Self-storage can provide the space you need to store the belongings you wish to keep, so you can focus on completely decluttering your home ahead of the big move. To help you make the most of additional storage space, we have put together a list of our top decluttering tips.

1) Make a plan

Before you can start decluttering, you need to make a clear plan of action. Try to write a list of essential items which you will need in your new home, then move on to the non-essential items. When deciding which non-essential things to keep, consider how frequently they are used and their sentimental value. Once these items are packed, they can be moved to self-storage so that you have the space to focus on everything else in your home.

2) Scale down your furniture

If you are downsizing, it is unlikely you will need to bring all your furniture. For example, if you have a home with four bedrooms and are downsizing to a home with two bedrooms, there are two full rooms of furniture which will not be needed. If you have any sentimental pieces which you can’t part with, self-storage can always be used to keep these items safe.

3) Tackle one room at a time

Rather than tackling multiple areas of your home at once, try to declutter and pack one room at a time. It will help you focus and your packing will be more organised. As boxes are moved to the self-storage unit try to keep the essential items which are used regularly at the front, as these will be the first things you move into your new home.

Here at Container Storage Units UK, we offer 24-hour domestic and commercial self-storage in Westerham, just 10 minutes from the M25. There are no long annual contracts and we can offer short or long term leases, so you can store your items for as long as you need. We pride ourselves on competitive prices and a highly secure facility with state-of-the-art security systems, to find out more please contact the team.

The post Downsizing: How self-storage can help you declutter ready for a move appeared first on Container Storage.

Keeping things confidential

Storage units are great for those who want to keep things private. In a world where information in the wrong hands can be costly, you need to make sure your documents are safe. You could keep your documents or equipment in the house, but without adequate protection, you could get robbed. Self-storage units are fitted with high-level security with cameras and security guards onsite.

Storage until you need it

Keeping things in your home can lead to excess clutter. Before you know it, staying organised becomes challenging, and things are more likely to get broken or go missing. Storage units are perfect for keeping things safe until you need them. One of the challenges freelancers face (unless they work in an office space) is the lack of room. The simple hiring of storage units can take away this problem.

Stock control on out of season goods

Staying with the theme of storing items leads us onto the next point: stock. If you are selling clothes or any kind of goods, self-storage units are great for keeping last season things until the right time comes along. You could sell out if season items for a reduced price, but why not keep them in a storage unit? It could work out much cheaper than making a loss.

Saving time transporting equipment

If you travel often, keeping equipment closer to where you will work can save you additional transport costs. For example, those in the freelance music industry might have to move speakers and other pieces of equipment to regular gig venues.

Storage units are beneficial for freelancers in a number of ways. So, whether you’re a writer, or you’re involved in other industries like sales or music, you will find that storage units can save you time, money, and stress. So, make sure you give Container Storage Units UK a call today.

The post Why should freelancers consider using self-storage? appeared first on Container Storage.

Longer days

Particularly if you’re renting out a storage unit or other storage space, there’s a good chance you have a hefty amount of stuff built up. If this is the case, it could take you a while to sort through. You’ll have ample time to do this in Summer though, as the days are lighter for longer and the nights are warmer.

Resale opportunities

Summer always, inevitably, brings out the most productive in people – that’s why you’re cleaning out storage after all, right? Because of this, it’s the best time for you to hold a garage or garden sale. Polish everything up, price it up, then plonk it for all that’s walking past to see. You can even create flyers or spread the word around on social media if you have a lot to sell.

It makes way for refurbishments

When Summer comes around, you’re always tempted to start doing random refurbishments around the house – if this is the case, you’re likely to have another batch of unwanted items that you need to store somewhere. But you can’t if your current storage is full!

In order to make room for the new waves of stuff that you’ll inevitably be clearing out of your home this Summer, take the time to go through your storage and see if there’s anything you can truly, really get rid of.

A decluttered room is a happy one

Another reason why everyone loves Summer is that it gives them a great reason to work on their mental well-being. Having a room or unit full of clutter is only going to hold you back from those goals, so it’s well worth the hassle now if it means having a happier state of mind throughout the rest of the season.

If you haven’t yet got a storage unit but will need one this Summer, look no further than Container Storage Units UK. We offer 24-hour domestic and commercial upper and ground level self-storage in Kent, Surrey, Sussex, and London, as well as state-of-the-art security to ensure your belongings are protected.

The post Summer: Why it’s the perfect season to sort through your storage appeared first on Container Storage.

1. Bulk buying stock

Everyone knows bulk-buying is the cheaper way to purchase goods, but where do you put them? Self-storage allows you to be able to make the most of bulk-purchase deals, without worrying about where you’re going to keep the extra stock. That allows you to make considerable savings, while having popular products in stock for longer. As self-storage units are highly convenient, it makes it easier to restock from your own supply.

2. Seasonal rotation

Certain items of stock are only really popular at particular times of the year, but in order to keep up with demand, you may have had to buy more stock than you ended up selling. What do you do with it? You can’t throw it away, because that’s your money wasted. This is where a self-storage container unit comes in. It allows you to cycle your product lines and store the excess stock you haven’t sold for use later in the year.

