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How many people have woken up at 7 am for work and dreaming about never having to do it again? We’d bet that a lot of you have, and to those of you that haven’t – we don’t believe you!

Becoming self-employed and owning a business is a dream for people the world over, but there are several obvious restraints which stop people from being able to pursue their ultimate goal. Some people cite a lack of time to get a business off the ground, some don’t have enough confidence to handle the legal side of proceedings, and lots of people find money to be a stumbling block. At Spaces and Places we love nothing more than to see a budding entrepreneur blossom, so take a few minutes out of your day to brush up on some of our business start-up tips – who knows, you could be well on your way to waving goodbye to your 9-5 in no time!

Finding the time

Time is, unfortunately, the one thing we can’t buy more of. You can, however, get ahead of the curve and create yourself sometimes when starting your business by taking into account one keyword – Planning. Unlike in films or television, the majority of businesses aren’t just created on a whim. Several months, and often years of planning had been done prior to the launch of most of the world’s major businesses which meant that once launched, a large portion of the hard work had already been done. Even if your business seems a million miles away from reality at the moment, start to think about it today – you’ll reap the rewards later.

Finding the money

Money is the key reason most potential business owners don’t follow their dream. Whilst this is admittedly a major hurdle to jump for most, it certainly isn’t insurmountable. Saving up should be a process that begins whilst still in employment, as should building some of your client base as well as your business plan. All of these steps ensure financial security and once potential investors see that you’ve done the legwork, you’ll be in a fantastic position to really capitalise and get some serious financial backing.

Thinking Outside the box

Business owners are often great problem solvers, and what better problem solver is there than self-storage when it comes to starting a business? Storage units not only offer a space for a business owner to store their surplus belongings when looking to start working from home but if home-space is at a premium then the option to actually use a storage unit as workspace is open too! Self-storage units offer an affordable and secure solution for any cash-strapped entrepreneur when compared to a traditional office lease. Whilst not a lifetime solution, the avoidance of council tax as well as business rates is a major attraction for using a storage unit as office space to get your idea off the ground.

If you like the sound of a cheaper alternative to office space and would like to enquire further about availability, you can get in touch with any of our facilities in Manchester, Nuneaton, Middlewich or Winsford today to find out more.

No matter how well you hone your decluttering skills, or how well you continue to resist the urge to hoard, the fact remains that many of you will at some point have a few more belongings in the home than you can store. When this happens, people will invariably tackle the problem in one of these ways:

  • Recycling or throwing the extras away
  • Donating to charity
  • Trying to (messily) accommodate them somewhere in the home

If you desperately want to hold on to the items you hold dear, the most logical solution to the problem is usually to put them into storage. Here’s our top 5 list of items most likely to go into storage – maybe you can use it for some inspiration to kickstart your own storage plan!

Paperwork

This is a boring one to start, which is why it should be the biggest no-brainer for you to place into storage. The temptation to shred paperwork often lingers, but for certain pieces of sensitive information or important financial plans the fact remains you’ll need to keep hold of them, even in the digital age we live in today. Taking all of this necessary clutter to a secure storage facility is an easy solution for this common cause of clutter.

Children’s belongings

If you have children that live away for university or are away on their travels, chances are that they’ll have left behind a mountain of clothes, books and who knows what else for you to sift through. Storage facilities offer an easy fix for those of you who don’t want to let your kids off that easy – send it to us, they can sort it themselves later!

Baby clothes and equipment

Whether you have one on the way, or whether the loom of nostalgia is too much to cast aside just yet, many of us still find that baby clothes (and the multitude of accompanying products that come with them) cluttering up the home. Storage is the ideal compromise for those wanting to create some space whilst also having an on-call resource for whenever you feel like paying Memory Lane a visit.

Electronics

Summer is now on the backburner – so how much use is that kitchen Ice Cream maker going to get over the next few months? Take your unneeded out of season electronic goods into storage and save them for a rainy day (or a sunny day, in this case).

Decorations

Decorations can be expensive, and we wouldn’t blame anyone for wanting to hold on to theirs to save the time and cost of replacing them annually for each of the holidays. However, many people simply don’t have the loft or conservatory space to accommodate all of those seasonal specialities all year round. The fact that these items are only required once per year makes them the ideal candidate to go into storage for the remaining 11 months of the calendar.

