For many students, the summer break is a time to go home and relax. But before you pack up your belongings for the year, there are a few things you should know about storing them during this long off-season.

If you’re not careful, your clothes and books could get ruined! Here’s some information on what to do with everything from your winter coat to old textbooks that have seen better days.

Pack up your belongings in a large box and label it with the date you’ll need them again

This will help with organisation and will make it easier when you’re ready to head back. Just be sure not to pack anything in a box that will need more than six months of storage.

If the items are too large for your room, don’t worry! There are plenty of options for self storage facilities like Spaces and Places in Nuneaton for example, who offer a wide range of storage units to suit various budgets and needs.

Find a storage unit that is close to your school or home

Location is important when storing your belongings. If you’re in the process of moving your belongings to school or from home, it’s best to find a storage unit that is close to where they need to go so you can visit them more easily. Having easy access to your belongings will also help you take better care of them and make sure nothing is lost in the process.

Store Textbooks in a Sturdy Box

For protection, store books upright, and the spine should be facing outwards. For paperbacks, stack them horizontally so that they’re not bent. The sturdy box will act as a buffer in case the box is dropped or crushed.

For water protection, store your books in a zip-lock bag. If you’re storing them for an extended period of time, place the watertight container on top to ensure that no moisture can seep from the bottom and into your textbooks.

At Spaces and Places, we want you to get the very best deal on storage. Check with our team for the options of different types of storage as well as the prices for each.

Determine the amount of belongings you need storing and then make a decision based on which is the most suitable for you.

With the summer break in full flow and find that your school supplies are taking up space in your home, now is the time to make arrangements for storing these items.

Whether it is a storage unit or something else, always keep in mind how easy and accessible your belongings will be once they are stored away. If this sounds like something you need help with, contact us today so we can work on finding a solution together!

Moving into a new home can be an exciting time, but it can also be stressful. There is so much to do and remember that you might not know where to start or what order to tackle the tasks in. This checklist will help make this process easier for you by reminding you of everything that needs doing!6 Steps to a Successful Move

1. Packing Your Clothes

When packing your clothes, start with the items you use on a daily basis and work your way down to clothing that you don’t wear as often. You will need plenty of outfits in case some get dirty or lost during the house move. See some tips here:

-Pack light clothes in plastic bags first to save on space

-Wash any stains you can before packing them away (this will save time and money!)

-Pick out a few outfits for each day after moving in to be on the safe side. This way you will always have something clean to wear no matter what happens during or after the move.

2. Pack your Kitchen Supplies Last

Pack your kitchen supplies last, as you will need them the most at this point. Use plenty of packing space and try to consolidate items into one box where possible:

-Use a container or zip lock bag for liquids that could leak – including cooking oil, honey and vinegar.

-Place knives in their own protective boxes so they don’t pose a hazard to the rest of your things.

-Pack sharp items in the bottom and bulky items on top – try to keep them away from food.

-When packing cups, ensure they are tightly packed so that any liquid can’t leak out during transit.

3. Choose a reputable moving company

A reputable removals company will help guide you through the process of moving. They’ll also ensure your items are packed, transported and unpacked as safely as possible – making sure they’re not damaged in transit or left out on a street corner somewhere!

4. Gather up important documents and certificates (birth certificate, passports, etc.)

It is crucial that any important documents and certificates are gathered up before you move; this should include birth certificates, passports, car ownership documentation (or any other important paperwork).

As well as getting the physical document copies from your bank or utility companies. This will help to speed up life once you’re in your new home.

5. Notifying Government Bodies

Gather up all the contact information for government bodies and companies that you need to notify about your address change. This will include banks, utility providers, schools or employers.

Very important! You’ll want to update these organisations with your new details so they can continue sending mail and other communications at the correct address.

6. Get rid of unnecessary belongings that are cluttering up space

If you find items hard to part with, try going through them one by one and ask yourself if you use them often or really love the item.

If not, then get rid of that item!

This will give you a fresh start in life at your new address. And now everything is nicely organised without all those unnecessary items cluttering up space.

Add any other items such as unused furniture, old clothes or unused kitchen equipment to a self-storage unit for safekeeping.

If you have a lot of items that you want to get rid of then contact a local charity and give them what they need. This will also help others in less fortunate situations!

Conclusion

The moving checklist should be a part of the home-buying process, but it has also been incorporated into our lives as we move homes more often. A successful relocation requires planning and preparation to ensure your belongings are safe from damage or theft.

