Moving to Uni This Autumn? What You Should Pack, Store or Skip
As the excitement of starting university this autumn builds, so too does the daunting task of deciding what to pack, store, or skip altogether. Whether you’re a student preparing for this new chapter or a supportive parent helping your child get organised, the process can be overwhelming. With limited space in halls or small student flats, overpacking is a common issue. Fortunately, self-storage options like ours at Easy Store 24/7 can help lighten the load without losing access to what you need later, especially if you’re near major East Anglian universities such as the University of Suffolk, University of Essex, or UEA.
Essentials to Pack for Uni Life
When it comes to essentials, focus on items that will support your daily routine and comfort:
- Laptop, Chargers, and Headphones: Obviously, some of the most useful bits of equipment for university
- Toiletries, Towels, and Bedding: It’s worth having spares, just in case.
- Basic Kitchenware: A set of plates, cutlery, a pan, and a mug should suffice.
- Seasonal Clothes: Only pack what you’ll need until the next term break, you won’t need a thick coat and thermals before the temperature drops below 20 degrees.
- Important Documents: Don’t forget your passport, ID, student finance letters, and NHS registration info.
- A Few Home Comforts: Photos, plants, or decorations can make your space feel more like home.
What to Store Instead of Bringing Along With You
To avoid cluttering your new space, consider storing these items:
- Bulky Winter Clothes: You won’t need them until later in the year.
- Books from A-levels: Store anything not immediately required for your course.
- Duvets, Spare Pillows, and Excess Bedding: Especially in shared flats, these can take up valuable space.
- Larger Decor or Extra Furniture: Check what’s allowed or needed in halls.
- Hobby or Sports Equipment: If used occasionally, these don’t need to be in your room.
- Duplicate Kitchen Gear: Most first-year kitchens already have too much!
Nice to Haves: What to Consider Carefully
Some items might seem useful but often end up being more hassle than they’re worth:
- Air Fryers, Slow Cookers, Rice Cookers: Many are banned in halls, so check uni forums or student support.
- Games Consoles, TVs, and Speakers: With limited plug space, these might not be practical.
- Toolkits and DIY Gear: If something breaks, maintenance will sort it.
- Fold-up Chairs, Laundry Racks, and Shelves: These often end up unused and in the way.
- All Your Clothes: Realistically, you won’t wear everything you bring.
How Storage Can Help You Stay Organised
Self-storage can be a lifesaver for keeping your space tidy and functional:
- Keep Seasonal or “Just-in-Case” Items Close: Without cluttering your room.
- Nearby Locations: With facilities in Ipswich, Colchester, and Norwich, you can access your items easily.
- Share a Storage Unit: Team up with friends for affordable term-time storage.
- Ideal for International Students: Or those returning home during breaks.
- Store Non-Essentials Securely: Until you move into private housing or next year’s flat.
Get Uni-Ready with Easy Store 24/7
Easy Store 24/7 offers a convenient solution to your storage needs:
- Use Our Student Storage Guide: Or give us a quick call for advice.
- Find Your Closest Site: Near the University of Suffolk, University of Essex, Norwich University of the Arts, or UEA.
- Book Your Unit Early: Spaces fill up fast from late August onwards.
By planning ahead and making smart choices about what to pack, store, or skip, you can ensure a smoother transition to university life. Remember, less is often more when it comes to maintaining a comfortable and organised living space.
Self-Storage Insurance: Do You Need It and What’s Covered?
More people than ever are turning to self-storage, whether it’s to declutter the house, keep business stock safe, or store furniture between moves. These facilities are built to be secure, with cameras, lighting, and locked gates, but one question often gets overlooked — what happens if something still goes wrong? That’s where self-storage insurance comes in.
What Is Storage Insurance?
Self-storage insurance is a specialist type of policy that protects the belongings you’ve placed in a storage unit. Even though most facilities take strong security measures such as CCTV and coded access, insurance adds an important extra layer of financial protection.
A lot of people assume their home contents policy covers stored items, but that’s rarely true for long-term storage. At Easy Store 24/7, we believe in transparency. Our storage facilities are gated and secured with a swipe key entry system, whilst also being monitored 24/7 by CCTV, but if you’re looking for that extra bit of protection then getting insurance is recommended.
Our facilities are secure, all day, every day.
Do You Really Need Storage Insurance?