Whatever it is that you need to put into storage, you can rest assured that here at Spaces & Places we have the capability to suit your requirements. With facilities in Manchester, Nuneaton, Middlewich and Winsford, you’ll surely be able to find a location to ease your storage needs.

As we go through life, we’re often encouraged to make changes – the idea behind this being that it encourages us to grow as people by broadening our horizons and experiencing new things. But the fact remains that some of us simply aren’t quite ready to change yet, and that’s fine! If you’re one of those who might still feel like they’re on the fence about their next step, we’ve put together this list of reasons as to why people DON’T want to move.

Sentimentality

Anyone who has lived somewhere for a certain length of time will undoubtably have some sense of sentimental attachment to their home. In the same way that a certain song playing, or a certain film will bring back flooding memories of specific joy or happy times, certain rooms in the home can create that same effect of nostalgia. Some people aren’t ready to say goodbye to that part of their life yet, and that’s ok.

Familiarity

People are often sold on the benefits of moving and how a fresh start could be “just what you need”. Whilst this might be the case for some people, others just like things the way they are. You’ve spent years making your house the perfect home, why would you want to give it up?

Neighbours

Not all of us are lucky enough to have neighbours who are both friendly and willing to help in times of need. For those of you fortunate enough to share a street with neighbours from heaven, we say hold on to them!

Location

That country escape might seem like a great move in theory, but how does it affect your commute? Are you quite ready to give up your city flat with all those hipster bars and plush restaurants on its doorstep?

Forced creativity

Living in one home for a large amount of time means that at some point, certain trends will outgrow your décor. By staying put, you’re forced to harness your inner creative soul to reinvent your home time and time again. Because who doesn’t love a challenge?

Decluttering

When space becomes a problem, a lot of people’s first thought is that they need to upsize. We look at things differently – we see a space problem as an opportunity to declutter.

“But how?” you ask. That’s where we come in!

Storage space with Spaces and Places is a simple and affordable solution for any of your decluttering needs. Each of our sites is fully secure and fully equipped to make sure that all of those things you hold nearest and dearest are safely tucked away, ready for the moment you need them again.

Find out more and get in touch with our Manchester, Nuneaton, Middlewich and Winsford branches for a quote on a self-storage facility today.

If you happen to be one of the lovely people reading our blog today, then we’d assume with some degree of certainty that you’re interested in decluttering and/or saving space. Naturally, we also think you’ll have come across the name ‘Marie Kondo’ before.

If you happen to be one of those people who haven’t heard the name before, then please pay attention – this blog could be about to make your life much simpler!

Marie Kondo is a popular Japanese organisational consultant, whose revolutionary approach to decluttering has quickly gained her recognition all around the globe due to the many millions of homes her methods have resonated with. Kondo’s approach is built around two unique mantras, both of which we’ll run through now:

Mantra 1: “Does it spark joy?”

This is quite a self-explanatory method, but one that people very rarely seem to follow through with. Does that pile of books in the corner actually do anything for you? If the answer is no, simply pack up and move them along. Apply that line of thinking to your entire home and you’re already on the right path to minimal housekeeping.

Mantra 2: Make everything accessible

Once you’ve got rid of everything in your home that doesn’t bring the feels, what should you do with what’s left? Well, Marie Kondo says that everything should now be made visible. Any items of clothing, books, memories or anything else that remains, place each item where it’s visible, accessible and easy to get hold of then put back later.

More Marie Kondo tips

Marie Kondo also offers up a few other new methods to think about when decluttering, such as tackling the clutter by categories first rather than by room – the idea behind this being that by tackling (for example) all of your clothes at once, you’ll rein in the clutter straight away rather than having it follow you from room-to-room. Another tip mentions the idea of ‘respecting your belongings’, I.E not squashing everything up in wardrobes or chests. Other recommendations include folding clothes into chests rather than hanging, as well as actively trying to enjoy purging your old items rather than viewing the task as a chore.

“But what if I have too many items that spark joy for me to make accessible in the home?”

This is where Spaces and Places come in! For those of you with so much joy that one home can’t possibly take the load once you’ve decluttered, we can offer affordable and secure self-storage facilities in Manchester. You can rest easy once you choose us, safe in the knowledge that your little (or big) bundle of joy will be well taken care of from start to finish.

