Top Tips for Packing and Moving

Moving house can be a stressful time for anyone involved, and packing up your entire life possessions is a long and hectic process. If you have given yourself a good amount of time to pack everything together, it shouldn’t be such a bad job. We’ve put together our top tips for packing and moving that are sure to help you get on the go.

Prepare

Put aside some extra time to organise your belongings before you even begin to pack. This will allow you to have a really good clear out, getting rid of any bits and pieces you’ve decided you no longer want or need. Removing anything you don’t want to take to your new home means there will be a lot less to take with you on moving day, and therefore making unpacking much easier! You could even sell on any items you don’t wish to keep, meaning you could make some money in the process.

Create an ‘Essentials Box’

When the day finally comes, you don’t want to be caught out with no tea and coffee making facilities! We advise creating a box of essentials, clearly labelled ‘DO NOT PACK’. This can include everything you might need on the day, such as a kettle, some cups, tea and coffee, toilet roll and headache pills. If you’re in need of certain things on the day and can’t remember where you’ve packed them, an already stressful moving day can turn into an even bigger nightmare, so help yourself out in advance! 

Don’t Over-pack

Over-packing is easily done, as we try and get our packing over and done with and squeeze as much stuff as possible into one little box. It’s important this isn’t what you do, as over-packing can make it difficult to pick up and move the boxes to your new home. Instead, try putting a sensible amount of items into separate boxes. You could even label them by room to make it easier when unpacking. However, boxes that are too empty can become crushed in the moving process, so see what works best!

Label Everything
Taking the time to label everything you’re taking with you, whether this be boxes, bin liners or crates- make sure they are all labelled. It’s a good idea to label the top and sides of any boxes, to ensure when they are uploaded it’s obvious where they need to be taken. Boxes can be stacked in any position within a moving van or in the boot of your car, so to save time and confusion, and to ensure everyone is on the same page, overly labelled possessions is the best road to go down.

Take a Break!

Ensuring you take breaks regularly is an important part of both packing and moving. When moving day comes around, don’t put yourself under unnecessary pressure to get everything ready within a small time slot, and once you’ve reached your destination don’t feel the need to unpack everything on your first day there. As long as you have your essentials box at hand, and you’ve been able to make up the beds, everything else will follow in due course as each new day comes.

At Beehive Self Storage, we stock a variety of packing materials including boxes, bubble wrap and packing tape to help ensure your move is as smooth as possible! If you’d like to find our more information about our packing materials, get in touch with a member of the Beehive team today by giving us a call on 08456 436 100 or by making an enquiry via our website!

What Self-Storage is Best for You?

If you have a cluttered home or office and need space you just don’t have, self-storage could be the answer for you. There are multiple options available for self-storage, whether you’re looking for business storage or domestic and here at Beehive, we can help you decide what is best for you.

Domestic Storage

Every house has some mess and disorder, but if your home is getting out of control, you may need the help from a self-storage. You can choose whether you want to store a few personal possessions to the contents of your whole house, decluttering your home as you go. Perhaps you are having building work or decorating done to your home and are unsure where to keep your belongings? Domestic self-storage could be your answer.

With domestic self-storage from Beehive, there are multiple sizes from 25 square foot right up to 175 square foot, so you are able to choose exactly how much space you want or need. We also offer loading bays, large corridors and handling equipment completely free of charge, giving you a stress free experience going to and from your storage space.

The best thing about having your own domestic self-storage unit is that you have free of charge access as frequently as suits you. No appointment is necessary, and only you hold the key.

Business Storage

If you’re a business owner and find that you have a lot of stock creating a mess in your premises, or you have important paperwork that seems to be filling up your office more than it should be, perhaps a business self-storage unit is the secure and flexible answer for you.

At Beehive, self-storage is not just for large businesses or cluttered homes. If you’re a start-up business and simply don’t have the spare space, you can find storage units suited to you, starting at only 12 square foot. If you’re a larger industrial business with more items to store, our space range up to 5000 square foot.

If you find your business’ stock intake increases and decreases over time, you are able to increase or reduce your storage unit’s space at any point- free of charge. Like domestic self-storage, you are able to access your units free of charge and has frequently as you deem necessary, perfect for any busy business owner.

If you’re still unsure of what self-storage unit to go for, or if you have any further questions, please get in touch with a member of the Beehive Self Storage team here- we’d love to help!