In short, yes, you probably do. While your unit itself is locked and monitored, that doesn’t mean your personal insurance covers what’s inside. Many home policies exclude belongings kept away from your main address, particularly for long periods.
If you’re between homes, travelling abroad, or using a unit for stock storage, you could be left unprotected. Storage insurance coverage fills that gap. Should something unexpected happen, fire, theft, flood, or storm damage, you can claim for the value of your items instead of covering the cost yourself. Considering how much it might cost to replace everything, the premium is usually small in comparison.
What’s Typically Covered?
A good policy offers protection for a variety of storage sizes against a wide range of risks. Although every provider is slightly different, most cover:
- Fire, smoke, lightning, or explosion – standard protection for accidental or natural fire damage.
- Flooding and severe weather – covers water damage and storms that might affect your storage unit.
- Theft involving forced entry – compensation if someone breaks into your unit or damages the facility.
- Accidental or transit damage – some policies extend protection to items while they’re being moved.
- Replacement value – you’re reimbursed for what it costs to replace an item, not its resale value.
To make sure your claim goes smoothly, always provide an accurate total value of the items you’re storing. Under-valuing them can reduce your payout later. Whether you need storage locker insurance or have a larger unit, making sure you know what is and isn’t covered is vital.
What’s Not Covered and Why It Matters
Like any insurance policy, there are exclusions. Knowing them up front helps avoid nasty surprises:
- High-risk or prohibited goods – cash, fuel, firearms, perishable goods, or live animals are normally excluded.
- Self-inflicted damage – problems like mould or damp caused by poor packing aren’t covered.
- Unlocked or unsecured units – leaving your unit open can void your claim.
- Fine art, jewellery, or collectibles – often require separate, specialised insurance.
Always read the policy wording carefully and ask your storage provider if something isn’t clear. It’s better to check now than discover a gap later.
You could be using storage whilst moving in between University semesters, or for when you go travelling, so making sure you have the best policy for you is extremely important.
Secure Storage Facilities in East Anglia
At Easy Store 24/7, we operate secure self-storage facilities in Ipswich, Colchester, and Norwich. Each site features round-the-clock CCTV, bright floodlighting, and gated compounds for peace of mind. Our steel units are clean, dry, and built to protect against the elements.
Customers have 24-hour access via individual swipe keys, so you can reach your belongings whenever you need to, without sacrificing security. You store, we safeguard.
Want to see what we do at our locations? Take a look at our TikTok!
Still Unsure? Let’s Make It Simple
If you’re not sure what level of cover you need, don’t worry. Our friendly team is happy to recommend insurance companies and help you find the right balance of protection and cost. Whether you’re storing items for a few weeks or setting up a long-term unit, combining secure facilities with storage insurance means you can store your belongings with total confidence.
Protect what matters most. Store smart. Store safe. Store confidently with Easy Store 24/7.
Want to find out more about our storage facilities? Get in touch today.
Gap Year? Summer Travel Plans? Here’s What to Do with Your Stuff
Embarking on a gap year or an extended trip abroad is an exciting adventure for students, young professionals, and long-term travellers.
However, one common challenge remains: what to do with your personal belongings when you’re going away. Leaving any of your possessions behind, even if they are packaged securely, can be a risk, but there’s a secure, flexible, and budget-friendly solution for that: self-storage. We offer trusted storage options in Ipswich, Colchester, and Norwich, and with students receiving a 10% discount, it has never been more convenient to store your belongings. We also offer short-term storage, making it perfect for between semesters.
We aim to make it easier and more convenient for those travelling to store their possessions confidently with more safety and security.
Why You Shouldn’t Leave Your Belongings Behind
Leaving behind your possessions in shared accommodation or sheds and garages belonging to friends or family can lead to damage, loss, or even disposal. They may not have the space your belongings require, or the time to make sure things are safe and secure. When you are leaving your student accommodation or leaving a short-term let, you are often required to move out completely during seasonal breaks. This leaves you with limited options on what to do with your belongings. Self-storage will give you ultimate control over your possessions, and also ensures that everything is secure and safely kept for when you return.
What to Store Before a Gap Year or Long Trip
Before you set off on your adventure, consider storing the following items:
- Out-of-season clothing and bulky winter gear: Depending on where you are going, these types of things can be unnecessary to bring along when you go abroad, and they take up valuable space.