To make this task easier for you, we have created an easy-to-follow list that includes all of the necessary tasks involved in relocating house. This is just one example of how self storage can help with your next big life change!

If you need any assistance completing this moving checklist or storing some items while you’re on the go, get in touch with us today for secure self storage in Manchester. We look forward to hearing from you.

Document storage is a term that describes the processes of storing, managing and retrieving large amounts of paper documents. This process can be done manually or using technology to automate document storage operations. There are many ways that self-storage units can help you store your documents in an organised manner for easy retrieval when needed.What is Document Storage

Benefits of Document Storage

There are many benefits to using self-storage units for document storage. Some of these benefits include:

• A safe place for documents that are only needed at times, or when they need to be accessed.

• Ability to store large amounts of paper files in a relatively small space and without taking up valuable office space with shelves.

• Documents are easily accessible and can be retrieved without having to go through the storage process each time.

Types of Documents That Should be Stored

Many business use document storage to store documents that are needed long-term but that is not needed on a daily basis. For example, these documents include:

• Copies of purchase orders or invoices to be kept for records and tax reasons;

• Documents relating to an organisation’s history

• Client Contracts

• Employee files

The type of document storage you need will depend on the nature of your business and what is required to run it smoothly.

Document Storage Tips and Tricks

Getting the most from your document storage unit is easy with the following tips and tricks:

• Label folders clearly to make them easier to find when you need a document.

• Use different colours for contracts, invoices and other financial records

• Sort documents by category so that they are stored in grids, not piles or stacks.

The purpose of organising your files is two-fold; it takes up less space than if everything was just thrown into one area and would result in a completely disorganised unit. This will also make it easier to find what you need when the time comes, as organising means that documents are grouped by topic or type of file and therefore more easily accessed.

Preserving Old Paper Documents

When archiving old paper documents, it is important to know how you will store the material:

• Keep the documents in a dry, humid-free place

• Place them in acid-free paper or other archival material

If you are storing them over a long period of time, the documents should be stored flat to avoid warping and splitting.

Some people like to display their old paper documents as a record of what they have accomplished and where they have been during their lives. For example, if you were an artist who has created many sketches which document your work over time, you might want to display these sketches on your wall later in life.

If you are looking for a safe and secure document storage service in Nuneaton, we can help. Our team of experts will take care of all your needs so that you don’t have to worry about the process at all. Get in touch with Spaces and Places today if this is something you would like more information on!

Do you know that keeping your workplace orderly and clean can lead to increased productivity and improved customers’ trust?Why Businesses Rent a Storage Unit for Document Storage

You should consider a storage unit in your business plan if you notice space deficiency in your office.

Lack of space in business offices can be a good sign since it can vouch that the business is doing great as business assets, documents, and workforce increase.

Companies nowadays seek more space by renting a storage unit for their documents if the available space is not enough.

Looking for storage in Manchester can be an exciting opportunity for your business to grow. Below are some benefits of renting a storage space.

Improve document security

If you have documents that need a secure place to store, renting a storage unit can be the best option. Storage units can be more secure than your home or office.

Most reliable storage facilities offer their clients modern security systems, such as strategically placed CCTV, quality keypad locks and human security.

Fire and break-in are unlikely to happen in storage facilities compared to home or office space.

Storing of unused documents

It is wise to store business documents for a certain period in case the authority needs them. Therefore, unless you wish to disobey the law, you should keep your records for some time, depending on the industry.

If you have some documents accumulating in your office, it is better to rent a storage unit to keep these documents instead of making your office look chaotic.

Provision of room for expansion

This is the most crucial reason why businesses need a storage unit for their documents. Increasing office space can offer new opportunities and improve efficiency.

The free space acquired can fit new equipment in the office to enhance daily operations. You will also give your business added space for more staff.

Office aesthetics

A messy office is not a good sign for guests and potential clients because it may depict a poor management structure.

The clients may not trust you with their confidential information if they find out that you don’t have organised and safe document storage.

Additionally, you can improve the aesthetic value of your office by keeping your records in easily accessible storage space.

Spaces & Places has been providing targeted self-storage solutions to Manchester customers since 1998 and this reputation continues into the present day. One of the main reasons for our popularity involves the wide range of storage units that we are able to supply.How to Choose the Size of Your Self-Storage Unit

Still, choosing the most appropriate size can be tricky. If you are looking to save money while making the most out of the available space, it is a good idea to take a look at your options in slightly more detail.

What Dimensions are Available?

