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Essential Packing Supplies For Self Storage & Moving

Preparing items for storage seems straight forward, right? Well, it isn’t as easy as it seems. Unless you are not too concerned about the well-being of your belongings.

When getting stuff ready for self storage or just packing away things for the winter months. You want to ensure that you pack your items correctly and the best you can. This will help to protect your belongings from potential damage.

But what do you need to ensure you do the job properly? You’ll need the following packing supplies, as well as great packing skills. If you want to unpack your items in the same condition that you packed them away that is.

Boxes, all sizes and shapes including Wardrobe Boxes.

Probably the number 1 packing supply, you’ll need lots of good quality moving boxes. Moving boxes as well as archive boxes can come in all shapes and sizes, as well as quality. Don’t go the cheapest option when buying moving boxes. You don’t want the bottom falling out when you’re walking down the street or anywhere else.

In addition, there are standard moving boxes that are suitable for most things. Along with speciality boxes, like a wardrobe box, which is worth the extra expense.

Also ensure that you don’t pack your boxes too heavy. It’s best to make sure you’re able to safely lift them on your own. If you can’t lift them on your own, you’ve probably over-packed it.

Need A Space offer all these kinds of packing boxes at very competitive prices.

Bubble Wrap

Don’t underestimate the importance of bubble wrap. Bubble wrap will help protect your fragile and more breakable items from potential damage. Plus, it’s great for wrapping up those oddly shaped items.

In addition, try to avoid using old sheets, towels or paper as these materials will not provide the same protection as bubble wrap will.

Labelling Materials / Permanent Marker

Label your items as you pack. You want to be able to identify what’s in each box without having to sift through it. Some people may be happy with using a permanent marker to label their moving boxes and some may prefer proper moving labels It doesn’t necessarily matter how you choose to label your boxes, as long they are labelled clearly. Try to be specific where possible. ie label your archive boxes with filing contents rather than just a generic “Office”. Much easier that way when you are hunting for some car documents for example in your storage unit.

Furthermore, make sure you label your boxes on multiple sides. This will help when trying to find items in your storage unit.

wardrobe boxHeavy Duty Packing Tape

Another key packing supply is heavy duty packing tape. You want to ensure you buy durable tape that’s strong and sticky. It’ll also make it easier if you have a proper tape gun to go with it. This way you won’t lose the end of the roll and the tape will dispense a lot easier and quicker.

Fragile Packing Tape

A great way to ensure your breakable items are going to be safe is to purchase a roll of fragile tape. This may seem excessive, however if you don’t want your items damaged, this is a great extra step to take. The tape stands out and helps to avoid breakages as people are aware that the box contains fragile items.

Need a Space can offer you a variety of tapes to suit your needs.

Now You’re Ready to Pack for Self Storage or your Home Move.

These are all essential packing supplies. They will help to ensure your items are stored correctly and avoid damage whilst in self storage. Plus, they’ll also make it easier when you need to locate something within your storage unit.

In addition, any of these packing supplies can be purchased from Need A Space at affordable prices. Our packing options makes us a convenient East Kent Self Storage Facility, offering everything you need right here on site. Stop by to pick up some supplies or pre-purchase them online – it’s that easy!

Looking for Packaging Essentials in East Kent. Don’t hesitate to Contact Us at Need A Space.

Self Storage for Tradesmens Tools & Equipment

Why Tradespeople from Builders, Plumbers to Carpenters use Need A Space Self Storage:

When it comes to tool and equipment storage, there’s no time to mess about. Whether you’re a sole trader, small or medium business, keeping tools and equipment safe should be at the top of your to-do list.

Not only are they expensive to replace but if a tool is broken or stolen, you may also lose out on potential business. That raises the question of where (and how) to store your tools when not in use so here we look at some simple tool storage advice and how Need A Space can help.

Self Storage for Tools and Equipment for all Tradespeople:

As a tradesman, you need your tools with you at all times, or at least in a secure and easily accessible location. If you were to rent business premises, you are likely going to use it mostly for tool storage and that’s not always cost effective.

You are better off renting a self storage unit as the cost is low and easily accessible which makes it incredibly convenient. A self storage facility can essentially help you save on rental fees, property insurance and staffing costs. It offers the ideal solution for all your tool storage needs as you can keep dirty work tools out of the house while giving you easy access as needed. If you choose a storage facility you can even use it as a halfway point of sorts. Here’s how it can work for you.