Top Tips for Ultimate Wardrobe Organisation

Having a wardrobe that is a confusing and chaotic mess of a mountain of clothes can often mean you can’t find things when you need them. Ensuring you have a spotless, tidy and well-organised wardrobe means you’ll be able to make the most out of all your purchases whilst keeping a clear bedroom and mind, too! Here’s our top tips on how to achieve and maintain an organised wardrobe.

1. Do you wear it? Have you gone more than a year without wearing some clothing items in your wardrobe? If you have, it’s time to say an overdue goodbye. As much as you think you may want to wear them one day, it’s best to get rid. Using the space for something you’ll definitely wear is better than letting unnecessary items clutter your closet.

2. Retire Items If you have clothes that you love but are tired of wearing, pack them away into your attic for a few months. Not only will it save space in your wardrobe, but you’ll love them again when you remember you have them. The same can also be done with seasonal wear; when it gets to summer, pack away all your winter clothes until the season comes back around.

3. Sell or Donate If you have clothes that are in a good condition but you no longer want to wear, you could make some extra money by selling them on. There are multiple websites you can use as a platform for selling, including eBay and Depop. Alternatively, you could do a great deed and donate your old clothes to a charity shop.

4. Categorise It may take some time, but categorising your clothing items into sections can make everything easier to find. Place all items in their relevant sections (tops, skirts, trousers, dresses). You’ll be surprised at the difference it makes when it comes to picking your outfits- not to mention keeping everything extremely organised!

5. Use a Self-Storage Unit
If you have a lot of clothes that, although you don’t often wear, you just can’t get rid of, perhaps a small, domestic self- storage unit could be the answer to your unorganised wardrobe woes. Beehive Self-Storage have a huge range of multiple sized units available at a great price!

Organising your wardrobe can be a hefty task, but it needn’t be if you follow our top tips. If you’d like more information on domestic self-storage units, we’d love to help. Please get in touch with a member of our team via our website, here.

5 Clever Uses for Self Storage Units

Storage units can be for more than just housing junk. You can make clever use of the additional space they offer and to prove it we’ve come up with five ways! 

1. Document & Valuables Storage

If you have important documents or valuables that need to be kept safe, a storage unit is the best way. The security on the premise means your items will be well protected, so you don’t have to worry about them whatsoever. Then, when you are ready, you can pick them up at a later date. For storing documents and precious items, why not try one of our mini storage lockers?

2. Rotating Stock

If you own a physical store or an online shop, you can use a storage unit to rotate your stock. You could put seasonal items in a storage unit until it’s time for those items to sell. Or if you have an online shop but don’t have space in your home to store all your products, keep some in the storage unit. It will keep your house free and make it easier to manage your stock when it’s in a separate space. It also protects your items, so they don’t get damaged before they are sold.

3. Storing Hobby Equipment

If you don’t have space at home, you can keep your hobby equipment in a storage unit. This is particularly useful for people who don’t have enough space on their property, or their hobby is quite seasonal, like skiing, which means the equipment isn’t needed all year round. If your hobby is quite creative, then you could also store your creations, such as big pieces or art. With a storage unit, you can keep your pieces in the best possible condition, which you can’t necessarily do at home.

4. Hide Gifts

If you live with people who like to search for their presents ahead of time, using a storage unit could be the best solution. They’ll never be able to discover their gift while you’re not looking, which means it can stay a surprise. This would be an excellent idea for hiding Christmas presents or big gestures, like a proposal for example. There are only so many places in the house you can hide a ring box, and you definitely wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise ahead of time!

5. When You’re Redecorating

When you’re redecorating your home, you could cover everything to keep your items from getting ruined, but that isn’t a fool-proof solution. Putting your belongings in a storage unit, however, will give you more space to work in, and you won’t have to worry about getting any of your furniture messy, which could be expensive to fix!

We hope this has given you some ideas about how you can use a storage unit. If you’d like to find out more about our self-storage units, please get in touch.

How to Declutter: Tips for a Tidy Home

Excessive clutter in any home can be a nightmare, leaving you feeling frustrated, unproductive and causing stress in every aspect of your life. Finding a place to start is often the hardest part, but by devoting some time to declutter your home, you’ll reap the rewards that include less stress, more organization and overall, a tidy place to live.

Take a look at these five simple tips to help you on the path to decluttering your living space and enjoying a stress free, mess free life. 

Tip 1: Create a “Starting Zone”

Start with clearing one area in your home. This can be anywhere, be it your computer desk, kitchen table or living room side. Wherever you decide to start, stick to the rule that nothing can be placed there unless it’s being used. Once you’ve decluttered your starting zone, keep it that way, and slowly begin to expand throughout your home.