- Uni books, files, and revision notes: Maybe you need them for future use for studies or will be handing them down to friends or siblings, but when you go away, they are not essential.
- Electronics: Extra monitors, desktop computers, or kitchen appliances that are not travel-friendly.
- Larger items: Make sure large, bulkier items are also put into storage, such as bedding, lamps and storage cubes, as they’re incredibly difficult to travel with.
- Sentimental or valuable items: Keepsakes, musical instruments, and other valuables that you don’t want to leave unattended.
Our Storage Options for Travellers
Easy Store 24/7 offers convenient storage sites in Ipswich, Colchester, and Norwich, ideal for quick drop-offs before flying out. Located close to town centres with good public transport links for those without cars. We provide flexible short-term storage options perfect for 2–12 month trips or longer sabbaticals. Our facilities offer 24/7 access, catering to those travelling at odd hours or needing to retrieve items quickly. We have a range of unit sizes, from small units for essentials to full units for all your belongings.
For more details, check out our storage for travelling and student storage pages. Students receive a 10% discount when choosing us, making us an affordable and reliable choice for students in East Anglia.
Packing Tips for Long-Term Storage
To ensure your items remain in top condition, follow these packing tips:
- Use strong, labelled boxes and avoid overfilling them to prevent damage.
- Clean and dry all items before storing, especially appliances and clothes.
- Use vacuum storage bags for duvets, coats, and bulky items to save space.
- Store important documents in plastic folders or waterproof boxes.
- Cover mirrors and fragile items with bubble wrap and store them vertically when possible.
How to Book and Store with Easy Store 24/7
Booking your storage unit with Easy Store 24/7 is simple:
- Use our online size guide or give us a call to find the right unit.
- Book in advance if you’re leaving during peak summer months, as student and travel demand rises.
- Drop off your items at a time that suits you, customers have 24/7 access for your convenience.
- Call your local branch in Ipswich, Colchester, or Norwich, or get a free quote in minutes.
Take a look at our TikTok to see what we have to offer. Alternatively, check our units here.
Enjoy your travels knowing your stuff is safe, dry, and waiting for you when you return! Reserve your secure unit ahead of your trip, it’s flexible, affordable, and stress-free.
Storage Units For Start-Up Businesses
The start of any new business is simultaneously one of the most exciting times but also comes with a new range of challenges that need to be addressed. One of the largest challenges is often finding the correct storage space for them. From storing inventory, product samples or office equipment, finding the correct solution requires something that is both flexible and affordable. This is where self-storage options come into play.
When it comes to self-storage it offers a practical, cost-effective solution for many start-up businesses and comes with the benefit of not needing to commit to any long-term leases or expensive warehousing. To expand on this, show you the benefits of a storage unit for your business and how Easy Store can be your ideal place to look, this article will go over everything that you would need to know.
How Self-Storage Meets Business Needs
The versatility of self-storage and its ability to cater to a wide range of business requirements, make it one of the best options for many businesses. Whether your store is focused on e-commerce, local trade or any other venture, a storage unit can help you manage these parts of your business:
- Inventory Storage: Being able to keep your inventory in a safe place while also making sure it does not clutter your office or home.
- Office Equipment: If you are just starting you may be planning to have an office but do not have one yet or don’t need one yet but have the equipment. Self-storage allows you to store the equipment ready for when you want to scale up.
- Product Samples: Any product samples you may have that are used for meetings or exhibitions that you do not use regularly and be safely stored and accessed through self-storage.
- Seasonal Items: Say that you have products that are only sold during Winter or any other period of the year, you can easily store them during off-peak times so that you can bring them back out when the correct time comes.
The Benefits of Self-Storage for Start-Ups
When it comes to the benefits that self-storage can provide a business over traditional storage options there are plenty to choose but here are just the main ones:
- Scalability: When your business grows everything that you need to use grows with it and this is no different with your storage needs. With self-storage, this is easily achieved, with the ability to upgrade to a larger unit or an additional space without the need to renegotiate leases.
- Affordability: With a self-storage unit it is usually significantly cheaper than leasing a warehouse or commercial property, helping you keep your overheads low in a precious time for your company starting out.
- Convenient Access: Our storage facilities at Easy Store provide flexible access hours for you so that you can easily pick up or drop off any items you desire when it suits your busy schedule.
