Month: July 2025
Graduation is a momentous occasion – one filled with pride, hard work, and unforgettable memories. Whether it’s a framed degree, a hard-earned trophy, or a cherished photo of you in cap and gown, preserving these keepsakes matters. But over time, if not properly stored, these items can fade, warp, or suffer irreversible damage. In this blog, we’ll guide you through how to store certificates and awards safely, ensuring they remain in pristine condition for years to come.
1. Choose the Right Storage Materials
The first step in protecting your certificates and awards is using the right materials. For paper-based items like diplomas or graduation certificates:
- Use acid-free folders or sleeves – Acid can cause paper to yellow and degrade over time. Opt for archival-quality, acid-free folders or plastic sleeves.
- Avoid PVC plastics – These can stick to your documents and cause damage. Choose polypropylene or polyester sleeves instead.
- For photographs, use acid-free photo albums or archival boxes to prevent curling and discolouration.
Trophies or medals can be wrapped in soft, lint-free cloths or bubble wrap and placed in sturdy boxes to prevent scratches and dents.
2. Store Items Flat and Upright
Paper items should be stored flat to prevent creasing or rolling. If you must roll a certificate, do so loosely and store it in a protective tube. Awards and trophies should be stored upright and securely, preferably with padding to prevent movement inside the box.
Avoid stacking heavy items on top of delicate ones, particularly with paper or framed photos.
3. Avoid Heat, Humidity and Sunlight
Moisture and UV light are some of the biggest threats to your memorabilia:
- Keep items in a cool, dry place, ideally with a stable temperature.
- Avoid lofts, garages or sheds – these spaces are often subject to extreme temperatures and humidity.
- Store away from direct sunlight, which can fade both documents and photographs over time.
4. Label and Organise Thoughtfully
It’s easy to forget what’s in each box over time. Label folders, boxes or containers clearly with dates and contents. Use dividers or filing systems to keep items separated and easy to access when you want to take a trip down memory lane or need to produce a certificate for a job application.
5. Consider Digital Backups
While physical storage is key, having digital backups of your certificates, awards and photos can offer peace of mind. Scan important documents at high resolution and save them securely in cloud storage or on a dedicated external hard drive.
How Self Storage Can Help
Sometimes home just doesn’t have the right space—or the right conditions—for keeping your achievements safe. A self storage unit offers a secure, stable environment for storing items like graduation certificates, awards and photographs. With easy access and extra space, you can protect your milestones without cluttering your living space. If you’re struggling with how to store certificates and awards in your home, consider self storage for some additional space.
At Cookes Storage, we understand that your memories are more than just stuff. They’re symbols of success, effort, and celebration. Whether you’re between moves, downsizing, or simply looking to keep your keepsakes safe, we’re here to help. Located in Sutton Coldfield and Stratford-upon-Avon, our modern facilities have the perfect space for you, whatever your storage needs.
Running a Sutton Coldfield business comes with its own set of challenges—whether you’re a start-up working from home, an established retailer in the town centre, or a service-based company looking to grow. One issue that often gets overlooked is space. From storing seasonal stock to archiving important documents, having access to affordable, flexible storage can make a real difference to local businesses.
At Cookes Self Storage, we understand the needs of Sutton Coldfield businesses and offer tailored storage solutions designed to help you operate more efficiently, save costs, and focus on what you do best; growing your business.
Why Flexible Storage Matters for Sutton Coldfield Businesses
Every business is different, but many share common storage needs, whether it’s short-term solutions during an office move or long-term storage for surplus inventory. Our storage units offer:
- Flexible contracts with no long-term commitments
- Secure, CCTV-monitored premises to protect your assets
- Easy access 7 days a week
- Various unit sizes to suit your business as it grows
These features are particularly valuable for small to medium-sized Sutton Coldfield businesses looking for cost-effective alternatives to renting additional office or warehouse space.
Common Storage Uses for Local Businesses
We’ve supported a wide range of businesses in Sutton Coldfield, including:
1. Retailers & E-commerce Brands
Local shops and online sellers often need extra space for seasonal products, promotional stock, or packaging supplies. With our secure and temperature-controlled units, you can store goods with peace of mind.
2. Tradespeople
Electricians, plumbers, and builders operating in Sutton Coldfield find our units ideal for keeping tools, spare parts, and materials safe between jobs.
3. Professional Services
Solicitors, accountants, and consultants frequently use storage for archiving client files and sensitive documents, freeing up valuable office space while remaining GDPR compliant.
4. Event Planners & Creatives
From exhibition stands to props and furniture, event planners and designers rely on flexible storage to manage their ever-changing inventory.
Benefits of Choosing Cookes for Your Sutton Coldfield Business
When you store with Cookes, you’re not just renting a unit—you’re partnering with a local business that understands the needs of others in the community. We pride ourselves on:
- Excellent customer service with a local, friendly team
- Digital access control for added convenience and safety
- Free use of trolleys and pallet trucks on-site
- On-site parking and loading bays to make drop-offs and collections stress-free
We’re also happy to receive deliveries on your behalf, making your business operations even smoother.
Boost Your Business with Smart Storage
In a competitive local economy, space is more than just square footage—it’s an opportunity. By using self storage strategically, your Sutton Coldfield business can cut costs, reduce clutter, and scale more effectively.
Whether you’re just starting out or expanding to meet growing demand, Cookes Self Storage is here to support you with reliable, local solutions you can trust.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re a Sutton Coldfield business looking for secure, flexible and affordable storage, get in touch with the team at Cookes Self Storage today. We’ll help you find the right solution to meet your needs—whatever they may be.
📞 Call us now or 📧 enquire online to book a tour of our facility.