Tip 2: Make Time for a Decluttering Weekend

Maybe not the most thrilling weekend choice, but taking time to schedule in a weekend of decluttering can really make a difference in your progress. Get your partner, family or friends involved too and get more done. Make sure you have boxes at the ready for those items you’re not sure about.

Tip 3: Take Items to a Self-Storage

It’s inevitable that there will be numerous items in your home that, although you don’t have any use or space for them, you just can’t throw away. Self-Storage units are a great way to keep those items safely tucked away, without creating clutter within your home. If you’re interested in a domestic Beehive Self-Storage unit, get in touch on 08456436100.

Tip 4: Give to Charity

Decluttering your home means you’ll come across multiple unused and unwanted items. Create a “donate” pile and fill a black bag or box to give to your local charity. You’ll be decluttering your space and mind, as well as doing a good deed.

Tip 5: Resist the Urge to Buy

Try to fight the temptation of buying new things that aren’t a necessity. A beautiful, tidy home can quickly lead to a cluttered space again if unnecessary things are repurchased. Resist the urge, save yourself money and continue to relish in your decluttered home.   

For more storage tips for your cluttered home, take a look at our self-storage options for domestic use. Alternatively, give us a call or email - we’d love to help. 

5 Helpful Ways to Organise a Cluttered Cupboard

You might have cupboard spaces that are in great need of organising, but doing so doesn’t have to be a chore. To get you started, we’ve got 5 helpful ways to organise a cluttered cupboard.

1.    Get rid of what you don’t use

It’s very easy for random and unused items to pile up in cupboards. In cases such as these, you need to haul everything out of the space and evaluate what should be kept and what shouldn’t. Weigh up in your mind how much you need each item or how often you’re likely to use it. The objects that don’t seem very important can obviously be disposed of. This exercise should reduce your clutter considerably.

2.      Organise in levels

One good trick you can use is to place your most used items at eye level; that way they’re easier to find and put back after use. Things that you use slightly less can go on the level below, and items that you rarely use can be placed on the highest level. For example, if you’re organising books, your new purchases can go at eye level, books you’ve recently finished can go just below, and any really old copies that you can’t bear to part with can go on the top level.

3.     Organise similar items together

If you have several similar items, you can put them together, which will make them easier to find. The space will come across more organised, aesthetically pleasing and uniform. This should also make it easier to spot any missed placed items.

4.      Bigger items first

It’s easier to add larger items first, then the smaller items can fit around them in whatever space is left. Trying to do it the other way around won’t work well in limited spaces; the small items will always have to be rearranged to make space for anything bigger. It’s also a good idea to pack anything that’s seriously heavy onto the bottom of your cupboard, regardless of how often you use it, so there is no risk of it breaking a shelf.

5.      Leave space for more

You’re probably going to add more items to your cupboard space in the future, which is why we’d recommend not packing everything in too tightly. You don’t want to be short on space because you’ll end up where you started; with more items than you have space. Plus, if you leave some room it will be less hassle to take out and return your belongings to the cupboard. This will help make everyday use a lot easier.

With these helpful ideas, we hope organising your cupboard doesn’t seem too daunting. We appreciate that sometimes there isn’t always space to store everything, which is why you might be interested in one of our domestic or business storage units. To make an enquiry you can call us on 08456436100.

How to Keep Your Valuables Safe at Glastonbury

Festival season is well under way, and we know you might be concerned about how to keep your valuables safe at events like Glastonbury. That’s why we’ve written this post – so you’re well-informed about your options.

Dangers of carrying your valuables

There’s a lot of risk with carrying your valuables with you at Glastonbury. It’s the largest greenfield festival in the world, so you can imagine the masses of people and things on the site. It’s imperative you keep your valuables safe in the midst of all the festival’s activities.  

The danger of not keeping your stuff safe is that you might lose track of them while you’re caught up in the festival fever, they could fall into the mud and because of the music you won’t hear it drop, or it could get stolen if you don’t keep a watchful eye on it. It could even be hours before you realise some of your things have been misplaced, which would make the task of finding them almost impossible. 

Losing one of your belongings during a festival could seriously dampen your mood. On the other hand, you don’t want to be on high alert trying to guard your things either. You need an easy, stress-free solution to keep your valuables safe.

