Tag: storage

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At the hottest time of the year, as you might expect, the use of storage units and general moving is reduced while we all try to stay cool and out of the baking outside air. But in fact, storage units can be at their most popular in summer – for good reason. Here are our summer storage tips for how hiring a storage unit can improve the season.

1. Safe for the holidays

A storage unit doesn’t just prove its use for long-term containment; if you’re planning on jetting off on holiday, you might want a safe and secure place to keep those valuables, to ensure they are safe while you’re sunning it up on some beach abroad. With school holidays and sunny weather, we travel more in summer – and storage is what you need to ensure our valuable possessions are safe when you’re away from home.

2. Put away your winter wardrobe

Step away from the skis – if your wardrobe or hall cupboard is taken over with thick winter coats and boots that you couldn’t even imagine wearing in the summer, especially with these heatwaves, then away they must go. Save storage space by opting for a separate unit to keep those winter staples safe and sound, without you tripping over them every time you reach for the flip-flops.

3. The summer clean

Forget spring cleaning – summer cleaning is just as big when it comes to making your home cleaner, fresher and airier. Whether it’s removing that heavy furniture or replacing a stifling leather couch with a sofa that’s a bit more seasonally appropriate, cleaning out your home is one of the things that summer is great for. After all, when else can you use your outside space for room shuffling without risk of rain?

4. Keeping your possessions cool

A house full of people and even simply a tumble dryer running in a home in the middle of summer can mean the difference between your valuable items being safe and cool or ending up with damage. This is especially the case with antique furniture or old paintings, where a cooler climate is needed. Often, a storage unit can provide that neutral space, ensuring your favourite items are safe from the weather

5. Moving dates

From University students heading home to those embarking on their new adventure in home ownership, summer is a popular time to move. You’re less likely to get rained or snowed on, so even if you get too hot it’s better for your furniture and moving boxes, after all. A storage unit is a perfect place to keep furniture and items you’re in the process of moving, or that need to be stored temporarily til next term.

If you’re looking for a storage unit of your own this summer, Spaces & Places has room for you. Contact us today to find out more about our units, and to get a free quote on our services.

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Whatever the nature or size of your business, you’ll inevitably need to store things like equipment, supplies and files.

How and where you store the things you need to run your business can make a big difference to your overall efficiency. A crowded, disorganised work space can slow you down, demotivate you or even present a health and safety hazard.

Here’s how to organise and free up storage space for better business efficiency.

Storage tips for business premises 

From new startups to SMEs, most businesses will face storage challenges at one time or another. If you’re starting to outgrow your premises, here’s what you can do to get organised and free up space:

– Walk around the premises and identify things which are in the way, such as boxes stacked up in corners or corridors and paperwork piled up on desks.
– Move everything to one place (e.g. a breakout area) so you can see at a glance what you need to store before you start trying to fit it all into cupboards or storerooms.
– Put the things you use regularly into your cupboards or storerooms (labelling items clearly and creating rows of boxes for easy access) and consider using self-storage for things you only need occasionally.

Hiring a self-storage unit is a great alternative to renting warehouse space or moving into larger premises; it’s less expensive (as you don’t have to pay for business rates and utilities) and completely flexible, as you can increase or decrease the space as your needs change.

Storage tips for home working

Whether you work at your kitchen table or in a spare room, it’s likely that your work space is confined to a small area of the house – so it’s important to make sure you have room to think instead of being crowded by files and supplies.

– Put up sturdy, wall-mounted shelves or use a tall drawer unit/bookcase to store items vertically rather than taking up valuable floor space.
– Digitise your files and use cloud storage to reduce the amount of paperwork you need to keep in filing boxes and cabinets.
– Put old but important paperwork into cardboard archive boxes to prevent fading/yellowing, and consider moving the boxes into self-storage to free up space.
– Putting items into self-storage can help to free up working space in your home, or even to  create a dedicated work space – for example by clearing out a large cupboard or boxroom which can then be fitted with a desk and chair.

Find out about self-storage for businesses

Proper storage solutions can save you valuable space and time, leaving you free to focus on growing your business.

Our range of self-storage units are affordable and flexible; you can hire as much or little space as you need, even if it’s just for a short period of time (e.g. while relocating or decorating your current premises), and change your storage space according to your needs.