How Self Storage Can Help When Storing Tools And Equipment:

One of the biggest concerns for tradesmen is storing and transporting tools and equipment but self storage offers a unique solution. Whilst you may not need heavy equipment or loads of tools for every job, what happens when you do?
Many tradespeople simply keep everything in their van but that can be very risky. Even if you lock your van, install an alarm and have the necessary tradesman liability insurance in place, there is always a chance of would-be thieves getting their hands on your expensive tools and equipment.
If you rent a dedicated storage unit, all your tools will stay dry and safe no matter what. You can keep heavy and expensive equipment in the storage unit until you need them and only carry what you most often use in your van. This means there’s a smaller load on your van and less money spent on fuel.

self storage tools

Benefits Of A Storage Unit for tools and equipment:

All types of tradespeople need specific tools, equipment and parts, such as pipes, fittings and other items. Having your own tool storage unit filled with everything you most often need can make your life a lot easier. Here are some of the main benefits of a storage unit:

It provides 24-hour security (and peace of mind).
You can store more items than at home or in the van  It helps avoid running out of parts and being unable to finish a job.
Limits back-and-forth trips to DIY stores and merchants to find what you are looking for.
Employees can get access to your self storage unit so they can get stock whenever they need to and Units with drive-up access make storing heavy or bulky items much easier.
Collect or drop off stock and equipment between jobs, before or after work.

Knowing what you need and what you want to store beforehand is important to keep your business operations running smoothly. Different tools may need different types of boxes, containers, shelves or pegboard. Depending on the item and storage conditions, resealable plastic containers are typically better but you can also use sturdy, good quality cardboard.

Important tips for tool storage and a few things you can do to keep your space more organised:

Create an inventory for different tools and sort them according to category and ideally use a tool storage cabinet with pegboard backing.
Hang baskets or containers on hooks or even arrange some racking for your storage unit.
Maximise vertical tool storage space with wall strips.
Invest in a mobile workbench.
Use the excess space on the end of cabinets or shelves.
Keep nuts and bolts and all smaller parts in clear large jars.

Ideas For Temporarily Keeping Your Tools Safe In Your Car or Van:

Even if you have a storage unit, there are times you don’t have a choice but to keep things in your car. However, there are a few things you can do to keep everything as safe as possible:
Park in well-lit areas with CCTV coverage.
Tint your windows, install an alarm and an immobiliser if not factory fitted.
Display stickers showing that ‘no tools are left in this van overnight’ although thieves still smash a window or peel back a door just to check.
Make sure you have proof of what has been stolen by taking a photo of the van’s fully laden contents which will make an insurance claim much easier.
Take out separate tool insurance which is often easier to claim against and comes with lower excess than van insurance or save on the cost by using storage.

Why Choose Need A Space for your Self Storage

Need A Space is conveniently located just off the A2 between Canterbury and Faversham. Operated by a family run friendly team and the lowest storage rates around. With the latest in high tech security and all our units at ground floor level we have made the process as easy as possible. Contact us on 01227 751673 and find out more.

How to pack and stack your self storage unit

Whether you are experienced at self storage, or are new to renting a storage unit, it might at first appear easy enough to pack your possessions or stock in the storage unit and close the door. However, with some planning and careful packing you can really make the most of the space in your storage unit at Need A Space.

packing self storage

  • Save yourself future problems by coming up with a plan of how you will pack your self-storage unit,  go one step further by creating a little map or plan of where boxes/certain items are. It sounds simple, but make sure that you put the items that you’re going to need most frequently near the front of the storage unit.
  • Always try to label boxes with what room they relate to and ideally a bullet point summary list of the items that are inside.
  • Make the most of vertical space in your unit by only placing shelves around the inner walls of your unit.
  • If you store things that are too heavy on top of one another, the bottom boxes will crumple, so plan your piles!
  • Storing your possessions around the inner walls first will really be such a huge benefit! Try to ensure you leave a space between different rows of items, so you’ll still be able to reach everything when next needed.
  • Once all the boxes are labelled, make sure the labelled area is facing outwards to your walk around space where possible.
  • If you plan to store large furniture such as sofas, wardrobes, beds, try and stand those items upright so they’re taking up more vertical space. This helps you make the most of the higher up space that is often under utilised in storage units.
  • Make sure you properly wrap your furniture before you store it, use mattress and sofa bags to protect your items and keep them clean and dust-free. Do the same for wooden furniture.
  • Protect your belongings by packing them in high quality packaging supplies such as heavy-duty boxes and bubble wrap.
  • Ask us at Need A Space about our packaging materials prior to starting to store. We offer everything from boxes in all sizes, mattress bags, cardboard clothes hanger wardrobes, bubble wrap and all that you could require, as well as of course packaging tape.

