Why do people use storage?

Do you sometimes drive past big storage warehouses and wonder why on earth some people pay for extra space? If so, you’ve probably never had a pressing need for storage. With the UK market booming, there’s a strong chance that before long you may decide storage would work for you too. Here are just a few of the reasons why people store with Britannia:

Moving house

Moving house can be stressful, especially when you have a lot of possessions and don’t have time to declutter. Storing your non-essential items simplifies your move and gives you space to decide what you want to keep and what you can live without. If you’re downsizing, it’s also useful to have extra space for sentimental items.

Staging your home for sale

There is plenty of evidence to suggest that staging your home before viewings can help it to sell more quickly and even achieve a better price! Staging involves reducing the amount of furniture where possible, and removing most personal items such as photos and ornaments. This makes rooms look bigger and reduces distractions. Short term storage is the perfect solution to help you achieve this.

Relocating long distance / overseas

When you move long distance, sometimes the process isn’t as seamless as you would like. Perhaps you need to move abroad before your UK home is sold, or maybe you don’t plan to be out of the UK long-term. You can simplify your relocation by putting your belongings into storage as soon as you move out, and only keeping your essentials with you as you relocate.

Moving into temporary accommodation between properties

If you haven’t managed to complete the buy and sell chain at the same time, and find it is necessary to move in with family or into rented accommodation whilst your purchase goes through, then you can put your furniture into storage until your new home is ready.

Need the space at home

There are lots of reasons why people need extra space at home – creating an office, a nursery, or a hobby room are just a few examples. If you will still need flexible access to your belongings whilst they are in store, self storage is the perfect solution in this situation.

Renovating

Redecorating is easier and faster in a clear room, and removes the risk of damaging your furniture with paint splatters! If you don’t have a spare room where you can store the furniture, then short term storage is a great idea for this. Once the room is finished, you can move all the furniture back again.

Sports equipment

Large sports equipment such as golf clubs, ski equipment, and kayaks can be difficult to store, especially if you live in a flat or shared house. Using storage gives you more options.

Piano storage

If you have a piano that you’re not really using, but you want to keep it as a family heirloom, then consider putting it into long-term storage until you have the time and space to enjoy it again. All Britannia branches can offer a specialist piano moving service.

Renting the house out

If you want to rent out your home, perhaps because you have moved in with a partner or family member and can’t take all of your furniture with you, then putting your belongings in storage will keep them safe.

House clearance

If a loved one has passed or gone into care, you may need to empty their property for sale or rental. It can be very difficult to sort through a loved one’s possessions soon after a major life event such as a bereavement, so storage can help until such time as you are ready to distribute, donate or dispose of the belongings.

Valuable items

If you have valuable items such as paintings or antiques that can’t be displayed but need to be kept safe, long-term storage may be ideal for you. Britannia warehouses are all safe and secure with CCTV and round the clock security to give you peace of mind.

Collections

People collect many weird and wonderful things, from beer bottles to model buses, vintage fashion to teddy bears. If your collection has expanded beyond the confines of your loft, shed or spare room, then storage could be the answer for you (or self storage if you will require regular access).

Business storage

Businesses don’t always have enough space for all their stock needs, so renting secure storage for easy access and flexibility could be the answer. Indeed, thanks to the rise of home working, some businesses are either downsizing or getting rid of their offices altogether! In this scenario, long term storage for office furniture, supplies and IT equipment may help to keep future options open.

Seasonal storage

In general, garden furniture, machinery and toys won’t fare well if they stay outside throughout the winter. Short term storage through the wettest and coldest months will avoid wear and tear, and give you space to sweep, weed, jetwash and tidy. Then you can get everything delivered back to you in the Spring.

Students on a gap year

If you are a student and have had to buy your own furniture or essentials when in halls or renting a shared house, but are leaving for a gap year or placement year in another location, or even just for the summer, then student storage could prove useful. It can also prove more economical than moving things around with you, with many Britannia branches offering student discounts on storage.

Moving from unfurnished to furnished accommodation

If you have built up your own collection of furniture whilst renting an unfurnished home but then wish to move to a furnished place, you can store some or all of your possessions so that you can select unfurnished again in the future without needing to start from scratch.

Travelling

If you travel a lot and want to sublet your property, self store comes in handy to ensure your most precious possessions are secure whilst you are away having the time of your life.

Document archiving

Businesses don’t always need to keep their archive documents close at hand, and if space is limited, then using the archiving services of a storage company could help. Even taking advantage of the eventual confidential shredding services that are often also provided.

The amount of space you need, the duration of the storage period and the type of access you require will determine whether you need self-storage, traditional warehouse storage or container storage. All of our 40 depots across the UK have a range of options available, and our staff will advise on the amount of space needed as well as which type of storage is best for you. We can also assist with deliveries and collections. Simply call us on 0845 600 6661 or visit our Storage pages for more details.