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How Small Businesses Can Make Big Savings on Building Costs by Using Self Storage

How Small Businesses Can Make Big Savings on Building Costs by Using Self Storage

Running a small business can often feel like a balancing act between cutting costs and maintaining quality operations. One area where small businesses can significantly reduce expenses is in building costs. Whether you’re a growing retailer, a local service provider, or an e-commerce entrepreneur, self-storage offers an affordable and flexible solution. At Need A Space we are long established experts at assisting business with storage and warehousing. We also offer a range of business friendly such as arranging a parcel dispatch point, mailbox address and goods in services.

Here’s how:

1. Reduce the Need for Larger Premises

Many small businesses pay a premium for larger commercial spaces to accommodate inventory, equipment, or documents. By using a self-storage facility, you can store non-essential items offsite, freeing up valuable office or retail space for activities that directly contribute to your bottom line.

Self-storage units are much cheaper per square foot compared to renting additional commercial property, helping you save on rent and utilities.

2. Flexible Storage Solutions for Seasonal Needs

If your business experiences seasonal fluctuations, self-storage is a cost-effective way to store excess inventory or equipment during peak periods. For instance, retail businesses can store holiday decorations, surplus stock, or promotional materials in a storage unit, avoiding the need for larger year-round premises.

This flexibility ensures you only pay for the storage you need, when you need it.

3. Save on Warehousing Costs

Leasing a dedicated warehouse can be prohibitively expensive for small businesses. Self-storage units offer a more affordable alternative, especially for businesses with modest storage needs. Many facilities provide climate-controlled units, enhanced security, and easy access, making them a practical choice for storing goods and equipment.

4. Minimise Maintenance and Overhead Costs

Owning or leasing additional space comes with ongoing maintenance expenses—repairs, cleaning, insurance, and utilities can quickly add up. Self-storage eliminates these costs. The storage provider is responsible for maintaining the facility, so you only need to focus on using the space.

5. Streamline Operations and Improve Efficiency

Cluttered workspaces can hinder productivity. By using self-storage, businesses can keep their operational spaces organized and efficient. Employees will spend less time managing crowded areas and more time focusing on tasks that drive business growth.

6. Enhance Security for Valuable Items

Self-storage units often come with advanced security measures, including surveillance cameras, access codes, and secure locks. This can be a safer option for storing expensive equipment, inventory, or sensitive documents than a less secure commercial property.

Tips for Choosing the Right Self-Storage Facility

  • Location: Choose a facility near your business for easy access.
  • Unit Size: Select a unit size that fits your needs, with room for potential growth.
  • Climate Control: If you’re storing temperature-sensitive items, opt for climate-controlled units.
  • Access Hours: Look for facilities that offer flexible access times, especially if you need to retrieve items outside regular business hours.
  • Security: Ensure the facility has robust security features to protect your items.

Conclusion

Self-storage can be a game-changer for small businesses looking to save on building costs while maintaining operational efficiency. By storing inventory, equipment, or documents offsite, you can reduce overheads, avoid the need for larger premises, and focus resources on growing your business.

Investing in self-storage isn’t just about saving money—it’s a smart strategy that helps small businesses stay agile in a competitive market.

Ready to unlock savings for your small business? Explore Need A Space self-storage options today! Contact Us our family run friendly team is ready to assist.

 

Why More Households in Kent Are Turning to Self Storage Before Christmas

As Christmas approaches, households across Kent are getting into the festive spirit. Let’s look at why more households in Kent are turning to Self Storage before Christmas. With the excitement of the season comes the challenge of preparing homes for guests, holiday gatherings, and of course, new gifts. One practical solution that’s gaining popularity is self storage. Here are some of the most common reasons Kent residents are turning to self storage in the run-up to Christmas. For your own self storage requirements in Kent, do not hesitate to contact us at Need A Space.

1. Creating Space for Guests

The holiday season often means hosting family and friends, which can lead to a scramble for space. Extra guest rooms, play areas for children, and clear living spaces become essential, especially when visitors stay overnight. Self storage offers a practical way to clear out items temporarily. Large furniture, out-of-season items, or bulky decorations can be moved to storage, freeing up room for guests to feel comfortable and welcome.