Anyone who has been looking for an efficient storage unit in Manchester has certainly come to the right place. Clients can choose from two different sizes:

  • 150 square feet (20 feet x 8 feet x 8 feet)
  • 75 square feet (10 feet x 8 feet x 8 feet)

Of course, the dimensions themselves will be based on what you are planning to store. What professional recommendations should you keep in mind?

What Size is the Best Option?

Many individuals who are moving to Manchester do so in stages. In this case, smaller units can be employed to safely store important items until they are able to be transported to the property in question.

However, you might instead be planning a single trip through the use of third-party transportation services. Assuming that you are bringing along bulk items such as furniture or office supplies, larger units will often represent the ideal solution.

These self-storage facilities can be accessed depending upon your personal schedule, so the contents are able to be removed at the most convenient times.

Still, you will be provided with an ample amount of space in the event that any delays are encountered during the actual transition to your new Manchester property.

Spaces & Places is pleased to provide modern facilities alongside superior storage solutions. If you are relocating to Manchester in the near future, please make it a point to contact one of our representatives.

We will be pleased to explain your options in greater detail. We look forward to hearing from you!

Having a loft is one of the best ideas to solve storage problems for most house owners. This type of space can be one of the best places for domestic storage. You can easily and inexpensively have your loft transformed into a secure and functional storage area.How To Make Loft Storage Space

The size and shape of the loft are the only factors that may limit the storage space of the loft. On the contrary, you need to be creative to have an organised and sound storage space in your loft.

Here are some tips on creating sufficient storage space in your loft.

Create a Strong Base

Placing boards on your loft helps maximise and create a strong base area. It also enables you to safely store your boxes, items, and storage containers.

Before placing your items, it is advisable to ensure that you know the weight limits to avoid too much pressure on your loft.

Illuminate and Install Downlights

You should illuminate your loft for easier access to your items. Illumination enables one to consider using it regularly as a storage area. Fix electric lights in the area and have switches placed at any place that is easy to locate.

Ensure the downlights area correctly protected and sealed with a downlight protector that minimises house fires and drafts. There are various downlights that you can have cheaply installed in your house.

Storage Platform

When creating this platform, remember not to squash the insulation. Through research, compressing insulation with heavy items or boards reduces its thermal performance by over 50%.

So, create the storage platform 270mm above the insulation using a stilted system like a loft leg. It is advisable to use professional help when using the platform systems.

Shelving

Creating shelves in the loft is one of the best ways of utilising the space. Most homeowners construct their roofs using timber trusses. Trusses usually limit spaces in the loft, but you can use the area in between to create good storage space.

It is easy to create a truss shelf between the unutilised spaces above the insulation. The shelves can hold many things that may consume a lot of space in your house. For example, one can keep clothes fresh in storage containers, boxes and baskets, and then place them on the shelves.

Parting words

Nowadays, it is possible to have your items stored in a safe and sound place by utilising the space beneath the roof of your house. You can follow the above tips to maximise your loft area and create additional storage space for the items consuming space inside your home.

Alternatively, if you live in the Manchester area, see our self storage units in Manchester for an external storage solution.

Organisation is important in any home office. It helps you work more efficiently by allowing you to find the items you need easily.Home Office Decluttering Tips & Storage Options

It also creates a conducive working environment. A significant part of organisation is decluttering. Below are some tips for home office decluttering and self storage.

Separate your Office Belongings

The first thing you should is going through all the items in the office. While doing this, you need to separate them into groups of items to keep, toss, and donate.

Doing this is important because it will allow you to clear out that you do not need to have more space for the necessities.

Differentiate the Workspace from the Office Storage Space

The next thing you should do is to differentiate work areas. Here, you must separate your workspace from your office storage. Doing this will help you leave your working space clean and organise to allow more productivity and creativity.

For storage, you can have designated places for different items. For instance, have a separate room for supplies, documents, and stationery, among other things.

You can use storage boxes or cabinets for this task or if there are a lot of items you need to store and don’t have room in your home, see our self storage units in Nuneaton for a potential solution.

Take Advantage of Vertical Storage

If your home office is small, you can benefit significantly from vertical storage. You can do this by using wall spaces for document storage. Try mounting folders on the wall.

Doing this will free up a lot of desk space for other items. Therefore, the only items you have on your desk are items that you need to use regularly.

If wall mounting does not work for you, you can also fasten baskets or wire file organisers on your wall. This will help with decluttering and organisation it will also help improve the aesthetics of your office.

