"Excellent facilities. Very helpful staff. Would recommend to anyone."
I. King, Stamford
"Very good service with excellent facilities. Easy registration & immediate use of unit was paramount."
P. Cory, Ipswich
With the clocks now turned back an hour and the nights really drawing in – winter is upon us and for some businesses this can mean increased stock holding for typical Christmas lines, such as cards, gifts or decorations or more general winter products from wool to water butts!
"Wool" photo courtesy of Darren Robertson/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
With increased stock holding comes the obvious question of space. Can you buy the bulk quantity to get the best price or is the quantity you buy limited due to the space you have available to store the items?
Of course this is not just a winter problem, this is seasonal. You may have space to store this seasons lines but what happens when you start buying in for the spring or summer and winter isn’t over. Then what happens to any remaining winter stock when summer starts?
You might be one of the huge numbers of people who now sell on-line and as annoying for some as it is – not all on-line business is carried out on a drop shipment basis! Some products or suppliers demand holding stock yourself. Working from home has its benefits but stock holding at home doesn’t – the car if it hasn’t already, is now relegated to the drive or the kerb as the Garage becomes the new product store. The only thing is the garage was never really designed to house anything other than the car and possibly gardening and DIY tools. Also, have you considered the security of the garage? While you may have alarms fitted to the main house, have the garage access points been alarmed too?
It’s not only stock holding which may be a problem, archiving accounts takes space for paperwork and while a filing cabinet may not take up that much space, the bigger the business the more paperwork that is required.
Self storage is not as scary as you may think; we are usually met with looks of amazement and relief when first time “storers” take a tour round the facility. We think they are expecting a murder mystery and haunted house tour – so when they see well lit corridors, bright doors, background music and CCTV all in a secure building they are very pleasantly surprised.
Photo courtesy of Master isolated images /FreeDigitalPhotos.net"Christmas Set"
Why not pop in and have a look round for yourself, whether it’s spring, summer, autumn or winter, whether you definitely need storage or possibly may need storage in the future whether it would be for a week or a year, we would love to dispel any myths for you and discuss any seasonal requirements specific to you and your business. But remember storage can be for life (if you need it) and not just for Christmas!!
The Housing Report is a new project aimed at holding the Government to account for the promises it has made across a range of areas of housing policy and is jointly produced by the National Housing Federation, Shelter and the Chartered Institute of Housing
The report gives traffic lights as symbols of progress on 10 key areas and in the first edition, published this month, the Government receives four red lights, three amber lights and two green lights.
"We have just moved house – again – and although it is a long time since the last time we moved, some things never change!
All the packing, taping and labelling boxes, wrapping all our precious goods, worrying about our treasured furniture, hassles of knowing where to put everything.
Although we labelled all the boxes, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom etc., all the boxes seem to have other bits and pieces in the tops to make up the spaces.
If you have ever moved and packed boxes – you will know what I mean. If a box says ‘kitchen’ on it, this could mean kitchen with a bit of bedroom in it!
It has been 6 years since we moved last time and I have to say that this time has been the easiest of all. This time we had the luxury of storage!
We could move the beds, the kettle and something to sit on and leave everything else in storage until I needed it or had the energy to move it!
With having storage, we have been able to live in our new house, decorate each room as we go along and move things into it as needed.
Not only has the storage been a place to put things until we need them, it has been an escape route! When things at the house have become fraught and tense with decorating not going how it should or a shelf gone on wonky, then I have been able to make the excuse that we need something out of our unit and have been able to escape for a while – or a few hours!!
Not only has storage helped me to move, it has prevented world war three erupting in my home and probably saved my relationship!!
Thank you HomeStore……………."
H.B. - Bury st Edmunds
Many new housing developments have been springing up all over Suffolk in the last decade, but while the houses may be more attractively and economically designed and energy efficient they often lack enough storage space.
Families grow and change and if you can’t or don’t want to move to a larger space and you’re not a ruthlessly unsentimental minimalist, most households sooner or later face the problem of “too much stuff”.
Credit: Free photos from acobox.com"
It ranges from heirlooms and souvenirs to household records and documents that you have to keep. It’s all the things you either can’t or don’t want to get rid of, but don’t use on a regular basis.
Renting self storage space can be a very useful and affordable solution and “spare” your spare room or garage from boxes of things that make otherwise usable areas, unusable for original intent.
In brief these are the points you would need to consider when deciding if storage is an option for you -
Location? Most people prefer to store their valuables somewhere close to where they live or work. You may not need to access them often but it helps to be able to get to them quickly and easily when you do.
Access? We all live under time pressures juggling work, family needs and the like. If your possessions were at home, you’d be able to get to them if you needed at a moment when you have spare time, in the evening, at the weekend, even late at night. A unit that gives you 24-hour access therefore to be able to get in whenever you need is a very valid consideration.