Why not contact us to find out more?

More and more people are using self-storage units to keep items that are seasonal or only used occasionally safe and their homes free of clutter. However using a self-storage unit should be simple and hassle-free.

The following helpful tips should take the stress out of packing your self-storage unit so you can enjoy a clutter free home and know your belongings are safe.

Do:

  1. 1. Make a list of everything you need to store and collect together all the packing materials you require e.g. boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, tape and marker pens.
  2. 2. Pack each box according to its contents; wrap fragile items individually in bubble wrap, pack books flat and clothes, bedding or curtains are best protected in vacuum bags. Photos and pictures should be placed between two pieces of card and then taped together to stop them curling.
  3. 3. Label all the boxes with a list of their contents, to make it easy to find items when you need them.
  4. 4. Place boxes on pallets to allow air to pass around and under items.
  5. 5. Larger items can be packed individually but to maximise the space in the unit remove legs from furniture and place tables and chests of drawers top-to-top. To protect and keep these items clean, cover with packing paper or dust sheets.
  6. 6. Clean and dry appliances like BBQ’s, lawn mowers and garden tools. Before storing wipe metal surfaces with a few drops of oil to prevent rust.
  7. 7. In the unit, position items you will use frequently at the front of the unit, and make a central aisle between all items for easy access to the rest.

Don’t:

  1. 1. Make boxes too heavy. No box should weigh more than 30 lbs.
  2. 2. Use plastic or newspaper to cover items. Plastic will encourage mildew and newsprint can mark and permanently damage items.
  3. 3. Store toxic or flammable substances like paint, oil or petrol as they are a fire hazard. Also ensure that petrol is drained from all small appliances like lawn mowers.

If you have any questions about using a storage unit, get in touch with your local Spaces and Places, where our friendly team will answer all your enquiries!

More and more people are working from the comfort of their own home, whether it is to avoid the traffic during rush hour, working around other commitments or to cut business overheads, there are undoubtedly benefits to working from home.

Even though there are benefits, there are also a number of downsides as well to consider:

  • Lack of space
  • Constant distractions
  • Unable to separate your home life from your work life
  • Lack of discipline
  • Procrastinating

What if we told you there is a low-cost alternative?

Over the past few years, more and more people have noticed the benefits of running their business from a storage unit.

Having your own business space outside of your home without taking out a lease or setting your business back with more overhead costs are benefits which are hard to ignore.

Start-up businesses, seasonal businesses, commercial and eBay traders are just a few companies that are drawn to the strengths storage units possess, as they are not tied into long leases and if business is slow, all they have to do is give one week’s notice to vacate.

Along with the financial benefits, the extra space, flexibility and security are added bonuses.

Working from a self-storage unit

How you use your storage unit is completely up to you. With access 24/7, seven days a week, you can come and go as you please.

Whether your ultimate aim is to store business documents, merchandise or to separate your business from your life at home, the possibilities are endless at Spaces and Places.

Have a look through the different business storage options we offer, or if you are unsure of which sized unit would best suit you and your needs, get in touch with your local Spaces and Places who will gladly answer any questions you have.

Over the years, has your spare room turned into a place to store all of your clutter? If your answer is yes, then you are one of the many that are neglecting the many uses your spare room has to offer.

It can become easy to use it as a place to store items you won’t be needing for a while, whether it be suitcases or Christmas decorations, you are stopping this space from reaching its full potential.

Instead of continuing to use it as a dumping ground, make the most out of your spare room by following these useful suggestions…

Private bar

If you love the idea of hosting parties and having a house full, this is the perfect scenario. You can create an in-home bar to avoid running back and forth to the kitchen and depending on the space, you can even add a jukebox and pool table to turn it into the perfect games room!

Library

If a private bar/games room isn’t for you, but you consider yourself to be a bit of a bookworm, then turn your spare room into a haven you love. Fill up some bookshelves, add some comfy seating and ensure there’s overhead lighting to create your very own library.

Walk-in wardrobe

A lot of the time, your spare room can be used to store clothing you no longer wear, so why not create your own walk-in wardrobe instead of placing all of your clothes on the floor! This not only looks more visually appealing, but will make your life easier when searching for an outfit!

Gym

If you are serious about increasing your fitness levels but prefer to work out in the comfort of your home rather than funding a gym membership, then create a gym tailored to you and your needs.