Final Word

To get your home office set up, you need to create space. Therefore, you may benefit from self storage units. They will help you achieve minimalist storage. With a self storage unit, you can keep all extra belongings.

Doing this will help create more space for your home office. Here, you will need to contact a company offering self storage units. Therefore, you are guaranteed to get something that suits your needs.

While most UK residents focus on how Brexit will negatively affect self storage, others believe that the country will bounce back.Self Storage and Brexit_ What It Means for UK Residents

In the last recession that happened back in 2008, the industry never declined. Instead, it experienced a substantial boost after fairly decelerating during the slump.

In general, the economy drops during a massive recession, like Brexit, but there is always hope in any situation.

The same way businesses are downsizing, homeowners have a habit of relocating and usually make use of secure, flexible and affordable self-storage facilities.

Actually, the previous economic world trends show that reduced transitions often lead to prolonged self-storage terms. Spaces and Places continue to offer the best Self Storage Manchester has to offer.

Below are the top reasons why UK residents need to use self storage after the Brexit:

​Downsizing

If the European Union countries vote for hostile terms against the United Kingdom, the future of the country’s economy will undoubtedly be in danger.

For instance, they can enact unprincipled tariff deals that can increase the price of imported goods by two or three times. Due to this, most people are preferring an affordable lifestyle, such as renting self storage units.

​It Makes Moving Easier

If you are moving abroad, you undoubtedly need the help of self storage units. First, it prevents the unwanted accidents that may occur on your stuff as you move.

Second, it makes moving much more efficient as you will store the items in a single unit during the entire movement. Third, it helps you in estimating the size of the moving van you need to hire.

​Decluttering

With Brexit in place, most UK citizens will be travelling a lot. Both businesspersons and salespeople will go on local and international tours.

Basically, this means that people will require a storage unit for their items. These storage facilities will securely store the valuable stuff while these people are away.

Although Brexit comes with countless uncertainties, you don’t need to worry. There are a few strategies you can undertake to protect your family against the effects of leaving the European Union. As a general rule, you only need to stay calm and avoid making hasty decisions.

The decision for a family to move most of the time is not optional. Nonetheless, moving home can be stressful for you and your kids; any parent in the UK can attest.Stress-Free Guide to Moving Home with Children

When your kids experience a drastic change in their living environment, it disrupts their norm and may cause a traumatic experience.

Furthermore, moving home for parents with young kids entails organising the services of the best removal company.

This company will guarantee the safety of your goods and fulfil your budget expectations.

It is also essential to share with your kids in advance the positive reasons you are moving home.

Consequently, this will let them get used to the idea earlier enough. This guide shares three essential tips that will offer your children a stress-free moment when moving home.

Tips to stress-free guide when you are moving home with kids

With a little planning and adhering to the following tips, any parent can offer their kids a stress-free home move.

#1. Keep the moving day friendly

Before the activities of this eventful day starts, introduce your kids to the team that will help you move home. Nonetheless, reassuring them about the safety of their toys and possessions is not optional. Also, never get your kids out of the way, and their participation in this event builds their confidence.

#2. Shop in advance for the best removal company

Before you decide on the best day to move your home, it is advisable to source in advance for a reliable and reputable removal company that you can trust with your belongings’ safety.

Nonetheless, it is good to note that not all removal companies are good at keeping clothing fresh in storage. When choosing the best removal companies, recommendations, and reviews are paramount to your decision.

Also, look out for the best removal company that can work within your budget and adhere strictly to your requirement.

#3. Get your kid ready

If you plan to relocate your home, it is vital to discuss any concern that may frustrate your child. This action will help your child to calm down and welcome the new idea. Also, it allows them to say goodbye to their close friends.

Conclusion

Sourcing for the best and reliable self storage unit in Manchester eases your processes when moving your home, especially if you are a parent with a young kid. Also, adhering to the above three tips ensures your child is comfortable with your idea of moving home.

Relocating for a job can be confusing. On the one hand, you are advancing in your career, while on the other, you have to leave behind what you know to start over in a new place. This change is unsettling for most, but at times, it is what’s necessary for growth.A Helpful Guide to Moving Due to Job Relocation

Whether you are relocating to a nearby city, county or internationally, you need to plan your move. You do not want to feel overwhelmed when moving day arrives. In this article, we lay out three tips to help you relocate to a new place.

Check with Your Employer

Moving is costly. Having some bit of this burden covered by your employer will help ease the process. You can confer with your company’s management on whether they offer any assistance when relocating.

