Category: Self Storage

Storage units are not purely for storing items and documents, their inexpensive pricing and easy access have appealed to all types of business owners.

When the UK recession seemed to end, the independent released an article showing how businesses adapted to the loss of business by turning to storage units to help their business begin to thrive again.

Oddbins, Woolworths and HMV were just some of the large retail stores that were hit hard by the recession and to this day, they have either disappeared or are still struggling to make profits like they once did. With one in five shops having to close its doors, many businesses had to make a change before they lost every penny they had. What did they do? Turned to self-storage.

In order to minimise risks, self storage became the obvious answer due to the reasonable costs, flexibility and convenient locations. For start up businesses and businesses that had to cut back in order to survive the recession, self-storage allowed them to start to grow their business again.

Businesses are able to rent as many units as they wish, which means when business is thriving, they are able to expand, but when business becomes slow, they can scale back. At Spaces and Places, we ask for only a week’s notice.

Every entrepreneur had a unique idea and decided to jump in the deep end and create their own business. When a business first starts up, money is tight, which is why it makes perfect sense to work from a storage facility until the business takes off. If you decide to rent in the city centre, any money you make will go on rent and for many businesses, it will take a while to see any profit in their accounts.

Not having the stress of high rent prices, council tax, business rates and being able to claim back any VAT if you are VAT registered, assist in helping profits come quick.

If you are curious to know more about Spaces and Places business storage options, don’t hesitate to get in touch, you may just create your very own success story.

In Britain, we have the smallest homes in Europe. Within the last few years, more people are choosing to downsize from a large space into a smaller home with the hope of living a more financially free and simplistic lifestyle.

Money can be the source of many problems homeowners face, especially since almost one third of Brits live pay check to pay check. A smaller home allows you to spend your extra money on items you would not be able to afford before; ranging from holidays abroad to a new piece of clothing rather than rent!

With a smaller house you have to adapt to living in a home with less space than you are used to. Items in your home will have to become functional as well as decorative in order for you to avoid clutter taking over. By using hidden storage spaces under your bed or on your walls, you will be able to keep the majority of your items and if you are organised and use storage space correctly, your home will appear larger than it actually is.

For items that will no longer fit in your home, you have two options; store or sell. If you can not bear to part ways with certain items or you will need the items in the future, then a storage unit is the best option. A storage unit allows you to keep your items in a safe and secure place that you have access to 24/7.

If you choose to sell your items, make sure if you are selling online, you take photos of the items with an appropriate background – this will ensure you sell items for the correct price and not under price! One of Spaces and Places customers uses a storage unit to sell items from. This allows the customer to keep items too big to store in their house in a safe place until they sell. If you are inspired, click the link to see how a storage unit was turned into a ‘fake’ home to sell furniture.

If you are struggling to find space in your home for items, call Spaces and Places and your items will be kept in a reliable, safe and secure unit that you can access 24/7.

Pictures can say a thousand words, that is if you can see the photograph! We take pictures to remind ourselves of an exciting and happy time we experienced, and instead of remembering these times by memory, a photo helps us relive the past.

To ensure these photographs stay untouched and in perfect condition so you can treasure them forever, make sure you protect them in storage.

The first thing to remember, is to never place photographs in shoe boxes or store in a humid place such as the attic. Also, as tempting as creating a scrap book is, make sure you do not tape the photographs down and instead use a photo album.

Read on for the best storage options to store your photographs.

  1. Photo box – When storing photos in a box, make sure the box is specifically designed to hold photographs in. Certain shoe boxes or envelopes can contain chemicals which will be disastrous to your photos. It is also important to note that placing a piece of archival paper in-between each photo will prevent them from sticking to each other and the print becoming faded or ruined.
  2. Photo album – Photos should be stored in an acid free photo album to avoid discolouration and fading on each photograph. It is also important to note that sticky photo albums and placing tape on the back of photos can tear the photo when you remove them.
  1. Film negatives – Digital photographs are a fairly recent invention, which means you may have film negatives or slides laying around your house. Make sure you thoroughly clean these items before you place them into an archival safe storage box to avoid damaging the device.

Over the years you will have many photographs you wish to keep safe and protect for years to come, and by following the advice above, your memories will stay in a great condition.

Depending on how much storage space you have at home, photos can be stored in a storage unit. Spaces and Places have maximum security at each unit, so you are able to relax as your items will be kept safe and secure!

