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

You can probably see from the increase in storage businesses around the UK that there is a rising demand for units. They can be a cost-effective and simple solution for business and personal use.

But before you jump into your first self-storage unit, what do you need to know? Here is our beginner’s guide to choosing the right facility.

What are you using the unit for?

It may seem obvious but consider what you need to store first. Are you planning on long-term storage of belongings you won’t need often? If you’re storing furniture you don’t have space for at home, or your household goods while you go travelling, take a look at facilities that are further out from the town centre as they may have lower fees. Here at Cookes Storage, we have stores in Stratford-upon-Avon and Sutton Coldfield, so your midlands self storage is never far away.

How much space will you need?

Working out what size unit you need can be quite complicated. But don’t worry—you can always ask one of our team for guidance or visit our units to help you visualize the dimensions.

If you are storing furniture for the long term, you may not need as big a unit as you first think. A well-packed unit includes height, as well as width. You can stack well-balanced boxes all the way to the ceiling.

When you plan to use your unit for more practical reasons, such as an extension of your garage, somewhere to keep bikes or tools, or as a business unit, you’ll need more space to allow for accessibility, making it easier to move about inside.

How flexible is your self-storage contract?

When you’re planning on running a business from self-storage, or moving home, you may not be sure how long you need the unit for or what size you’ll need to start with.

Always take a look at the contract terms to begin with and see how flexible they are. Some facilities offer simple terms that allow you to cancel your contract if you need to leave earlier than planned or to move into a larger unit if your business is expanding faster than you expected. You’ll also want to know whether there is a penalty if you do leave earlier. At Cookes Storage, we offer short term and long term contracts to suit your needs.

Always look at the financials.

Make sure you understand how the payments are structured. Do you make regular monthly payments or, especially if you want a longer term rental, is there a minimum upfront payment? Although most storage units include utilities such as lighting in the rental fee, always ask first. And, if you want to run a business from your unit, check whether adding power, running a heater and easy access to WIFI will be an issue.

Location, access and security are important.

A storage facility inside a city centre may have higher rates, but if it’s closer to your client base or home, the extra cost may be worth it. For homeowners who need daily access, a unit right next to the train station or within walking distance may be a key factor.

Businesses who will be in and out through the day may choose something outside of town with a larger car park. However, you also need to find out how simple access is outside of working hours or at weekends, when your business may still be running.

Whichever you choose, make sure you look at the security options. Is the unit manned or have excellent CCTV? Some facilities allow 24 hour access with a key card or PIN code to the main doors. Modern facilities may also have PIN code access to your individual unit. If not, you’ll need to factor in supplying your own padlock.

The final details.

It’s always important that you read your Terms and Conditions before you enter into a contract, and clarify anything you’re not sure of.

Small details can cause big issues, so ask questions such as:

Will there be a trolley handy, or people available to help you carry your items in when you arrive?

What sort of thing can you store in your unit?

What can’t you store, such as food items?

What kind of business can you run? Are you allowed to run appliances such as fridge or freezer units?

What insurance will you need?

Finally, although these may be minimal or unavoidable, there are a few extra costs such as your padlock, robust storage boxes and racking in your unit if needed.

Although there is a lot to consider, planning ahead means you’ll find the best storage facility for your needs first time, and won’t have any issues once settled in. If you have any questions, please do just ask. We’re happy to answer all your queries and show you around.

You’ve booked your self-storage unit and you’re getting ready to pack everything. Before you start, it’s worth taking a little time to plan the best way to make the most of all your space.

Remember that in a self-storage unit you have height as well as the width of the room to fill. You can stack boxes and furniture, but you do need to think practically. Read on for our top tips for safely storing your belongings.

Plan ahead for easy access to your most used items

Start by considering what you’ll be storing and how often you’ll need to access it.

If you’re storing furniture between house moves or while you’re travelling abroad, you won’t visit your unit very often. But, if you want to use it as a work unit or an extension to your garden shed, you’ll probably need access to items more often.

It sounds obvious, but the things that you want to access frequently are the ones that need to be put into the unit last, so that they are near the door and accessible without clambering over every box and bike.

If you are moving house, there will come a time when you need to empty your unit. Think about the items you’ll want to get out first. Don’t pack big furniture like your bed and mattress against the rear wall, when that’s what you’ll want to move into your new home on day one. Instead, boxes of books, ornaments and spare clothes – the things you’ll unpack last – are best placed at the back.

Heaviest items at the bottom

Maximise the use of space by packing from floor to ceiling. But to do that, you’ll need sturdy boxes. While we know packing boxes come at a price, they are strong and made for the job. They are also all the same size, so they stack and balance easier than mismatched and weaker cardboard boxes.