Home Office

Instead of commuting every day, you may prefer to work from home. When turning your spare room into an office, keep distractions to a minimum so you can be at your most productive.

 

When you tidy your spare room, instead of throwing all items away; place them in a Spaces and Places self-storage unit. This way, you can turn your spare room into something much more useful/enjoyable, while avoiding throwing away items you wish to keep.

 

As another academic year comes to an end many students will be moving out of halls of residence or rented properties to move back home for the summer holidays.

However there will be endless amounts of things that will need to be cleared out of your term time home. For example:

Winter clothes,

Bedding and Towels

Kitchen equipment like pots, pans, crockery and cutlery

Books and files

Computer

Electrical equipment like a TV, a sound system, a toaster, a microwaves and a kettle

Small items of furniture like a bookcase, a small chest of drawers or an office chair.

The problem is where is all this stuff going to be housed over the summer?

Mum and Dad won’t want it cluttering up their home, plus there is the logistics of moving it from your term time residence to home only to move it back in a few months’ time. If you move it into your accommodation for next year you will have to pay rent on that property during the summer plus how safe will it all be left in an empty for possibly up to 3 months.

The best solution is to put all your belongings into a self-storage unit.

If you are at a University in the North-West for example- Manchester, Salford or UCLAN Spaces and Places self-storage facilities in Manchester can offer you the perfect solution. Spaces and Places also have facilities in Nuneaton – which is ideal if you are studying at Loughborough, Coventry or Birmingham, and another at Winsford which is suitable for those studying in the Liverpool and Chester areas

Spaces and Places are safe, flexible and affordable. We have various sizes of storage units and you only pay for what you use.  We offer clean, high quality and secure storage units; it is also simple to rent with us and just as easy to give notice. There are no long term contracts, and there are plenty of ways to pay.

If you need a place to store all your term time belongs over the summer get in touch with one of our friendly team at Spaces and Places.

Call: 0800 124 4363 or Email: hello@spaces-and-places.co.uk

Why not use the long weekend to declutter and have a clear out?

Perhaps not the most exciting prospect for the Bank Holiday weekend but if your life is feeling stressful, because you have too much stuff in your home, it could be very rewarding.

The advantage of using the Easter Bank Holiday to have a good clear out is the 2 extra days available compared to a normal weekend ,so you can use 1 or 2 days for the declutter and still have 2 days to relax and enjoy yourself.

One of the main problems with having a good clear out is where to start and what to do with items you don’t want to store in the house but need to keep.

Here are some tips to help you clear out your home effectively.

  • 1. Decide where to start. Pick one area in your home -it could be the kitchen or the garage that is really causing problems. Work on that one area before going into another area.
  • 2. Set some goals. Work out what you can physically do in a day to avoid causing unnecessary disruption.
  • 3. Enlist some help from the family – it is always more fun working with others and you will achieve more.
  • 4. Making a pile of things you no longer want or need is often the easy part. They can be divided into two lots of boxes – ones for the tip, the others for the charity shop. Allow time during the Bank Holiday to visit the tip and charity shops so these bags and boxes are not left cluttering the house.
  • 5. The things you are not sure about are more difficult to deal with, they should be either-items you really would like to keep but do not have a purpose for everyday e.g. keepsakes, seasonal items like clothes or Christmas decorations.

Or -items you feel you must keep e.g. documents and records.

If you don’t have space to store these items self-storage units are a great way to keep those items safely tucked away, without creating clutter within your home.

At Spaces and Places our self- storage units are available in various sizes, for short and long term hire with 24/7 access.

If you are interested in self- storage get in touch with Spaces and Places, a secure, convenient and trustworthy storage company.

As the seasons change from winter into spring, more people may be thinking about putting their bulky winter clothing into storage instead of having it clog up their wardrobes.

Unlike some parts of the world where the climate remains fairly constant, in the UK we definitely have 4 seasons – sometimes in one day! This means that in the autumn and winter we wear thicker heavier clothes and in the spring and summer our clothes are generally lighter and thinner. Having all these clothes in our wardrobe and drawers can lead to overcrowding and difficulty finding the things we want to wear, plus there is a danger that the clothes can get damaged and spoilt if they are crammed into wardrobes and drawers ‘fit to burst’!

