Have you ever wondered why there is so much self-storage these days and what could people possibly be putting inside those storage units?
The simple question is ‘Why do people use storage?
Having spoken to our customers over the last few months we have come up with a summary list of the most common reasons that we were given. We appreciate that 2020 has not been the most ‘normal’ of years (to say the very least!) but we have gone for the most popular answers and have our top 5 right here.
1. When moving house
There are so many different circumstances we find ourselves in when we move. Regardless of whether we’re moving nearby or far away, the whole moving process tends to be a stressful one.
Temporarily renting a storage room can provide the solution to some common moving problems.
Moving scenarios that might require self-storage:
Downsizing
If you have to move into a smaller home quickly, you might not be able to sort through all your belongings in time. Instead of making hasty decisions you might regret later, put the excess into a storage unit to sort through when you have the time after the move and once the dust has settled.
‘De-cluttering’ your home for sale
You might have a lot of things in your home that don’t necessarily look great for sales viewings. Estate agents often suggest renting a small storage unit to keep some clunky items off-site during the selling process so you can present your home in the best possible light and achieve the best possible price for it.
Breakdown of your housing ‘chain’
If you need to be out of your property by a certain date but you can’t move into your new property for another few weeks or even months, then a storage room is going to be almost a necessity. It is inconvenient to have to move twice, but at least you know your stuff will be kept safe and sound in the meantime.
Having a job where you’re on the move
Maybe you travel and work abroad or are in the military, having a storage unit with your home base items tends to be common. Whilst you are globe-trotting or saving the day, your things will be safe and easily accessible for when you decide to get a stable place to live.
2 homes into 1
Whether you are moving in with your partner, have your child moving back home, or have a parent(s) moving in for care, there is likely to be a lot of excess stuff. A storage room gives you and your family a chance to get through the transition with less stress and then time to sort through the belongings to decide what stays or what goes.
2. To provide more space at home
Some people have a strong desire to clutter – especially teenagers! However, thankfully, there are a lot of people who have a strong desire to de-clutter! Sometimes though, we aren’t able to get rid of the things we de-clutter. For example, they might belong to another family member that is away studying or working, or we have a sentimental attachment to them.
By temporarily renting a storage room you can slowly go through the de-cluttering process and keep your home tidy at the same time.
People who have a knack for interior decorating may also utilize storage units to store decor they can switch out from time to time.
3. To help organize a home renovation
You might not be moving, but you decided to go ahead with some major renovations instead. Having a storage room allows homeowners to empty the space needing renovation so they or the builders can work freely and without covering your belongings in dust or worse!
4. To empty a student room over the summer
Kids who go away to university are often left with a dilemma of what to do with their stuff over the summer holidays.
Storage facilities near student campuses become packed with students and their things over the summer holidays. It beats having to cart a room full of belongings back and forth every summer!
Top Tip: considering renting a month in advance to ensure you get the size you need. If you wait too long, all the standard sizes may be occupied and you’ll be forced into a larger unit than you need.
5. To keep business stock and inventory organized
For startups as well as more established businesses, using your own home to store the things you need for work can end up taking over your entire house. This may seem like a great idea to save some money at first, but eventually, it starts to wear on your sanity! Many small business owners rent storage rooms as an affordable way to keep track of stock and inventory.
Some of the businesses who use our storage:
- Carpenters and contractors
- Antique and book dealers
- Retail shop owners
- Sales and service professionals
There are, however, literally thousands of reasons why someone would want or need to use storage, whether that is on a long or short term basis.
If you would like to know more or just have a question or two why not call our fully trained and professional team who will be delighted to help you.
Metro Storage – London’s best All-Inclusive storage!
