or you can simply decide on the day and we will invoice you for the correct number of units once you’ve finished.

10 Benefits of Mobile Self Storage
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1. Storage unit delivered direct to your door.
2. Available 7 days a week.
3. No need to hire a van.
4. No need for a removal company.
5. No need to make numerous trips in your own car.
6. FREE assistance to help load your belongings.
7. Reduce the risk of damage – only load once.
8. FREE access to your unit whilst in storage.
9. All units remain securely stored inside our warehouse facility.
10. Located adjacent to the A40 – within easy driving distance of Monmouth, Ross-on-Wye and the Forest of Dean.

For further information and a video of how this service works, please visit www.selfstoreandmore.co.uk/mobile-self-storagehttp://www.selfstoreandmore.co.uk/mobile-self-storage.