Packing and Storing for Your Move with Self Storage

Moving house can be stressful. Between sorting out logistics, coordinating dates and packing boxes, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by it all. However, this is where self storage can help, by offering a secure space for your belongings whilst you navigate the move.

Preparing for your move starts with packing, and this doesn’t mean throwing everything in boxes and hoping for the best! You will save valuable time later on if you plan your packing in advance.

  • Gather your supplies – ensure you have sturdy cardboard boxes, tape and bubble wrap in advance. You can check out our range of packing materials here to help with your move.
  • Declutter ruthlessly – moving is the perfect time to purge! Sell, donate and recycle any unwanted items. Less items to pack, store and unpack later!
  • Label boxes clearly – you don’t want to be that person who has to open every box to find one item. Clearly label boxes with the room they belong to and a brief description of the contents.
  • Weight distribution is key – pack heavy items like books and tableware in smaller boxes and lighter items like cushions and clothes in larger ones. This will prevent boxes from breaking and make stacking easier.
  • Use special care for fragile items – wrap delicate items like glassware in bubble wrap or packing paper, and pack them vertically in boxes with plenty of cushioning to minimise movement. Always label the boxes FRAGILE.

Now that your boxes are packed and labelled, it is time to maximise your storage unit space.

  • Utilise vertical space – stack sturdier boxes on the bottom and lighter ones on top. Fill in gaps with furniture, using furniture covers to protect upholstery.
  • Leave a walkway – plan an aisle so you can easily access stored items in the back.
  • Keep an inventory – create a list of your belongings and their corresponding box numbers. This will be invaluable when you need to retrieve something specific.

By following these simple packing and storage tips, you can ensure your move is as stress-free as possible! Talk to us today about our range of self-storage unit options that are perfect for planning a house move.

Maximising Space in the Office

If you are feeling cramped and cluttered in your office, with some careful planning and space saving hacks, you can transform your once claustrophobic work space into a place of calm and productivity. Here are some of the most effective ways to create a decluttered office space:

Purge ruthlessly

Conduct a thorough audit of all your belongings. Donate, recycle or dispose of anything you no longer need or use to start to banish the clutter. Less stuff equals more space and less stress!

Embrace digital

Go paperless whenever possible. This can be done by utilising cloud storage space and using electronic document management to minimise physical clutter in the form of paper documents.

Utilise vertical space

Vertical space is often overlooked, but by installing overhead shelves and hanging organisers, this creates additional storage space away from the floor area, where space may be at a premium.

Consider self-storage

Self-storage can complement a well-organised work space. It shouldn’t be thought of as a dumping ground for everything you cannot find a home for in the office, but as a storage solution to house items that you still use, but do not need on a regular basis.

Label your way

Implement a clear and concise labelling system for all your storage solutions, both in the workspace and in self-storage if you are using it. This will save you time searching for misplaced items and keep things organised. Clearly state the contents and include any extra information that will be useful when you are locating an item in the future.

Maximising space in the office isn’t just about aesthetics, but is also about creating a functional and productive work environment. Talk to us at Offerfair if we can help your business make the most of its available space with our cost-effective and flexible self-storage options.

Choosing the Right Self Storage Unit – Things to Consider

Whether you are decluttering, moving, or just in need of some extra space, self-storage seems like the perfect solution, but choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. We hope that this guide will help you to navigate the world of self-storage with confidence. Here are the key features we think everyone should consider when choosing self-storage:

  1. Size Matters

Don’t underestimate how important it is to rent the right size unit. Cramming belongings into a too-small unit is stressful and time-consuming, whilst paying for excess space in a too-large unit is wasteful. Measure your items carefully and use our online price guide to work out exactly how much space you require.

  1. Security is Key

You need to know that anything you store in self-storage will be as safe and secure as if you were storing it in your own home or business. All Offerfair self-storage sites come with 24/7 security cameras and each unit has its own individual access code.