2. Storing Gifts and Holiday Surprises

For families with children, keeping Christmas gifts a surprise is part of the holiday magic. But finding places to hide large presents, especially when curious little ones are on the lookout, can be tricky. A self storage unit can act as the perfect hiding place for gifts. Not only does it ensure that presents stay hidden, but it also keeps them safe and secure until it’s time to wrap them.

3. Decluttering for a Cleaner, Festive Home

Many people take the opportunity before Christmas to declutter and reorganise. A tidy, festive home feels more inviting and relaxed, especially when entertaining guests or enjoying cosy family time. Self storage allows Kent households to move non-essential items out of the way, so they can create a more streamlined, decorated space for the holidays. After all, it’s easier to showcase your holiday décor without a lot of extra items crowding the space.

4. Creating Space for Holiday Décor

Christmas decorations are often large and can take up a lot of room. Boxes of ornaments, festive lights, and seasonal decorations only come out for a few weeks each year but require storage for the rest of the year. By moving everyday items into self storage, homeowners can make space to display their holiday decorations without sacrificing valuable space in their homes. After the season, they can use the same storage unit to keep decorations safe until the next year.

5. Protecting Valuable and Fragile Items During the Holiday Rush

With the extra activity in homes during the holidays, fragile or valuable items can be at greater risk. Between kids playing, guests visiting, and furniture being rearranged, some households may prefer to store delicate items temporarily. Using self storage for things like fine china, fragile heirlooms, or even electronics can prevent accidents and keep cherished items safe from potential damage.

6. Temporary Storage for New Purchases and Bulk Buys

In the run-up to Christmas, many households stock up on items for the holidays. From extra seating to additional cookware, it’s not uncommon to acquire seasonal items that take up significant space. Some families also take advantage of holiday sales to purchase big-ticket items, which may need a place to stay until after the festivities. Self storage provides a short-term solution, allowing you to keep your new acquisitions out of the way until they’re needed.

7. Storing Summer and Off-Season Items

The colder months mean that summer gear, sports equipment, and gardening tools go largely unused. Many Kent residents choose to store these items off-site to create space for holiday essentials. Self storage units can house bicycles, patio furniture, and other summer items until warmer weather returns, freeing up garage or shed space for things you’ll need during winter.

Choosing the Right Self Storage Solution in Kent

When selecting a self storage provider in Kent, it’s essential to consider security, convenience, and accessibility. Look for a storage company that offers climate-controlled units if you’re storing sensitive items and offers flexible access hours so you can retrieve your belongings whenever you need them. Need A Space near Faversham Kent also offer various unit sizes, allowing you to choose the right fit based on the volume of items you’re storing.

Final Thoughts From The Team At Need A Space

Using self storage before Christmas is a smart and increasingly popular way for Kent households to simplify their holiday preparations. Whether you’re looking to free up space, keep gifts hidden, or protect your belongings, a self storage unit can make the season less stressful and more enjoyable. Embrace the holidays with a clutter-free, festive home and peace of mind knowing your items are safely stored away.

If you’re considering self storage in Kent this holiday season, contact our team to find the right solution for your needs. With options to fit every family and lifestyle, we’re here to make your Christmas preparations smoother and more enjoyable! Here at Need A Space our family run friendly team have many years of experience in self storage and are ready and waiting to assist you with space planning and to arrange to see our site,. We are conveniently located just off the A2 between Canterbury and Faversham.

How Self-Storage Can Be a Lifesaver for Couples Moving in Together for the First Time

How self storage can be a life saver. Moving in with your partner is a major milestone, filled with excitement, anticipation, and new experiences. However, blending two households into one can also come with its own set of challenges. From figuring out which sofa to keep to deciding how to fit two wardrobes into one bedroom, the logistics can quickly become overwhelming. This is where self-storage comes in as a convenient, stress-relieving solution. In this blog post, we’ll explore how self-storage can be a great help for couples moving in together for the first time and how it can make your transition smoother and more organised. At Need A Space between Canterbury and Faversham we have many years experience assisting couples with self storage.