If you’re ready to move your belongings into storage, contact us at Need A Space and take advantage of our free expert advice with regard to the size of unit you may require. Our easily accessed facility is just off the A2 between Canterbury and Faversham. All our units are at a ground floor level, with dehumidified indoor options as well as thermally insulated external containers. Combined with the latest in high tech security to keep your possessions safe as well the lowest storage rates around.

Contact Us at Need A Space and find out more, or arrange a site visit, all without obligation, you will find our friendly, family run team headed by Lisa, ready to assist you.

 

 

 

Self Storage Helping Businesses Transition Online

Need A Space are at the forefront in assisting businesses across East Kent with the transition to online.

The number of online businesses continues it’s rapid increase. During the first Covid lockdown we saw a boom like no other; more than 85,000 businesses launched online stores or joined an online marketplace in the first four months after the first lockdown last, says Growth Intelligence.

Businesses need to be more agile and able to adapt to these circumstances. Self-storage plays an essential role in this, but just how is Need A Space helping businesses move online across Kent?

Helping you Lower Overheads

Need A Space offers a wide range of storage spaces at great prices. If you wish to start trading online, a self-storage unit will allow you to store your stock, safely and securely. With unit sizes to suit your business’s requirements, our storage facilities are ideal for those who want to store stock, expand or need more space for their stock.

We do not charge business rates, utility bills or security fees. The money you save can be invested in your business instead.

We also have an ‘easy in, easy out’ flexible agreement, which means you only rent as much space as you need and for only as long as you need it. In unpredictable times, you want to minimize your financial exposure and using storage space means you can reduce your high street presence.

What’s more, just one month’s notice is required, you really can reduce your overheads and with our fixed rates you know exactly where you stand with your cash flow.

 

 

self storage in herne bay

Creating Space

If you run an online business, it can be challenging to store your inventory without business premises.

But, with a flexible unit, you do not have to rely on storing boxes and packages at home. At Need A Space, you will find storage units of many different sizes, meaning you can easily find one that is as big or as small as you require – and available when you need it. You can scale your unit up or down to suit your supply chain too.

Use Storage as a Fulfilment Centre

Our storage units are not just ideal for keeping stock. You can request packaging materials that we offer and we can  advise on organising your space as you need it so it becomes a great space for your mini fulfilment centre too. You can pack and label your items with ease, ship boxes to where they need to go and stay organised with a space designed for business.

You will find everything you need at Need A Space – so you can move your business online with minimal disruption and just as fast as you can launch your website. Simply move in to start taking advantage of our units.

Get A Mailing Address Parcel Service

Not just storage units, we offer mailing address services for business as well as post boxes on site. By arrangement we can even handle your inwards and outwards parcel and packages requirements with couriers. Businesses must be flexible in the current environment and Need A Space is right there with you. Our flexibility means we adapt to you, not the other way around.

We offer the best deals on self storage to be found anywhere in East Kent. This means you will not be tied down into long-term contracts – useful for both start-ups and well-established companies, as it gives you the control you need to run your business as you see fit and control costs.

You can also scale up to a bigger unit or to downsize any time you want. We make it easy for you, so you can focus on what matters: your business.

Reduce Your Retail Space

Self-storage units make it easier for businesses to move online because they eliminate the need for retail space. If you do not want to keep paying rent for premises you are not using fully or simply want to change the way you operate, you can rely on storage units to provide the space you need.

It does not matter if you are an eBay or Amazon seller, a YouTube business or anything else in-between; a self-storage unit has multiple uses. Of course, it can be used to store your merchandise, but our business customers use their space in many ways.

Need A Space is perfect for those seeking self storage, since you can save on rent while benefiting from a goods in service and lengthy access hours or combine your storage with other services including our mailing address offers.

Enjoy Fully Secure Storage Facilities

Security is top priority on your list of things you want from a storage facility. At Need A Space, you can have peace of mind knowing that your possessions are safe at all times due to our 24-hour security system, access gate entry controls, intruder alarm systems, laser beams and superb fire and safety precautions.

Our storage facility is also up to date on COVID restrictions guidance. We wear face coverings while still providing a friendly service and there is a sanitisation station located in our office as well as protective screening. We also deep clean to ensure that the most touched areas are cleaned regularly, like PIN pads, card machines, door handles and more.

