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Manchester is home to one of the most vibrant business communities in the country.

From blue-chip companies to global corporations, Manchester has become the economic powerhouse of the North.

With a business infrastructure that is growing year upon year, Spaces and Places are proud to support organisations trading in and around the city.

Manchester has a number of major international organisations on its doorstep, with major offices of Google, BBC, ITV, Kellogg’s and McVities all operating from the city.

The city is also home to a diverse range of independent companies and start-up businesses, who all play a vital part in Manchester’s flourishing business community.

If you’re looking to relocate your business to the Manchester area, then the city has everything you need. With around 7.2million people within 50 miles of Manchester, the labour pool is huge and highly skilled.  The city also boasts great transport links, a diverse range of premises, and huge amounts of support and advice on hand.

There’s no doubting that Manchester is a great place to do business, and its robust economy is only set to strengthen further.

Whether you are looking for data storage, extra space for stock, or simply a destination for your sales and marketing team, Spaces and Places could offer the ideal solution.

Our Manchester Business Space facility is conveniently located for organisations that are looking to trade in Manchester but are put off by high costs and inner-city traffic.

As well as our standard steel containers, we also offer a limited number of traditional brick built units with roller shutters. The units have light and power and are suitable for retailers, traders, or start-up businesses that are perhaps looking for their first self-storage facility.

The units are so flexible that businesses can use them for anything, from storage and distribution, to meetings with customers and suppliers.

As a regional base, we are second to none. We offer low cost, secure units that are accessible 24/7, and we work hard to provide the business workspace you have been looking for.

For more information, get in touch with a member of the team by calling Spaces and Places Manchester – 0161 452 7004.

Are you living in clutter?

Has a cluttered outside resulted in a cluttered inside?

Your messy living room and overflowing cupboards might seem innocent enough but did you know that your cluttered home could be making you unwell?

In his book ‘Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat?’, Peter Walsh explores the idea that clutter is causing us problems with our weight. In an article in the Daily Mail he reveals:

“My premise is simple. If your lifestyle is frantic, it’s likely your diet is suffering. Clutter accumulates because we are out of control. Likewise, weight accumulates because we don’t control it.”

“Many of us have it. The old magazines piled up in the hallway, the boxes of shoes shoved under stairs, a loft overflowing with old toys… the thought of clearing out all that clutter is exhausting, so, although we hate it, we carry on living with it. Just as we carry on with our old eating habits, even though we know they are unhealthy.”

“But in my experience, weight issues are caused by lifestyle — clutter, chaos and fat are inextricably linked. Your home is a reflection of your state of mind, as is your body.”

So if our homes really do reflect who we are then is de-cluttering your house the link to shedding the pounds?

There’s no doubt that clutter can lead people to feel as though their life is out of control, so clearing your home of accumulated mess means you can begin to feel free and more disciplined.

Planning and routine is key to a healthy diet so why not start with your home?

De-clutter your home and diet

Begin now and you could find your home, mind and eating habits are de-cluttered in no time

·      Start with your kitchen – having a cupboard bursting with ingredients and out of date food will inevitably mean that it will be a lot easier to grab a ready meal out of the freezer than prepare a healthy meal. Get a friend to help you clear out your food cupboards and organise them so the healthy stuff is the most accessible.

·      Box up books, ornaments and knick-knacks you no longer have space for and put them in storage – if you don’t need them or miss them in that time then get rid.

·      Take on decluttering one room at a time, and methodically clear them out. Put on your music and treat clearing and clearing as a mini workout!

·      If an item doesn’t have a place then treat it as clutter – get rid or store in a unit until you need it.

·      If you can’t dig out your gym gear from an overflowing wardrobe then it’s time to clear out your closet. Torturing yourself with clothes that no longer fit won’t do anything for your self-esteem, so consider storing outfits that are too small in a unit until you lose the pounds.

Get in touch to find out how a Spaces and Places self-storage unit could help you transform your home and your lifestyle!

The summer holidays are right around the corner, but sadly, figures show that unoccupied homes during the summer are also the perfect opportunity for burglars to strike.

