Month: August 2025

As September rolls around, the familiar buzz of a new school year begins. Parents juggle uniforms, stationery, after-school clubs, and the ever-growing mountain of “stuff” that seems to come with the territory. To help you get ahead of the game, we’ve compiled some essential back to school tips and tricks to keep stress levels low and organisation levels high.

1. Get Ahead with a Routine

Children thrive on structure. Start reintroducing school bedtimes and morning routines at least a week before term begins. Setting clear expectations makes the first day back smoother and helps everyone adjust faster.

2. Streamline School Supplies

Avoid the chaos of last-minute shopping by making a checklist. Stick to the essentials first, then add extras if needed. Keep supplies organised in labelled containers or drawers at home, so your child always knows where to find them.

3. Plan Meals in Advance

Packed lunches and after-school snacks can eat into valuable time. Create a weekly meal plan to save stress and money. Batch cooking at the weekend also ensures there’s always something healthy and quick on hand.

4. Create a Homework Zone

A dedicated, distraction-free area encourages focus and productivity. Stock it with stationery, chargers, and good lighting to avoid the “Mum/Dad, where’s my…?” panic every evening.

5. Use Self Storage to Declutter

The start of a new school year is the perfect time to reassess your home space. Outgrown uniforms, old sports kits, seasonal items, and excess furniture can quickly take over cupboards and bedrooms. This is where self storage comes in. At Cookes Storage, we provide secure, flexible solutions to help you free up valuable space at home. By storing items you don’t need every day, you create room for a more organised, stress-free family routine – just in time for the school year.

6. Stay Ahead with a Family Calendar

From PE days to parents’ evenings, the school year can feel like a logistical marathon. A shared calendar – whether on the wall or digital – keeps everyone aligned and reduces missed commitments.

Getting ready for a new term doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By following these back to school tips, you’ll keep your home and family life organised, efficient, and stress-free. And with the added support of self storage from Cookes, you can start the school year with clarity and confidence.

Because Your Adventures Deserve More Than a Dusty Drawer

Whether it’s seashells from Santorini, ticket stubs from Tokyo, or handwoven textiles from Tanzania – travel souvenirs aren’t just trinkets. They’re time capsules. They carry the stories of your adventures, the culture you immersed yourself in, and the memories you’re not quite ready to let fade.

But let’s be honest: once the post-holiday glow wears off, most of these keepsakes end up shoved in a random drawer, lost at the back of a cupboard, or tossed in a “maybe one day” box. That’s not just inefficient storage. That’s disrespecting your own journey.

So, how do you store travel souvenirs in a way that preserves their value and keeps them accessible, while still decluttering your living space?

1. Curate with Purpose

Before you store, edit. You don’t need every restaurant napkin or tourist map. Select items that are emotionally or visually meaningful—think local crafts, personal photos, handwritten notes, or one-of-a-kind items you can’t replace.

2. Segment by Destination

Labelled boxes or containers by country, trip, or year helps keep your souvenirs searchable and organised. Use acid-free archival boxes for delicate items and opt for transparent plastic tubs for easy visibility.

3. Digitise the Disposable

Some items are worth remembering but not worth physically keeping. Snap a photo of bulky paper souvenirs—like museum pamphlets or train tickets—and store them in a cloud-based album. You get the memory without the mess.

4. Create a Rotating Display

Designate a small area in your home, like a shelf or coffee table, for a rotating selection of your favourite mementoes. Swap them out every few months. It keeps your travel stories alive and your decor dynamic.

5. Store the Overflow Like a Pro

When home storage hits capacity, self-storage becomes a strategic extension of your space. Climate-controlled units protect delicate items like photographs, textiles, or handmade art. And with 24/7 access, your memories are always within reach but never in the way.

6. Use Smart Labelling Systems

Gone are the days of scribbled masking tape. Use QR-coded inventory apps or spreadsheets linked to your boxes, so you always know exactly where that Parisian street sketch or Balinese mask is stored.

7. Think Long-Term Value

Some souvenirs increase in sentimental or even monetary value over time. Treat them accordingly. Store them securely, away from humidity, pests, and sunlight. Because what’s “just stuff” today might be a family heirloom tomorrow.

It’s Not Just Storage, It’s Keeping Your Stories

At Cookes Storage, we believe your space should work for you, not against you. Our storage solutions are designed to give your most cherished memories the respect they deserve, freeing up room in your home and headspace for your next adventure.

Because storing travel souvenirs isn’t about boxing things up. It’s about making room for more life.

More than just stuff. It’s your story.