Glastonbury lock-ups

Glastonbury offers property lock-ups onsite – you can find their locations on a festival map, marked by a keyhole logo. You can leave your belongings for as long as you need and they’re open 24 hours with no charge. However, if you have been to Glastonbury before you will know how long these errands can take – who wants to be stood in the queue for a lock-up, when you could be exploring the more exciting parts of Glastonbury? 

The Beehive solution 

Alternatively, you could use one of our Beehive mini storage lockers. They’re an indoor storage solution, which means your belongings will be safe and secure, away from the Glastonbury crowds and rain clouds. Our lockers are stored in Taunton, Somerset, just a short drive from the Glastonbury site. 

If you don’t want to risk losing your precious items in the hustle and bustle of the festival, this is a perfect solution to consider. You can rest assured that your valuables are in a permanent, secure location; you know you won’t have to scour the massive campsite looking for your belongings. You could drop your important items off on your way to the campsite and pick them up on your way home, it’s as easy as that! 

At Beehive Self Storage, we’re all about offering you convenient ways to store your belongings. We know how important your valuables are, which is why we encourage you to keep them safe and secure. You can do that with one of our mini storage lockers. 

To find out more, you can email us at taunton@beehiveselfstorage.co.uk or call us on 01823 323575. 

Storage Ideas for Small Businesses

Running a small business is stressful enough, without storage becoming an issue. We have some handy storage ideas for small businesses, whether you work in an office, from home or you spend most of your time driving! 

Storage Ideas for Offices

Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, an office doesn’t have to be full of filing cabinets – as most paperwork can be stored safely online. However, if you work in an office you will know how cluttered things can get, especially during busy times! From computer cables, books and post, to coffee machines, printers or even fridges and microwaves, a small office can soon feel rather claustrophobic.

Here are a few ideas to keep the office as a pleasant, spacious place for everyone to work:

·         Invest in tall shelving units to make the most of your wall space. Building storage space upwards, rather than outwards, is a fantastic way to create more storage without losing valuable space.

·         Some desks include built-in drawers and shelves – this is ideal if for storing small items which otherwise would be taking up space around computers.

·         Encourage colleagues to tidy up regularly, and lead by example. Dedicate a few minutes each week to clearing away your paperwork, throwing rubbish in the bin, and taking things home that do not need to be at the office.

Storage Ideas for Online Businesses

If you run your business online, the chances are you will have the flexibility to work from home, in a coffee shop, or even on the beach, as long as there is WiFi! However, if you are selling physical products, storage might become an issue.

If you are not able to dedicate a room in your house to storing your products, you might want to consider a self-storage unit. Here at Beehive Self Storage, we give small businesses the flexibility to store for as little or as long as you need, and we will also handle deliveries on your behalf. 

Storage Ideas for Contractors

Not all businesses operate from an office or a brick-and-mortar store, which can present a dilemma when it comes to storage. If you are a plumber, for example, you are going to own a lot of tools and materials for the different jobs you carry out. The tools it takes to unclog a toilet will vary from fixing a hot water tank, so different tools will be needed throughout the week.

While most equipment can travel around in a van with you and be transferred indoors overnight, it may not be a convenient solution for bigger tools or materials. In this case, a self-storage container is ideal, because not only is it easily accessible throughout the day, but it offers round-the-clock security for your peace of mind.

For more storage tips and ideas for small businesses, take a look at our self-storage options for businesses. Or give us a call – we’d be more than happy to help! 

10 Top Tips to Take the Stress out of Moving House

When it comes to moving house, careful packing is integral for a smooth move. To ensure the process is stress-free, we have 10 top tips to help you when packing. 

1.       Start packing early

It’s essential you start packing as soon as you can – this will help ease your stress levels as the moving date approaches. You don’t need to have rooms emptied months in advance, but putting away odd items you’re not going to use again is a good way to get the ball rolling.

2.       Stockpile packing material

It’s always a nightmare when you have stuff to pack but nowhere to put it all! It’s wise to create a stockpile of boxes and bubble wrap to make sure you have more than enough when the time comes. If you don’t have much yet, fear not, at Beehive Self Storage we sell all the packing materials you need.

3.       Pack the least important rooms first

When you’re starting to make serious headway and entire rooms are being stored away in cardboard boxes, begin with the rooms that aren’t used as much.

 4.       Declutter while you pack

When you’re clearing away you might come across some old belongings you didn’t know you still had. You need to take some time to carefully consider whether you need certain items or not; don’t be too hasty but remember to be realistic about what you need in your new home.

