More and more people are using self storage units for more and more reasons. Some are outgrowing their space, others want to store things and there are increasing numbers of small businesses being set up with people working from home.
Whatever the reason, increasing numbers of people are turning to self storage to provide the extra space they need. At minimal cost compared to other options, it keeps their belongings safe and secure and gives them peace of mind.
Here are the 10 most common reasons why people use self storage units
Run out of space at home
People are reluctant to cast aside belongings they no longer use, especially if they are still in good condition. They want to hang onto things ‘just in case’ or often because they’re planning on passing them on at some point in time. It could be an old Chesterfield, a bike, a bed, Hi-fi equipment or a bookcase. Getting on the housing ladder is very expensive and many are storing furniture etc, in preparation for when their children make that jump and will need all the help they can get.
Moving house
Increasingly people are having to move out of their old home before moving into their new one to avoid losing a sale. If that’s the case and you have nowhere to store your belongings, a self storage unit is the ideal answer. Also, if you are downsizing, but don’t want to throw away or sell those bits and pieces quite yet, a self storage unit will help while you make your mind up about what stays and what goes.
Renovating
If the builders are due, to erect a new conservatory or extension, and you are worried about them walking through the house and damaging your sofas or wooden furniture, a self storage unit would be ideal to house your valuables whilst the work is ongoing.
Baby on the way
If you have a new addition on the way and need to completely clear the spare bedroom, you don’t have to clear the decks and put everything on ebay. Yes, replace the spare bed with a cot, but put the bed in a self storage unit, along with any furniture that you don’t need. You’re probably going to need it again is a while. You can always sell it if you change your mind.
Tools
Are you a garden worker, builder or painter and decorator? Are you worried about leaving your tools in the van overnight? If you rent a small self storage unit, you can drop off your tools at the end of the day and pick them up the next morning. They will be stored safely in damp free surroundings – under lock and key.
Garden furniture and machines
Summer gives way to autumn and the grass has been cut for the last time. It’s time to put away all the garden furniture and equipment, but where? The space in the shed or garage seems alot smaller than when you took it all out and the chances are you’ve bought an extra lounger, or decided to buy a bigger table. You’re not going to use any of the items for months so putting it all into a self storage unit leaves you with a bit of space in the garage and also helps protect your garden furniture.
Gap year
Many students choose to spend a year travelling before they enter the big, wide world of work! However, many find that they have nowhere to store their belongings between the end of university and the time that renting a house comes around on their return. In all likelihood, there’s no room back at mum and dad’s for all the extra things they’ve acquired during their 3 or 4 years at Uni. A small self storage unit is ideal for this.
Working away
Have you been offered the chance to work away, maybe abroad for 12 months? If so, and you own a property, you are likely to rent out your property for the duration of your stay away. Many home owners in this position don’t want to leave all the belongings in the house. A self storage unit will provide you with peace of mind whilst you are away.
Empty nesting
Once your children have left for university, you might want to alter the lay-out of your home. You could turn one of the bedrooms into a study or your child’s study into a television room. Some families will utilise the extra space by turning their house into a B&B. Whatever your choice, there are sure to be items of furniture that you don’t need but are reluctant to sell. After all, you never know when the children might return!
University students in summertime
Students will collect various items during their stay at university. A television, CD player, a sofa, their own bed to name but a few. If it’s not your last year, when the summer term is over, it’s unlikely that you will want to take everything back to your parents’ home only to bring it all back in September. If that’s the case and you are unsure who might be hanging around in your rented accommodation over the summer period, a self storage unit local to your university accommodation is an ideal solution. A small price to pay for a summer of peace and confidence.
Most storage centres don’t tie you in to long contracts and are quite flexible over the size of unit should you need to change it. It makes them the ideal solution to both short and long term storage problems and is why more people are using them.
If you live in the North Bristol or Gloucestershire area and are considering a self storage unit, give us a call at Space Centre Self Storage, we’d be happy to help and advise.
Have you found that a self storage unit has helped you in the past? If so, let us know what the circumstances were and if you have any tips for packing, why not share those too?