Unexpected Finds in Storage Units

Storage units can deliver all sorts of surprises and they can be a proverbial Pandora’s box at times. Items ranging from wonderfully surprising to criminally upsetting have been found in abandoned storage units over the years. A few lucky people have even managed to find valuable antiques. Storage units are more popular than ever before. They offer the perfect solution when you have limited space and you need to store items somewhere safe, secure, and cost-effective. However, for a variety of reasons, some people never remove their items from storage units. When the units are opened to be let out to the next person, it is usually during this process that some of the most unexpected items are found.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most interesting and rare storage unit finds from over the years:

Lost Artwork

Artwork is one of the most popular storage unit finds. While it is perfectly normal to find very beautiful pieces of art in storage units, it’s not often that one stumbles upon a lost masterpiece. However, this has happened before. One example is the discovery of two paintings by Ireland’s foremost impressionist, Paul Henry, in an abandoned storage unit in Ohio.

Famous Cars

Storage units are the perfect place to store valuable, large items like a classic car. A James Bond car was once found in an abandoned storage unit and was later bought by Elon Musk for 1 million. Also, one of Aston Martin’s most legendary cars, the Bulldog, was found in one. It had been moved to several units over the years before being tracked down and restored.

Rare Memorabilia

Often, memorabilia can be found in storage units. Some of the memorabilia date back to the first world war or before. This makes them valuable in both monetary terms and history. Sports memorabilia such as a signed clothing item, ball, or stick have also been found.

Easy Store Storage Units

With the capacity to store almost anything, it is not unusual to find peculiar, interesting, and rare items in abandoned storage units. For instance, our Norwich storage is a great place to store classic and modern cars. Do you have too many belongings but too little space to store them? Book your storage unit today!

How to Declutter Your Storage Unit

At some point, you’ll need to take on the job of removing items from your storage unit. This can be a daunting process, particularly if you’ve been adding items over the years! It’s vital that you organize the tasks that will help you make progress when removing and sorting items, so here is our guide on how to clear out your storage unit.

1. Take an inventory

The first step you should take to clear out your storage unit is to examine the contents and list down everything you find. If you already have an inventory on hand this can be very useful, otherwise you will need a pen and paper to jot items down. Start with large items and count how many boxes are inside that you will need to sort through. Having a rough idea of what’s inside will help you calculate how much extra help you may need and how much time it could take.

2. Create a plan of attack

To avoid feeling overwhelmed by the size of the job, you need to consider how best to approach it. Choose a time to start your clean out and bring items such bags, labels, and other moving supplies. Give yourself plenty of time to clean out the unit: you may end up needing more than one day! If you need to clear out the storage unit urgently, place all items in bags and sort through them at a separate location. Ask anyone you know to help out if possible. Also keep in mind that the decluttering process can be an emotional one, especially if it relates to an inheritance or a loved one. Give yourself enough time to work through any feelings you might have regarding the process.

3. Sort belongings into categories

The best approach is to sort your items into four categories of boxes: keep, store, donate/sell, and toss. For the ‘keep’ box, put in anything that you want to keep at home, such as sentimental items. On the other hand, the ‘store’ box should be kept aside for any items that need to return to storage. The next two categories are for those items you can safely say are no longer required. The ‘sell/donate’ box should be for anything in good condition that you don’t need anymore. Finally, the ‘toss’ box should be for anything broken beyond repair, or which has no obvious value.

4. Plan your transport

Now that you have sorted your items, you need to consider how to remove them. First, dispose of any items in your ‘toss’ box: hire rubbish collectors if necessary. Contact local charities to find out if they will take items from your ‘donate/sell’ box. Otherwise, you can consider arranging a garage sale or jumble sale stall later. Finally, load the rest of your items for removal into your vehicle, making sure you have enough space to transport them all.

5. Clean your unit

Now that all the items have been removed from your storage unit, it is time to give it a clean! Get rid of any dust and debris, and make sure it is ready for reuse by yourself or another customer.

Contact Us!