1. Declutter and Maximise Space

When two people move in together, it often means there’s an excess of furniture, kitchenware, and personal belongings. While some items can be merged, others may be duplicates or simply unnecessary for your new shared home. Instead of tossing out perfectly good items or cluttering your new space, self-storage offers a practical solution.

By renting a storage unit, you can safely store items you don’t need right away but might use later. This is especially useful for seasonal items, extra furniture, or sentimental belongings you may not want to part with. With less clutter in your new home, you’ll have more room to create a living environment that feels comfortable and organised.

2. Avoid Unnecessary Conflict

Combining households can sometimes lead to tough decisions about what to keep and what to discard. You may find yourself attached to your old sofa, while your partner prefers theirs. Rather than argue over who gets to keep what, self-storage provides a neutral solution. You can store the items that aren’t immediately needed without feeling the pressure to make hasty decisions.

This way, both partners have the time to sort through belongings at their own pace, preventing unnecessary conflict and allowing you to focus on the positive aspects of moving in together.

3. Store Items with Sentimental Value

When merging homes, it’s common to discover that some of your items hold sentimental value that may not align with the decor of your new space. Whether it’s family heirlooms, memorabilia, or cherished keepsakes, not everything may fit into the style of your shared home. Instead of discarding these important items, self-storage provides a safe place to keep them.

Having the option to store sentimental items allows you to preserve their value without cluttering your living space. You can revisit these pieces in the future or use them when you eventually move to a larger home.

4. Flexibility During the Transition Period

The process of moving in together can take time, especially if you’re moving from separate apartments or houses. Self-storage offers the flexibility to store your belongings while you figure out how to organise your new space. Instead of rushing the process or feeling overwhelmed by boxes, you can take your time and gradually settle in.

This is particularly useful if your new home requires renovations, or if you need temporary storage for your belongings while waiting for your new furniture to arrive. Having the extra space to store your possessions ensures a smoother, less stressful transition.

5. Seasonal and Hobby Storage

If you and your partner have hobbies that require specific equipment or items, such as skiing, camping, or sports gear, these can take up valuable space in your home. Rather than crowd your closets or storage areas with gear you don’t use year-round, consider renting a self-storage unit.

Self-storage is ideal for stashing away seasonal equipment, giving you more room for everyday essentials. It’s also a great solution for storing bulky items like bicycles or large camping gear, freeing up space in your garage or living areas.

6. Cost-Effective Storage Solution

One of the benefits of self-storage is that it’s cost-effective, especially when compared to the cost of upgrading to a larger home. If you’re moving into a smaller apartment or house, self-storage allows you to keep your belongings without the added expense of needing more square footage.

Most self-storage facilities offer a variety of unit sizes, so you can choose one that fits your needs and budget. You’ll only pay for the space you need, making it an affordable solution during this transitional phase.

7. Peace of Mind

Moving in together is a big step, and it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed by the process. Using self-storage can provide peace of mind, knowing that your belongings are safe and secure. Many facilities offer 24/7 surveillance, climate-controlled units, and flexible access hours, so you can retrieve your items whenever you need them.

This added convenience and security can alleviate some of the stress associated with merging households, allowing you and your partner to focus on building your life together.

Conclusion

Moving in with your partner for the first time is an exciting journey, but it’s important to be prepared for the practical challenges that come with combining two households. Self-storage offers a convenient and flexible solution to help manage extra belongings, reduce clutter, and ease the transition.

By renting a self-storage unit, you’ll have the space to keep sentimental items, avoid unnecessary conflict, and enjoy a smoother, more organised move. If you and your partner are preparing to move in together, consider how self-storage can be a helpful tool to make the process easier and more enjoyable. Contact Us at Need A Space, we are a friendly, family run team ready to assist with your self storage requirements.

