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It’s true! As a business owner or office manager it won’t shock you to hear that having to search through piles upon piles of paperwork for one elusive scrap is a massive waste of time and resources. We understand that sometimes you need to keep old documents handy, just in case, but many business owners never stop to consider alternative storage solutions that could revolutionise the way their companies work.

How Clutter Impacts Your Business:

Did you know that roughly 25% of workers save things in piles instead of files? According to a recent study published in The Wall Street Journal, the average manager wastes six weeks annually searching for important documents lost in clutter. It’s very clear that disorganisation costs businesses valuable time and money but it turns out clutter can also have a negative impact on employee morale. Studies on mental health in the workplace indicate that a cluttered, untidy office can decrease employee happiness by up to 33% which has a significant impact on productivity and efficiency.

Common Storage Mistakes:

Paperwork is one of the biggest offenders when it comes to office clutter. Whether its stored haphazardly across desk tops or overflowing from filing cabinets, once you’ve got a paperwork problem it can be difficult to get it under control. Unfortunately, there’s really only one way to tackle paper work and that is a good, old fashioned, sift through.

Boxes are another, very convenient way to disguise clutter and create a false sense of organisation however these present almost exactly the same problem as piled up paperwork. Using boxes for storage takes up massive amounts of space in the workplace and doing so can even lead to health and safety issues such as trip hazards and fire safety risks.

We recommend taking the time to walk around your workplace and to identify things that are in the way, such as boxes stacked up in corners and paperwork piled up on desks. From here we suggest moving everything into one space so you can see at a glance what you need to sort through. Put the things you regularly use into cupboards or storerooms and make sure to clearly label items and create rows of boxes for easy access. Finally, consider using self-storage for non-essential or archived documents and any boxes that you don’t require day-to-day access to.

You might think assigning someone to sort paperwork and boxes isn’t an effective use of yours or your employees time, but it could save you hours upon hours searching for important documents in the long run. By storing boxes, paperwork and even filing cabinets off-site, you free up space for the more immediate/important documents. Our business storage solutions allow for 24-hour access too, so you’re free to access boxes and paperwork as and when you need to.

It’s clear that proper storage solutions can save business owners valuable space and time, leaving you free to focus on growing your business. Our business storage solutions are both affordable and flexible, allowing you to hire as little or as much space as you need, even if it’s just for a short period of time (e.g. while relocating or decorating your current premises). Contact us for more information and to see how we can help revolutionise your workplace efficiency.

Decluttering, no one wants to do it but there often comes a time when we realise just how cluttered our homes have become. Maybe your home is full of sentimental items that you have no use for but can’t bear to let go of, or things you use infrequently but just enough that you aren’t prepared to throw them out?

Many people simply live with this clutter instead of considering the alternatives and this is when we ask, have you considered self-storage? Self-storage allows you to securely store occasionally used items for when they’re needed at an affordable price. This frees up valuable spaces in your home and can be a breath of fresh air when mess and clutter are becoming causes of undue stress. Decluttering your home has been known to have several health benefits including creating a sense of confidence and competence as well as reducing your anxiety tension in relationships or family environments.

Instead of letting those pesky suitcases take up space in that spare room imagine if you could actually use that room for something constructive; maybe a bit of yoga or perhaps a play room for the kids? Either way no one wants a un unusable room in their house, take the initiative and declutter your house with self-storage.

If you’re lucky enough to own a garage, you may have taken to storing valuable but unused items in there but it’s important to note that reduced security levels often make garages prime targets for thieves. For this reason, we actually recommend cleaning out your garage in favour or self-storage. Garage robberies are so common that the Metropolitan Police has even released a list of the top most commonly stolen items from garages. This includes bikes, sports equipment, and power tools. Clearing out your garage also has the added bonus of reducing your insurance premiums as well as allowing you to feel better about the safety and security of your vehicle.

Self-storage isn’t just for cluttered homes! We find that business owners who use our storage solutions to declutter their workplaces see improvements in workplace efficiency and a more motivated workforce. Plus, it never hurts to have a neat and tidy space to make a good first impression on prospective clients or stakeholders when they come for meetings.

If you’re looking for an affordable and convenient way to store things you don’t use very often then we cannot recommend self-storage enough. All of our storage solutions are designed with 24/7 access in mind and will keep your belongings safe and dry in all weather conditions. Want to hire a self-storage unit and free up space in your home, garage, or workplace? Contact us today.

 

As we approach April, we also approach National Home Improvement Month. The aim is to encourage people in Britain to love the home that they live in by picking up a paint roller, screwdriver or lawnmower and improve their home.

Whether it be a small DIY job or a larger-scale project, you must first declutter your home before you make any home improvements as you will be able to notice which improvements or repairs need fixing.