The best way to overcome these problems is to store the bulky autumn/winter clothes during the spring/summer months and the skimpy shorts, tops and dresses worn in the spring /summer should be packed away over the autumn /winter months.

Here are a few tips on the best way to store clothing to ensure it stays in perfect condition until you need it next.

  1. 1. Sort out clothes and accessories – Before storing clothes, shoes and accessories it is always a good idea to have a good sort through. There is no point in storing clothes you have not worn for the last twelve months. There is probably a good reason why you have not worn them- too small, too big, the fit is wrong, they are out of fashion or they are showing signs of wear. Be ruthless – get rid of worn out clothes –even if it is a favourite shirt and send items in good condition to the charity shop.

2. Clean /polish -Wash or dry clean all clothes before storing them. The clothes do not need to be ironed but it is essential to clean them properly to remove marks and stains. Similarly clean and polish leather goods like boots and shoes before storing. Keep boots and shoes separate from clothes and stuff tissue paper into them to help keep their shape.

3. Repair – Carry out minor repairs on clothes before storing them for example sewing on buttons, or repairing seams or hems.

4. Storage containers – Invest in good quality plastic containers with airtight lids to store your clothes. They will keep your clothes dry and free of mildew/mould plus mice and other small creepy crawlies will not get to your clothes. Avoid vacuum packing clothes – it may save you space but clothes made of natural fibres like wool can be damaged if crushed in a vacuum bag for a long period of time.  Contains should then be stored in a warm, dry place.

5. Packing – Although clothes don’t need to be ironed before packing, they should be packed carefully either by folding neatly or rolling. Heaviest items should be packed first and the lighter more delicate items should be at the top and whatever you do, don’t over pack the container!  

If you find that you’re struggling for space to store all your clothes, why not think about renting a self-storage unit.  We offer clean secure storage with 24/7 access.

Get in touch with Spaces and Places and get your wardrobe under control!

When moving house, we don’t often plan it to fall during the winter months, but sometimes it really can’t wait. Bad weather conditions and the shorter day’s mean that the whole process can become a lot more stressful compared to moving in the summer months. Don’t be put off though, follow our tips for moving in the winter for a seamless transition to your new house!

Plan early

It’s important to plan early for any move, but in winter it becomes even more so. Take into consideration any bank holidays which may fall at an inconvenient time for your move. As part of your home moving plan, consider removal companies, what items you are taking to your new home, if any items could be put into storage and finally, if there is anything that could be recycled or taken to a charity shop.

Plan your moving day

Shorter days and a greater chance of bad weather conditions makes planning your day crucial. Keep an eye on the weather forecast for the day of the move and stay in communication with your removals company to make sure they are still willing to move if the weather does take a turn for the worse. Shorter daylight hours will make it more challenging to move things to and from vans or storage containers.  

Cover carpets/ floors

Moving house in wet or snowy weather can mean your new property may get very dirty, very quickly. People will constantly be moving from outside to in, resulting in mud trailed through your new home. Avoid taking the shine off this exciting day by preparing covers like cardboard or large rags for carpets and floors so that your second day in your new house isn’t spent cleaning!

Prepare for delays

Even the best laid plans can sometimes fall foul of the weather. Give yourself extra time between your new house and old so that if the weather does turn for the worse and you are unable to move on the date planned, you aren’t under pressure to be out of your old house. Moving can be stressful enough without having to be rushed.

  1. Food and drinks for helpers

Make sure a kettle, tea bags and some mugs are easily accessible during your move. Throughout a cold and busy day of moving, nothing will help you and your helpers feel better than taking a few minutes break for a well earned cup of tea!

If you are looking to store your belongings in a storage unit, get in touch with Spaces and Places to ensure your items are kept in a reliable, secure and safe place.

December has crept upon everyone once again and believe it or not, there are only a few days left until Christmas is here.

Over the last few years, Black Friday and Cyber Monday have taken the UK by storm. Millions of people took to the shops and internet late November to find the best deals, and with Christmas just around the corner, the shopping frenzy will continue.

Is your business ready to meet the demands of consumers?

Last year, research stated that 46% of people left their Christmas shopping until the last minute. The same trend will most likely occur this year, which means your business will be in high demand over the next few days.