5.       Fill small boxes with heavy items

It’s far easy to carry one or two heavier items in a smaller container. The lighter items can go in a bigger box, which means the box will hold a lot more objects but will still be manageable.

6.       Big items go first

To make the most of packing space, pack bigger items first, then fill in gaps with smaller objects. However, try not to fill the box too tightly, otherwise you won’t be able to get anything out later.

7.       Heavier boxes on the bottom

When filling your vehicle remember to put heavier boxes on the bottom. It can be deceptive when the heavy objects are in smaller boxes but they’ll hold up fine at the bottom of the pile.

 8.       Label your boxes

Be specific with your labels; write on the sides and mention which room they belong in, to whom they belong to and the contents of the box itself. That way there’s a lot less confusion when unpacking.

9.       Move your furniture in first

It’s quite easy for the boxes to pile up in one room and then it becomes impossible to get the furniture in. If you put the large fixtures and furniture in first, you can negotiate the room’s layout easier and the boxes can fit around everything else.

10.   Storage units

Maybe there are certain rooms you want to focus on decorating and organising before unpacking – a storage unit gives you somewhere to put the extra boxes you aren’t ready to tackle. At Beehive Self Storage we have plenty of units ready to use.

Moving house doesn’t have to be a stressful task if it is approached systematically, and these top tips should help make the process a lot more manageable. If you’re looking for more information to make your packing woes disappear, take a look at our hints and tips on how to store items in our storage units. 

DIY Decorating

Before you start...

When thinking about decorating, it’s important to do your homework and know what you’re getting into before you start. Work out what styles and colour schemes you want. Decide if you are going to use wallpaper or paint and, most importantly,  what preparation needs doing before you start.  If you are not doing the work yourself, make sure you chat with the decorator so they know exactly what you want. They will happily give you some tips and advice, and come up with some great ideas with you. 

Clearing space...

The biggest issue tends to be making space to move around while you are decorating. Covering up all your possessions thoroughly can be a nightmare and that is where a small storage room can come in very handy.

For at little as £6 per week you can put your treasured items in some boxes and move them out of harms way, and even move out your big furniture. Then there will be no risk of paint spillages or other damage to your beloved sofa, or the new bed you have just bought, or that huge vase that granny gave you.

Give Beehive Self Storage a ring and we can help you decide how much space you need to put your items away.  You can store for a little as a week and a room big enough for a sofa as well as your boxes can cost just £14.40 for a week.

Top Tips for Organizing Your Storage Space

It's an inevitability, that the day will come when the item you need the most is in a box, beneath a box, in a wardrobe...at the back of your storage unit. Organizing your belongings within your storage unit is an important step to help you locate items within your unit but also ensure you are using your storage space efficiently, therefore, potentially saving you money. 

Take a look at these 5 simple steps to ensure your storage unit is organised for the weeks, months and years you may be storing your belongings.

Step 1: It's all about size.

Assemble a list of the items that you need to store, have you anything particularly large or of an awkward size? Do all of your items need to be stored together? It may be beneficial to have two smaller units, one for furniture and one for boxes and items you may access regularly. Speak to the team at your storage facility, they are experienced and well trained and know what sizes and what options suit your specific requirements. 

Step 2: Perfect Planning.

Consider what items you will need to access frequently, every so often or you will not need during your stay and pack them respectively. It may be worth investigating what racking options your storage facility can offer you, should you require shelving for boxes etc. 

Store larger and bulky items at the back of the unit and dismantle any flat-pack furniture you may have. To maximize space, you can store sofas on their side. To protect sofas and mattresses from dust and any damage whilst in transit, cover with plastic furniture sheets. 

Step 3: And Perfect Packing.

If you require packing boxes, use double walled boxes that are strong and sturdy, they can also be reused. Pack books and heavy items in small boxes to ensure you can lift them when required. Medium boxes suit everyday household items and utilise large boxes for curtains, duvets and clothing. 

Stick to your plan and pack items in boxes related to how often you will need to access them. For those are meticulous, you can create a box inventory with details of what each box contains. You can colour code, number code or simply write on each box it's contents. Wrap valuable and fragile items in bubble wrap or packing paper to keep them safe whilst moving. 

Pack your moving van in the opposite way to your storage unit, you then can pack your storage unit from the van rather than unloading everything out of the van at the facility to then pack into your unit. 

Step 4: Moving In.

Once again, stick to your plan and arrange the items as you have decided. As items are being moved in, double check the labels and/or inventory to your plan.