Contact Easy Store today to find out more about our range of storage services today.

Storing Your Garden Furniture During Winter

As the chilly weather takes hold and we start to prepare our gardens for the winter months, we need to consider what to do with our garden furniture. Exposed furniture will not last very long out in the frost and snow, and covering them up can only do so much to protect them from the elements. Depending on the type of furniture you have, there are several ways to protect your garden furniture from the winter cold. Here’s our guide to storing garden furniture in winter – and why self storage in Suffolk is a great solution!

Storing Wooden Furniture

Over time, your wooden furniture is likely to gather lichen and fungus while sitting outside. So, make sure you thoroughly scrub your wooden furniture with a stiff brush and a bucket of warm and soapy water. Make sure it is fully dried and oiled before storing it away, as if the furniture is still wet when stored it could rot through lack of circulation. Make sure to cover it with a heavy tarpaulin once in storage.

Storing Plastic Furniture

When it comes to plastic furniture in the garden the main risk is from mildew when it goes into storage. If your storage location is too humid and not well ventilated, then mildew will form and discolour your furniture. To prevent this, clean your plastic furniture first with hot, soapy water using a soft cloth. Then, dry it completely and store it away under a heavy tarpaulin. If the furniture already has stains on it, use neat bleach to return it to its original fresh colour first.

Storing Rattan and Wicker Furniture

These furniture items can be difficult to clean due to their weave. Try removing dust first with a vacuum, then clean them with hot, soapy water and a toothbrush to get into those tight spots. Alternatively, a blast from a high pressure hose can do the job. Wicker should be stored away when not in use, and a coat of varnish will help prolong its lifespan. For both wicker and rattan you should store items under cover to help keep them in top shape.

Storing Iron Furniture

The biggest risk to iron furniture in storage is rust. Make sure once you have cleaned and dried your furniture that you check for any rust spots. If you find any evidence of rust, use commercial rust removal products, or apply white vinegar with a soft rag and then rub it with aluminium foil. Once done, rinse, clean and dry the iron furniture before storing it away under a tarpaulin sheet.

Other Storage Tips:

• Make sure your storage area is fully waterproof. If you spot any areas where moisture can seep in, make sure to seal them up before winter.
• For fabric items such as cushions, keep them indoors rather than in the shed. This will prevent them becoming homes for mice and other creatures!
• Keep your storage location fully secure. Make sure to secure and lock all boxes as well.
• By far the best way to store your furniture safely is through dedicated self storage units. Our self storage in Suffolk offers complete security, full protection against the weather and pests, and as much storage space as you need.

Choose Easy Store for Your Furniture Storage

To find out more about self storage in Suffolk, please get in touch with us today.

How to Safely Store Your Christmas Decorations

As the festive season comes to an end, many of us wonder what to do with our Christmas decorations. The easy option is just to put them in some empty drawers or cupboards, but this takes up valuable space in your home. In addition, if your decorations are not put away with care then they may not be usable next year. So, that’s why Christmas decoration storage is a great idea when you want to keep your decorations safe and ready for next year’s festivities! Here is our guide to safely packing your Christmas decorations into storage.

Step One – Clean Any Linens

It’s the usual practice for most of us to bring out our best tablecloths and linens during the festive season. As such, they will pick up plenty of stains as well as wear and tear. To make sure these fabrics are clean enough for storage, start by spot cleaning the toughest stains. Add spot remover to the stains and let it sit for five minutes. Wash your linens according to the fabric directions, using hot water if possible. Then dry and iron your linens so they are ready for storage.

Step Two – Dismantle Decorations

To prevent any damages to large decorations such as Christmas trees, you should dismantle them and remove any loose parts before storage. Remove the base of the tree and store it in a box along with each branch. Wrap up any fragile objects including glass decorations, so they are well protected.

Step Three – Use Packing Dividers

You need to take special care with fragile objects before you put them into Christmas decoration storage. It is a good idea to purchase a sturdy box or tub for these items. Use foam dividers, inserts or bubble wrap to provide extra cushioning. Separate your indoor and outdoor Christmas lights and wrap them carefully to prevent entanglement before packing them in separate boxes.

