Author: Gayle Edwards
Did you start off 2019 with plenty of good intentions?
You probably meant to work smarter, be more focused and pro-active, set goals and so on. Here we are, one month in, and all that positive mindset is waning away in the harsh light of wintery mornings and traffic jams.
It’s difficult to be focused if your work environment is not inviting. It’s time to stand still, take a look around you and think, what can you do to make your office a nicer place to be?
Declutter your workspace
Let’s take a look at your desk first. You probably spend more time here than you do in your own living room – but you don’t have dirty cup rings on your coffee table, or pens, staples and paper clips littering the floor at home, do you?
Invest in some funky desk tidies and some bright coloured note pads. There’s a reason why so many people love stationery – it just helps you feel organised and inspired to achieve things. Introducing some order to your desk will make you feel more in control of your space.
Hygiene is important too
Whether your office is lucky enough to have a cleaner or not, there are still plenty of places they miss – including your keyboard and telephone. We don’t want to freak you out, but your keyboard can hold more germs than a toilet seat. Just think of all the crumbs you drop on there and the things your fingers hold and touch before you start tapping away, and you’ll have the wet wipes out in no time.
Give your telephone a wipe too, particularly on the mouthpiece; polish your computer screen and wipe over the desk. You’re already finding your work space a little more welcoming.
Work with a view
Now your desk is nice and tidy, take a look around the room itself. You might not have a huge amount of control over your environment, but we’re sure there are some simple things you can do to cheer the place up. If you’re looking at a wall, pop up some inspirational posters. Tidy your notice board, taking down the information about last year’s Christmas party.
Plants are a lovey way to brighten up your office space – and they have the benefit of adding more oxygen to the room, which improves your concentration. But if you are not green fingered, even some artificial plants can add colour.
Make space with archiving
Take a look at how the space in your office is used. Open plan offices tend to be a little tidier, as you need to keep pathways clear, but old computer parts, spare chairs and marketing banners still build up around the edges. That’s the sort of thing that can go into storage until you need it.
As for paperwork – well, that’s the bane of every modern office. It starts with one file tidied to the top of a cabinet, and before you know it that file has grown into a pile that leans like the Tower in Pisa. Stacks of paper multiply overnight in the corners and begin creeping their way off shelves and onto the floor.
Do you really need all that paperwork? In many cases you have to keep documents, particularly if your industry requires storing customer data for any length of time – but you don’t actually need it to hand. So, consider archiving options.
All you need is some nice strong boxes, some sort of numbering system, and a handy collection service with a strong back and a van, ready to transport it from your office to your very own indoor, prepared secure storage unit.
Make the most of your office space
Now that’s all out of the way, look at the wonderful space you have left. There’s enough room for a comfy sofa, or a new coffee machine. You could fit in a meeting space for clients – or how about a table football game for the team.
Don’t languish away in an unwelcoming office – we’re right here with our strong backs AND IN-HOUSE COLLECTION TEAM, ready to help you make your space work better for you.
When you look for a self-storage unit to start up your business, keep your stock or to just move your furniture into for a short time, you probably don’t think much further than the cost. But there’s more to finding the right unit that meets the eye.
If you’re familiar with the Cookes brand, you’ll know that we are a family business. After 70 years, we’re proud that the 3rd generation is now running the day-to-day operation, and you’ll often find the 4th generation visiting their parents at work whenever they can.
All of which means we’ve got a family atmosphere running through the business, including our team – and that warm, welcoming ambience becomes obvious to customers, just as soon as you walk in.
A hands-on family attitude
So what does that mean for you? Well, you’re always assured of a warm welcome, where our team are professional, but relaxed, and customer service is natural, not just terminology.
In days gone by we’d have been the first out to carry every item of your furniture into your unit for you, and although modern day regulations have restricted us, we’re still happy to offer a helping hand where we can.
Personalised business approach
You’ll notice the difference between Cookes and other self-storage companies in everything we do. We’re not restricted by corporate culture, over-bearing behaviours passed down by a remote head office or the cold, impersonal touch of a chain.
If you’re running a business and you need something different for your unit – extra lighting maybe, a few plug sockets or something else – all you need to do is ask. Our contracts are flexible, and we can work with you to find a solution. After all, as a local business, we know the importance of community, and we’re personally interested in helping your business grow.
We’re not 9-5
The personal touch is more than just having a coffee for you when you walk in – although we do that too. It’s about putting a name to a face and lending a helping hand. If you need an extra half hour, or have to come in early, then we can work with you to make it happen.