Security? Is the location well-lit, properly alarmed, are there CCTV cameras both externally and internally? Within the storage facility you want to be sure your property is stored in a locker or unit that is lockable so that only you have access to the contents.
How much space do you need? Flexible self storage facilities should be able to offer you a range of options, from space for a few boxes to space for a whole house worth of furniture.
How long do you need it for? It may be you only need a short term solution, perhaps to decorate a room. On the other hand you may be moving away for a longer period and need to store for at least 6 months. Check that the facility has a rolling contract, meaning you can continue storing indefinitely until you no longer need the space and you give notice to leave.
Insurance? You should check whether your household contents insurance can be extended to cover items in storage. You can also ask if the storage facility can provide a quote for insurance and then you can compare the costs.
Finally, it’s always a good idea to go and look at the self storage company you’re considering. We always invite people to come and look round as we understand that everybody’s circumstances are different and talking through your options will help us to help you get exactly what you need and the peace of mind of knowing your property’s well cared for.
Self Storage is becoming increasingly popular for a whole host of reasons from domestic house moves through to the storage of business stock and anything imaginable in-between. Even vehicles and caravans can be stored at some facilities.
Self storage however is just one of those things which you probably have never even thought about unless you are in a position of needing some space for whatever reason.
The two main types of storage for general use which most people searching this avenue of feasibility will come across are “Self Storage Units” and “Container Storage”. But what are the differences?
Self Storage Units
Self storage units almost always (but not exclusively) are indoors. Individual storage rooms, within a specialist built or purposely converted building. Storage units can be as small as a 3’ x 3’ x 3’ locker, ideal for a few boxes of personal items and increase in size up to about 300 sq ft of space or even larger.
There are slight variations in construction – either corrugated or flat walled – but generally are made from Aluminium-zinc, with individual hinged or roller doors, with ceiling heights of between 6’ to 10 feet.
These individual units located inside the larger facility have the benefit of being inside a secure building.
Features of self storage facilities vary from company to company but include, 24 hour CCTV, Intruder alarms, secure entry systems, secure perimeter fenced building, fire alarms, 24/7 access, covered loading/unloading area and trolleys & sack barrows to move goods from vehicle to unit.
Container Storage
Container storage is the use of an empty shipping container which has been placed in a permanent location for use as a rented storage space, away from home or business. Containers can also be rented or bought and delivered to you, if you have the hard standing area on your own land or premises.
Standard shipping containers are made from steel and prefabricated into 10’, 20’, or 40 foot lengths as standard.
The containers are located externally in a compound or hard standing area.
Features of container storage companies again vary between companies offering the service but can include CCTV, fenced compound area, 24 hour lighting.
How do you decide what type of storage is best for you?
If you are unsure as to what storage is best for your needs, our best advice would be to go and have a look. This way you can compare different types of storage or different companies. Bear in mind that these items being stored are your personal items and are obviously of value to you. Be aware of your own gut feeling as to whether you like the staff and would be happy to store your items with this company.
The main things to think about are
Location – Is the facility located in an area suitable for you to get to? Is it near your home? Is it located out of town near a main road with easy access or is it in the centre of town, on a busy road with heavy traffic?
Access – Can you access the storage unit/container at any time i.e. 24 hours a day? Or is access limited to certain times of the day?
Security – Is there secure access? Is there CCTV? Is the building or area contained within its own fencing or open so members of the public can wander in? Are there intruder alarms?
Will your goods be kept dry and clean? - Would you want to store them in possible damp or moisture retentive conditions? – Check that the storage units are dry and that the ambient temperature is constant (are there fluctuations in temperature – hot to cold - over a 24 hour period) Is there air movement or are the units air tight? – Air tight units mean that goods cannot breath this can cause condensation and damp and in the worst case, possible mould could form, over a longer period of time.
Do you mind loading and unloading in the open or would it be best to be undercover? – If you are storing soft furnishing in November and it is raining on your storing day, do you really want to unload them in the open air?
Have you got a limited budget? – Containers tend to be cheaper than Self Storage Units but you need to check out all options and speak to the self storage company, they may have other options available.
With a wonderful bank holiday weekend behind us and spring well and truly on the way, we just wanted to take a moment to reflect on the events of these last few days and the connections which have been highlighted for us.
The Royal Wedding of last Friday (29th April) was fantastic. We have all agreed that Catherine looked stunning, Prince William looked very handsome and the couple, now Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, just one of their three titles, seem to be very much in love. A huge audience was watching this really happy occasion from all corners of the world. John, Manager of Ipswich, commented on what a sad loss it was and such a shame that Diana, Princess of Wales, was not able to see her eldest son marry and how she would have loved to have been part of this special day.
Sadly, Diana died 14 years ago, in 1997. Another mass audience, again from around the world, watched mournfully as Diana’s funeral procession drove slowly through the streets of London and two years ago, just for a very short period of time, Ipswich branch, was used for storage for two of the cars that were used to carry members of the Royal Family, on that very sad day.