Step Four – Pack Each Box Carefully

While it might be tempting to fit as much as you can into each box, this can increase the risk of your items becoming damaged. Make sure to keep fragile objects in separate boxes from items such as heavy décor that could damage them if moved. It is also important to put extra cushioning inside any box containing fragile items.

Step Five – Mark Each Box

When it’s time to move your boxes to self-storage, you need to do it with the utmost care. Make sure all boxes containing fragile items are well labelled so extra care is taken with their move. In addition, avoid placing any heavy boxes on top of boxes containing fragile items.

Step Six – Store Carefully

With your boxes now safely within storage, make sure they are clearly visible and within easy reach. This will help you access them quickly when the next holiday season arrives and will save you time searching for what you need.

Self-Storage Made Simple with Easy Store 24/7

Here at Easy Store 24/7, we offer secure self-storage units for all your needs. To find out more about our domestic storage options, get in touch with us today.

Motorbike Storage

Your motorbike is a valuable piece of machinery, so you want to make sure it lasts for years to come. With winter approaching, you need to consider storage to keep your motorbike safe until the weather warms up again. Whilst some people might opt to keep their motorbikes in a shed or garage, there is a better choice when it comes to keeping your motorcycle safe! Here are five reasons why you should choose off site motorbike storage for your vehicle.

1. Protection from Harsh Weather

The main reason why motorbike storage is vital is that it keeps your vehicle protected from the elements. During winter, snow and ice can wear down your motorbike. And then in the summer, dust and debris can also dirty up your bike. Over time, the weather can cause serious damage to your vehicle. So, choosing a secure storage unit will help keep your motorbike dry and safe from the elements.

2. Less Clutter at Home

A lot of people choose to keep their motorbike stored away in a shed or garage, or even on the driveway. But, not everyone has the space to adequately store their bike, and this can end up creating a lot of mess. Off-site motorbike storage allows you to keep your vehicle safely stored away while keeping your garage free from clutter.

3. Keep Equipment Together

Off site motorbike storage is not just for keeping your bike safely kept away. You can use your storage unit to keep any maintenance equipment and tools you need to keep your vehicle in perfect working order. You can also safely use our storage units to house any other items you might want to store away for a later date.

4. Access at Any Time

No matter how long you store your motorbike away, you can access your storage unit whenever you need to. We offer 24/7 access to your unit, so if you need to do some emergency repair work or retrieve an important item, you can do so at any time. In addition, there is always full security, so you can be sure your storage unit can only be accessed by yourself.

Easy Store 24/7

Here at Easy Store 24/7 we offer a wide range of secure off site solutions for all your needs. All our storage units are security fenced and kept under CCTV surveillance at all times. To find out more about our motorcycle storage options or other storage services, please chat with our friendly team today.

The Benefits of Self Storage When Renovating Your Home

Secure storage units are the perfect solution when you need a temporary place to keep your belongings safe. There are numerous reasons why you might need to do that, and renovating your home is one of them.

It may be tempting to imagine you can undertake a renovation and simply move items around as necessary. And if all you’re doing is decorating a bedroom, that may well be the case. However any structural work will create a huge amount of fine dust, and this will permeate the whole house. That really isn’t good for furniture and soft furnishings and can cause permanent damage.

Read on to discover how self-storage can make a home renovation so much easier.

Protect your belongings

Dust isn’t the only risk to your furniture and other possessions during the course of a home renovation. There may also be builders in the house, and no matter how good they are, accidents happen. Things can get broken whilst being moved, and demolished walls don’t always fall where you expect them to.

Even doing the work yourself is no guarantee that items won’t get damaged in the process. Some things can be replaced. But if someone drops a hammer on a treasured antique mirror, that’s more than just a moment of bad luck.

You may not have thought of storage rental before, but there are a lot of good reasons to consider it. Not least is the fact that secure storage units are the best way to keep your belongings safe from damage.