3. Less popular products

Your business may stock product lines that you can only buy in a certain minimum number, but that doesn’t sell very quickly. A self-storage unit would give you somewhere to keep those extra items, while allowing you to dedicate more of your onsite storage to the products that sell faster. But it will ensure you’re able to keep those items somewhere you can be confident that they’re still safe and easily accessible when needed.

Making an intelligent investment

Regardless of the size of your business, a self-storage unit makes for a wise investment. It’s an affordable outlay that offers so many possibilities for you to maximise the profit you make from your stock lines. Enquire with a specialist, such as Container Storage Units UK today for an idea of the options open to you today.

The post 3 ways using a storage unit to store extra stock can benefit your business appeared first on Container Storage.

While this concept is simple to grasp, not all storage units are the same. On that note, there are a few critical factors to consider when looking for a storage container unit.

Here’s a detailed list of the top four factors to have in mind:

1. Location

The location of the storage unit is essential for many reasons. For one, the location of the unit determines other factors like its accessibility and cost. If, therefore, you plan to use the storage unit frequently, then looking for one nearby is a more viable option.

In contrast, location matters less if you’re storing school things for the summer holidays. In such a case, cost matters more.

2. Safety and surveillance

The safety of the storage facility is vital when looking for a storage unit. Ask the storage facility agent about the kind of security measures that they have in place. Are there video monitors, patrol units, or in-person surveillance?

A secure storage facility must also be well-lit to ensure your safety when accessing your storage container.

3. Affordability

Different storage facilities have different price tags on their storage containers. The type of storage unit that you want and where it’s located can also rack additional charges on its price.

Ensure, therefore, that you do in-depth research and choose a storage unit that offers fair pricing without sacrificing other features like security.

4. Accessibility and convenience

Before deciding on which storage unit to use, it’s essential to know its opening and closing hours. Some facilities provide 24-hour service, especially the self-service containers, while others limit when you can access your stored items. Full-service storage options are known to have selective working hours.

This might not be important if you don’t access your storage unit often. It can, however, be inconveniencing if you want your items immediately but cannot access them.

Bottom line

Whatever your reason is for needing a storage container unit, know that there are plenty of storage options to choose from. You only need to have the right information to ensure that you get the best storage unit for your items. The list above is an excellent place to start.

The post Top 4 considerations when looking for a storage container unit appeared first on Container Storage.

Think back to your own childhood. Did you have any favourite toys? Where are they now? When you had your own son or daughter, what childhood toys did you wish that you’d been able to hand down?

There’s incredible value in nostalgia. There’s something wonderful about a toy that brings back such happy childhood memories. If you throw things away as soon as they’re outgrown, you risk removing that option from your child. Some toys they’ll be able to buy again as adults, whilst others become very hard to find.

Old toys, though, have more than sentimental value.

Are you sitting on a goldmine?

Vintage Polly Pocket toys have sold for almost £2,000. The Princess Bear Beanie Baby is said to be worth up to $10,000. Even old McDonald’s Happy Meal toys have sold for more than £300!

The problem is, you can never tell which toys will be worth lots in the future. You could just as easily set aside the original Mr Frosty, only to find that you may as well have sent it to a charity shop.

What can you do with old toys?

If you think that a toy might be worth money in future, why just throw it away? Even if it doesn’t have financial value, it may be a treasure for your child when they’ve grown up.

You don’t have to save everything, but there are definite benefits to setting aside a few favourites. If you don’t want them in your house for decades as your child grows, then why not put them into storage?

Storing items away gives you the space that you want, whilst keeping your belongings safe and sound. If they turn out to be worth something, either financially or to your child, you’ll be so glad that you kept them. If not, it is never too late to donate or pass on a child’s toys.

The post How much are your child’s old toys worth? appeared first on Container Storage.

Self-storage containers require little maintenance to stay in good condition. Doing so prolongs their service life too.

Here are five maintenance tips to keep yours in tip-top condition.

1. Repair and lubricate doors

Most of the moving parts of storage container units are often exposed to several risks of damages like wear from frequent use. It’s best practice to provide regular repairs on door hinges to ensure that they’re working properly.

Lubricate hinges and locking mechanisms of storage containers to reduce friction and wear.

2. Inspect and treat rusted areas

Many container storage owners erroneously think that these units are entirely rustproof due to the materials that they are made of. However, this is far from true. Most of the materials used in manufacturing storage container units are corrosion resistant, but not entirely corrosion proof.

These materials are sensitive to salt-air environments and must be treated to prevent them from rusting.

3. Place the unit on an even surface

Storage containers must be placed on an even surface to prevent them from tipping over. Placing your storage unit on an uneven surface also poses a risk to the products stored in the unit as well.

4. Clean inside and out regularly

Doing regular cleaning of your storage unit enables you to check your valuables and maintain the best condition for everything in storage. You will also spot any risks in the storage unit before they become expensive problems.