 

With millions of us travelling abroad every summer, and around 75% of burglaries occurring when a property is unoccupied, it is a good idea to take extra measures to make sure your home and your possessions are safe before you jet off.

 

We bring you our top tips for ensuring you return home to find everything exactly as you left it!

 

Don’t advertise

Try not to advertise the fact that you are on holiday to anyone other than friends, neighbours and family. Use social networking sites wisely, and consider security settings and the details you give away about your holiday on sites like Facebook and Twitter.

 

Curtains and blinds

While it may seem like a good idea, don’t leave curtains drawn while you are away as this can actually give burglars a stronger indication that you are not there. Simply move your valuables out of reach and sight of windows.

 

Secure your valuables

Avoid using obvious hiding places like your sock drawer or under the bed. If a thief does make it into your house, these will be the first places they will look. Use a secure, well-hidden location or consider putting your valuables into self-storage while you are away.

 

Lights

Invest in plug-in timers to operate your lights to give potential burglars the impression there’s someone home. Security lights outdoors will illuminate anyone getting a bit too close to your property, which could be a big deterrent for thieves sussing out the area.

 

Neighbours

Inform your neighbours that you are going away so they can keep an eye on your home while you are gone. If you are on good terms with a trusted neighbour you could leave them with a spare key so they can pick up post, put out bins and open curtains every now and again.

 

Doors and Windows

Ensure locks on all windows and doors are fitted, working and fully secured before you go.

 

Alarm

If you have an alarm system, use it! It can act as an effective deterrent for burglars and if someone does get in then the authorities can be alerted straight away.

 

With flexible self-storage options from Spaces and Places, you have the option to store possessions and high-value items in a secure unit while you are away.

 

With no long-term contracts or notice periods, you can store your items for a few days or a few weeks, giving you peace of mind that should the worst happen while you are away, your most treasured possessions are safe from the grasp of potential thieves.

As we enter into the first weeks of June, you may be thinking about refreshing your home ready for the summer.

As the days get longer and the weather starts heating up, summer is the perfect season to entertain friends and make the most of your home.

Give your home a new look with some summer decorating projects. We are bringing you our top tips on revitalising your home for the coming months.

1. Incorporate Light Shades

One of the easiest but most effective ways to make a difference in your home is to add a splash of light coloured paint to your walls. Cool neutrals and versatile shades of white

and cream can all add a really refreshing feel to your home and brighten up the feel of rooms on those bright summers days.

2. Streamline For Spring

It’s hard to imagine a fresh and inviting home when you have clutter accumulating in every available corner of your house. If you can’t face throwing things away then Spaces and Places is the perfect solution. Many people come to us with seasonal items such as winter sports equipment, and cold-weather clothing to store during the warmer seasons. We have storage units of all shapes and sizes, ready to give you some much-needed breathing space in your home this summer.

3. Dress to Impress

Welcome in the new season with a bright summer palette. Swap those dark, heavy blankets and throws for light, airy linen, and inject lots of splashes of eye-catching colour. Simple cushions and cheerful accessories can be a cost-effective way to brighten up your home.

4. Go outdoors

Extend your seasonal cleanse outdoors. Spruce up your garden with brightly coloured plants and stylish garden furniture, creating the perfect environment for summer BBQs and garden parties. Looking to store old garden furniture, tools or equipment for another time? We can help you out!

5. Boost Your Bedroom

Your bedroom should be high on your priority list when refreshing your home for summer. Clear out your closets, and empty your drawers of anything you no longer wear. Replace clutter and junk with a selection of brightly coloured accessories to lift and energise your space.

The four-part series ‘Business Boomers,’ broadcast last month on the BBC, delved into areas of business that are still thriving despite the recent recession.

The second episode entitled ‘Real Storage Wars’ discovers how and why Britain came to have the biggest self-storage industry in Europe, when just thirty years ago, the idea of storing items anywhere other than your house was unheard of.

The entertaining BBC documentary went up and down the country to meet the self-storage bosses, compulsive collectors and observers who all make the self-storage industry what it is today.

The programme also looked into the way self-storage has provided flexible, temporary premises for a multitude of small business start-ups, as firms abandon the sinking high street.