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Benefits of Using Local Self Storage for Last-Mile Logistics

In today’s fast-paced world of e-commerce and high consumer expectations, businesses need to streamline their logistics operations to remain competitive. Last-mile delivery, the final step in the supply chain process where goods are delivered to the customer, is one of the most complex and costly phases of logistics. As companies seek innovative ways to improve efficiency and cut costs, using local self-storage facilities has emerged as a valuable solution. This strategy can offer businesses several key benefits, especially in the context of last-mile logistics. At Need A Space we have a huge choice of storage options to support businesses service clients in East Kent.

What is Last-Mile Logistics?

Before diving into the benefits, it’s essential to understand what last-mile logistics entails. The last mile refers to the final stage in a product’s journey from a warehouse or distribution centre to the customer’s doorstep. It’s a critical component in ensuring fast, efficient delivery and high customer satisfaction. However, last-mile logistics often present challenges, such as traffic congestion, unpredictable delivery times, and high costs, especially in densely populated urban areas.

Benefits of Using Local Self-Storage for Last-Mile Logistics

1. Cost Efficiency
Local self-storage units provide businesses with a cost-effective alternative to traditional warehousing. Leasing large warehouses, particularly in high-demand urban areas, can be expensive. Self-storage units, on the other hand, offer flexible and affordable space for stock storage. Businesses can rent smaller units based on demand, reducing overhead and ensuring they only pay for the space they actually use.

2. Proximity to Customers
One of the key advantages of local self-storage is location. Self-storage facilities like Need A Space are often located close to residential and urban areas, making them ideal for businesses that need to keep inventory close to their customers. At Need A Space we are conveniently located for all of East Kent, including Canterbury Ashford as well as an easy run don to Dover. This proximity significantly reduces delivery times, allowing companies to meet the growing demand for faster, same-day, or next-day deliveries.

3. Scalability
Business demand can fluctuate, especially during peak seasons like holidays or sales events. Self-storage offers the flexibility to scale up or down easily. Companies can quickly rent additional units when demand surges and reduce their footprint during quieter periods. This adaptability helps businesses manage inventory more efficiently and control costs.

4. Enhanced Delivery Efficiency
By utilising local self-storage facilities as micro-distribution hubs, businesses can store goods closer to the end customer. This reduces the distance delivery vehicles need to travel, lowering fuel costs and improving delivery times. In densely populated urban areas where traffic congestion can cause delays, having inventory in a nearby self-storage facility can make a significant difference in speeding up deliveries.

5. Improved Customer Satisfaction
Fast, reliable deliveries are essential to customer satisfaction. The closer your inventory is to your customers, the faster you can fulfil their orders. Using local self-storage for last-mile logistics enables businesses to offer more reliable and predictable delivery windows, leading to happier customers and higher repeat business.

6. Reduced Carbon Footprint
With increasing awareness of environmental concerns, businesses are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. By shortening delivery routes, self-storage facilities can help companies decrease the emissions associated with last-mile logistics. Fewer miles travelled means fewer emissions, aligning your business with sustainable practices and helping to appeal to eco-conscious customers.

7. Increased Flexibility in Operations
Self-storage facilities like Need A Space offer easy access, meaning businesses can retrieve or store goods outside of regular business hours. This flexibility is particularly useful for businesses that operate on tight schedules or need to accommodate late or early deliveries. Additionally, many self-storage facilities offer features like climate control, enhanced security, and customisable storage options, which can be tailored to a business’s specific needs.

8. Reduced Out Of Stocks and Delays
Having inventory stored locally in self-storage units means businesses can react quickly to restock items when demand surges. Instead of waiting for goods to arrive from a distant warehouse, they can quickly dispatch products from nearby storage. This reduces the risk of “out of stocks” and ensures timely delivery, which is crucial in maintaining customer loyalty.

Conclusion

For businesses navigating the complexities of last-mile logistics, local self-storage offers a range of strategic benefits. From cost efficiency to faster delivery times and improved customer satisfaction, using self-storage as part of your logistics strategy can enhance operational flexibility and drive business growth. Whether you’re a small e-commerce start up or a large retailer, incorporating local self-storage into your last-mile logistics operations is a smart, scalable solution that meets the demands of today’s marketplace.