- Security: We ensure that all of our self-storage units are equipped with advanced security measures such as CCTV across the premises, individual unit locks and secure access to the premises, to give you peace of mind.
- Additional Features: Along with these benefits we at Easy Store offer climate-controlled units, secure document storage and packaging supplies, so you can streamline your storage needs.
Conclusion
With all this in mind, it is clear self-storage options can be a vital lifeline for start-up businesses, which offers scalability, affordability and convenience all in one package. Allowing you to focus on what matters, growing your business, without needing to worry about the problems and constraints that come with traditional storage options.
Ready to move forward and take the next step for your business? Check out Easy Store’s locations today and find the ideal self-storage solution for your business.
Making the most of your Self-Storage Space
When using our secure storage units many people’s first thought is ‘How can I put as many items in here as possible?’ This seems like a simple question, with a simple answer, but it is more complicated than one might first believe, especially for those going in blind. So, to help alleviate the troubles this question may cause and help those new to self-storage spaces, we have created a short step-by-step guide, making it quick and easy to answer this question. From the planning phase to the actual storing of the products, every step of the process can be utilised to give you value out of your space and not waste time and money on a self-storage space larger than what you need.
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Labelling and Inventory Lists
One of the first calls to action is labelling the possessions you want to store and logging them in an inventory list whilst labelling. This helps you in two ways. Firstly, it gives you a clear picture of how much you want to store, helping you choose the correct size self-storage unit you want to use. Secondly, it helps with putting your possessions into categories, these categories being possessions that can be easily stacked, dismantled, or are fragile possessions, to ensure they are handled appropriately. As a bonus, this will help with the decluttering of the space in your self-storage unit later down the road.
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Dismantling
When it comes to larger items like sofas, tables and other bits of furniture, it can be tempting to just put them in self-storage still fully assembled, as dismantling can be a time-consuming and tiresome task. However, if you want to fully maximise your self-storage space dismantling your larger items helps drastically with reducing the amount of space they take up. This can range from taking the legs off sofas or tables to reduce the amount of vertical space they take up, to dismantling larger dining tables or chests of drawers saving the horizontal space available. Those smaller pieces being able to be stored in the items discussed in the next tip.
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Space Saving Containers and Shelving
After sorting your possessions via labelling, an inventory list and dismantling any relevant items, the next best step is to take the possessions that can be placed into boxes and ones that can be shelved and start sorting them. For example, any stationary, smaller dismantled items or electronic equipment can be easily placed into space-saving containers instead of just being placed in the self-storage spaces, whilst books, figures or plants would be best put on a simple shelf. This helps primarily reduce the amount of space that your possessions could take up, alongside keeping them safe from potential damage. These space-saving containers and shelving in particular make the next technique even more effective.
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Maximising Vertical Space
This is a simple yet effective technique that most overlook when organising their space. The vertical space available is often far greater than the horizontal space given, making it crucial to utilise if you want to get the most out of your self-storage space. The key to this is to choose the best possessions for stacking, as mentioned before space-saving containers and shelves are ideal for this. These containers are usually designed specifically with stacking in mind, while the shelves can be bought specifically with the height of the container in mind, with some shelves being designed to be stacked on top of other shelves. Helping reduce the amount of space taken up and organising your possessions by stacking similar possessions with each other.
Recap
There are a lot of ways to fully maximise your self-storage space and we hope that the tips and techniques laid out in this article help you in making self-storage simple. For a quick recap: first, start with the organising phase, label your items and create an inventory list to categorise your possessions. Secondly, dismantle everything that can be, like sofas and dining tables, to save space both vertically and horizontally. Thirdly, store your possessions in space-saving containers or on shelves to reduce the amount of space they take up. Lastly, maximise your vertical space via stacking, whether that be stacking tables or stacking your containers.
Contact Us!
If you would like some more advice/help please do get in touch with our team who will be able to help you pick out the correct self-storage space.
Also to help you in your first steps to maximising your self-storage space download our free storage organisation checklist, to make the planning phase that much easier!