Our Top Decluttering Tips

 

• You should always sort rooms one at a time, in order to not get lost amongst the mess or forget a particular job.
• Think about how useful an item is or what condition it is in and then sort your items into four categories; keep, sell, donate or dispose. If you mark some items ‘keep’, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they need to stay in your home. You could invest in a storage unit for seasonal items like luggage, garden furniture and sports equipment.
• Selling items mean you will raise money for your home improvements and so you may be able to avoid investing in a home improvement loan.
• Any remaining usable items can be donated to a charity shop, with unusable items being taken to your local recycling centre.

How Can I Add Space and Value to my Home? 

 

In the last four years there has been a five-fold increase in the number of homeowners choosing to improve their home as opposed to moving house, according to a recent survey by insurance company Hiscox.

Due to concerns about rising property and mortgage prices and high moving costs, many people are looking to improve their current home by creating extra space as extra space can add around 20% to a property’s value.

• Converting the loft, cellar or garage into an extra bedroom, home office, bathroom or utility room adds a large amount of extra space to a home. Not only this, but if you choose to make an extra bedroom then you are expanding your buying audience as larger families may be interested in your home.
• Adding a conservatory to the back of your house is a great way to open up a home as it expands the home further into the garden. It also allows for much more sunlight to enter the home which naturally makes a home appear more much spacious.
• A single-storey extension could also be an option. This could potentially mean you have an added garage to your home or you could build on top of an existing garage and create another bedroom.

If you don’t have the budget or planning permission for bigger projects like these, you can still improve the saleability of your home by decluttering. With less items piled up in a room it makes the room appear much bigger and brighter. It also means that any potential buyers can picture how they would use the space.

What are the Benefits of Self-Storage During Home Improvement?

 

Whether you’re redecorating a room, having your kitchen re-fitted or building an extension, home improvements can be disruptive. You’ll often have to empty the rooms which are being worked on so that there’s enough space to work, which means moving furniture and other items into other rooms – making things crowded and uncomfortable.

Furniture, disconnected appliances and other large items you won’t use while the work is being done can go into storage units in order to:

• Protect your belongings from dust and paint
• Free up space for you to work
• Maximise the remaining space in the house.

If you’re tackling home improvements in time for National Home Improvement Month and need some extra space, consider hiring a self-storage unit from Spaces and Places. We have 24-hour accessible self-storage units available in Manchester, Winsford, Nuneaton & Atherstone and Midlewich so get in touch today.

Forget spring cleaning, the best time to de-clutter and organise your home is autumn. The days are getting colder and they’re also getting shorter, making it very important to prep for the approaching season. Below are our three top tips for preparing your home to ensure you’re ready for winter, with all the appropriate belongings to help you through.

Swap the Seasonal Stuff

Just like how you store your winter coats and skiing gear in summer when it’s not in use, it’s now time to be rid of the summer wardrobe and swap it all around. Soon you’ll be wrapping up warm and so – you need to bring out your scarves and coats! Not only will this prevent your wardrobe from piling up, it means you can have a sort through items that you no longer need, creating more valuable space.

Don’t Forget the Garage

When sorting out your summer belongings, don’t forget to check the garage. When winter hits you will want to be storing your vehicles in here, in order to protect them from frost. This will be a struggle if the space is still packed with paddling pools and inflatables from the summer months. Also consider swapping things like lawn-mowers and gardening tools which take up a large amount of space, for the winter tools that you will find incredibly useful like shovels and grit.

Remember Your Outdoor Area

It’s not only the inside of your home that you need to consider, but your outdoor space too. Typically, your summer evenings are spent relaxing in the garden and the furniture that you use at this time may not always withstand the dark, frosty weather. For this reason, consider packing your decking furniture away where it will stay clean and protected.

Whilst it’s essential that your belongings are protected from the harsh frostiness of winter, you can utilise a storage unit throughout the whole year which makes the change of season even easier.

Here at Spaces & Places, we offer self-storage units in Middlewich that protect your belongings with top range security. Get in touch with your local storage site today.

While it’s commonly referred to as ‘compact’ or ‘cosy’, there is no hiding the fact that student accommodation is small. Because of this, it is important to maximise the space you have whilst at university.  University can be hectic enough without the stress of a confined space, so we’ve put together some handy storage hacks for you in order to make the most of your space while you’re studying.

Use Your Vertical Space

With all your furniture in one room, it’s likely that you have more wall space than floor space. Use this to your advantage by buying corkboards, over the door pocket systems, or anything else that allows your belongings to be placed off the floor. Always check you have permission to drill into the walls first and that your hanging storage will not create any damage.

Get Shelving

If you are allowed to drill into the walls, shelving is a great way of adding maximum storage to your room. Having shelves mean less items are on the floor and they also open up your room more than a cupboard would; making it appear much bigger. It creates display space for any decorative items and study material that you need to hand. Ladder shelving can be a great alternative too if you don’t have permission to drill but don’t have a large amount of space either.