 

 

Moving house is extremely stressful, so it comes as no surprise to learn it was voted more stressful than getting a divorce. However, when you move abroad, the stress you experience will increase as you have to worry about things you usually take for granted such as vaccinations and different electrical supplies!

In order for the move to go successful, with little stress involved, have a read at how self storage can take away a lot of problems and hassle you experience during the move.

Short-term move

When you are planning on moving abroad for a short amount of time and you have a specific date for when you return home, self storage is a great solution to make sure certain items are kept safe and secure. You will be able to relax while you are away without worrying if burglars have taken your cherished items.

If your new home comes fully furnished, or the shipping costs are too much money for the amount of period you are staying, then leave these items at home or place in storage. The main items which you need to take are your necessities. This can range from prescriptions to your child’s favourite toy. Also, make sure you only bring clothes suitable for the weather, this will save you a lot space in your suitcase!

Long-term move

If you are moving abroad for a lengthy period, then you will undergo a lot of stress and pressure in the build up to the move. The place where you are moving to is going to be your home away from home, so make sure you take the majority of items with you as shipping will cost less than purchasing new items.

However, make sure you ship items that are suitable for the climate. A leather sofa will not be the best idea to pack if you are living in a 30 degrees Celsius plus country!

If you are renting out your house in England while you are away, be sure to store all valuable and sentimental items in storage. It might be best to rent out your home unfurnished, this way you can fully relax as you know your belongings will not be damaged and safe in self storage.

If you are escaping the cold winter months and moving abroad, then get in touch with Spaces and Places – a reliable, secure and convenient storage company.

Running a business from a storage unit is not unheard of, in fact, it has become increasingly popular throughout the years which is why we thought we would bring you a success story from a family law attorney.

Pablo Quiban has worked in family law as a divorce attorney for 20+ years and decided to move his office from the town centre in Honolulu, to a storage unit.

Finding affordable office space for a small business was a large set back for Quiban, which is why he decided to try running his business from a storage unit. This was only meant to be for a month.

After a month, the pro’s weighed out the con’s and he decided to continue conducting business out of the storage unit.

One thing which you all must be thinking is ‘what do his clients think of his setup?!’ Quiban states that his clients have been receptive to his stripped down business office. The free parking is a large bonus as clients can avoid paying city centre parking prices and not worry about finding a parking spot!

The price is the largest incentive for Quiban, and as long as the rent is the right price, and clients keep coming in, then he hopes to stay for 10 more years until he is ready to retire.

Anybody that is a business owner will understand where Quiban is coming from. The stress of driving into the city centre and searching for an affordable car park with a space available is not an enjoyable way to start the day. Similarly, paying high rent prices can have a large effect on the company’s profits, and if you are able to dramatically increase profits by switching business space, then what’s stopping you?

If you are curious to know why you should run your business from a storage unit then click the link to learn about the benefits associated with renting a storage unit to conduct business.

Spaces and Places welcome phone calls to discuss any questions you may have, so do not hesitate to get in touch!

Making the most out of a small space can be difficult and time consuming. Instead of spending thousands of pounds renovating your house, save yourself money by following these five space maximising tips.

  1. Extend your kitchen

Instead of having a separate table in your dining room, why not increase the length of your kitchen table? This allows you to use your dining room area for a different purpose.

  1. Floor to ceiling bookshelves

A floor to ceiling bookshelf not only gives you more space to store items, it also creates an illusion that your ceiling appears higher while elongating the look of the small space vertically.

  1. Glass walls

Instead of using wood or cement to separate each room, a see-through glass wall will make your house look more spacious and appear larger. By having glass walls in your house, you suddenly have a win-win solution to your space issue, as the glass not only enhances the small area, but they are also visually appealing!

Install mirrors

Mirrors are also key when increasing small spaces as they are able to create an illusion that the room is double the size, resulting in each room appearing significantly larger.

Storage unit

When you move into a smaller home, finding space for all your belongings is a problem for many. Overtime, the problem can worsen, as you continue to purchase items even though you are lacking space. A storage unit solves all your problems. You can begin by storing moving boxes in the unit until you have decorated each room to your satisfaction. Once each room is decorated, you can start unloading a box at a time until all your beloved possessions are in place.

If space is a reoccurring issue in your home, then it may be time to consider storing your seasonal items in a storage unit. This will significantly increase your wardrobe space as well as leaving extra space in your garage.

Spaces and Places offer 24/7 access with high levels of security. Get in touch and start making your house a clean and tidy home.

Moving house can be hectic and moving furniture can be stressful, time-consuming and tiring. In order to make moving heavy items less traumatic, we have put together some tips and tricks to ensure your next move will be successful.