Self-Storage for Students During Summer
Summer break is an exciting time for students, but it often comes with the challenge of figuring out what to do with all their belongings. For those living in halls of residence or shared accommodation, there’s typically limited storage space, and moving everything back home can be a hassle—especially if home is far away. This is where self-storage can be a game-changer. Self-storage facilities like ours at Easy Store offer a convenient, affordable, and flexible solution that helps students keep their belongings safe and secure during the summer months. At Easy Store we have 3 secure 24/7-accessible self-storage facilities in Colchester, Ipswich, and Norwich.
What Do Students Need to Store?
During the academic year, students accumulate a variety of items that may not be needed over the summer but are essential when they return in the fall. Typical items that students often need to store include things such as:
- Textbooks and Study Materials: Textbooks can often be heavy and bulky, and these items can take up a lot of space and are better stored in a secure environment where they can be easily accessed when needed.
- Furniture and Dorm Essentials: Many students bring their own furniture, such as desks, chairs, and small appliances, to make their rooms feel more like home. Moving these items back and forth can be inconvenient, making self-storage a perfect solution.
- Seasonal Clothing: With the change in seasons, students often have an excess of clothing that isn’t needed during the summer months. Rather than packing it all up to take home, self-storage allows for these items to be securely kept until they’re needed again.
Benefits of Self-Storage for Students
Self-storage offers numerous benefits for students, making it a popular choice during the summer break:
- Secure Storage: Self-storage units like the ones at Easy Store are equipped with security measures such as CCTV, gated access, and individual locks, providing peace of mind that belongings are safe.
- Flexible Rental Terms: Unlike traditional rental agreements, self-storage offers flexible terms, allowing students to rent a unit for as long—or as short—a period as needed. This flexibility is ideal for students who may only need storage for a few months.
- Convenient Locations: Many self-storage facilities, like Easy Store, are located close to major campuses, making it easy for students to drop off and pick up their belongings without travelling far. At Easy Store we have 3 secure 24/7-accessible self-storage facilities in Colchester, Ipswich, and Norwich.
Extra Convenience with Packing and Removal Services
To make the process even easier, many self-storage facilities offer additional services that can greatly benefit students. One of these services is providing packing supplies; from boxes and bubble wrap to tape and labels, self-storage facilities often have everything students need to pack their items safely and securely. Additionally, for students who do not have access to a car or transport, some facilities offer removal assistance, making the move-in and move-out process much more convenient and stress-free. These extra services can save time and effort, ensuring a smooth transition during the summer break. Get in touch with us today to find out more on how we can help you.
Peace of Mind and Flexibility with 24/7 Student Storage From Easy Store
Using self-storage during the summer offers students a hassle-free way to manage their belongings. With secure, flexible, and convenient options available, self-storage provides the perfect solution to the problem of limited storage space in student accommodation.
What’s more, our self-storage facilities are open 24/7, giving you round-the-clock access to your belongings whenever you need them. This added convenience means you can retrieve or store items at any time, fitting perfectly with the unpredictable schedules of student life.
If you’re a student looking for a stress-free way to store your belongings this summer, reserve a unit online with Easy Store today, or get in touch with our team for more information. Don’t let the hassle of moving take away from your summer break—let Easy Store handle your storage needs, anytime you need it!
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Self Storage vs Warehouse Storage
When it comes to finding the right storage solution, understanding the differences between self-storage and warehouse storage is crucial. Both options cater to distinct needs, whether for personal belongings such as moving home storage or for a more commercial purpose such as documentation storage. This blog post will help you determine which option is best suited for your requirements, exploring the key distinctions between self-storage and warehouse storage and how Easy Store’s facilities across Norwich, Ipswich, and Colchester can provide the perfect solution for you.
What is Self Storage?
Self storage refers to the use of individual storage units available for rent, designed to store personal and small business items. These units come in various sizes, offering flexibility to store different volumes of belongings. With three self-storage locations in Norwich, Ipswich, and Colchester, and all with 24-hour customer access and 24-hour CCTV monitoring, you will have peace of mind knowing your storage is secure and can have access to it when needed. Our self-storage containers come in two different sizes; 20ft and 40ft.
Get in touch with us today to find out more.
Differences and Benefits of Self-Storage:
- Unit Sizes: Self-storage units range from small lockers to self-storage containers, accommodating various storage needs.
- Access Control: Tenants typically have personal access to their units, often with 24/7 availability.
- Security: Facilities offer robust security features such as CCTV, individual padlocks, and gated access.
- Amenities: Our self-storage facilities include lighting, easy load and unload for added convenience.