Large, bulky items should be arranged at the back and sides. Place heavier boxes on the floor and you can then easily stack lighter items and boxes on top. 

You can create an aisle in your unit if you have available space which can help access all areas of the unit. 

Step 5: Maximise and Maintain

Make the most of void space inside wardrobes, draws and even your fridge. Once again, label the doors to itemize what is inside. 

Maintain the organisation of your unit by keeping your inventory within the unit. Alternatively, draw a diagram to easily find your way around your unit. 

We hope these steps help you towards organising your unit! 

A quick insight into Beehive Self Storage

After first entering the self storage industry over ten years ago, Beehive Self Storage has developed from just one self storage facility to three individual storage facilites with sites across Somerset and Dorset.  We have hundreds of individual, private units in over thirty different sizes.

The first and oldest of our three sites is located in Lopen, just a few minutes away from the A303.  In addition to our Beehive storage facility, Lopen Business Park also provides working space such as factories and offices for many local businesses.  Lopen is ideally located for customers from Chard, Crewkerne, Yeovil and surrounding areads.

Our next site is located in Child Okeford, North Dorset. This rural site offers secure and safe storage in a clean and dry purpose built facilty that you may struggle to find locally in Dorset. The site also has fantastic views of the ancient hill fort of Hambledon Hill.

Our newest site and storage facility is The Beehive Building on Priorswood Road, Taunton. This site was completed in 2013 and is due for further expansion in the future with the addition of another level of storage units. Similar to our Lopen site, The Beehive Building also offers serviced offices to local businesses.

Watch this space – our aim is to continue to grow our Beehive!

Work Hard, Play Hard, Store Easy.

Self storage is often just thought of as a place where individuals store their household items when they are moving house or just need a general sort out and declutter. However, there is an increasing interest for a different type of customer: businesses.

Whether it’s for businesses who just want to store their many archiving boxes or businesses looking for a depot, here at Beehive Self Storage, we may just have the perfect solution for your own organisation.

A 25 sq ft unit can fit around one hundred standard archive boxes. These units cost around £14.00 per week making it the ideal solution for businesses that just do not have the space to store one hundred boxes, and could be using the space in other worthwhile ways.

Other businesses may be looking to use a storage unit as a solution for a depot. Here at Beehive Self Storage, we are proud to offer free, unlimited access to our facilities with no appointments, meaning that goods can be delivered and collected from your unit as many times you need. This means that businesses can store their tools or goods in their unit, and collect them when they are required, whilst keeping them safe and secure.

A storage unit can also be set up as a warehouse for your stock. We are also able to provide the racking needed to set up your unit, so that your business can get back on its feet as soon as possible. Your deliveries can not only be sent to us, but we are happy for you to organise for any of your customers’ orders to be picked up from your unit or our secure reception by a courier.

Whatever you are planning to use your storage unit for, here at Beehive, we understand that operating a business can be stressful and complex at the best of times, therefore we are here to find a solution that is straightforward and simple for your unique needs. We are completely flexible in allowing organisations to change their unit size, depending on the changing demands of your business on a long or short term basis, we can accept or dispatch any of your deliveries, and finally our facilities are purpose built, clean and dry, with 24/7 security and CCTV so you can ensure that your goods are safe and secure when you are away from work.  

So why not speak with a member of our Beehive team to discuss your unique business storage requirements today? Call us on 08456 436 100 or email us at enquiries@beehiveselfstorage.co.uk. 

Our Smallest Storage Solution: Mini-Store

Most people when they are looking to store items are looking for units which can accommodate for furniture and larger household items. However, what about the people who are just looking to store a few boxes?

Well, that’s where our mini-store lockers come in handy. You can fit 12 small packing boxes into one of our Mini-Store lockers, with a bit of space for some other smaller bits and bobs.

Picture this, you’re decorating your lounge and need somewhere to put the boxes filled with small items. You put them in another room, but they keep getting in the way, you keep tripping over them, and they keep falling over. This is where our Mini-Store lockers come in handy – for just £6 a week, you can put these boxes in to a mini store locker. This way, the boxes are out of the way, in a safe, secure place. And if you’re looking to only store the boxes for a few days or weeks, we can offer a 7-day contract on our Mini-Store lockers, which means that you are not obligated to pay for our usual four-week period. 

Another issue that you  may have is that you have some items which are sentimental and precious to you. They may be hidden away, so that they can’t be broken or taken, or you may just be continuously worried about the safety of these items.  Here at Beehive Self Storage, we pride ourselves with having high quality facilities which are temperature controlled and completely safe and secure. A Mini-Store locker may well be the perfect solution for you, allowing you to store smaller items in the same quality and with the same security of our larger units.  