Under the Bed

Resisting throwing rubbish straight under the bed can be difficult but if you use the space effectively enough, a large amount of your belongings can be stored under the bed. Take a look at purchasing some plastic storage boxes which will help you be organised and prevent your belongings from getting dusty too.

Organise it

As mentioned above, organisation is key to keeping any space liveable. Shoe organisers are a great product as they can store anything; not just footwear. They can go in wardrobes, in bathrooms, wherever you deem best. As long as your items are in it and stored away, it’s doing its job.

Store it!

If you really can’t find the space for your belongings, consider hiring out a storage unit. They allow you to store any larger items that you don’t need to hand daily like winter coats, sports equipment or decorations. With a storage unit you can access your belongings whenever you like at an accessible location.

If you’re struggling to store your things at your accommodation, here at Spaces & Places we have secure storage in Manchester, Winsford, Nuneaton & Atherstone and Middlewich with 24-hour access. Get in touch today.

Creating a home that’s beautiful yet minimalist seems unachievable at times. Whether it’s a de-clutter of your mind, your home or even both that’s needed –   enforcing a more minimalist design to your interior can be the step forward, and below are 10 top tips on doing just that.

1. 1. Slow and steady wins the race

It’s difficult to simplify all rooms at once. Unless you are moving into a new empty pad, take one room at a time otherwise you will lose your calm and focus. Once that room is done, move onto the next.

2. 2. Think furniture

Sometimes, it can actually be the biggest pieces of the room which cause the most clutter. Eliminate these first and only put back what is needed in terms of comfort and functionality.

3. 3. Clear the floor

The floors of the room should be empty. Obviously, this doesn’t mean furniture, but in terms of rubbish or stacked up items lying around – get rid.

4. Store out of sight

Anything you don’t need to have to hand daily should be stored away in an organised system. As well as keeping your space tidy, this provides good organisation habits too.

5. 5. Keep to a minimum

This is the same rule for walls and surfaces. One to two pieces of artwork is enough to make a statement, the same with decorations like vases or potted plants: remember less is more.

6. Choose colours wisely

Light, bright colours effectively open up any room. White is the classic go-to but any solid colour that is easy on the eyes is fine too. A subtle splash of bright colour works within your decorations and furnishings.

7. Let Tech take over

Stacks of books and DVD’s can be cleared with a quick purchase of their digital counterparts. They won’t take up a large amount of space and also are more aesthetic to see than piles of collections.

8. Quality over quantity

Be strict with your purchasing habits; only buy something for your space if it will stand the test of time. Impulse buys may not withstand daily use so let all purchases be practical ones.

9. Banish bad habits

Maintaining your minimalist space is equally as important as making it. Wash dishes straight away, sort your post as you receive it and declutter as you go.

10. 10. Sit back

Once your space is simplified, your work is done and you can relax. Enjoy the peace and simplification around you and be proud of your work.

You may be surprised, but once your home has been simplified your mind will feel decluttered too. Avoid the stresses associated with home renovation and contact us at Spaces & Places for more tips and advice.

Moving abroad is an exciting challenge that can open up a whole world of opportunities. Whether you are moving by yourself, with a partner or with the entire family, there is going to be a certain amount of stuff that you will be bringing with you.

You are unlikely to bring every belonging with you. In this case, storing items is a really great option and there is a wealth of self-storage services available at affordable prices. Below, in no particular order, are five top tips for storing your items when moving abroad.

Declutter, Declutter, Declutter!

Make sure that the items you store are of personal value to you: Some people can’t help but to acquire vast amounts of clutter. Moving home presents the ideal opportunity to cut down on clutter. If it’s a clothing item that you haven’t worn in a year, sell it or, better still, give it to a charity shop. Perhaps you have hundreds of DVDs gathering dust. Say goodbye to them.

Keep What Is Necessary

Decide what is going to move with you and what will be sent into storage: Obviously, some things are non-negotiable, like your phone and tablet as well as the electrical items you use on a daily basis. However, other things that you are fond of but don’t necessarily need – like art or the rocking chair in the spare bedroom – can be sent into storage.

Cleanse Yourself Of Sentimental Items

Some items aren’t worth bringing with you or putting into storage: You might have an entire shelf of best-selling books that you have read twice over and are unlikely to read again. Even if the sight of them brings you joy, you have to ask yourself: are they of use anymore? If the answer is no, then they shouldn’t take up space in your suitcase or storage.

Get The Kids Involved

Give the kids responsibility over their own items: Explain to your children that they can’t keep everything and point out how you are in the very same boat. Give them the opportunity to bring three items (or whatever amount you deem manageable) while putting another three into storage. This will make your children feel like an integral part of the moving process while also teaching them a valuable lesson about clutter.