Couch

After cleaning the couch thoroughly, place a sheet over the couch to protect the piece of furniture during the move. Also, ensure you are able to move the couch without struggling, which means asking friends to help and clearing a pathway to make moving easier.

Storage Tip – When placing couches in a storage unit, make sure they are horizontal and NOT covered in plastic as your couch needs to breathe. Also do not place heavy items on the couch, as the spring and cushions will become ruined.

Tables

If you can detach the legs on the table, then this will make your move easier. However, you still have to make sure you are being careful to avoid any scratches appearing, which is why you should place bubble wrap on the corners of the table. If your table has drawn, make sure they emptied and taped shut. 

Storage Tip – To avoid scratches, and your table falling over, make sure your table is secure. If you were not able to detach the legs, keep your table flat and on all four legs, but be sure to use a blanket to protect the table.

Bookcase

Make sure you remove all books and shelves. Follow the same pattern and carefully move the bookcase (with help!)

Storage Tip – Place shelves back into the bookcase and keep upright when storing.

Boxes

You will notice how when you move, your house will be covered in cardboard boxes. Make sure you do not fill boxes to the top if you are placing heavy items inside. If you have a box full of books, then this will be hard to carry. Instead, fill the box halfway with books and use the material to fill the remaining space.

Storage Tip – When storing, make sure heavier boxes are at the bottom, but full to the top so you are able to place boxes on top without the lower boxes collapsing.

A storage unit helps make your move less stressful and gives you time to settle into your new home without worrying about deadlines. Call Spaces and Places if you are seeking advice or looking for a reliable place to keep your items safe.

When you move out of your family home and start your first adventure in a home you can officially call yours, it can be exciting as well as nerve-racking! First time home buyers rely on self-storage for many reasons. Here’s why:

Units

When you have purchased your home, you will start buying items ranging from tables and chairs to cutlery. A storage unit allows you to store items over the few weeks leading up to your big move day without cluttering the space you have now.

All units cater to your needs. Whether you are wanting to store important documents or store the majority/ all of your belongings, a storage unit is an answer!

Convenience

You are able to rent storage units weekly or monthly, depending on how long you wish to store your belongings. This flexibility allows you to not worry if you need your unit for a longer or shorter amount of time. Spaces and Places also allow you to access your unit 24/7 which means you can store and pick up items at your convenience.

Security

When you decide to store your items throughout the move, you want to be certain they are kept in a safe and secure place. The majority of self-storage companies offer round the clock surveillance and all units are monitored by CCTV – this will allow you to focus on your move without worrying about your belongings.

More Space

This is crucial when you move house. You need space to decorate your new home to suit your tastes. Instead of risking damaging your belongings, storing items in a storage unit allows you to decorate one room at a time and once finished, you can move your items back into your house.

Ask yourself; would you rather store your belongings in a safe and secure unit, or in a shed/garage?

Call Spaces and Places if you are looking for a safe, secure and convenient place to store your belongings!

 

Every business understands the dilemmas that take place regarding paperwork. If you own a large business, you will have more paperwork, and the smaller the business, the less storage space. Countless receipts, invoices, agreements and other important paperwork can become overwhelming, especially if you are not organised.

Fortunately for businesses, there is a solution – self-storage!

Safe and Secure

If your business owns paperwork that needs to be kept in a secure location, then a storage unit would be the answer. Storage units offer high levels of security and only you are able to have access to the unit. The added security and CCTV cameras mean that you can be sure your paperwork is kept safe and secure.

Confidentiality is Guaranteed

You are the only person able to access the unit unless you allow other people to use your key. This stops unwanted people searching through confidential information, which may happen if files are left in an open space in the office. Confidentiality is vital for businesses, which means keeping your documents in a secure, safe and reliable unit will give you peace of mind.

Quick and Simple

If you decide that you need a certain document, regardless of the time of day, you will be able to visit the unit and access the document you need with ease.

Instead of searching through a fragmented file system within the office, you can simply head to the storage unit and take the document with you, or scan the document so you are still able to keep the original locked safely away.

More Space to Play With

Space is crucial within a business, especially if you are situated in the city centre where rent prices are extremely high for the amount of space you get. Imagine all the extra space you will gain once you remove all of your filing cabinets and documents. Your office will not only look more spacious, but you now have room to grow your business by appointing extra staff.