Security with flexibility

One of the great benefits of self-storage is the flexibility it offers for every kind of situation. Your home renovation may be a fairly minor one, meaning you only have a few items to store. On the other hand, it could be a major reconstruction requiring the removal of pretty much everything.

A reputable storage company like Easy Store 24/7 will offer sensible advice on the best and most cost-effective solution for you.

Long-term or short-term

Home renovations come in all shapes and sizes, depending on the kind of work that’s being carried out. Some can be over in a matter of days, while others can run on for many months, or even years.

A major benefit of secure storage units is the convenience they offer in terms of rental time. A variety of long-term and short-term options are available, depending on the expected duration of your project. If your renovation overruns, the flexibility is there to extend your rental agreement accordingly.

Easy Store 24/7

Our Easy Store sites consist of individual steel storage units in secure, self-contained compounds with 24-hour CCTV surveillance. Visit our website to find the self-storage facility closest to you.

Store Furniture Safely in Self-Storage Units

Storing your delicate furniture in a self-storage unit can be a smart solution when you’re moving, renovating, downsizing, or simply reclaiming space at home. But to make sure your sofa, armchair, dining room table and chairs or whatever type of furniture you’re storing, stay in good condition, it’s important to prepare and pack them properly — and to choose the right storage setup.

In this guide, we’ll walk through essential steps to store furniture safely, avoid damage, and make the most of your storage space.

1. Choose a Suitable Self-Storage Unit

Not all storage units are created equal. For furniture, you’ll want a unit that’s:

• Clean and dry
• Secure and monitored
• Easily accessible (ideally 24/7)

A unit with these features will help protect your belongings from damp, pests, and potential damage.

2. Select a Convenient Location

Choose a storage facility that’s easy to reach, especially if you plan to access your items regularly. Consider proximity, parking, and on-site support. A quick online search and customer reviews can help you compare facilities in your area.

3. Pick the Right Unit Size

Avoid cramming items into a space that’s too small — it increases the risk of damage. Estimate the volume of what you’re storing and choose a unit that allows for airflow, walk-in access, and safe stacking. If unsure, storage staff can usually recommend a suitable size.

4. Plan Transport for Large Items

Most furniture won’t fit in a car and public transport will be even trickier. Consider hiring a van or working with a removal company to make the job easier. Some storage providers also offer partnerships with local transport services or can recommend trusted movers.

5. Clean Furniture Before Storing

Dust, dirt, and stains can worsen over time — especially in storage. Clean all surfaces thoroughly:

• Vacuum upholstered furniture
• Wipe down wood and metal with appropriate cleaners
• Make sure everything is completely dry to prevent mould or mildew

Check for signs of pests and treat if needed before storing.

6. Disassemble Where Possible

Disassembling furniture makes it easier to move and store. Remove legs from tables, take apart bed frames, and detach drawers or shelves if you can.
Tip: Keep screws and fittings in a labelled bag or envelope, taped to the matching furniture piece.

7. Protect Furniture from the Unit Floor

Laying furniture parts directly on the floor can lead to moisture damage or warping. Create a buffer using:

• Tarpaulins
• Plastic sheeting
• Wooden pallets or cardboard sheets

This adds an extra layer of protection, especially for soft furnishings and wooden pieces.

8. Wrap and Cover Your Furniture

Protect each item from dust, dirt, and accidental scrapes by wrapping or covering it:

• Use bubble wrap for delicate or breakable items
• Old sheets or dust covers work well for larger pieces
• Avoid airtight plastic wrap, as it can trap moisture and cause mould

9. Store Furniture Strategically

Maximise your storage space and make future access easier:

• Store mattresses and sofas upright to save floor space
• Keep mirrors, glass, and artwork vertical to avoid cracks
• Place frequently needed items closer to the front of the unit
• Leave a walkway if you’ll need to access items regularly

Final Thoughts: Keep Furniture Safe for the Long Term

Storing furniture doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation and a suitable storage unit, your belongings will stay clean, secure, and damage-free for as long as you need.