Put the heaviest items in the boxes at the bottom. You don’t want the weight of the pile to crush something delicate. A box full of books, for example, is a heavy and sturdy foundation for your pile. In fact, boxes of books can be far heavier than you would expect, so it’s better to get lots of small boxes than one large one. Otherwise, once it’s full you might not be able to lift it.

Organise and label your boxes clearly

As you start to build piles in your unit, make sure to leave pathways through them, just in case you do need something quickly.

Label your boxes so you know what’s in them, as well. It will save you a lot of time and frustration if you can easily lay your hands on everything when you need it.

Taking care of your belongings with careful packaging

As you’re wrapping and packing a lot of things, it can be tempting to just throw them all into boxes and sort it out when you unpack. Unfortunately, that may lead to your personal items becoming damaged. Here’s a quick list of packing tips.

Wrap breakables such as ornaments and china in bubble wrap to avoid breakages.
Put sheets of newspaper between plates to cushion them.
Seal any container of liquid carefully and, if you’re still worried, wrap clingfilm around the seal as added protection.
Use plastic boxes for clothes and leave an air gap in the box instead of stuffing everything in, so fabrics can breathe and won’t get crushed.
Use a wardrobe box for delicate materials so they can hang without creasing.
Make sure shoes, particularly leather, are clean and dry to avoid mould or staining.
Cover furniture and electronics in sheets to help keep dust accumulating in fabrics or inside vents.

Check the items you are not allowed to store

Our storage units are indoors, secure and protects your belongings from damp and rodents. However, some items are prohibited, so please read our FAQs thoroughly and ask us if you are not sure.

The most common items that are not allowed include:

Perishable items. We do not allow food to be stored as it may attract rodents and, as it deteriorates, will create a smell.
Live animals. Our units are not appropriate for keeping live animals.
Hazardous Materials. Chemicals, flammables, and explosive items are not allowed.
Medical Supplies. Medical items that require refrigeration are prohibited.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with us on 0121 250 5055. We want to make your storage experience as positive and straightforward as possible.

The self-storage industry in the UK is growing, with an increase of 8.1% over the last year according to industry reports. Homeowners, businesses and entrepreneurs are all finding self-storage a useful option when they need more space. It’s flexible, secure, safe and dry, and offers short and long-term storage. But is it cost effective?

Saving costs on office space

The average cost of renting office space across the country in 2024 is £35 a square foot. When you’re based in a city centre, you could be paying a premium. Birmingham office space is estimated at £300 per person per month, while even an economical office averages £455 per desk in London. For micro businesses and SME’s where every penny counts, smaller office space is also much harder to find.

Even as businesses face rising costs, there are ways to save on your space. It’s all a matter of reassessing how you use it. Prioritising your needs – and looking for alternative options to make the most of every corner of your current office.

If your biggest need is room for people – with desks, staff breakout and meeting rooms your priority, you don’t want to lose space to storage. Corners, cupboards and rooms taken up with old furniture, marketing materials and filing is taking up space that is costing your business money.

Saving costs on home living

As the cost-of-living features as an ongoing topic of conversation, the housing market seems to be heading upwards. House prices have increased by 1.4% so far in 2024, according to Zoopla. It might be good if you are selling, but less so for anyone considering upsizing for more space, especially once you add on the additional costs of moving, such as estate agent fees, conveyancing and the cost of moving.

Rental prices are going up as well, by 8.7% in the last 12 months. When your monthly rent averages £1,300 in England, moving to a larger property with higher rates is going to be a big commitment.

Self-storage as a cost-saving alternative to gain more space

While we’re all focused on saving on expenses, the idea of adding the cost of a self-storage unit may not seem to be the best option. But when you consider the potential there are actually huge benefits.

Self-storage contracts are flexible, so you can choose a short-term option. For homebuyers, this gives you time to allow the economy to settle down, or to save up for your house move, while solving your immediate space dilemma.

What do you need more space for? If you have a young family, a lot of room is likely taken up with toys, pushchairs and clothes, however the amount of equipment and size of toys children have is inversely proportional to the size of the child. As they get bigger, their gadgets get smaller, and you’ll need less storage space.

If you’re living in a flat in the city and need somewhere to store your sports gear and camping equipment, a storage locker will be more cost-effective than a larger flat, and you can have access to your items whenever you need it.

Growing a business in storage

Businesses also often need short term space – for seasonal goods or to allow for a temporary staff increase, perhaps for project work. That means you can move the filing out of your storage room and create a new office or temporary meeting room with ease.