More and more businesses are opting to store their documents in self-storage, whether it is due to lack of business space, lack of security or purely for peace of mind, storage units have the answer. Call Spaces and Places today to learn why we are the perfect fit for you.

 

 

Every business is not paperless and in fact, have important documents and files that need to be kept in a safe and secure place. If these documents are taking over your workspace, office or home, then it may be time to start thinking about using a storage unit.

Once you have made the decision to keep your workplace neat and tidy and place your documents in self-storage; read on for a few tips to keep in mind when storing.

  1. 1. Make sure each box weighs less than 50lbs. Anything higher than this weight will be hard to move and lift.

2. When packing documents, make sure each box is filled to the top. Use filler material to reach the top of the box and not newspapers as the writing will imprint onto the documents.

3. In order to store documents in a neat and tidy manner, use shelving units. This stops wear and tear on the lower boxes, and also allows you to search for each box more easily.

4. When placing your documents, make sure older documents are at the back of the unit, and documents that you will need to access more often are closer to the front of the unit.

5. Label all boxes. We would advise leaving a spreadsheet near the front of the storage unit that describes where each document is.

6. Do not share keys with many people, use the storage unit like you would save documents on the computer – only certain people are able to access files and the same rules should apply to the storage unit.

At Spaces and Places, we have round the clock CCTV surveillance cameras so relax, your documents are in a secure place.

Spaces and Places also provide cartons and purpose-built racks for you to store your paperwork in our safe and dry units. Whether your business is expanding, or documents are taking over your office, call Spaces and Places to learn which sized unit would benefit you best.

When we think of summer, we think of sunshine, holidays and making the most out of the long evenings. Even though summer is the time for relaxing, it is also the prime time to be burgled.

Did you know burglary crime rates increase by approximately 10% throughout July and August according to police records?

Due to the increase in the summer months and to make sure you are not prone to burglary, read our suggestions.

  1. 1. Lock all door, windows and any other openings into your house. This may sound obvious, but 30% of burglars walk through an open door.
  • 2. Do not advertise on social media that you are going on holiday. Save the photos and memories for after you return.
  • 3. Let somebody you trust know your travel plans. A neighbour would be the best option as they are able to keep an eye on your home and make sure no unusual activities are taking place.
  • 4. Make your house look like somebody is home. Ask your neighbour to collect any post, have a light switched on and leave cars parked in the driveway.
  • 5. Install a security system as homes without security alarms are three times more likely to be broken into. This extra hassle will make a burglar head to a different house in order to not be caught.

Taking precaution is the top priority when going on holiday, but in order to put your mind at ease while you are away; store your valuables.

More and more people are using storage units to store their memorable and keepsake items while they go away on holiday. Storage units are not only secure, but they are extremely affordable.

At Spaces and Places, we offer units that are fitted with a ‘lockbox.’ The lockbox prevents any tampering with your padlock, and only you own a set of keys to the unit, so be sure to not lose them! We even have CCTV which keep eyes on your units 24/7.

Get in touch with Spaces and Places today and secure a storage unit; it will put your mind in full relax mode while you are on holiday.

Every business started because a person had an idea and a passion to create something that hadn’t been done before. That person could be you. Working from a self-storage unit is not only cost-effective, but it is also convenient and a financially safe option. Read on to learn which ideas have been successful in creating profitable businesses from a storage unit.

Seasonal

Many businesses are in higher demand during certain times of the year due to the product they are selling. During the summer months, you may decide to rent out paddling pools, bouncy castles and even barbecues; the options are endless. During the winter months, you may rent out Christmas decorations, design personal gifts or supply extra dining room items. These business ideas are simple to start up and will allow you to gain extra cash during the season.

Professional eBayer

When you create a business through the internet, visual effects are extremely important. In order to sell items, you need to make sure the background brings the full potential out of the product.

Start-Up

Whether you decide on starting up an editorial business or an importing and exporting business, a storage unit is the best place to start. Over time, as your business increases in demand, you are able to expand and rent more units.

Sole Proprietorship

When you become an entrepreneur, you will notice over time how your home becomes your work zone. Your papers, files and documents will take up the majority of space, and being organised become near impossible. By renting a storage unit, you can separate your work life from your home life as well as keeping your work in order.

Fixer

If you have knowledge of repairing bicycles, computers or mechanical items; a storage unit allows you to fix these items and store them in a safe environment without cluttering your home or garage.

The beauty of using a storage unit to run a business is that you can rent out more storage units when in high demand and just as easily, decrease the number of storage units if the business is slow. Call Spaces and Places to learn more about renting our business storage units.