Whether you’re storing a single sofa or an entire home’s worth of furniture, taking the time to pack and plan properly can save you money, space, and stress down the line.

Looking For a Flexible Furniture Storage Partner?

Looking for a secure, accessible storage solution for your furniture?
Explore our self-storage locations in Colchester, Norwich and Ipswich. Speak to our team for expert advice on choosing the right unit for your needs.

The Benefits of Self-Storage When Moving

Moving house can be an exciting new chapter – but it often comes with logistical headaches, especially when it comes to managing your belongings. Whether you’re downsizing, renovating, relocating temporarily, or facing delays between homes, finding a secure and flexible place to store your items can make all the difference.

Self storage offers a practical solution for everything from everyday household items to bulky furniture and equipment. It’s a simple way to keep your possessions safe, dry, and out of the way while you focus on settling into your next home.

In this post, we’ll explore the key benefits of choosing storage during a house move, and how it can make the entire process smoother and more manageable.

Space for larger items

When deciding on storage in Norwich, it’s important to choose a company that suits your needs. If you’re moving home, you might have both a large quantity of belongings as well as large items. Along with basic household items, you’ll need space for all your furniture, such as beds, sofas, wardrobes, and more. A key advantage of container storage is the large-scale capacity it offers.

Secure and Protected Storage

Even if your household items aren’t high in monetary value, they often hold personal significance – and you want to keep them safe. Our storage facility should offer strong security measures, including 24/7 CCTV monitoring, secure unit locks, and perimeter protection to deter unauthorised access.

Just as important is the environment your items are stored in. Container storage protects belongings from weather-related damage such as damp, mould, or condensation – ideal for soft furnishings, electronics, and anything sensitive to moisture. With the right facility, you can rest easy knowing your possessions are secure and well looked after during your move.

Flexible Storage for Downsizing

Downsizing is a common part of moving -whether you’re transitioning to a smaller home, renting temporarily during renovations, or simply looking to simplify your lifestyle. But deciding what to keep and what to part with isn’t always easy.

Self storage gives you the breathing room to make those decisions without pressure. Instead of rushing to sell or donate furniture, appliances, or sentimental items, you can store them safely and revisit your options once you’ve settled into your new space.

It’s a practical way to reduce stress and keep your move organised, while giving you full control over what stays and what goes.

Temporary Storage While Waiting to Move

It’s not unusual to face a gap between moving out of one property and into the next – whether due to delays in the buying chain, renovation work, or tenancy start dates. But having to vacate your current home doesn’t mean you have to juggle all your belongings in the meantime.

Storage units provide a convenient and secure temporary solution, allowing you to store everything from furniture and appliances to personal items in one place until your new home is ready. It’s a simple way to stay organised and reduce the stress of being “in between” properties.

This is often a great solution for student moving accommodation during the year, see our storage for students page for more information.

24/7 Access To Your Belongings

One of the major advantages of using storage is the flexibility it offers – especially when you’re juggling a busy moving schedule. You may not want (or be able) to move everything in one go, which often means multiple trips to your storage unit.

With 24/7 access, you’re not restricted by opening hours. Whether it’s early in the morning, late at night, or during a weekend, you can add or remove items on your own time. This makes it easier to move at your own pace and fit storage trips around work, family, or last-minute changes.

24/7 access doesn’t mean any reduction in security however, see here for info on our security.

Convenient Storage for Items Not Used Everyday

Even after your move, you might find that space is limited – especially if you’ve downsized. Some belongings are important to keep but aren’t used regularly, and storing them at home can quickly lead to clutter.

Container storage offers a convenient, long-term solution for these items. Things like seasonal decorations, gardening tools, camping gear, sports equipment, spare furniture, or suitcases can be kept safely out of the way but easily accessible when needed.

It’s a smart way to free up room in your new home while still holding on to the things you value.

Make Your Move Smoother with Easy store 24/7

Whether you’re downsizing, waiting for your new home to be ready, or just need extra space during the transition, Easy Store’s storage units can take a lot of the stress out of moving.