  1. Accessibility

If you know you need frequent access to your stored item, then choose a self-storage facility with convenient access hours. It is also important to consider the location and whether it is easily accessible by car and has plenty of free car parking. We now have seven self-storage sites across Hastings and St Leonards, all with free parking, so wherever you are in the area we should have a site that is conveniently situated for you. We have also recently extended our weekend opening hours, so we are now open 8am – 8pm weekdays and 9am – 5pm weekends.

  1. Cost Comparison

Price is important, and we believe we offer some of the most cost-effective self-storage in the area. However, we also believe it is important for you to compare other factors like the size of the units available, the security features and the customer service we offer. You can read some of our most recent customer reviews here.

  1. Read the Small Print

Before signing any contracts, carefully read the terms and conditions. We have always wanted to make renting self-storage as straightforward as possible, which is why we don’t believe in lengthy contracts or ask for a deposit. We rent all our units on a 4 weekly basis and require just 1 weeks’ notice when you wish to vacate.

By considering these key features, you can find the perfect self-storage unit that meets your requirements and keeps your belongings safe and secure. Contact us at Offerfair to find out how we can help with your self-storage.

 

Why Tradespeople Can Benefit from Self-Storage

Keeping your tools and materials organised and accessible is crucial for any successful tradesperson, but vans and garages only offer limited storage. We already rent out our units to a number of local plumbers, electricians, carpenters, builders and more, who all value the benefits that our self-storage offers to their business.

More Space, More Efficiency

Self-storage offers a dedicated space where any tools, equipment and materials are neatly stored and organised ready for their next job. Our self-storage units come in a range of units, allowing you to choose a size that is the perfect fit for your needs, whether you are a one-person operation, or a multi-person team.

Security You Can Trust

Peace of mind is priceless, especially when it is your livelihood. Our self-storage facilities offer 24/7 CCTV, helping to ensure your valuable tools are safe from theft and damage.

Weatherproof Your Inventory

Tools exposed to the elements can quickly rust, malfunction, and become costly to replace. Self-storage units provide a controlled environment, protecting your equipment from rain, snow, and extreme temperatures, extending their lifespan and saving you money.

Boost Your Professional Image

Pulling up to a job site with a disorganised van can create a negative impression. Self-storage allows you to arrive prepared and looking professional, with all your tools neatly organised and readily available.

Finding the Right Fit

With so many self-storage options available, choosing the right one is key. Consider factors like location, accessibility, security features and unit size options. Now with seven sites across Hastings and St Leonards, we like to think we have a storage facility in a location that is convenient for you. In addition, our extended opening hours of 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday, and 9am – 5pm Saturday and Sunday, mean we are open at a time that suits you and your business.

Talk to us today if you would like to find out more about how we work with tradespeople to benefit their business.

Maximising Your Space – Space Storage Tips for Smaller Self-Storage Units

There is often a misconception that if you are using self-storage then you need to have a lot of items to store away. At Offerfair, we have a range of unit sizes, starting from just 15 sq ft, so even if you only need to store a few items, we will have a storage unit that is right for you.

If you are renting a smaller storage unit, then it is important to make the most of every square footage, so here are our top tips to help you maximise space in your unit:

Declutter ruthlessly

Before you even start packing, declutter your belongings. Be honest with yourself about what you truly need and use, and get rid of anything that’s broken, outdated, or no longer brings you joy. The less stuff you have, the easier it will be to store and organize.

Utilise vertical space

Don’t just think about the floor space, take advantage of the walls and ceiling as well. Install temporary shelves or hanging containers to store items up off the ground.

Pack like a pro

Use space-saving packing techniques, such as vacuum-sealing clothes and rolling towels instead of folding them. Pack heavier items in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes to make them easier to stack. Label all of your boxes clearly so you can easily find what you need.

Create an aisle

Even in the smallest of units, leave a small aisle in the middle of your unit so you can easily access all of your belongings. This will also help prevent items from getting damaged if you need to move something around.

