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

There’s something undeniably enchanting about Stratford-upon-Avon at Christmas. The historic market town is full of charm year round, but once the festive season arrives, its timber-framed buildings, twinkling lights and cheerful atmosphere make it feel like you’ve stepped into a classic Christmas storybook.

Whether you’re visiting for the day or planning a festive break, here’s what makes Christmas in Stratford truly special.

1. The Victorian Christmas Market

One of the highlights of Stratford’s winter calendar is the Victorian Christmas Market, which transforms the town into a bustling festive fairground. With hundreds of stalls lining the streets, you’ll find everything from handmade gifts and artisan food to seasonal decorations and unique festive treats.

Street performers, live music and entertainers dressed in Victorian costume add to the nostalgia and charm, making it one of the most-loved Christmas markets in the region.

2. Shakespearean Charm Meets Festive Spirit

Stratford’s unique history as the birthplace of Shakespeare adds a magical layer to the festive season. The iconic Tudor buildings look even more picturesque dusted with frost and illuminated with warm lights.

Many of the Shakespeare family homes host Christmas-themed events, from candlelit tours to traditional Tudor decorations, giving visitors a taste of how the season might have been celebrated centuries ago.

3. Cosy Cafés and Winter Warmers

December is the perfect time to discover Stratford’s cosy cafés, tearooms and independent restaurants. Whether you’re after a mug of mulled wine, a festive hot chocolate piled with whipped cream or a traditional roast dinner, there’s no shortage of warming, comforting options.

Look out for local bakeries selling mince pies, gingerbread and handmade chocolates, perfect for enjoying as you stroll through the town.

4. Riverside Winter Walks

For a peaceful break from the festive crowds, take a stroll along the River Avon. The crisp winter air, scenic river views and resident swans make it a refreshing escape. At sunset, the lights from the town reflect beautifully on the water, creating a uniquely serene winter atmosphere.

Wrap up warm, bring a warm drink, and enjoy a moment of calm amid the festivities.

5. Festive Performances and Events

Stratford’s cultural scene comes alive at Christmas. The Royal Shakespeare Company often stages seasonal productions, offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy world-class theatre in one of the country’s most historic locations.

You’ll also find Christmas concerts, carol services, craft workshops and family-friendly events throughout December.

6. Shopping in the Heart of Stratford

Christmas is a great time to explore Stratford’s mix of independent shops, boutiques and well loved high street favourites. Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, local crafts or luxury treats, the town makes Christmas shopping a genuinely enjoyable experience.

And with the festive lights illuminating the main streets, your shopping trip comes with a magical backdrop.

Stratford-upon-Avon at Christmas: Unforgettable Festive Magic

With its historic charm, lively markets, festive events and cosy spots, Stratford-upon-Avon becomes one of the Midlands’ most magical towns during the Christmas season. Whether you’re exploring with family, enjoying a romantic winter getaway or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Stratford delivers everything you’d want from a classic English Christmas.

If you’d like, I can tailor this blog post for Cookes Storage – including a festive call-to-action for Stratford customers, or adding SEO optimisation.

If you’re new to using self storage, you’ve probably wondered at some point: “What can’t I put in self storage?” It’s one of the most common questions first-time customers ask, and for good reason. While self storage is perfect for furniture, household items, business stock, archives and more, there are certain things that can’t be stored for safety, legal and hygiene reasons.

To help you get started with confidence, here’s a simple, beginner-friendly guide to the items you should avoid placing in your storage unit.

1. Perishable Foods and Drinks

It may be tempting to store tins, packets or leftover groceries during a move, but any type of perishable food is a firm no. Items such as:

Fresh fruit and vegetables
Meat, dairy or frozen food
Opened dry goods
Drinks that can ferment or spoil

These attract pests and mould, and can quickly cause damage to other belongings in your unit.

2. Plants and Living Organisms

Another common query when people ask “What can’t I put in self storage?” is whether plants are allowed. Unfortunately, the answer is no.

Plants need light, air and water — none of which a storage unit can provide. Storing them will only lead to wilting, rot and potential pest problems. This rule also applies to any living organism (yes, even insects or aquariums).

3. Hazardous or Flammable Materials

For health and safety reasons, anything dangerous, combustible or toxic is strictly prohibited. This includes:

Petrol, diesel or oil
Paint thinners and cleaning solvents
Fireworks
Gas canisters or propane tanks
Fertilisers, pesticides and chemicals

Even small amounts of these materials can pose a serious risk to the entire storage facility.

4. Illegal Goods

This one might sound obvious, but it still needs stating: anything illegal cannot be stored under any circumstances. Examples include:

Stolen goods
Counterfeit items
Unauthorized or unlicensed firearms
Drugs or banned substances

Storage facilities work closely with local authorities and follow strict compliance rules.