Regular cleaning allows you to go through all your stored items and get rid of things that you no longer need and clutter the unit.

5. Keep the doors closed

This is perhaps the simplest storage unit maintenance tip to follow. But it’s also the most important. A properly closed door also keeps away animals and burglars from interfering with the stored items.

Wrapping up

Storage container units have several advantages that you can benefit from, provided you care for and maintain them properly. These valuable maintenance tips should get you started toward keeping your unit in top shape.

The post 5 maintenance tips for storage container units appeared first on Container Storage.

Self-storage containers can make selling your home a breeze!

One of the best tips estate agents offer anyone putting their home on the market is to declutter and remove personal belongings prior to showing potential purchasers around the property. It doesn’t really matter how perfect your current home appears to you; potential buyers like to get a feel for the space. It’s easy for excess furniture, clothing, ornaments, photos, and belongings to make rooms seem smaller. And, potential purchasers get more of an idea of ways they can make homes their own when they view a virtually blank canvas property. That’s the reason so many newbuild construction companies are successfully selling their show homes.

The easiest way to create the open, welcoming space within any sale property is to take on a local self-storage unit, and it’s a winning scenario for you too. You can begin packing for the move from the get-go. In fact, this also adds discipline to the entire removals process and often ensures the bulk of any personal packing up is done prior to the home sale and official removal date.

Following this above advice makes it far easier to commit to viewings of your home on any day of the week, at any viewer preferred times. It also means you won’t feel so anxious if your agent wants to show viewers around the property when you’re away from home.

Truly a win-win scenario!

The added advantage of self-storage when moving home

Finally, another benefit of renting a storage container is that you can gradually add to your unit during the lead up to your removal date. You won’t need to worry at all about storing boxes of possessions in your home in the weeks leading up to the move. And, once these boxes and cases are labelled and out of the way, you can actually see what’s left to deal with.

Removals day looming

As the date for your home move gets closer, the most significant worries you’ll have will be arranging the smoothest switch of furniture and fitments to your new home. Of course, it’s a lot easier to hire professional movers than doing it yourself, but with most of your personal possessions in long term storage, you may find this task isn’t quite so stressful.

Moving your large and bulky possessions, appliances and furnishings to your new home is far more simple when you don’t need to get stressed about breakages or damage to your personal belongings.

Container Storage Units UK specialises in storage units for people living in London and the South of England. Whether you’re moving to or from the South, get in touch to discuss your storage needs. Safe and secure containers range in size from 32 square feet upwards and can be accessed 24/7 if needed.

The post Why choose self storage when selling your home? appeared first on Container Storage.

Clearing valuable space

If you have a garage or a carport, storing a vehicle there can be an inefficient use of what can be valuable space – even the smallest sports car is relatively large and ungainly filling up a garage. If you’re not using the vehicle every day, you should consider storing the vehicle in a convenient location elsewhere.

Doing so will allow you to free up that valuable garage space. You could use it to store other items that you use more often than the car, for example. Or you could set about re-purposing the room entirely – having a playroom, guest room, a home office, or even a home gym, for example, may be an option for you.

Keeping the vehicle safe

Storing your vehicle away from your home can be daunting – besides their home, a vehicle will often be one of the largest investments a person makes. So, with so much money tied up in your vehicle, of course you want to make sure it’s as protected as possible at all times, especially if you’re keeping it away from home.

That’s why you should trust your vehicle to vehicle storage specialists, which you’ll find at Container Storage UK. We have a dedicated vehicle storage facility that’s fully alarmed and comprehensively covered by CCTV. The units themselves are designed to keep your vehicle protected from harsh weather and temperature shifts.

Getting your quote

It’s not just cars we specialise in storing at Container Storage UK – whatever kind of vehicle you have, if you want to keep it stored securely while you use the valuable space in your home more practically, we can help.

Contact us today to get your free quote.

The post Storing your vehicle in a specialised unit frees up your garage space appeared first on Container Storage.

1. Avoid damage

If your possessions are worth putting in storage then they likely hold some value to you, so you’ll probably want to keep them away from any damage. Whether you’re planning to introduce a pet or a baby into the home, both of these can cause damage to your prized possessions. While you’re more likely to have your possessions soiled or broken by a child, furry animals are also inclined to knock things over, scratch or bite random objects or shed fur around the house. All of this is usually unwelcomed when trying to keep your possessions safe and in good condition.

2. Provide more room for playing

Both kids and animals love to play, so the more space that you provide for them to do so, the better. Keeping your home free of clutter can make it more inviting for a child or pet and mean that you’ll be able to keep an eye on them easier.

3. Keep them safe

Whether you have a baby crawling or a puppy running around your living room, you’ll want the area to be clutter-free to ensure they can’t easily harm themselves. Baby-proofing is very important and requires a fair amount of planning which can be simplified when you keep your possessions to a minimum and store them in a storage unit out of the house.

The post Making room for new additions to your family appeared first on Container Storage.