In order for you to not miss out on maximum profit this Christmas, ensure you have enough stock available to sell and be prepared for last minute shoppers. It is vital that you offer next day delivery otherwise customers will begin looking elsewhere. Even though this may make your job more stressful, all your hard work and long hours will be worth it once January comes.

Many companies turn to self-storage in order to meet the demands they are faced with through the festive season. If you have stock that can not fit in your shop, or you are trying to avoid your house becoming a work zone, a storage unit is the simple and convenient answer.

The flexibility of storage units is one of many major incentives for businesses, as you have the option to add or reduce the amount of units you are using, all depending on demand. All you have to do, is give one week’s notice.

One crucial aspect when storing your items, is to place all stock in a safe and secure area. You will have more stock than usual, which means you have more to lose if any items are stolen. Ensure you do not overload your store, warehouse and even your home with items, and always keep them out of sight.

Spaces and Places understand how important security is, which is why all facilities are secured with a coded gate and 24-hour CCTV. Your mind can be rest assured all your items are safe.

If you are worried you do not have enough storage space to meet the demands of customers this month, contact Spaces and Places for further info on how we can help your business thrive through this hectic month.

 

It is normal to have a disagreement with your significant other now and again, however, it may come as a shock to learn how many couples argue over having an untidy house.

Clutter has a large impact on whether a relationship will progress to the next stage and since 41% of people stated that they would refuse to move in with their partner due to their clutter crimes; clutter may break your relationship.

The UK have the smallest homes in Europe and with new housing in the UK being built smaller, space continues to be an issue.

If you can relate to the 2.4 million couples in the UK who argue up to 154 times a year over clutter, it may be time to change your ways before clutter creates a barrier and ruins your relationship.

But how?

Rather than moving into a larger home, ending your relationship or continue arguing, storage is the answer. 

Storage – Different storage options help keep items organised and not visible to the naked eye. If you live in a small home, investing in a bed that has draws attached to the structure allows you to maximise the space you have. Depending on your budget, you may choose to purchase a larger wardrobe, extra cabinets or even a coffee table that comes with draws installed. There are many attractive storage items that can add character to your house, while solving your clutter problems!

Self Storage – The beauty of self storage, is that you do not need to throw any memories or cherished items away. Within a few hours, you can move items into a storage unit and your home will feel more spacious and most importantly; clutter free! When you wish to retrieve the items you placed in storage, you are able to access the unit at any time convenient. At Spaces and Places all units are accessible 24hours a day, 7 days a week.

Clutter is known to increase stress, make it harder to relax and affect the ability to think clearly. Get in touch with Spaces and Places and say goodbye to the endless arguments revolving around the dreaded word; clutter.

A new baby is on the way, and with the excitement and happiness comes feelings of stress and doubt that you will not be prepared for when him or her enter the world.

A baby changes the way you live and you very quickly need to learn to compromise on space in your home. Even though babies themselves are small and take up little room, all their belongings and supplies seem to take over the house! In order to make the arrival of your new baby as stress-free as possible, read our tips on how to start making room for a nursery.

  1. Think small

If you are expecting your first baby, you will be tempted to purchase everything and anything, however all you need in the baby’s room is necessities such as a cot, changing table, dresser and a rocking chair. In order to save money in the long run, invest in furniture that the baby can grow into. You can purchase cots that transform into a bed or a multi use dresser that can expand or retract depending on how much space you need. By only placing a few items in the nursery, you suddenly have a clutter-free and relaxing bedroom.

  1. Space

The question you will be asking yourself is; where should I put the nursery? If you do not have a spare room, you will have to convert one of the rooms in your home into a room for your baby. Remember, your nursery does not have to be the biggest room in your home, you just simply have to make the most out of the space you have.

  1. Organisation

When a baby arrives, your world gets turned upside down. Your sleeping routine, your social life and your work life become affected, which is why it is important to stay organised. When your baby wakes up crying in the night, instead of running around trying to find everything, you will be able to feed and change the baby in one spot if you are organised. Also, during the day when your baby is napping, you will be able to relax as well instead of spending these precious quiet moments cleaning.

Instead of throwing away items and avoid cluttering your home, self storage becomes a necessity for growing families. Spaces and Places are located around the North West and you are able to access the units 24/7, which becomes extremely important with a new born and your new sleeping patterns!