5. Cash and High Value Jewellery

While self storage units are extremely secure, they’re not designed to act as a replacement for a safe or bank. If you need to store cash, jewellery or other valuable items, you’re better off using a safety deposit box where your items are insured and protected under tighter conditions.

6. Strong Smelling Items

Anything with a potent smell, such as certain cleaning fluids, pet food, or scented chemicals, can seep into other belongings or attract unwanted pests. Best to avoid these entirely.

7. Unregistered or Untaxed Vehicles

Some (but not all) storage facilities allow the storage of cars, motorbikes and vans, but only if they meet specific requirements. As a general rule:

The vehicle must be roadworthy
It must be insured
It must be fully taxed and legally owned

Non-operational or abandoned vehicles are not allowed.

8. Damp or Mouldy Items

It’s not just about what you can’t store legally, it’s also about what you shouldn’t store for your own benefit. Items already affected by moisture or mould can spread damage to everything else in your unit. Always clean and dry items thoroughly before storing them.

If you’ve ever asked yourself “What can’t I put in self storage?”, the key things to remember are simple:

Nothing dangerous
Nothing illegal
Nothing alive
Nothing that can spoil
Nothing overly valuable or irreplaceable

When in doubt, always check with the Cookes Storage team – they’ll be happy to guide you before you move anything in.

Launching your first product feels electric – that moment when an idea becomes tangible. But between the first batch of prototypes and a growing inventory, every entrepreneur faces the same critical question: where on earth do I put all this stuff?

The truth is, product storage isn’t just about having space. It’s about control, scalability, and professionalism. The right storage strategy can make or break your early operations – especially when customer orders start rolling in faster than expected.

Here’s how to store business inventory the smart way, especially when you’re just getting started.

1. Think Beyond the Spare Room

Your home might have worked for the first few samples, but it’s not sustainable. Storing business inventory in personal spaces blurs the line between work and life, risks product damage, and limits your ability to scale.

A dedicated self storage unit gives you operational breathing room. It’s not just a place to stack boxes; it’s an extension of your business infrastructure – secure, organised, and ready for growth.

2. Choose the Right Storage Conditions

Prototypes and early products often need more care than mature inventory. Temperature-sensitive materials, electronics, or packaging can easily degrade if not stored correctly.

Look for indoor self storage that keeps your products in showroom condition. Consistency in temperature and humidity protects your stock, ensuring that what you deliver to your first customers reflects your brand’s quality promise.

3. Organise Like a Pro from Day One

Future you will thank you for setting up a proper system early. Label every box, create a digital inventory list, and track product movement even in small quantities.

Use shelving to maximise vertical space and keep the most frequently accessed items at eye level. With good organisation, you’ll cut down picking time, reduce stress, and maintain a clear picture of your stock levels – the kind of operational discipline investors and customers respect.

4. Keep Flexibility Front and Centre

Your storage needs today won’t be the same six months from now. That’s why flexible self storage is invaluable. You can upsize, downsize, or adapt your unit space as your business evolves – without long leases or unnecessary overheads.

It’s agile infrastructure for agile businesses.

5. Protect Your Assets

Security matters, even for early-stage ventures. Look for a facility that offers 24/7 CCTV, individual unit alarms, and secure access controls. Insurance is also non-negotiable. You’ve invested too much to let risk management be an afterthought, and all UK storage facilities require insurance to store your items.

Remember, your prototypes aren’t just items – they’re intellectual property in physical form. Protect them accordingly.

6. Treat Your Storage Like an Extension of Your Brand

When you walk into your storage unit, it should feel like part of your business ecosystem, not an afterthought. Use it to store marketing materials, exhibition stock, or even to stage product photos. Self storage isn’t simply about keeping things safe, it’s about creating space for innovation, growth, and the next big leap.

Knowing how to store business inventory effectively isn’t just a logistical exercise; it’s a strategic advantage. As your brand grows, efficient storage ensures you stay responsive, professional, and customer-ready – no matter how unpredictable early business life gets.

With the storage solution, you’re able to keep your business history safe. Speak to our team today to find out how we can support your business.

When someone close to us passes away, their belongings become far more than physical objects. Each item carries an emotional imprint; a story, a moment, a piece of who they were. It’s only natural to want to preserve these connections, but navigating how and where to store sentimental items after loss can feel overwhelming. That’s where a considered storage approach comes into play.

Step 1: Take Time Before You Tackle the Task

Grief doesn’t run on a schedule. Don’t pressure yourself to sort through items immediately. Give yourself permission to pause. When you do feel ready, set aside dedicated time and create a calm environment. Invite family members to join if that feels right; shared reflection can help lighten the emotional load and bring clarity to what truly matters.