Summer is, of course, the perfect time to head away to wherever it is that makes you happy. Some people go away to escape work for a few days, some go to chill out and some even go for work purposes (ouch). Unfortunately, on the other side of the coin are thieves – for whom you being away on holiday presents a massive opportunity. According to the Office for National Statistics, every year over £4 Billion worth of goods are stolen from UK homes. Some of the most commonly stolen items are jewellery, cash, cars or other important documents.

But don’t fret – here at Spaces & Places we happen to be experts on securing personal belongings. So, sit back, relax and pretend you’re already reclined at the pool with a drink in hand whilst we take you through our top tips for protecting your possessions whilst on holiday!

  1. Avoid your house looking unoccupied

This suggestion might sound a little ‘old school’ but trust us, it still works. Basic tactics such as setting your lights on to a timer, making sure that your post and deliveries don’t pile up and having your car move on and off the drive are all sure-fire ways to unsettle any potential unwanted visitors. Ideally a friend or a neighbour can help with these jobs, though alternatively Royal Mail offer a service called KeepSafe. This is a service alerting Royal Mail to keep hold of your post for a designated period of your choosing – perfect, right?

  1. Avoid advertising the fact that you are on holiday 

Making sure that only your close circle is aware that you’re going away has always been crucial, but in the age of Social Media things have become complicated to say the least. More so than ever we have banks of information available to view online, and don’t burglars know it.

Now don’t worry, we’re not suggesting you hold off posting to your socials during your holiday (where’s the fun in that?!). What we do suggest is that you take a look at the privacy settings on your accounts to ensure that only your close friends can keep tabs on your whereabouts.

  1. Remove valuable items from your home

Even with the best precautions in place, ultimately there’s still no guarantee of your belongings and their safety whilst you’re away. Fortunately for you, we’re here to help. You might want to store some prized jewellery, personal documents, some cash or even your television. However much space you need, we’re able to offer affordable, insured protected facilities at each of our sites. We provide you with the best German and Italian manufactured locks and all of our storage locations have additional security features, including secure fencing, security lighting, Cor-Ten steel units, Smart Water and CCTV. Whichever site is most suitable for your needs, whether that be Manchester, Nuneaton & Atherstone, Middlewich or Winsford, you can guarantee peace of mind – leaving you and your holiday entourage to focus on the things that really matter (which we’re sure you don’t need reminding of!).

Helping your children move on to the next stage of their life is a strange time, one full of many different emotions and new experiences. One experience you probably weren’t expecting, however, is the mountain of stuff they leave for you to deal with – especially if you thought you were going to get to use their vacated space for a new walk-in wardrobe!

“Crowded Nest” Syndrome is becoming increasingly common. A recent survey from an insurance company has found that an estimated £2.4 billion worth of belongings are left in the “warehouse of Mum and Dad” when children move out, and you may be left scratching your head when deciding what to do with it all.

Why does it happen?

There are many reasons why children may move out. They may be heading off to university, they may have found a new job, or maybe they’re moving in with a partner. Regardless of the reason, they are unlikely to need all of their possessions (or want to go through the effort of moving them), and so they naturally stay where they are. Old clothes, books, and items with sentimental value – you name it, they’ve probably been left for you as an unwanted parting gift.

Whilst they are excitedly starting this new chapter of their life you are left to deal with the clutter. Understandably, you want to find a way to deal with it, but it is important to do it in the right way.

What should you do?

There are a few different approaches you can take when beginning to tackle what is certainly a daunting task. But firstly, we’re going to focus on what not to do and as parents, this should be quite obvious: NEVER throw anything out without asking first! What might look useless to you could be treasure to someone else, so we’d always recommend tackling your clutter collaboratively so that any room for misunderstandings is minimised. Talk to them, prioritise what is to be kept and what is to be discarded and you’ll be on your way to a clutter-free life in no time.

“We’ve prioritised and decluttered, but we still have a surplus of belongings. What now?”

Here’s where we come in!

At Spaces & Places we’re proud to offer some of the most affordable and secure self-storage facilities in all of the UK. Whether you’re in need of space for a bed, a wardrobe or simply some old clothes carrying too much sentimental value for you to part with just yet – don’t worry, we’re here to accommodate it all.