- Typical Uses: Ideal for storing personal belongings, seasonal items, furniture during home moves, and small business inventory.
Self storage is a versatile and accessible option for individuals and small businesses looking to store items securely and conveniently. Whether you need to declutter your home or store excess inventory, self storage offers a practical solution.
What is Warehouse Storage?
Warehouse storage involves large-scale storage spaces designed primarily for commercial use. These facilities are ideal for storing bulk inventory, machinery, and substantial quantities of goods. Warehouse storage is not so easy toaccessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Below are some common differences which you may occur:
Differences and Benefits Warehouse Storage:
- Larger Spaces: Warehouses provide vast storage areas suitable for bulk inventory and large items.
- Limited Access: At some warehouse storage facilities they may offer restricted access to business hours and controlled by facility management.
- Commercial Focus: Most warehouse storage facilities are designed to meet the needs of businesses that require substantial storage space.
- Cost-Effective for Volume: While the cost per unit area may be higher with some warehouse storage solutions, warehouses offer cost efficiency for storing large volumes of goods.
- Security: Extensive security measures are in place, often including facility-controlled access and comprehensive surveillance systems.
Warehouse storage is ideal for businesses needing extensive storage space for products, raw materials, or equipment. It offers a scalable solution to accommodate growing inventory needs and supports efficient logistics and operations.
Comparison Table for Self Storage & Warehouse Storage

If you have any questions about what the best option may be for you then please do give us a call on 0800 437 0811 or fill out the form on our contact page to speak to an expert and we will happily help you find the best storage option for you.
Easy Store Here to Provide Self Storage Solutions
Understanding the differences between self-storage and warehouse storage is essential in choosing the right option for your needs. Self storage is perfect for personal and small business items with flexible access and various amenities.
To determine the best storage solution for you, consider the volume of items, access requirements, and budget. For personalised advice and to explore our self storage units in Norwich, Ipswich, or Colchester. Contact Easy Store today. Our team is ready to help you find the perfect storage solution tailored to your needs.
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How Self-Storage Can Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
In recent years, the trend of minimalism has gained significant traction. More and more people are realising the benefits of living with less and the positive impact it has on their mental well-being. However, many are unaware of the environmental advantages that come with decluttering. Excessive possessions not only consume space but also contribute to waste and carbon emissions.
Self-storage offers a sustainable solution for those looking to reduce their environmental footprint. By storing items that are not frequently used, individuals can downsize their living spaces and cut down on unnecessary energy consumption. This blog explores how self-storage can play a pivotal role in reducing your carbon footprint.
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Downsizing and Decluttering
One of the primary ways self-storage helps reduce carbon footprints is by aiding in the downsizing and decluttering process. When you store items that you don’t use regularly, you can live in a smaller space, which often means lower heating, cooling, and lighting needs. This translates to reduced energy consumption and, consequently, a smaller carbon footprint. Additionally, less clutter means fewer items eventually ending up in landfills, further minimising environmental impact.
Explore Easy Store’s eco-friendly self-storage solutions today to find out how you can declutter, downsize, and reduce your carbon footprint with our sustainable storage options. Feel free to call us on 0800 437 0811 or fill out our contact form today.
Storing Seasonal Items
Many households have items that are only used during certain seasons, such as holiday decorations, winter equipment, or summer gardening tools. By storing these items in a self-storage unit, you avoid the need for additional home space that would otherwise require heating or cooling year-round. This reduces the energy demand and lowers your household’s overall carbon emissions. Furthermore, it prevents wear and tear on these items, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for replacements.
Home Renovations and Reducing Waste
Self-storage can be incredibly beneficial during home renovations. Instead of completely tearing down parts of your home to accommodate changes, you can temporarily store furniture and other belongings. This approach can reduce the need for new building materials and the waste associated with construction. By reusing and recycling existing structures and materials, you contribute to a more sustainable renovation process.
In summary, self-storage offers several advantages that contribute to a smaller carbon footprint. It supports the trend of downsizing and decluttering, reduces energy consumption by storing seasonal items, and facilitates eco-friendly home renovations. By choosing self-storage, you’re not only optimising your living space but also taking a significant step towards sustainability.
Consider Easy Store for your self-storage needs and learn more about our environmentally friendly practices. Together, we can make a positive impact on the planet.
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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.