Step 2: Sort With Purpose, Not Guilt

It’s common to feel obligated to keep everything, but real preservation is about quality, not quantity. Start by categorising items:

Keep: Irreplaceable keepsakes such as photos, letters, heirlooms, or objects with deep emotional value.
Share: Items that may hold meaning for others in your family or circle.
Donate or repurpose: Objects that can bring joy or usefulness to someone else.

By making these distinctions, you’ll not only honour your loved one’s memory but also create space for healing.

Step 3: Choose the Right Storage Environment

When storing sentimental items after loss, protection and preservation are key. Not all environments are equal – attics and garages often experience temperature and humidity fluctuations that can damage fragile items.
For additional, reliable storage environments, opt for indoor self storage, especially for:

Photographs, letters, and documents
Clothing or textiles
Wooden furniture
Electronics or media collections (like vinyl or film)

A professional self storage facility ensures consistent conditions, secure access, and peace of mind, so you can revisit those items when the time feels right.

Step 4: Store Thoughtfully and Label with Care

How you pack matters. Use acid-free boxes and tissue paper for photos and documents, bubble wrap for delicate ornaments, and sturdy containers for heavier pieces. Clearly label each box, not just with its contents, but with context. For instance: “Mum’s wedding keepsakes — 1978” or “Dad’s record collection — favourites.”

These small details transform a storage box from anonymous clutter into a tangible archive of memories.

Step 5: Create a Digital Backup

Modern technology offers a powerful complement to physical storage. Scan letters, photographs, or handwritten notes and back them up securely. It’s not about replacing the real thing, it’s about ensuring that even if life happens, the memories remain safe and shareable for generations.

Step 6: Remember — This Is an Act of Love, Not Loss

Storing sentimental items after loss isn’t about holding on to the past, it’s about safeguarding the stories that shaped you. A self storage unit becomes more than a secure space; it becomes a bridge between remembrance and renewal.

At Cookes Storage, we understand that what you’re storing is more than just stuff. Our tailored storage solutions provide the care, security, and respect your memories deserve – giving you the space to grieve, heal, and move forward when you’re ready.

Ready to protect your memories?
Talk to our team today about self storage options for storing sentimental items after loss, because some things are simply too precious to leave to chance.

When the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, Sutton Coldfield comes alive with seasonal activities that make the most of autumn’s golden landscapes and winter’s festive spirit. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or family-friendly fun, Sutton Coldfield offers something for everyone. If you’re looking for inspiration, here’s our guide to some of the best things to do in Sutton Coldfield this autumn and winter.

1. Explore Sutton Park

One of Europe’s largest urban parks, Sutton Park is a must-visit all year round, but its 2,400 acres are especially stunning in the autumn months. Think colourful foliage, crisp woodland walks, and tranquil lakes. In winter, the park offers a peaceful retreat for walkers, joggers, and cyclists alike. Don’t forget to bring a flask of something warm to enjoy after your stroll.

2. Discover New Hall Valley Country Park

If you prefer a quieter escape, New Hall Valley Country Park is a hidden gem. This green corridor provides picturesque walks through wetlands, meadows, and historic farmland. Autumn is the perfect time to spot wildlife, while winter brings serene, frost-covered scenery.

3. Experience Local History at Aston Hall

Just a short drive from Sutton Coldfield, Aston Hall is a Grade I listed Jacobean mansion with a fascinating history. Seasonal events, tours, and exhibitions make it a great cultural day out, particularly as the nights draw in.

4. Family Fun at Plantsbrook Nature Reserve

For those with little ones, Plantsbrook Nature Reserve offers an easy-to-navigate space for exploring nature. Wrap up warm and enjoy the walking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and peaceful picnic areas.

5. Shopping & Dining in Sutton Coldfield Town Centre

No list of things to do in Sutton Coldfield would be complete without mentioning the vibrant town centre. With a mix of independent boutiques, cafes, and high street favourites, it’s a great spot for Christmas shopping or enjoying a cosy meal with friends.

6. Seasonal Events and Christmas Markets

From late November, Sutton Coldfield and the wider Birmingham area come alive with festive markets and seasonal events. Be sure to visit the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market, the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria. Closer to home, check local listings for festive fairs and community events.

Store Your Seasonal Items with Ease

As the seasons change, it’s the perfect time to declutter your home and free up space. Whether you’re packing away garden furniture, sports gear, or summer clothes, Cookes Storage in Sutton Coldfield provides secure and flexible storage solutions to help you stay organised this autumn and winter.

Find out more about our storage options here: Cookes Storage Sutton Coldfield

By embracing everything the area has to offer, from outdoor spaces to cultural highlights and festive markets, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Sutton Coldfield this autumn and winter.

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.