e.hardy@thisisengage.co.uk, Author at Cookes Storage Service

Vinyl has made a remarkable comeback in recent years. Collectors, audiophiles, and casual music lovers alike are investing in records not just for the sound quality, but for the nostalgic experience they bring. But as any seasoned collector will tell you, caring for vinyl is crucial. If records aren’t stored properly, they warp, scratch, or deteriorate turning your prized collection into little more than unplayable décor.

So, what’s the best way to keep your collection in pristine condition? Let’s explore how to store vinyl records the right way.

1. Store Records Upright

The golden rule: never stack your vinyl flat. Stacking adds uneven pressure, which can lead to warping and cracks. Records should always be stored vertically, supported by sturdy shelving or dividers to keep them upright. Think of your collection as a library; if it looks like books on a shelf, you’re doing it right.

2. Control the Environment

Vinyl is highly sensitive to its surroundings. To avoid damage:

Temperature: Keep records in a cool, consistent environment, ideally between 18 – 21°C. Heat is the enemy; even leaving them near a radiator can cause permanent warping.
Humidity: Aim for around 40 – 50%. Too dry, and sleeves deteriorate; too damp, and mould becomes a risk.
Light: Avoid direct sunlight. UV rays fade artwork and heat can warp discs.

If your home doesn’t have an ideal storage space, a self storage unit can be a smart solution.

3. Use Protective Sleeves

Original paper sleeves attract dust and scratches. Invest in anti-static inner sleeves to protect the vinyl surface, and pair them with high-quality outer sleeves for the cover. This dual protection keeps both the record and the artwork in excellent condition.

4. Avoid Handling the Surface

Always handle records by the edges and label area. Fingerprints, oils, and dust compromise sound quality and shorten the life of your collection. Make cleaning a habit, using a carbon fibre brush before and after playing.

5. Consider Self Storage for Larger Collections

When your collection outgrows your living space, the safest option is secure storage. A self storage unit provides:

Clean storage space to prevent damage from dust, dirt and mould.
Extra space to keep records upright without crowding
Security to protect valuable collections from theft or damage

For serious collectors, this is often the most practical and protective option.

Vinyl is more than just music; it’s culture, history, and artistry pressed into grooves. Preserving it requires care, attention, and the right storage environment. By following these tips, you’ll know exactly how to store vinyl records so they stay in perfect playing condition for years to come.

And if you need extra space, our self storage solutions are designed to give your collection the protection it deserves.

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.

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.

Photographs aren’t just images on paper – they’re treasured memories frozen in time. From childhood holidays and weddings to those everyday moments that make life meaningful, photos help us hold on to the stories that shape us. That’s why learning how to store photos carefully is so important.

Whether you’re safeguarding old family albums, cherished prints, or professional photographs, proper storage can prevent damage from light, damp, and time. In this guide, we’ll explore how to store your photographs safely and how self storage can help protect these irreplaceable memories.

Why Proper Photo Storage Matters

Photographs are surprisingly fragile. Without the right conditions, they can fade, stick together, discolour or warp. Here are the main threats to watch out for:

Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct light, especially UV rays, causes fading and discolouration.
Humidity: Moist conditions can lead to mould growth, curling, or photos sticking together.
Temperature Fluctuations: Extreme changes can warp paper or cause prints to become brittle.
Handling: Frequent handling, creasing or touching the surface with bare hands can leave lasting damage.

Taking the right precautions now means your memories will last for generations.

How to Store Photos: Tips for Long-Term Preservation

Here’s how to store photos properly to ensure they remain in pristine condition:

1. Use Acid-Free Materials

Always choose acid-free photo albums, sleeves and boxes. Standard cardboard and paper contain acids that can deteriorate photographs over time.

2. Store in Cool, Dark, and Dry Conditions

Avoid attics, garages or basements, which are prone to damp and temperature swings. Instead, choose a stable environment — ideally between 15–21°C and with low humidity.

3. Avoid Plastic Bags

Never store photos in plastic bags or cling film, as they can trap moisture and cause sticking or mould. Use polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene sleeves instead.

4. Handle with Care

Wear clean cotton gloves when handling valuable prints, and avoid touching the image surface directly. Fingerprints contain oils that can cause damage.

5. Keep Photos Flat and Organised

Store photographs flat to avoid bending and creasing. Use labelled boxes or albums to organise by date, event or person — making it easier to enjoy and protect them.

Why Self Storage Is Ideal for Preserving Photographs

If you’re running out of space at home or want to create a dedicated memory archive, self storage is a brilliant solution. A high-quality self storage unit provides:

Dry, damp-free conditions ideal for long-term preservation
Secure access so your memories are always safe
Extra space to store photos, albums and other sentimental items without cluttering your home

At Cookes Storage, we believe your memories deserve more than just a box in the cupboard. That’s why our facilities offer clean, monitored, and purpose-built environments that go beyond storage — we’re here to help you protect the moments that matter most.

Whether it’s your grandparents’ wedding album or a shoebox full of 90s snaps, your photographs deserve to be treated with care. Because memories aren’t just made — they’re stored.

Looking to store your precious memories?
Get in touch today and discover safe, secure self storage designed to protect what really matters.