At the end of the day, at Beehive Self Storage our aim is to make sure that you have complete peace of mind when storing your goods. Whether you’re looking to store a few boxes for a couple of weeks or something sentimental to you for a longer period of time, we’re here to make your life easier. 

Moving House with Self Storage

Albert Einstein once said “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving”. Now we are aware that the topic of self storage or moving house is not the most poetic, but Einstein’s thoughts make some sense and also when the statement is reversed. Moving house can be an extremely stressful time. Whether you’re just starting to sell your house or you’re deep into the process of moving, it’s a well known fact that moving house can be demanding and sometimes even traumatic. At Beehive Self Storage, we try to keep the easy balance that customers may be looking for when they are moving home.

Some customers use our storage facilities in order to declutter their homes to make their house look more appealing to viewers.  At Beehive Self Storage, we have smaller locker units which are useful for storing a few boxes that contain ‘bits and bobs’ which may be cluttering up your home.

 Some customers also use our storage facilities as a middle ground between their old home and their new home. Storing at Beehive Self Storage allows customers the opportunity to move out any items in their previous home, without the worry of then having to rush them in to their new home. This way, moving home can be a gradual and easy process without the pressures that come with the final moving day.

Whether you’re storing a few items of precious china or the dresser which holds the precious china, we have the facilities for you. With our units ranging from 10 sq ft to 175 sq ft, nothing is too small or big to store. You are welcome to visit the storage facilities at any time during opening hours without needing to book an appointment. We don’t charge entrance fees which means that you can visit us as little or as often as you like. At Beehive Self Storage we offer complete flexibility, we don’t see the point of making you pay for space that you are not utilising and if you need to transfer from your larger unit to a smaller unit while you gradually move into your house, we are more than happy for you to do this. Our aim at Beehive Self Storage is to make your stay with us as stress-free and as calm as possible whilst you’re moving. 

Keep Calm...It's Only A Blog Post!

Wednesday the 18^th of June will also be known as International Panic Day this year. We have all been there – your son returns home from University in his VW camper full to the roof and grunts that he must leave it ‘wherever’ in your house so he can still take his camper to Glastonbury Festival this year, just as your perfectionist mother-in-law comes to stay for a week.  That panicky feeling starts at the bottom of your stomach.  You begin to think of a solution to this problem and decide that self storage might be worth investigating. You speak with an advisor at Beehive Self Storage and that very same day your son is on his way to one of our branches to unload his belongings into a unit. You even persuade him to move some of those bits of clutter you’ve been meaning to sort out for a while. His belongings are kept safe and dry, plus out of the house, until the end of the summer until he heads back to University for another year.

Although this may seem like a humorous and trivial situation, we like to think that we are quite experienced in helping customers who are going through quite possibly the most stressful time of their lives. Whether it is a house move collapsing or the death of a loved one, we are here to ensure that your time at Beehive Self Storage is as easy and trouble free as possible. We aim to relieve at least some of the panic that you may be experiencing to make things simply easier for you. Whether you need long or short term storage space, from 10 sq ft to 175 sq ft, we offer a personal, friendly and confidential service whatever the situation.

International Panic Day also raises awareness of Panic Disorder which is a debilitating disorder for many sufferers. For more information please visit: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/panic-disorder/index.shtml

The Chamber of Secrets

Individuals from all walks of life use self storage, from normal families to the world’s most famous celebrities; many people are intrigued by the mystery of what is behind each door. Obviously we like to keep our customers' storage confidential here at Beehive Self Storage, so we have decided to share some of the strangest things found in storage units from around the world:

Rare Cars

In 2009, at a storage garage in the UK a Bugatti 57S was found by the nephew of a reclusive doctor. The car was one of just seventeen made and later sold at auction in Paris for £6 million. Also stored in the UK, was a copy of the famous K.I.T.T, the famous Knight Rider car.

The Million-Dollar Comic Book

After a break in at his home, Nicholas Cage filed a police report that his Action Comic #1 was missing from his home. Over ten years later, it was discovered in an abandoned storage unit and Cage was finally reunited with his prized comic book valued at over a million dollars.

A Treasure Chest

At a storage auction in San Jose, a man paid $1,100 dollars for what he thought was a storage unit full of furniture and boxes. After sorting through his new purchase he found a blue container filled with rare coins plus gold and silver ingots. He made a great return on his investment as his treasure was valued at over half a million dollars.

