Blog
Self Storage is Still Soaring in the UK
Self-storage is still one of the big growth industries in the UK. Even following a year dominated by the uncertainty of Brexit, there is now more than 45.6million square feet of storage space across the country, according to the latest annual report by the Self Storage Association UK.
Hamiltons Removals offer self-storage rental at two sites in East Anglia. Here we look at some of the key findings of the report, and explain why your items will be safe at our Safe N Stored storage facilities in Harleston and Aldeby.
Key Facts and Figures
- There are now almost 1,600 storage sites across the UK.
- 78 new stores opened across the country during 2018.
- The industry now has an annual turnover of £720million.
- Private customers rent out around 62% of the total storage space, with business customers occupying the rest.
- Most users are aged 50 and over.
Why People Choose Self Storage
Almost half of the people surveyed had used self-storage because of space issues – either because they didn’t have enough room in their home (31%), or because they needed to create extra space (13%). House moves were the next biggest contributory factor, with 23% being ‘between properties’ and 9% not having enough space in their new home.
12% of people gave ‘an important life event’ as the reason for needing a self-storage facility. This covered marriage, the arrival of a new baby, separation, divorce, death and inheritance. And another 6% said they had put items into storage while their house was being redecorated.
What Customers Are Looking For
Most people preferred to use a facility close to their home or business, with six out of every 10 people surveyed living less than 15 minutes away. Hamiltons Removals have Safe N Stored self-storage rooms at Harleston, and self-storage containers at Aldeby. Both sites are ideal for residents and businesses in north Suffolk and south Norfolk, including Diss, Bungay, Stradbroke and Beccles. Our containers at Aldeby can house boats, caravans and motorbikes, while our units at Harleston are suitable for smaller items.
Other important features for customers included the ability to drive up to your room or unit – which you can do at Aldeby – and good levels of security. Both our sites are protected by CCTV cameras, and at Harleston these are linked to an alarm system which is connected to Norfolk Police. Our Aldeby site also has full perimeter fencing, lockable gates and monitored entry and exit to and from the site.
Safe Self Storage Rental in East Anglia with Hamiltons Removals
Hamiltons Removals are members of the Self Storage Association UK, which means we are regulated by, and comply with, all their best practices. We also belong to the Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association, which sets great store by high levels of security.
Our self-storage room prices start at around £65 a month, and you can rent a storage container from us for about £52 a month. If you would like to know more, follow this link or call us on 01379 855203.
How A Self-Storage Unit Will Help You Spring Clean
Once winter is finally over, many people’s thoughts turn to spring cleaning their home. Here, Hamiltons Removals looks at the history of spring cleaning and how renting out a self-storage unit can help make it so much simpler.
The History of the Spring Clean
The practice of spring cleaning has deep roots. Some believe the tradition began as part of the Persian New Year, while others link it back to the Jewish tradition of preparing the house for the festival of Passover. Here in the UK, spring cleaning involved opening up the windows to freshen air in the house after winter, when open fires caused an accumulation of soot and dust.
While most homes now use central heating, the practice of spring cleaning is still common in the UK. It may not be done yearly now but most people feel the need at least every few years, and often as part of a wider declutter.
Self Storage Clears Covered Surfaces
If you’d like to spring clean your home, putting your belongings into self-storage while you tackle it makes the job so much easier. Instead of constantly moving items from one room to another while you clean and wait for surfaces to dry, you can clean everywhere in one go.
If you’re redecorating or deep cleaning carpets, self-storage for bulky items of furniture can be particularly helpful. Our furniture storage units are ideal for people living in Diss, Bungay, Beccles and the surrounding area, allowing customers to move and collect their items whenever is most convenient for them. Placing them securely in storage also helps avoid the risk of damage from paint or cleaning materials.
Make it Part of an Overall Declutter
Whether you’ve been inspired by decluttering mogul Marie Kondo or just want to reorganise your living space, putting items into self-storage can help you decide what to keep and what to let go of.
Items you’re sure you no longer want or need can be sold on internet auction sites, donated to friends, family or charity, or taken to your local household waste recycling centre. However, if there are items you’re unsure about, putting them in storage can help you with the decision process. If you find you miss something, you know you should keep it. But if you don’t miss something at all, and prefer the increased living space, you’ll know it can go for good.
Make it Part of a Seasonal Swap-Around
Some things are only useful at certain times of the year and self-storage units enable you to move items winter items out of the way while bringing spring and summer items back as part of your spring clean.
Winter clothing, for example, can be safely stored away and summer clothing brought out. Christmas and Halloween decorations, fireside accessories and winter sports gear can also go into your storage unit while patio furniture, electric fans and gardening tools can come out.
Self Storage Rental in East Anglia with Hamiltons Removals
If you are interested in self storage rental in East Anglia, Hamiltons Removals have plenty of space at our Safe N Stored sites in South Norfolk.
Our Harleston site has storage rooms from 15 square feet upwards. Customers pay only for what they need, with prices from £65 per month. If you need to store a lawn mower, boat, motorbike or other large item, you’ll find a range of larger units at our Aldeby site. Both sites have easy access for owners and are protected by CCTV cameras.
For more information about our Safe n Stored services, which also can include collection and delivery and insurance cover, visit our Safe N Stored self-storage pages or call us on 01379 855203.