Why is Need A Space the Right Option?

In short, our storage facilities offer clean, modern units for all your business needs, be it the offsite stock room or traditional large space storage. All of our units or containers feature ground floor access for your stock. With the lowest rates around, ideal for businesses who are starting up and don’t need a high street presence or for those that need to scale down or move their business online.

Whether you no longer need retail space or you are setting up an online business, we give you the flexibility you need along with top security and family run friendly service.

 

Contact Us at Need A Space today and see how we can assist you…

Self Storage Help With Your Move

 

The Ways Need A Space Self-Storage Can Help With Your Move 

Moving home can be one of life’s most challenging moments but also one of the most exciting, Need A Space self-storage can help every step of the way. We can save you time and money and make the move smoother by providing self-storage for your home contents. Whether renting or buying your new place we are here to support you.

At Need A Space, we have assisted homeowners and renters move to a new home. Here are just some of the ways Need A Space can help, such as:

  • Assisting with van rental, free move in vans for longer term storage customers
  • Introductions to local removal companies that we work with
  • When you’re packing and unpacking
  • When you’re decluttering your home
  • When you’re trying to sell your home
  • When you’re in-between homes
  • When your new home needs renovating

When You’re Preparing To Move or Need Removal Help

Packing can be time-consuming but, with self-storage, you can pack your belongings little by little and take it easy. You’ll be free to tackle each room in the home at your leisure instead of feeling pressured to hurry up, and the same goes for unpacking.

Need A Space work with selected local removal companies too that can offer you very competitive quotes, as well as man and van services. We also offer storage clients a free move in van to assist getting your items to storage

After you’ve moved in, you want to have some time to settle in, so gradually unpack the boxes by taking only a few at a time from your storage unit ,once you’ve decided where you want to put the items

At Need A Space you can even use our units a bit like you would a spare room. For example, if there are items you’re not using currently, you don’t want them crowding your new home, so leave them with us for as long as you need.

When You’re Decluttering your home

Even if the move doesn’t involve downsizing, why not take the opportunity to clear out your home?

  • Most home movers have more items than they realise, if this is your case, self-storage can make it all go so much more smoothly..
  • Removals companies tend to charge by the hour and by the number of journeys they have to make. If you move some of your possessions into storage, you’ll save on both moving time and money.
  • Decluttering helps you see how furniture will fit in your new place, but it also creates a dilemma. What to keep and what to get rid of. You don’t want to end up giving away or selling sentimental items because you felt hurried.
  • Putting your items in storage will buy you the time you need to make a decision on them. This is especially important if the move comes off the back of a life event like divorce, a new baby or even moving in together for the first time.

When You’re Trying to Sell your home

When selling a property, you want to showcase it at its best to make it appealing to potential buyers. This can be difficult to accomplish if your home is cluttered. Self-storage will help make your house or apartment look more attractive by creating space.

For instance, take out big furniture pieces that either hinder passageways or simply make a room look small. It’s normal to become blind to how much stuff is around you, so go through everything ruthlessly and keep only a few things on display.

Don’t get too carried away, because you don’t want your home to look completely empty or devoid of personality! The idea is to create an attractive canvas that helps potential buyers imagine themselves living there.

When You’re In-Between Homes 

When buying a property, it may be easier to stay with family or rent a smaller place whilst selling your current one. It means you can move more quickly when the right house for you comes along.

So, if you do end up in between homes, it’s likely you won’t have space for all your furniture and packed boxes. And unpacking a huge amount of furniture is not worth it if you’re not staying there long anyway. Take the essentials with you, while storing the rest, which you can retrieve once you’re finally settled in your new home.

At Need A Space, you’ll find plenty of units that can help you during your move, from our indoor units to containers. They allow you to just approach your storage, add or retrieve your possessions, and drive away, a system that could not be simpler.

When You are Refurbishing Your New Home 

Self-storage is also a great option if your new property is in need of some TLC. Whether you’re looking to renovate or redecorate – or both – it’s a lot easier to get work done if the room or home is emptied out.

Moving all your stuff in before you’ve had the chance to replace carpets, paint walls or anything else you need to make the property feel like home, would take up a lot more of your time. You’d have to shift furniture around or pile your personal belongings into another room so, instead, place it all into storage.

Your items will be secure and you can retrieve them when you’re ready. At Need A Space, we offer flexible storage from just 1 month at our facility, we also offer all the boxes and packaging materials you may need for your move.