Whichever site you choose, whether that be Manchester, Nuneaton & Atherstone, Middlewich or Winsford, you’ll be able to relax – safe in the knowledge that all of those possessions held nearest and dearest are as secure as could be.

Moving in with a partner is a very special time, but it also has the possibility of bringing stress and tension. We at Spaces and Places want to share our top tips for moving in with your partner to make sure that the transition happens as smoothly as possible.

Evaluate

Both you and your partner are likely to be moving in together from different houses and with two people moving into one home, it means twice the belongings are moving in too. Something you should do early on before the move begins is evaluate what you’ll both be bringing to the new house as you may have two of the same thing which would only go to waste and take up space. Look at what items can be given to charity, thrown away or simply put into storage for use at another time.

Consider Your Partners Hobbies

Following on from the above point, you also need to take into account any hobbies your partner has. It’s not enough just looking at each other’s current belongings and deciding what will fit in the new house. If they are a keen cyclist or skier for example, you will find that they have equipment or specialised clothing that they need to store somewhere. If this is the case, then consider investing in a self-storage unit for this.

Loft Space

Loft space isn’t always guaranteed in a new home, especially if you and your partner are moving into a flat or smaller space, but it might be something that you’re used to having in your old family home. You’ll have to be pretty ruthless with what you would originally store up there and decide whether it’s of any use to keep. Items like Christmas decorations which are usually kept up there for the festive period could now be stored in storage units and brought out as and when they’re needed.

Renovating Stress

If you’re choosing to renovate a property with your partner, then you’ll soon find that your house becomes a building site and that’s not somewhere you want your belongings to be kept. Not only could they become damaged and dusty, it’s likely to cause a lot of stress with belongings piling up in your only living space. Consider a temporary storage solution to prevent this stress whilst keeping your belongings safe before they can be moved back in to your newly renovated home.

Thankfully, Spaces and Places offer self-storage options which are a great option for mediating this change. Belongings can be moved to and from self-storage to make sure the balance of belongings between you and your partner is right for the both of you, without having to throw away belongings both of you would wish to keep.

Whether it be furniture, sports or equipment, or decorations, self-storage offers the perfect solution for you and your partner. Get in touch today for more information.

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It’s that time of the year again. Students across the country are finishing their year’s hard work and are preparing to enjoy the summer. With so much going on, storage can often be low on your to-do lists, but we at Spaces and Places want to show you why it’s more important than you might think.

1) You Have More Stuff Than You Think (and your parents don’t want it clogging up their house!)

It’s only natural that during your time at University you will build up your belongings. Whilst your boxes of charity shop hauls, BBQ, and extra-large bean bag chair hold a lot of memories, we’re sure you don’t want to deal with the hassle of having to fit an entirely new house worth’s of things back into your childhood bedroom.

2) Keeping Your Prized Possessions Secure Over the Holidays

Moving back over the Christmas and Easter break is often as simple as a single suitcase of Christmas jumpers and festive socks, however Student Houses are unfortunately easy targets for those who want to take advantage of the long periods of time they will be empty.

Save yourself the worry and keep your most valuable possessions, whether it be a bike, television, or sports equipment, in a secure storage unit. Spaces and Places offer secure, lockable storage options with insurance for your peace of mind.

3) It’s an Absolute Pain to Haul Everything Home

Moving your entire life across the country, or sometimes internationally, is never fun, and for some it may not even be possible to get everything home. Travelling via Train or Plane will leave you very limited in what you can bring with you. Self-Storage can be a cheaper option than shipping your belongings home and can be the best option if you will only be away for a short period of time, whether this be for a holiday, sandwich year, or just the uncertainty after graduation.

4) Lack of Space in Accommodation

If you have drawn the short straw and ended up with the box room in your house then you may be struggling to find a place for everything.

Keep the contents of your room relevant and seasonal by keeping items you don’t need in storage. Spaces & Places have an online Price Estimator to make sure you are only paying for the storage you need.

If Self Storage looks like an effective option for your needs then get in touch for a Free Personalised Quote today.

If you’re feeling like refreshing your home this summer, then we’ve got just the thing for you! Interior design is ever-changing and can be hard to keep up with, but this summer’s hottest interior design trends are embracing the art of minimalism. This makes them a lot easier to follow and much more kind on the purse strings. Find out how you can breathe new life into your home this summer with three interior design trends you won’t want to miss.