Small businesses that need a secure storage option for stock or tools will find a storage option a better business decision than taking on premises, especially if they don’t plan on being open to the public. Business premises incur rates, utilities and insurance on top of the rent, and you are responsible for the upkeep of the security and meeting H&S and fire regulations. With storage units, it’s all taken care of.

If you’re still not sure that a storage unit is the cost-effective space you need, why not get in touch today. Once we understand what you primarily need space for, we can help you calculate the size of unit you’ll need and give you an idea of costs. At Cookes Storage, we have the perfect storage solution for you.

Are you on the hunt for the perfect office space in Sutton Coldfield? Look no further than Cookes Storage. Our premium office suites offer a range of benefits designed to enhance your work experience and productivity. Whether you’re a small business, a growing start-up, or an established company looking to expand, our offices provide the ideal environment for success.

The Benefits of Choosing Our Office Spaces

Flexible Access Hours

We understand the importance of flexibility in today’s fast-paced business world. That’s why our office spaces are accessible from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on Sunday. These generous access hours ensure that you can work at times that suit your schedule, accommodating early starts, late finishes, and weekend work.

Ample Parking

Each office suite comes with two dedicated car parking spaces, providing convenience and ease for your daily commute. For additional vehicles, roadside parking is available, ensuring that your team and clients always have a place to park.

Inclusive Pricing

At Cookes Storage, we believe in transparent and straightforward pricing. Our office suite prices include all rates and utilities, so there are no hidden costs. You only need to arrange your own phone and broadband services, giving you control over your connectivity options.

Prime Office Suites Available

We offer two distinct office suites, each designed to meet different business needs:

Suite 1: 541 sqft

Suite 1 is perfect for smaller teams or businesses looking for a compact yet functional space. At 541 sqft, this suite is priced at £850 per calendar month plus VAT (£1020 including VAT). With its efficient layout, Suite 1 provides a comfortable working environment that can easily accommodate your team.

Suite 2: 843 sqft (Including Kitchen)

For those needing a larger space with additional amenities, Suite 2 is an excellent choice. This 843 sq ft suite includes a kitchen, making it ideal for businesses that require more space and facilities for their team. Priced at £1300 per calendar month plus VAT (£1560 including VAT), Suite 2 offers a spacious and versatile office environment.

Why Choose Cookes Storage?

Cookes Storage in Sutton Coldfield is committed to providing high-quality office spaces that cater to the needs of modern businesses. Our office suites are designed to offer flexibility, convenience, and value, ensuring that you can focus on what matters most – growing your business. Our range of storage units also provide as much space to store your business items as you need, close by and accessible anytime.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to secure an exceptional office space for your business. Contact us today to arrange a viewing and see for yourself why Cookes Storage is the perfect place for your office.

For more information, please visit our website or give us a call. We look forward to welcoming you to Cookes Storage in Sutton Coldfield!

All prices correct at time of publishing (August 2024), contact store for availability and current prices.

You might not be able to tell right now by the slight chill in the air, but we are speeding swiftly towards the summer holidays. We’re all hoping for some sunshine, but at the same time, the unseasonal weather is a reminder of the impact climate change has on our countryside and wildlife.

With the holidays being a time when parents are stretched trying to find activities for the children, and our wonderful British weather always being a little hit-and-miss, we thought we would put together a list of greener activities for you and the kids to enjoy this year.

Sustainable activities for children.

Plant some tomato plants

Tomato plants are a very easy and fun plant for children to grow. You can get some baby plants from your local nursery and some supermarkets. Tomato plants don’t need a lot of space, and some varieties do well in hanging pots, which makes them a versatile option for balconies, window boxes and patios. Not only do your children have the fun of planting and caring for their growing plants, they can eat the tomatoes straight off the vines, which is when they have the best flavour.

Join a clean-up event

Organised clean-up events are becoming more popular as we become more aware of the devastating impact of plastic and litter on our countryside and beaches. Take a look online to find details of events happening near you. Clean-up events are usually hosted by volunteers who will welcome your contribution to the effort, and it’s a great way to teach children about caring for our green spaces.

Even if there are no events near you, you can always organise a picnic in your local park and take a bin bag to have a mini litter pick of your own.

Build a rocket

If you grew up with Blue Peter, you’ll be familiar with toilet roll rockets. There are a lot of craft ideas online, so gather together your scrap material, cardboard boxes and leftover paint tins, and see what you can create.

We love the idea of toilet roll puppets, and then you can turn a cardboard box into your very own theatre and put on a show. Or maybe you can cut up some old clothes and make a collage of family portraits. In fact, we’re sure we saw plastic jar lids around here that would make some wonderful windchimes.