By leveraging the proximity and flexibility of self-storage facilities, businesses can not only improve their delivery capabilities but also reduce costs and enhance customer experience, creating a competitive edge in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

Here at Need A Space we have many years experience in assisting businesses with self storage requirements. Contact Us to arrange a site visit and to discuss how we can help with logistics in East Kent.

 

Reasons to Use Self Storage When Presenting Your Home for Sale

When you’re preparing to sell your home, first impressions are crucial. Potential buyers often make up their minds within moments of stepping through the door. That’s why presenting your home in the best possible light is essential to attract offers quickly and at the best price. One effective strategy to enhance your home’s appeal is using self storage. At Need A Space we have a huge choice of storage units available for you with easy access and easy in and out contact terms. Here’s why self storage can be a game-changer when selling your home.

1. Decluttering Creates a Spacious Look

One of the first steps in staging your home is decluttering. Over time, we accumulate items that, while precious to us, may make spaces look cramped or untidy. Self storage provides a convenient solution to temporarily store these belongings. By removing excess furniture, personal items, and knick-knacks, you can create a more spacious and inviting environment. This helps potential buyers visualize themselves living in the space without distractions.

2. Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal

A clean and organised home is inherently more attractive. Self storage allows you to move non-essential items off-site, ensuring that your home looks well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing. With fewer items crowding the rooms, you can highlight your home’s best features, such as beautiful hardwood floors or a modern kitchen.

3. Depersonalising the Space

Personal items such as family photos, awards, and memorabilia can make it difficult for buyers to imagine themselves in your home. Storing these items away in a self storage unit helps depersonalize the space, creating a neutral canvas that appeals to a broader audience. This step is crucial in helping potential buyers connect emotionally with the property.

4. Creating a Stress-Free Moving Experience

Selling a home often means simultaneously buying a new one, which can be overwhelming. Using self storage to manage the transition can alleviate some of this stress. By gradually moving non-essential items into storage, you can reduce the chaos and keep your home show-ready at all times. This also makes the final move-out process more straightforward, as many items are already packed and ready to go.

5. Protecting Valuables

During the selling process, your home will be open to numerous showings. To ensure that your valuable items are safe, consider using self storage. Items such as jewellery, important documents, and heirlooms can be securely stored off-site, giving you peace of mind during open houses and viewings.

6. Facilitating Home Repairs and Upgrades

Often, preparing a home for sale involves minor repairs and upgrades to increase its market value. Whether it’s repainting walls, fixing leaks, or updating fixtures, having a clutter-free space can make these tasks easier to accomplish. Storing excess items off-site during this period can facilitate quicker and more efficient improvements, helping you get your home ready for the market sooner.

7. Showcasing Storage Potential

Ironically, one of the benefits of using self storage is that it can help you showcase your home’s storage potential more effectively. Emptying closets, cabinets, and garages of non-essential items can demonstrate to buyers just how much storage space is available, which is a significant selling point for many.

Conclusion

Using self storage when presenting your home for sale offers numerous advantages. From decluttering and enhancing aesthetic appeal to protecting valuables and facilitating home improvements, it’s a practical and effective solution. By making your home more attractive and buyer-friendly, self storage can help you secure a faster sale and a better price. When preparing to sell, consider the benefits of self storage as a strategic tool in your home staging arsenal. By incorporating these strategies, you can transform your home into a market-ready property that stands out to potential buyers. Remember, the goal is to create a space where buyers can envision their future, and self storage can play a vital role in achieving that vision.

Here at Need A Space our family run friendly team have many years experience in assisting clients declutter and prepare their homes for sale. Contact Us to arrange a site visit and explore all our different storage solutions available for you.

The Dos And Don'ts Of Using Self Storage

An Essential Guide:

Self-storage units have become an indispensable solution for managing space. Whether you are downsizing, moving, or just need extra room for your belongings, self-storage offers a convenient and secure option. However, maximising the benefits of self-storage requires some know-how. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the dos and don’ts when using self-storage to help you make the most of your unit. Do feel free to make contact with us at Need A Space to discuss any specific requirements you may have, or to compare all that we offer.