Think Practically

If certain items can be replaced at a small price, then do that: Do you really need to bring your knives and forks with you? These can be replaced relatively inexpensively upon making your move. There is no point in putting them into storage either. Sometimes, it makes sense to let go of some things.

We value your stuff as much as you do! Get in touch to safely store your items this summer!

Packing fragile items can seem like an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow these simple steps to make your packing experience easier and less stressful.

There’s more to packing delicate things than simply wrapping them in bubble wrap and tossing them in a box. Using the right packing methods, fragile goods can withstand being lifted, moved, stacked up, and protected from vibration (boxes may be wheeled over rougher surfaces and shaken by vehicle movements) as well as impact (boxes could be knocked, or stacked, or even dropped).

Here’s a list of the packing materials you’ll need to properly wrap and cushion fragile items:

• Packing paper/newspaper and bubble wrap.
• Cardboard boxes in a wide range of sizes (which is probably the most you can carry comfortably).
• It’s usually better to purchase new boxes (including some with cardboard dividers for smaller items like glassware), but if you want to reuse existing boxes, make sure they haven’t gotten moist while in storage and that you can still properly seal them.
• If you have any electronic products that have been kept in the retail packaging (such as computers), use the original cardboard/foam sleeve to pack them for maximum protection.
• Foam peanuts (or mini air cushions).
• Parcel tape.
• Marker pens.

And here’s how to pack fragile items for moving or storage in 5 easy steps.

• Tape down all open edges and corners in the bottom of each box, then line the inside with bubble wrap and add a layer of foam peanuts at the bottom; you could also use a sheet, blanket or towel to provide extra cushioning.
• Individually wrap each item with 1–2 layers of packing paper/newspaper/bubble wrap, making sure to tuck some in to any hollow spaces (such as the inside of wine glasses), and secure with tape to keep the protective layer in place.
• Pack heavier items in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes, placing the heaviest items on the bottom and the lightest at the top and taking care not to over-fill the boxes (which could cause them to break open).
• Fill any empty space around the items and at the top of the box with bubble wrap, foam peanuts or scrunched-up paper to limit movement.
• Seal all open edges of the box firmly with tape and write “FRAGILE – THIS WAY UP” a few times in marker pen so that whoever handles the box is reminded to take extra care with it. You could also label the box with what it contains and where it should go to make unpacking it easier later on.

When packing fragile items, it’s important to take the necessary precautions so that they don’t break during transport. It is also possible to use materials like bubble wrap or styrofoam peanuts with a box in order to provide more protection for your items. For advice about fragile item storage or if you need help finding out how much space you can rent at our facility, contact us today!

Are you planning a move? Perhaps you’re going to be moving house or changing business premises soon and starting to think about what you need to take (and how you’ll get it to the new place safely).

Although you’ll need to move everything out of the place you’re leaving, you don’t necessarily have to take everything with you on moving day – you could put items you won’t need straight away into storage until a later date.

Whether you’re moving home or business premises, putting furniture in self-storage could help to make the moving process easier by:

• having the ability to move items out gradually rather than all at once
• reducing the amount of items you need to move on the day (potentially saving time and money on removals services)
• protecting items which aren’t currently in use and storing them safely until you need them.

How to prepare furniture for storage

1. Gently dust and clean each item using a soft cloth and an appropriate anti-bacterial cleaning product for the type of furniture (e.g. wood, metal or glass), then leave to air dry completely to prevent any moisture from becoming trapped and causing mould or mildew later on.
2. If possible, disassemble any large/heavy furniture (such as chests of drawers or beds) and label the parts (such as legs or slats) carefully, storing them together to make reassembly easier later on.
3. For any furniture you can’t disassemble, consider how you could use empty cupboards and drawers to store other things for ease of transport (and to maximise space in the storage unit).
4. Protect items with appropriate packing materials to prevent damage in transit.

You can do this by:

• Cover upholstered furniture (such as sofas and beds) with drop cloths or sheets to protect the fabric from dust/tears. Fabric coverings are generally better than plastic sheets as they allow air to circulate.
•  Use old towels or blankets to cover wooden furniture and make sure to wrap the legs in bubble wrap to prevent nicks and chips.
• Protect glass surfaces (such as desk tops) from scratches by covering them with packing paper and taping the edges down.
• Wrap fragile items (such as lamps) in bubble wrap to prevent breakage in case of them being knocked or dropped.

5. Consider how you’ll position the items during transit and when you unload them into the storage unit; you may need to lay down a protective covering such as old carpet, blankets, sheets or towels underneath furniture to prevent it from coming into contact with hard surfaces.

Find out more about self-storage options for furniture

When it comes to choosing a storage company for your furniture, please browse our website or contact us for information about self-storage options across our four North West locations. We’ll be happy to advise you about furniture storage and the right type/size of storage unit for your needs, whether you’re a personal or business customer.