Hop on a train

The wonderful thing about our country is that even the biggest city is always surrounded by beautiful countryside. Plan a day trip out to your nearest green space and enjoy a hike. All that fresh country air is good for your health, and exercise has the added benefit of helping the children sleep all night long.

Sew yourself some new bags

Being Britain, we know there will be wet days ahead. But that’s okay if you have an indoor plan. Get together some old clothes and see what you can turn them into with a little sewing. Make your shirts into cushions or cut up some jeans and create a new denim tote bag. Recycling old clothes is a good way to learn about upcycling. And, if your children don’t feel like sewing, just enjoy dressing up and throw a costume party.

Make a bird feeder

Collect the fat from your morning sausages, the last of the peanut butter and buy some birdseed to create your own birdfeeders. All you need is some pinecones, which you can find on your next woodland walk. Roll the pinecone in the fat or peanut butter, sprinkle in birdseed and hang them up in your garden. It may take a day or so for the birds to find the new food source, but soon they’ll be swooping in, so you can keep a note of which wild inhabitants you share your garden with.

Plan a toy swap

If your children are getting a little bored of the same books or outgrowing their toys, plan a toy and book swap. Talk to other local parents and bring together all the toys they no longer want. Your children will learn about recycling and reusing items and have something new to play with. It’s also a fun way to build a sense of community and meet some new parents.

Offsetting your carbon footprint.

If you are heading abroad in search of some sunshine, (and we wish we were, too), there are ways you can offset some of the carbon footprint caused by air travel. Climate change is already impacting our wildlife, with The Woodland Trust estimating that spring now comes an average of 8 days earlier. It doesn’t sound like much, but it has a serious impact on nesting birds and their food sources.

The Trust is actively working to restore some of the ancient woodlands that used to cover Britain by improving the condition of those remaining and replanting native species. You can help by donating to the Trust or even dedicating a tree as a gift for a family birthday. All the funds go towards supporting the fight against climate change.

Enjoy your summer.

With six weeks of cycling and picnics, pond dipping, learning to compost and enjoying the local parks, we know you’ll find plenty to do. Whatever your plans for the summer, we at Cookes hope you have a wonderful time.

You’re leaving your student house for the summer – or maybe even planning a year of travel. There’s just one problem. You’ve got bikes, clothes, textbooks, hiking boots, TVs, pots and pans and all your other possessions, and nowhere to put them.

Of course, you could pack it all up and take it back to your parents’ garage. But if you’re a long way from home, without transport or don’t have the time to pack and carry it all before you head off for summer fun, that’s not always the easiest option.

This is when short-term self-storage units are a great solution. You’ve got the space you need – the equivalent of an extra cupboard up to a shed, or even a garage if you think you need it – with flexible contracts and plenty of security. If that sounds ideal, here are some great tips for making more of your self-storage.

Top tips for student storage

Share with a friend. If you’re in between study years and staying with the same housemates next term, consider getting a storage unit together. You’ll both save on costs.
Ask the storage company for advice on how much space you’ll really need. They have the expertise, after all. Remember that you need to think in terms of height as well as floor space, as you can stack your boxes up to the roof of your unit.
If you’re looking for ways to save on costs, then picking the cheapest unit isn’t always the best solution, especially if it’s farther away from your rental and you need to hire a van to move your belongings. It’s an expense that you need to factor in.
Ask your storage company if they offer help to collect belongings or have deals on van rental or the cost of boxes. Our bo x shop contains all the packaging supplies you will need to safely store your items.
If you choose a self-storage provider with outdoor units, you’ll need to factor in damp and, potentially, rodents as part of your packing plan. Indoor facilities should be dry and rodent-free.
Pack carefully, so nothing is damaged in transit. Clothes and shoes should be clean and dry, kitchen items may need to be bubble-wrapped and most storage companies won’t allow food items. In outdoor units, pack fabrics in plastic containers to keep rodents out.
As you stack your items in storage, place the heavier items at the bottom. Although cardboard boxes may seem an expense, buying them from your storage company means they will be sturdy and a similar size, making it easier to stack them. Good packing and stacking make the most of the space you have available.
Remember to ask about the notice period to end your storage. When you come to collect your items, ready for your new term at university, you don’t want to pay for an extra week of empty storage.

Our student self-storage options have been designed with you in mind. If you’re looking for summer storage, or something a little longer while you explore the globe, then we’ve got flexible terms at great rates. Give us a call on 0121 250 5055 or email u s to find out more.