Some might cover your moving expenses, while others might provide house-hunting trips to the new location. Not all employers are in a capacity to assist. Just proceed to cover the costs if your employer cannot.

You can create a budget to help you estimate the money you need to relocate. Take into account the required moving fees, renovation fees for your current home and rent for the new place.

Search for an Affordable Home

When moving for work, you rarely have the luxury of time. Most employers offer a time frame of three to four weeks, which is barely enough to sell your current house and find a new one.

Consider renting a storage unit where you can store your belongings as you search for a house buyer.

For example, if you live near Manchester, you might consider finding a storage unit in Manchester. You can move into a smaller temporary place as you wait to sell your current house.

Research on the New Location

Familiarise yourself with the new location by either visiting or searching online. Researching the new place will help ease your anxiety. It will as help you determine how life is there.

For instance, if you were moving to Middlewich, you can research the cost of living in Middlewich, the crime statistics, schools, among other notable things.

It all depends on how deep you want to go with your research. Once you have the location in mind, you can start planning on a moving date.

​Which Essentials do You Need When Moving Abroad?

Moving abroad is exciting. You get to see new people, experience a new way of life, and most importantly, you get to start afresh. Packing for the move can, however, be daunting. You might have a difficult time deciding what to carry and what to leave behind.Essentials Checklist When Moving Abroad

The best way to choose the right stuff to move with is by having an essentials checklist. Discussed below are the essentials that you should carry when moving abroad.

​Items You Use Everyday

Which items do you use daily? They should be the first things on your essentials checklist. In most cases, these items are:

  • Clothing
  • Phone, laptop, charger and other electronics
  • Medications, if you need them

Before you start packing, go through your checklist and ask yourself when you last used an item and whether you need it in the new country.

For the ones you leave behind, you can either donate or store them in a storage unit. If you live in North West England, there are enormous and convenient storage in Manchester that you can hire.

​Documents

Your passport and Visa come first in this category, so you should pack them in a pocket where they are within reach.

You should do some research to find out if there are any other legal documents that you will need to move abroad. Each country has its requirements for legal documents, and the common ones are:

  • Driver’s license
  • Birth certificate
  • Vehicle registration documents
  • Tax documents
  • House sale documents

You should carry a copy of your vehicle registration documents if you plan to ship your car to your new country. If not, you can keep it in a classic car storage unit until you find a buyer.

​Sentimental Stuff

Carry a few sentimental items to remind you of your loved ones back at home. Whether it’s a family photo book, jewellery, or a handmade blanket, sentimental items can serve as a souvenir for the moments when you miss home.

There are quite a lot of things that we acquire in both our homes and workspaces.Things to Consider When Selecting a Storage Provider

These items often end up taking too much space, and it becomes difficult to remain organised, especially if the area is too small.

Therefore, it is essential to consider renting a storage unit, where you can put all your valuable items.

In this article, we discuss the factors you need to consider when selecting a storage provider.

1. Security and Safety Details

When looking for a storage facility, the safety of your valuables should be of most significant concern.

A credible storage facility should always ensure that the security of all the stored items is guaranteed. But how can you be assured of this?

There are various security measures you can look out for, and they include; Well trained security personnel, a well lit and fenced area, practical fire safety measures and 24-hour surveillance cameras. The entire storage unit should also be free from mould, pests, and adequately secured.

2. Location

Convenience and easy accessibility to your goods matter too. For people who need to access their items quite often, a location that is near works best. Storage facilities that are far from the city tend to be less costly.

But you end up taking more time and spending more on fuel, especially when you need to access your goods often.

Far-located storage facilities work best if you are keeping your things away for more extended periods.

Storage spaces located in cities offer greater convenience, in terms of time, ease of accessibility and fuel costs.

For instance, you can consider the storage units in Manchester, since they are reputable and offer great customer service.

3. Cost, Size and Duration

All these factors are interdependent. The first step is to make a list of all the items that you need to be stored. Once you have this, it will be easier to determine the space that the things will occupy.

Sizes differ according to the width and length of the units. Ensure that everything fits in properly.

The total costs depend on the size of the unit you settle for, and the duration you will store your items.

4. The Amenities

Some items are more valuable and delicate compared to the rest. It is necessary to ensure that the storage provider has amenities that offer safety for things such as pieces of art and items made of glass.

Also, consider ample indoor and outdoor lighting at the storage facilities. Ensure the storage units are spotless, and of superior quality.