Go Scandi for Summer

Scandinavian Chic is in so expect to see a natural materials like leather, wood, and even hemp making a big comeback. Scandinavian design is characterised by simplicity and functionality meaning that there’s no need to invest in unnecessary accessories. In fact, you may want to consider a serious declutter if you’re thinking about incorporating Scandi vibes into your home this summer. We understand the idea of getting rid of your favourite home accessories for a summer trend might not appeal to everybody, but you don’t have to throw away those favourite pieces. Instead, why not put them into storage until you’re ready to change up your style again.

Once you’ve decluttered you can incorporate Scandinavian design into your home by sticking to a neutral colour palate; accessorising with warm textiles such as rugs or wall hangings; decorating with plants and fresh flowers; and combining materials such as wood and metal for a simple, rustic look. 

Embrace the Sustainable Kitchen

Sustainability is becoming more and more popular in homes. You’ll notice many of your favourite celebrities investing in sustainable living and one of the best places to start a sustainable home in is the kitchen. The sustainable kitchen is uncluttered, full of plant life, and embraces recyclable materials such as wood. In addition, open pantries where dried goods are stored in mason jars and other decorative glass containers are becoming a focal point in any “zero waste” kitchen. The sustainable kitchen doesn’t have to look bare, however, with key pieces such as bold feature walls or brass taps/countertops making up for the minimalist approach to the space.

It can seem counter intuitive to throw away kitchen clutter when you’re focusing on sustainability. After all, it’s more sustainable to reuse items than send them away with landfill waste. That’s where we come in. Instead of throwing away those old cookbooks, your collection of mismatched mugs, and other unnecessary accessories, simply store them in one of our 24-hour accessible units until you need them.

Raw Decor

Continuing with the “natural” material theme of 2019, raw and unfinished decor is making a splash in homes across the nation this summer. Classic designs are key, and many homes are choosing to use wooden shutters instead of curtains or blinds for a more “country” feel to the home. Wooden dining room tables and chairs are a summer staple this year as are hand-carved wooden accessories and decorations. Opt for well-made, long-lasting furniture and accessories that will stand the test of time rather than cheap, plastic, counterparts that may look good now but ultimately contribute to fast-fashion and throwaway culture.

Clearing out your home this summer? Contact us to find out the best storage options for your valuables.

Clutter, everybody has it. Whether the kitchen table is turning into your own personal filing cabinet or that one chair in your bedroom is becoming a halfway house for clean clothes, bedding, or towels you haven’t quite gotten around to putting away yet. A little clutter in the home is natural and can often be resolved by slapping yourself on the wrist and setting aside some tidy up time. But what happens when the clutter gets out of hand? Well, studies suggest that too much clutter can actually be bad for your health.

It Stresses You Out

One of the biggest ways clutter can be bad for your health is the simple fact that it causes stress. Cluttered homes are notoriously difficult to find things in and cleaning becomes much more of a chore when you have to navigate around items that don’t have a dedicated place in the home. Lack of cupboard space to put anything away in, feelings of never-ending mess, or having to squeeze past bikes in a narrow hallway whilst carrying a vacuum cleaner are all sure-fire ways to stress even the most placid of people out.

Whilst a little stress can actually be a good motivator, on-going stress has a negative effect on the immune system and can cause fatigue, high blood pressure, and even heart disease! Clutter in the home can also have a negative impact on our relationships. When a mess is too big to blame on one culprit it can cause arguments and feelings of resentment in the home. 

It Causes Anxiety

Picture this: you walk into your kitchen and there are a couple of pots out on the side; there’s some unopened post on the table; and there’s a pile of laundry waiting to be taken upstairs. Tidying up will be a bit of a chore but after a deep breath you get stuck in and the kitchen is back to normal in 20 minutes. Now picture this: you walk into the kitchen and the countertops are full; the kitchen table is covered with a mixture of bank statements, personal documents, and junk mail; and every single dining room chair is stacked with laundry.

This isn’t a 20-minute task and it’s one of several rooms in your house in a similar state. Your heart starts racing at the thought of tackling this mess, and you’re not even sure you have the space in your home to tidy the clutter up into. When clutter becomes overwhelming it starts to impact other areas of our lives and you may find it causes on-going feelings of worry, panic, and dread that you feel as though you can’t escape from.