With secure facilities, flexible access, and room for everything from everyday belongings to large furniture, it’s a practical way to stay organised and in control. We provide storage in Norwich, use our self-storage containers when moving home.

See our self-storage solutions in Colchester and Ipswich 

Ready to simplify your move? Get in touch today to find the storage solution that best fits your needs.

Self-Storage Units Benefits for Your Business

Whether you’re a small home-based business, or working out of large commercial premises, flexible, easy-access self storage has a lot to offer. At a time when commercial spaces are costly and contracts lengthy, 24 hour storage offers a scalable, flexible solution for businesses struggling for space. With a variety of unit sizes on offer, Easy Store can help your business make the most of its commercial space. But, what use can a business make of easy access self storage? The answer is lots. 24 hour storage can save you time and money. Here’s how.

How Round-the-Clock Storage Can Help You

Office space is finite. As clutter builds up, it can soon make it more difficult to work. This may call for an office clear out, but it’s not always best to throw lesser used items away. Self storage allows you to take the strain off your office space without getting rid of things. Moving furniture into self storage will open up more office space which can be used more wisely.

As part of any office clear out, you’ll probably find many documents and papers. Office documents can often be archival and confidential. But you may not have room to keep these important documents in the office. Self storage services implement a range of security measures that can help you create an off-site document archive, without sacrificing document safety.

Self storage can also be a great way to smooth the process of relocation. Having spare storage space to hand will help you move your business from one place to another without juggling furniture and documents. Self storage will help you get your business running quickly, during and after a move.

For businesses in trade, you may have excess stock which you don’t want taking up space at your main site. A self storage service offers a secure way to store stock where it won’t disrupt your day-to-day running.

Easy access self storage has a range of uses. Versatility is its greatest asset; and this versatility extends to how much you pay.

Keep Business Booming with Easy Store 24/7

Opting for easy access self storage will often give your business a range of options to choose from. This is great for businesses of all sizes, as it offers the chance to find a scalable solution to office clutter which is perfect for every budget.

With indoor or outdoor container storage, a range of locations across East Anglia, and spaces suitable to store a range of items and documents, Easy Store 24/7 can keep your things safe. Our strong security measures keep items protected, without impacting your ability to access your things 24/7.

So, if you’re looking to make more space at your business premises, or looking to move location, consider giving Easy Store a call. You can rest assured your items are safe with us.

When to Invest in  Storage

If you are a business owner then you may consider an investment in storage for your goods. Containers offer a great way to store excess goods until needed, and help extend your capacity for supply. That said, you may be wondering when the best time would be to invest in storage. To decide this, you need to weigh up the benefits of how much storage capacity is available, and its location relative to your business. Here are the most important things to consider when looking at investing in storage space.

Benefits of Storage

One of the greatest benefits of containers is that they provide a safe central location for goods storage. They are also a great place to keep goods safe when demand is low. The use of additional storage can increase the value for your business and improve client relations when you make goods/stock more readily available . Having a central location for your goods helps speed up shipping. Finally, when you store goods in it allows you to focus more on other areas of your business, knowing you have inventory to meet peak periods/seasons.

Assessing Storage Capacity

Another important aspect to consider when choosing a storage facility is how much available space they have for storage. If capacity is at 85% or more, you may find it difficult to store all of your goods. While it is helpful to assess container availability, it is also useful to look at container condition & if there is a waiting list to space this indicates a well-liked service and good storage units.

The Importance of Storage Location

Another aspect that should factor into your choice is where they are located. The further away they are from your business location, the less accessible they are. This can make running your business and supply lines less efficient. In addition, the location of the container can affect shipping and increase your costs. It is vital to take the time to examine all options in your area to determine which is in the best location to serve your needs.

How Easy Store 24/7 Can Help

At Easy Store 24/7, we offer container space for all of your storage needs. Whether you are storing tools, vehicles, commercial products or anything else, our storage units will keep them safe and secure until needed. For more information on our storage units across East Anglia, contact us online or speak with us via phone on 0800 437 0811.