Store strategically

Place frequently accessed items near the front of the unit and less frequently accessed items towards the back. This will save you time and effort when you need to retrieve something.

Take advantage of the door

Use the back of the door to hang tools, gardening equipment, or other items that can be stored flat. You can also install temporary hooks or shelves on the door to maximize storage space.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your self-storage unit, whatever the size, and keep your belongings organised and easily accessible. Contact us today to speak to us about our current self-storage options for you.

The Rise of E-Commerce and How Self-Storage is Helping

The e-commerce industry has been booming over recent years, fuelled by the convenience of online shopping and the impact of Covid which changed shoppers’ retail habits.

Whilst the growth in E-commence has brought many benefits to business, it does come with a number of challenges, one of which is storage. Online businesses, often without a permanent home to store stock, have struggled with where to store their inventory, which can often be a significant amount of space, especially for businesses that sell large or bulky items.

This is where self-storage can come to the rescue! Self-storage offers businesses a flexible and affordable way to store their stock, because they can rent a storage unit that is the right size for their current requirements, meaning they only pay for the space they need. Self-storage is a much more cost-effective solution than renting traditional warehouse space, especially for businesses that have seasonal fluctuations with their trading.

Some of the key benefits of self-storage for E-Commerce businesses are:

Flexibility – At Offerfair we have storage units in a range of unit sizes from 15 sq ft up to 180 sq ft, so whatever size storage you need for your inventory, we will have a unit size that is right for you. You will only ever pay for the space you need, and you can upgrade or downgrade your unit size if your stock requirements change. In addition, we rent units on a 4 weekly basis and require just 1 weeks’ notice if you need to vacate.

Cost-Effectiveness – Self-storage is typically much cheaper than renting warehouse space. You can view our current prices here and there are no overheads with Offerfair self-storage, such as electricity, gas, water rates or council tax.

Security – We recognise the safe storage of your inventory is paramount so you will have the reassurance that we have full CCTV security across all our Offerfair sites.

If your online business has grown and you need more storage, but do not want the expense and long leases that come with warehouse space, then start 2024 by speaking to us, and finding out how we can help your business!

Start the New Year with a Tidy Home or Office

A clean and organised home or office can set the tone for a productive and stress-free new year. If you don’t know where to start decluttering and organising, then here are some of our tips to help you get started:

  1. Start small

Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to tackle everything at once. Focus on one room in the home or one area of the office at a time.

  1. Sort and discard

Be ruthless in deciding what to keep and what to discard. Ask yourself if you have used an item in the past year, if it still has a purpose in the home or office, or if it still brings you joy. If it doesn’t tick any of these three boxes, then it is probably time to think about discarding it.

  1. Donate or sell unwanted items

Give your belongings a new life by donating them to charity or selling them online.

  1. Establish designated storage areas

Once you have decluttered, create a place for everything to help prevent clutter from accumulating again. Make sure you have easy access to items that you know you will use regularly. For items that you want to keep but won’t use as often, a self-storage unit can store these items safely and securely until you need them again.

  1. Deep clean

Wipe down countertops, tables, shelves, and other hard surfaces and remove dust from computers, televisions, and other electronic devices. Thoroughly vacuum carpets and floors, and mop hard surfaces to remove dirt and grime.

  1. Minimise paper clutter

Go digital whenever possible to reduce paper clutter. Scan important documents and store them electronically.

  1. Declutter digital files

Regularly organise and delete unnecessary files from your computer and cloud storage.

  1. Maintain a clean and tidy environment

Make it a habit to tidy up and clean as you go to prevent clutter from accumulating.

Whilst decluttering can sometimes feel like a huge task, by breaking it down into a few small steps, you will find it is much easier to create a tidy home or work space to start 2024.

After you have decluttered, we can help with self-storage so that your home and office stays tidy throughout the year! Contact us to find out more.