The BBC revealed: “This is the entertaining tale of canny entrepreneurs who grew rich selling empty space, of the garish multi-coloured monster sheds that have sprung up around our towns and cities and – above all – of our national predilection for buying stuff and hoarding it.”

Academics explained throughout the show how modern households now have around six times the amount of stuff that our parents had, while booming house prices meant that we only had half the home to store it in.

It was also discussed how traditional storage areas such as attics, cellars and garages are now increasingly used as converted accommodation, leaving homes with nowhere to store their growing possessions.

Entertaining and informative, Real Storage Wars had a great deal to say about the multi-million-pound self-storage industry and the values that reflect modern society.

“Real Storage Wars”, the second episode of Business Boomers, is available to view on BBC iPlayer until Monday 2nd June 2014, you can watch it here – BBC iPlayer.

Take a few moments to look around your home. Are there unread books bursting from every available corner of your bedroom, loft and bookshelf? If so you’re not alone!

A recent study of 2,000 adults revealed that the average British household harbours around 138 books, but over half have never actually been read. That’s a whopping estimated 3.6 billion books outgrowing homes all over the country.

It seems us Brits just can’t let go of our favourite editions, as two-thirds of respondents stated that they kept books because they were emotionally attached to them, while a

a quarter said they hated throwing them away.

The growth of e-books has brought reading to life and people are beginning to re-engage and get enthusiastic about the printed word. However, this has also meant that the old fashioned book has lost its allure and is quite literally getting left on the shelf.

If your home is bursting at the seams with books then there’s no reason for you to part with beloved titles or throw away ones that you’re saving for a rainy day.

Putting books into a Spaces and Places storage unit is a practical and easy solution.

We offer three convenient sizes, with our smallest being 8ft x 8ft x 8ft (approx. 64 square feet) so if all your looking to store is a few treasured books then we have the space to meet your needs.

You won’t need to worry about your copies getting ruined either. All of our steel units have wooden floors, fixed ventilation and rubber door seals so your goods will be kept secure, clean and dry – perfect conditions to store all of your literary gems.

If you want to take extra precautions, consider packing your books flat in plastic containers (not on their spines). Be careful not to pack too many books into one box, as they can become heavy and obstruction in your unit.

Contact us today or request a quote on our website. Our friendly team will be happy to talk through your needs!

So you’ve taken the plunge and decided to take your business or product idea to an exhibition or trade show.

If you want to get the maximum benefit from exhibiting you want the show to be as simple and as cost-effective as possible, which is why you need a Spaces and Places storage unit.

Spaces and Places storage units are ideal for exhibitors and exhibition build companies, allowing them completely flexible storage solutions at a great value. You can add extra

space at the end of the main exhibition season, or reduce the space if required.

Our storage units are high-quality steel containers with wooden flooring and controlled ventilation so even the most valuable bespoke stands can be stored. You can drive straight up to all our units so delivering, moving and collecting exhibition stands, equipment and literature is no longer a chore. 24/7 access is standard at all our centres so even early starts and late finishes are no problem.

Our three secure facilities are in convenient locations, ideal for popular exhibition venues in the Midlands and the North West and handy for the motorway network.

Our facility is close enough to the Phones4U Arena and Manchester Central Convention Complex and Echo Arena in Liverpool we have astounded a few businesses how much money they can save when they store their exhibitions stands, equipment and stock with us – and we are talking £1000’s!

We offer a ‘Collect & Store’ option for exhibitors at the Phones4U Arena and the Echo Arena. We will collect your exhibition equipment free of charge and all you pay for is the monthly storage costs until you’re back at any these venues again.

For our clear pricing check out the relevant facility page and see our self-storage discounts available for longer-term rents.

Any other questions – feel free to contact us to discuss your exact needs!

Spring has definitely sprung and what comes hand in hand with the season? Spring-cleaning of course!

Just when we should be thinking about preparing our homes and gardens for summer, it’s often the case that our sheds, garages, and spare rooms are all bursting with stuff that you know you definitely won’t be using anytime soon.