The Solution to Your Clutter Problem

Clutter arises when there is no place in the home for the amount of stuff within it. When things like paperwork, seasonal clothing, sports equipment, and decorations don’t have a permanent space to live in, they start invading space that’s already in use. The simplest solution to clutter is to find a home for your things. That’s where we come in. We here at Spaces and Places offer a wide-range of different sized storage solutions perfect for helping you to de-clutter your home. With 24-hour access you’ll never be in a situation where you can’t get to your personal belongings. Contact us today to discuss your self-storage options.

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Selling products online is a great way to make money from the comfort of your own home and many people find it to be a profitable career. There are many different ways to be an online entrepreneur, whether you’re making your own arts crafts and selling them on Etsy or upcycling items you’ve found in charity shops and auctioning them off on eBay.

As their businesses take off and the orders pour in, many online entrepreneurs find their homes becoming more and more cluttered. If you’re lucky enough to have an attic, basement, or garage space you might make this your first port of call for storage, but these spaces tend to be where items are also most at risk of encountering damage. Be it through leaky pipes, weather damage, or mould growth due to poor ventilation, no online entrepreneur wants to find their perfectly good stock damaged through no fault of their own.

Online entrepreneurs living in family homes or shared accommodation may also butt heads with other members of the household who wish to use the shared storage spaces but can no longer find room. For these reasons we recommend moving your stock out of your home altogether to a space that’s easily accessible and entirely your own.

“But I Don’t Have the Money to Buy an Actual Shop to Store My Products In!”

Don’t worry, there are plenty more options available to you than buying a commercial premises to keep your products in. Whilst it might seem like a good idea to have a physical store front to display your products in, the costs associated with running and maintaining a business premises are often much too steep for online entrepreneurs to justify. Additionally, keeping your products in a commercial premises puts them at an increased risk of burglary or vandalism.

“What’s the Best Option for Me?”

Have you considered using self-storage for all your product management needs? Here at Spaces & Places we offer a wide variety of different sized storage solutions. Our secure, weatherproof, and watertight lockups are accessible 24-hours a day and can be driven straight up to for easy access. For the utmost in security, we provide the best German and Italian manufactured locks and all of our storage locations (including Manchester) have additional security features including secure fencing, security lighting, Cor-Ten steel units, Smart Water, and CCTV.

For a price guaranteed to half the cost of the big brands, our storage solutions are an affordable way to store your items for sale, removing the worry and giving you back your spare room! We’ll even help you move in and, with our manned office and 24-hour surveillance, there will often be someone on hand to give you a hand with big boxes and heavier items.

Are you ready to take your online business to the next level? Contact us today to discuss the best storage options for your business.

Whether you’re moving to a new house, decluttering your home, storing valuables, or finding a home for important documents, self-storage is a simple and cost-effective solution for all your extra space needs. Make sure you’re using these self-storage efficiency tips to ensure you’re getting the most out of your space.

Plan Ahead

Proper planning will make your self-storage efficient and profitable. We recommend using labelled boxes to package similar items together for easy access and to maximise space. This is especially important if you’re keeping larger items like bicycles or furniture loose as you won’t want to be navigating around these items looking for something small and hard to find. By separating boxes into categories and storing/stacking similar items together you will have no trouble finding that old computer keyboard in “electricals” or your bike pump in “sports/activities”.

Size Up, Not Down

One of the most common mistakes people make when choosing self-storage is picking a size too small, filling it to the brim, and finding they don’t have the space for additional items further down the line. If you believe you’re going to be using self-storage for an extended period of time we’d always advise going a size up with your storage unit. Not only will this help you avoid the harrowing realisation that you may need more space after you’ve filled your unit it will provide you with more storage options further on down the line.

Keep an Inventory 

The more you use your self-storage unit the more you’re likely to forget what’s in there. Rather than spending hours rummaging around the house only to realise you put an item in storage (or vice-versa), make a written inventory of what you currently have in storage. We recommend keeping this as a digital document that you can easily add to as and when put items in storage, plus you’ll have the option of using the Ctrl+F command to quickly search the document for an item rather than having to manually scan a long list.

With a little forethought and some planning, you can be sure you’ll be getting your money’s worth when it comes to self-storage. If you’re thinking about moving items into storage, then contact us to discuss the best storage option for your individual needs.