Need A Space Storage Can Help You 

There is no denying how moving to a new house is stressful, so make it easier on yourself by using self-storage.

We can offer you:

  • The lowest storage rates around
  • Easy access and industry leading security
  • No maintenance costs
  • No utility bills
  • No business rates
  • No security fees
  • 24-hour security system
  • Access entry controls
  • Intruder alarm systems
  • Laser guided monitor systems
  • On site equipment such as trolleys and Sack Trucks
  • All ground floor level units

 

Feel free to ask any questions you may have and don’t hesitate to contact us. Our family run friendly storage service is ready to assist you. Easy access and convenient location just off the A2 between Canterbury and Faversham. Visit our Contact and Information Page to find out more and arrange a site visit.

 

Space saving guide for your home

Saving Space at home with storage hacks:

Need A Space offer a full range of self storage options, here we offer a handy guide to create space at home prior to utilising self storage. As your local East Kent self storage experts, do also consider taking advantage of our many years of experience with how to make the most of self storage space in one of our units.

The idea behind storage hacks are creative, unconventional ways to make your space work a little bit harder and help keep your space tidy. So, whether you’re in the process of moving and will have a little less storage or are simply trying to make a little more room where you already are, check out our list of space saving hacks.

Utilise Space better with bookcases

Installing bookcases is among the simplest and most effective DIY tasks. Whether in the bathroom for towel storage, in the bedroom for your book collection, or anywhere else in the house, shelves are an aesthetically pleasing and functional addition to almost any room. However, you can go well beyond the shelves themselves. For instance, consider adding hooks – either adhesive or screw-in – under a shelf. This is a great way to store lightweight items like mugs or hand towels in otherwise unused space. If you’re renting and can’t put holes in the walls, consider a freestanding bookcase.

Many space saving hacks are reminders that storage doesn’t have to be used as intended – and shelving is no exception. Narrow shelving with a ledge, typically used to display books, is a great option for displaying indoor plants. Similarly, spice racks can make a wonderful display stand for books, ideal for little ones who want to keep their favourite picture book within reach at all times.

organising space at home

Storage Boxes, Crates and Cupboards

Interior Designers advise using mini-crates and furniture boxes for storing items in cupboards. Group items together; spices and herbs, first aid stuff and medicine, bathroom cleaning gear, kitchen cleaning gear, shoe cleaning products, water bottles. Vegetables and your basics such as pasta and rice also work in larger versions of these. As well as extending storage space, keeping boxes in your cupboards also makes it easier to get at items at the back that would otherwise be extremely hard to reach without unpacking the whole cupboard. Magazine holders are brilliant in cupboard organisation for larger and longer items such as rolls of cling film, foil, baking paper, chopping boards.

Wardrobes and Rails storage options

With a little creativity and a pair of pliers, you can transform a wire clothes hanger into a shoe hanger, freeing up space at the bottom of the wardrobe. Don’t forget about the wardrobe doors, either. If there’s a little gap between the contents of the wardrobe and the doors, you can affix hooks to the door to buy you a little extra space.

In a wardrobe you can use crates or boxes to bundle items such as socks, knickers, bras and sleepwear, if you don’t have lots of drawers to use. If you need additional storage in a sitting room, look for wooden chests or boxes that you can double up as coffee tables or lamp stands.

Storage Furniture uses

Design Consultants offer some furniture-based storage hacks. Maximising the space you have through furniture design is one of the smartest ways of organising the items you don’t need on display all the time. Storing items under the bed is something most of us can relate to. There’s a difference though, between shoving stuff under there in an out of sight state of mind to storing these things properly.

A really simple method of organising that we can all get on board with is using budget plastic storage boxes that slot easily underneath most beds. The majority come with lids so you can avoid dust gathering on said items. A day bed is a great option for a smaller room if you’re after a stylish more permanent option – these come with drawers built-in and the beds are designed to go next to the wall. They can be used for seating in the day and transform into a comfy bed for the night-time.

Remember to declutter and relocate to self storage all the excess items

Storage hacks can only do so much. At a certain point, you just need to declutter. Have a good clear out, be ruthless. If it’s in the kitchen and you haven’t used it for over 12 months do you really need it?  Sell what you can on eBay and other selling sites to raise funds to improve your storage elsewhere. Or send it to the charity shop and feel good that someone else is getting use out of it.

If you are ready to declutter, but just can’t part with your beloved belongings do not hesitate to contact Need A Space and take advantage of our many years of experience with self storage.

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