The Dos

1. Do Plan and Organise
Before moving your items into a storage unit, make a plan. Take inventory of what you’ll be storing and group similar items together. This will help you stay organized and make it easier to locate items when needed.

2. Do Use Quality Packing Materials
Invest in high-quality packing materials such as sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and protective covers. At Need A Space we offer a full range of packaging materials to assist you. Proper packing materials will protect your items from damage and help maintain their condition.

3. Do Label Everything
Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will save you time and frustration when you need to retrieve something from your unit.

4. Do Use Shelving Units
If your storage unit allows, install shelving units. Shelving helps maximize vertical space and keeps your items organized and accessible. It also reduces the risk of items being crushed or damaged.

5. Do Create an Aisle
When packing your storage unit, leave a walkway or aisle so you can easily access your items. This is especially important if you’ll be visiting the unit frequently.

6. Do Use Climate-Controlled Units for Sensitive Items
If you’re storing items sensitive to temperature and humidity, such as electronics, artwork, or antiques, consider renting a climate-controlled unit. These units maintain a consistent environment to protect your belongings from extreme conditions. At Need A Space our indoor units are are all controlled for humidity for your peace of mind.

7. Do Insure Your Valuable Belongings
Check if your homeowner’s or rental insurance covers items in storage. If not, consider purchasing insurance through Need A Space. This ensures your items are protected in case of theft, fire, or other unforeseen events.

8. Do Store Items Off the Ground
Place pallets or boards on the floor to keep your items off the ground. This protects them from potential water damage due to flooding or leaks as unlikely as that is in a well protected environment such as Need A Space.

The Don’ts

1. Don’t Store Hazardous Materials
Avoid storing items that are hazardous, flammable, or perishable. This includes fuels, batteries, propane & lpg cylinders, fireworks, and perishable food items amongst others. These can pose serious risks to your belongings and the entire storage facility. At Need A Space we can advise on all potential hazards and items that we cannot accept into storage.

2. Don’t Overfill Your Boxes
While it’s important to maximise space, overfilling boxes can lead to damage and make them difficult to move. Keep boxes at a manageable weight and fill empty spaces with packing materials to prevent items from shifting.

3. Don’t Forget to Drain Appliances
If you’re storing appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, or dishwashers, make sure to drain all water from them. This prevents leaks, mould, and mildew from developing inside your unit.

4. Don’t Store Valuables Without Extra Insurance
Items like jewellery, important documents, and family heirlooms should be stored with extra insurance. Consider using a safe or lockbox for these items, or keep them at home if possible. At Need A Space our facility offers the latest in high tech security but do think carefully about which items you wish to lock away from home.

5. Don’t Neglect Maintenance
Regularly visit your storage unit to check on your items and ensure they are in good condition. Look for signs of damage, pests, or leaks, and address any issues promptly.

6. Don’t Use Plastic Bags for Long-Term Storage
While plastic bags might seem convenient, they can trap moisture and lead to mould and mildew. Instead, use breathable materials like fabric covers for long-term storage.

7. Don’t Forget to Check the Facility’s Security
Ensure the storage facility has adequate security measures in place, such as surveillance cameras, gated access, and individual unit alarms. This helps protect your belongings from theft and vandalism. Naturally at Need A Space our latest high tech security and automated gate comes as standard for you peace of mind.

8. Don’t Ignore the Contract Details
Read your storage contract carefully whoever you store with. At Need A Space we like to keep our terms simple and easy to follow, we also offer easy in and out terms with just one month’s notice required. Not all self storage providers offer that, so do check. Understand the terms, including payment schedules, access hours, and policies on late fees etc. This helps avoid any surprises and ensures a smooth storage experience.

By following these dos and don’ts, you can make the most of your self-storage unit, keeping your belongings safe, organised, and easily accessible. Whether you’re storing for a short period or the long term, these tips will help you navigate the process with confidence and ease.

For more information on self-storage solutions, tips, and best practices, stay tuned to our blog.  At Need A Space we have many years of experience in self storage as one of the longest established in Kent. Do feel free to contact us to arrange a site visit or to discuss your requirements with any obligation or pressure. Our family run friendly team is ready to assist.

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