The cars, one a Classic Rolls Royce and the other a Daimler, also classic, were being moved before being sold.
John, (he’s a mind of information) then went onto say, that during this bank holiday weekend, he had met with a group of old friends for a meal and to catch up with the going’s on in everyone’s lives. During the course of the evening, one of John’s best friends told the story of when he was a professor at St. Andrews University and he had the duty of showing parents of newly accepted students round. One of these new students a one, William Windsor turned up with his father, yes, you’ve guessed it, Prince Charles!
Now, as some of you may know, John in his early years, plied his trade as a professional footballer at Cambridge United and was once crowned “The King of the Abbey” (I think that’s another blog for another day) and with Prince William our “one day King”, we now have two or possibly three “very tenuous” links between HomeStore and Royalty.
But, don’t worry, you don’t have to be of royal blood or have highfaluting contacts to store with us, just the need for some extra space to help alleviate the pressure of your particular circumstance.
HomeStore is again very pleased to be sponsoring the St. Nicholas Hospice Care, Special Events Committee, Race Evening.
This years event is taking place on 12th May 2011 and is a great opportunity to entertain corporate partners or maybe as a fun family evening out.
Follow the link for more details or to make a booking.
All bookings made by 4th May qualify for a discount.
For more information you can call 01284 715597 or 01284 715595 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
When a potential buyer is veiwing a property, their senses are on high alert. Everything they see, smell, hear and even feel will have a bearing on whether they are comfortable in "this" house and if they feel that they could live here and make it their home.
So, we have put together a list of actions which you could consider as you are preparing to sell your house.
- Tidy the Front Garden -This is the first impression anyone has of your house. A nicely mown lawn, no weeds and some plants all give a lovely warm welcome.
- Windows and Doors - Wipe down paint-work, wash windows and if you need too, repaint the front door!
- Pictures and Ornaments - Depersonalising your home always sounds so drastic, however, if you declutter and pack away a few pictures and ornaments - things you don't need on a dialy basis - this opens up the view to prospective buyers being able to visualise their own things in this space.
- Clean and Tidy - Don't forget to dust and vacuum. This does make a difference because prospective buyers will want to know that the house has been looked after and if you haven't been able to do basic house work the buyer may wonder what more important jobs you haven't done!
- Colours and Coordinates - You may need to think about the colours that you have in your home. Bright walls and carpets may need to be toned down and neutralised. This doesn't mean ripping up the carpet but it could mean adding a more nuetral coloured rug or strategically placing natural toned cushions and pictures in main living areas.
- Fresh and Clean - Just like you and me, your house needs fresh air. This helps to rid lingering smells and odours. So fling open your windows and doors and let the air rush through, then plug in an airfreshener for continued beautiful fragrance.
- Animals and Furry Friends - Most people, even if not animal lovers, are tollerent of our domestic friends, but when you are showing your house you need to consider not only the prospective buyer but also your pets. Where possible try to keep animals out of the way for the duration of the viewing, perhaps in a seperate room or even better if you have a dog get someone to take them for a walk for that 1/2 hour or so.
We know it's your house - your home - but just by making a few changes could be the difference between selling or not. There's no need to make it a chore, just a little bit of thought and a few hours of you're time!
We hope that this has given you a few simple ideas and all that is left to say is - Good Luck!
Hello there.
Welcome to our new blog!
We hope that you will enjoy reading about - storing, moving, buying and selling and other interesting stories that we would like to share.
If you would like to contact our Ipswich branch - Click Here for Ipswich
If you would like to contact our Bury St Edmunds branch - Click Here for Bury St Edmunds
Or if you would like more information use the contact form - Click Here for more Info
Thank-you
With the average house price at £165,000 and the average age of the first time buyer at about 38 years old which is the best route to take for parents and their overgrown off-spring to give everyone the space and adult freedoms they crave?
This is the time of adults still living at home with their aging parents and aging parents wondering when they will have that time and privacy for themselves again that they had so hoped for all those years ago when the family was still young.
First Direct Banks figures show that "board and lodgings" of just £160 per month to parents from adult children still living in the family home could be put towards paying off mortgages early, giving an extra £10,000 in five years. Great idea, then adult children can turn to their aging parents "Bank of Mum and Dad" and get help towards the cost of their first home!
If adult children have left home they are more likey to be renting than ever before - thus welcome to "generation rent". First time buyers are really struggling at the the moment - required deposits have soared to a whooping 64% of average salary from around 16% ten years ago. The average price paid by a first time buyer in East Anglia has risen from £66,407 in 2000 to £133,606 in 2010 according to Halifax figures.
Where is this all heading? Are we really looking at extended families all house sharing or is buying going to be a thing of the past and renting becoming the very accepted and most popular option?
We would love to hear your personal stories about moving and buying, selling or renting.
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