You may be fooled into thinking that a bigger house is the only way you will be able to fit into your home comfortable all year round, however with 77% of us admitting to using ANY remaining space in our homes to hang on to things we probably don’t even use anymore – it’s no wonder that us Brits don’t feel as though we have any room!

The annual spring blitz usually consists of saying goodbye to those thick jumpers, big coats and sets of winter sports equipment in order to make room for summer clothing and garden furniture.

This year, instead of trying to squeeze everything into the loft or that cupboard you will be petrified of opening for the next year, why not consider putting your things into self-storage?

A modern-day spring clean no longer consists of dusting the tops of cupboards and hovering from top to bottom. Our houses now contain so many possessions that self-storage is the only realistic option to decluttering this spring. Follow our handy guide to spring-cleaning your home with Spaces and Places, and make sure your house is summer-ready!

·      Free up space in your wardrobe by keeping storing seasonal items you won’t need for the rest of the year. Soring winter clothes, hats and scarves will significantly free up wardrobe space over spring and summer. Always remember wash or dry-clean woollies first and store in cotton, breathable bags.

·      Books often sit unread on shelves for years: pick a selection you want to read over the summer and put the rest into storage, rotating throughout the year.

·      Removing furniture can open up huge amounts of space in rooms and create a clean, open look. The next few months are ideal for entertaining guests in your home, so why not free up some room and see what a difference it makes. Non-essential items such as bookcases and additional chairs are all good items to put into storage

Spring-cleaning can be a chore, however, with Spaces and Places self-storage space, it can be made as simple as possible.

We have storage units of all shapes and sizes just waiting for your possessions, ready to give you some much-needed breathing space in your home this summer.

You don’t even need to do it all at once, you could do it room by room and start moving your items in whenever you want to do it, so maybe it could be upstairs rooms one week, then the downstairs the next!

Contact Spaces and Places to find out how we can maximise space in your home!

A recent study by Kalmsfound that moving house is the most stressful life event for Brits; with 37 per cent saying nothing has caused them more anxiety.

Money is a significant worry for movers, with budgets being a major stress factor for half the population when moving house.

Other concerns when moving house include selling an existing property (53%), exchanging contracts (50%) dealing with solicitors, and organising surveys.

·      Sold your home but not moved into the new one yet?

·      Need to declutter your home before showing it to potential buyers?

·      Downsized your home but want to keep some items?

Either way, we can help.

Spaces and Places understand how expensive and distressing moving house can be, so we have developed a range of storage solutions to help make sure your move is as easy and stress-free as possible.

We know how daunting it can be to pack up and move your entire life, so if you want to be assured that family photographs, important documents and treasured possessions are safe and secure then Spaces and Places can help you.

We take security very seriously and you will be reassured to know that a high-grade security fence and CCTV surround our premises, looking after your possessions 24/7.

With strict moving dates looming we understand that you need us to be as flexible as possible. We offer 24-hour access, 7 days a week, allowing you to drop off and pick up your possessions at a time to suit you.

24-hour self-storage is included as standard in our self-storage costs so you don’t pay any extra for the convenience.

Few of us would move house for fun, but with a lot of planning, a little self-storage and a cool head at all times, you could seriously reduce your stress levels making all the difference to your house move.

Want us to take the stress out of your move? Simply get in touch with us here at Spaces and Places and find out how we can help!

There are all sorts of reasons why more and more students are taking advantage of self-storage facilities.

The nature of student life means that you are often stuck in a small room with not much space to store your possessions. We can cater for all kinds of requirements from sports equipment to furniture, leaving you to enjoy the precious bit of space you do have!

Likewise, coming home from University at the end of the term can be a big shock when you realise just how much stuff you have accumulated!

As well as food, suitcases and piles of laundry, chances are you will also be carting home the contents of your university digs over the summer break.

It’s likely that your family won’t want half of the contents of the Ikea catalogue moving back into the garage or spare room at the end of term, so why not consider putting your stuff into self-storage?

The benefits are clear and the advantages are all too easy to use.

Flexible Terms

Store your things with us for the week, month, year or for as long as you require. Simply give us a call a week before you want to vacate.