Christmas and New Year Opening Hours

If you need self-storage over the holidays, then our opening hours are:

Monday 25th – Tuesday 26th December – Closed

Wednesday 27th – Friday 29th December – 8am – 8pm

Saturday 30th – Sunday 31st December – 9am – 5pm

Monday 1st January – Closed

 

 

 

 

 

We would also like to take this opportunity to wish all our valued customers a Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2024, and we look forward to helping you with your self-storage requirements throughout the new year.

Keep Your Christmas Stress Free with Self-Storage

Christmas can be a stressful time with buying presents, arranging social gatherings and decorating the home. Anything that can make this time of year easier and reduce stress is always welcome, and self-storage is one way to help declutter both your mind and your home this December.

A temporary self-storage unit will provide plenty of solutions to some of the most common Christmas stresses.

  • Making Space for Family and Friends

Your spare room might be used as an office, gym or for storage for the majority of the year, but Christmas often means family and friends coming to stay, and you will want to use the room for its original purpose. Renting a storage unit over the holiday period allows you to clear space in your spare room and store any items you won’t be needing.

  • Hiding Presents

Keeping presents hidden from younger family members can be quite a challenge! Children love to try and find presents, and if it is something large like a bike or trampoline, then traditional hiding places such as under the bed or at the back of the wardrobe are not going to work! A self-storage unit means that you have a safe space away from the home to hide your presents in the run-up to Christmas and away from prying eyes. We are open until Christmas Eve for you to retrieve your presents at a time that is convenient for you.

  • Storing Seasonal Decorations

Christmas decorations are only required for a few weeks each year, but can take up valuable storage space in the home for the remainder of the year. Storage space can be useful all year around, and by renting a unit where you can store all your seasonal decorations in one place, you will know exactly where they are when you need to bring them out next Christmas!

 

Let Offerfair help make your Christmas and New Year less stressful this year, with our storage units available in a range of sizes from 15sq ft to 180sq ft. Whatever you need to store this Christmas period, contact us today to book your Christmas storage.

Mistakes People Make When Choosing Self-Storage

1. Not Choosing the Right Size Unit

One of the most common mistakes people make when choosing self-storage is opting for the wrong size unit, which can waste time and money. If you select a unit which is too small then you will need to repack your belongings and move into a larger unit, if you choose a unit that is too large, then you will have unused wasted space incurring unnecessary costs for the unneeded storage capacity.

To help assist you choosing the correct size unit for you, we have pulled together a handy price guide which shows what you can fit into all our different size units.

2. Not Checking the Security Features

If you are storing items in self-storage you want to be confident that they are going to be secure, so it is imperative that you check what security measures are in place. You want to ensure the facility is covered by CCTV security, as well as CCTV coverage for individual units.

All seven of our sites across Hastings and St Leonards are covered by full CCTV security, and all of our units are secured with a padlock which we give free to all new customers. You are more than welcome to visit any of our sites in advance of making a booking to see how secure our premises are to give you peace of mind.

3. Not Asking about Insurance

Even though losses and damages to items in self-storage are uncommon, ensuring your belongings are covered by insurance is an important factor to consider when renting storage.

At Offerfair, we will cover any items you store with us up to a value of £100, and if the items you are storing exceed £100, then we recommend customers also take out their own insurance.

4. Not Reading Contracts Carefully

Before signing any self-storage contract, it is important to check the costs, terms and conditions and cancellation policy. Things like administrative fees or late payment fees can often catch people out, as can minimum notice periods.

We want to make self-storage as simple and straightforward as possible at Offerfair, so we avoid tying customers in to lengthy contracts. We rent our units on a 4 weekly basis and require just 1 weeks’ notice when customers want to vacate, any outstanding balance will then be refunded. In addition, there are no deposits to pay at Offerfair.

 

If you are looking for self-storage in East Sussex, then we believe we have everything covered at Offerfair, so if you would like to arrange a time to view our facilities or book a unit, please get in contact and we will be delighted to help.

 

 

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