Michael Jackson’s Unreleased Songs

After purchasing the contents of Michael’s father, Joe Jackson’s storage unit, one lucky buyer found over 250 unreleased songs by the singer some of which were recorded with Tina Turner. As the singer was between contracts when the songs were recorded, no record company had legal claim to the songs which were worth millions of dollars.

Aretha Franklin’s Wardrobe

After a fire in her own home, Franklin apparently began using a storage unit to keep her clothes and hats safe. However, she stopped paying for the unit and her fabulous and famous wardrobe was placed under the hammer for the highest bidder.

As you can see self storage is used for all kinds of items, units have been used as offices, party venues and even used as a home for a woman and her young child for five years. This shows just how imaginative people can be with their own storage and how flexible and adaptable self storage can be for anyone! What is the strangest thing you have ever heard of being placed into storage?

For details of what items are prohibited from storage, speak to one of our advisors at each of our branches or visit our website: www.beehiveselfstorage.co.uk

Your friend's cousin's mate, who's called Dave...

As you may be aware there are many different types of storage. We’ve decided to give our blog readers a brief overview of all of the possible storage options available out there.

·         Container storage

This type of storage is usually in metal shipping containers. Often your storage unit/container is based in a secure outside compound so customers can drive beside their container and access their goods. Some companies may also deliver these containers to a customer’s business or home, where they can be filled and left on site or removed and stored by the storage company.

Advantages: A cheaper option of self storage.

Disadvantages: Due to their outside location and lack of insulation, these containers can suffer from frequent temperature fluctuations leading to the risk of damp throughout the year. Additionally, you may be charged considerable access fees to enter your container. Security is not as comprehensive as indoor, purpose built storage facilities.

Peter Griffin

·         Wooden Crate Storage

Usually this kind of storage is used by removal companies for storing clients’ furniture between moves or on a long term basis. The removal company will fill your crate with your belongings and take it to their warehouse where crates are usually stored above or next to each other.

Advantages: Another relatively cheaper option of storage; the crate may also be packed for you.

Disadvantages: You are most likely allowed quite restricted access to your crate, if access is even allowed at all. If you wish to access your crate or finish storing in your crate there is usually a hefty fee (usually around £50) for this as they have to move other crates to access yours. They are also usually in rural areas with restricted public access.

Petr Kratochvil

·         Lock-up Garage/Barn Storage

You’ve mentioned to your friends and family that you are looking into self storage for some extra space. Your friend’s cousin’s has a mate called Dave. Would you know it, he's got an empty barn which he says is available for you to store your belongings in.

Advantages:  It’s considerably cheaper than any other storage option.

Disadvantages: The barn has holes in the roof and it has flooded a couple of times. Plus, the ‘comprehensive’ security is a cockrel that sometimes cries when someone walks past. There’s no access fees but you need a sturdy 4x4, heavy duty wellingtons and a pretty powerful torch to get to your goods. When you finally get to them you soon discover you could wring water out of your precious childhood books and you need to buy a brand new sofa because it has grown a new life form on the arm rests.

Petr Kratochvil

·         Beehive Self Storage

We offer individual, private units in a secure, purpose built facility. The units are insulated in such a way to prevent steep temperature fluctuations that ensure they stay clean and dry without the risk of damp. Access is unlimited throughout our opening hours and there are no access fees or hidden charges.

Advantages:  

• Our units are clean, dry and secure. 
• Modern purpose built storage facilities.
• Well lit with automatic lighting - no need for a torch when you come and visit!
• We have professional, friendly and experienced staff to help you find a solution for your requirements. 
• We offer unlimited and free access to your unit. 
• There are no hidden charges – you only pay for the storage space you require. 
• There is  plenty of free parking at each of our sites
• Convenient loading bays, sack trucks and trolleys ensure your visit to your unit is as pleasant and straightforward as possible. 
• We offer competitive ‘New for Old’ insurance so if anything should happen to your goods you won’t have to pay to replace them. 
• We also offer the flexibility of moving to larger or smaller units if your storage needs change.
• Ideal for clients who want peace of mind that their valued belongings are clean, dry and safe whilst offering a personal service with a friendly smile. 

Disadvantages: We don’t offer 24/7 access and this is to ensure our security is never compromised, but do you really need to access your unit at 3am on a Sunday morning?

You can find our much, much more about Beehive Self Storage by clicking here