Unlimited Access

One of the benefits of choosing Spaces and Places Self Storage unit is that we offer 24-hour access to your possessions. You won’t have to take any time off work or university to come and drop off/collect your things.

Secure

You can store anything safely and securely with us, from textbooks to computers and university furniture. All of our units are steel containers with wooden floors, fixed ventilation and rubber door seals so your goods will be kept secure, clean and dry.

Local

Spaces and Places offer storage facilities at three key locations around the UK. If you need to travel to and from major Universities in Liverpool, Manchester, or Leeds then our conveniently located storage facilities could be the ideal solution!

If you would like to find out more about renting a storage unit this summer, then get in touch today!

Classic, vintage and veteran cars are treasured possessions, and they cry out for special care. When not in use, they need to be stored somewhere ‒ and the garage at home may not be a suitable option.

Classic, vintage and veteran cars can be worth a lot ‒ from tens of thousands to many millions of pounds. It is hard to clarify what is meant by ‘classic car’ as the exact definition varies from country to country, however, it is usually accepted that in the UK, classic cars cover three categories:

· ‘Veteran car’ (pre First World War – prior to 1919)

· ‘Vintage car’ (1919 and 1930)

· ‘Post-vintage’ car (1930’s)

Generally speaking, a ‘classic car’ is either built before 1973 or more than 15 years old and worth in excess of £15,000.

Classic cars often lack what we now consider basic safety features, such as seat belts, crumple zones and airbags and for this reason, many people choose to collect the vehicles rather than drive them on a day to day basis.

This raises the issue of storage for classic cars.

Why leave your treasured classic car exposed on your drive or roadside when you can keep your vehicle in a dry, safe, secure storage unit?

When parked and unused, classic cars can be vulnerable to theft and deterioration through atmospheric conditions (notably damp) and lack of use.

Whether you need storage because you are going away, feel your car needs extra security, or want to overwinter your car in dry conditions, we are confident we can offer you the perfect solution.

Classic car storage can be costly and inconvenient but at Spaces and Places, we can offer great value, high-quality storage, ideal for even the most prized marquees.

All our classic car storage units offer:

· Excellent storage conditions – drive straight into our airtight units with fixed ventilation to keep your car in peak condition.

· High-security levels – not only does each unit have individual security, but both our self-storage facilities offer secure fencing and CCTV for extra peace of mind.

· Full access – no restrictions with 24/7 access as standard.

· Fully insured – if required we can help you arrange insurance.

With our three convenient locations in Nuneaton, Winsford and Manchester, your classic car storage won’t restrict your enjoyment – you can be travelling down that open road as soon as you’d like!

Contact us at Spaces and Places to find out more.

It is estimated that every week over 2,000 new businesses start life in a bedroom, around a kitchen table or down in the garden shed. Research from Enterprise Nation shows that the home is now the most popular place to launch a new business.

Working from home has great advantages – you can save time and money on the daily commute and spend more time with your family, however anyone who has ever worked

from home knows that office space comes at a premium.

Whether you are turning over stock via an online shop, or getting inundated with documents and paperwork from clients, businesses running from home can quickly overflow into attics, spare rooms and garages.

While using up household storage space for your business may seem like a good idea at first, when you come to find a place to store your vacuum cleaner or put up a guest for the night, you may find yourself in an unforgiving battle for space.

Many businesses running from home are now turning to self-storage as a practical and helpful solution to storage problems. Our customer’s requirements range from long-term file storage to short term storage of extra or seasonal stock. Whatever it is you wish to store, you can rest assured that it will remain in great condition, with no restriction on access to your unit.

There are signs that the number of people working from home is on the increase, as research has shown that over 3 million Brits now consider home their primary place of work, rising by almost a third in the last decade. With new technology making it easier to communicate with the office from a different location, working from home has never been more accessible.

Space and Places provide the perfect ‘on demand’ solution to your business workspace needs. We are completely flexible and you can increase and decrease your space as and when you require.

Minimising costs is essential for any business, especially one running from home, so Spaces and Places make it as cost effective as possible to rent out storage space.

So if you are faced with prospect of a vacuum cleaner for a co-worker, get in touch to see how Spaces and Places could help you!