Community, to us, is about working together. Cookes has grown to be a recognised name in the local area, not only for our business, but by working with the people who live here. Cookes Storage is proud to carry on that name – we’ve just celebrated our 3rd birthday and we’re still growing. We’re involved in supporting charities, including the Great Midlands Fun Run, the Buddy Bag Foundation, Toys4Tots and so many more.
If you’re looking for storage – for business, for personal use, to move home or as a place to keep your stock – come down to Cookes and see the difference the family touch makes.
To all of our customers, the people we meet out and about, and to every one we’ll meet in 2019 – we wish you a very Happy New Year.
This November is Cookes Storage’s 3rd birthday – and what a fabulous 3 years it has been.
We’ve grown.
In 2015 we opened with a single floor of units, 98 in all. This year we’ve completed our expansion to open our 301st unit.
We’ve not only grown in size, we doubled our staff too. But there’s one constant our long term clients will know – Branch Manager Deven. Deven has been part of the Cookes team since we launched, so we asked her about the last three years.
Who was the first client?
Deven: I’m not sure who was the very first, but one of the earliest is the Marshall Arts Shop, who are with us still. They are experts in martial arts, and sell equipment online and from their shop in Sutton Coldfield.
What’s the one thing you can never do without?
Deven: My calculator. All of our units are measured in square feet, and that is difficult for many people to picture. I’ve become very good at working with guestimates and converting metres to feet.
What else has changed over the years?
Deven: Aside from tripling in size, we also opened offices on site. Our resident businesses include Merry Maids and Guardian Office Supplies. And, of course, Andrew moved over from the Cookes furniture store in 2017 as our Director. He’s full of energy, very particular, and he also insists on working the later shifts, so that the rest of the team can go home for the evening.
So – tell us about the party!
Deven: We’re having a 3rd birthday party on Friday 16th November. Cookes is a local family business, and so we pride ourselves on helping other local businesses. We’re inviting companies we’ve worked with, networked with or who just want to meet us, to celebrate with us and enjoy some relaxed networking at the same time.
We’re also having some games, including our top secret Break In Challenge. There’ll be a raffle, and some other fundraising events, for our chosen charities, The Buddy Bag Foundation and Toys4TotsUK.
Every party needs a cake and some bubbles. All of the catering will be provided by Edwards Restaurant, so we’re looking at a fantastic afternoon and we hope plenty of businesses will want to join us.
If you would like to celebrate with us this Friday, just email info@cookesstorage.co.uk for the details.
Move over spring clean, that time has gone. Now we’re planning ahead for the long winter to come.
There’re plenty of things to do to prepare our homes for winter, not least those chores we all try to avoid, like clearing out the gutters, filling the log store and insulating the pipes.
Not all jobs are outdoors ones. We’ve spent the summer travelling, enjoying the weather, spending time with friends. And while we enjoyed plenty of time outdoors, the interior of our homes can become a little bit neglected.
Throughout the house, the clutter just seems to gather. Tupperware lids multiply, shoe piles mysteriously grow, filing is neglected, the paperwork mounts up and children’s toys seem to manifest themselves into a toy shop.
It’s time for a winter clear out.
Sort through toys
Hula hoops, buckets and spades, paddling pools, swingballs and kites – the toys children play with in the summer lie unused through the wet and windy days of winter. Some will be beyond repair, others are worth saving for another year.
Put away the summer clothes
It’s time to say goodbye to the beach dresses, fold the sarongs and dig out the thick coats and spare wellies. We’re heading into boots and hat season now.
Garden chairs and BBQs
Save furniture from discolouring or rotting in the damp winter air. While you can cover the frames, cushions and soft furnishings need to be stored somewhere dry and away from tiny teeth if you want them to last the winter.
Clear out the cupboards
Take a look at the piles growing around the home, where things have been put ‘for now’. It’s time to put stuff away – especially now you’ll be spending more time indoors looking at it.
The difficulty comes in finding places to keep all the extra items that we seem to collect. Garden sheds, if you have the room, are no place for soft furnishings, and stuffing everything in the wardrobe just makes your home feel more cluttered, not less.
So if you’re looking for extra space to pack away summer, it’s time to look at storage. Flexible contracts, as much space as you need and no more, and dry, indoor units that make sure your summer shorts are ready to wear next time you need them.
Are you ready for winter? With our free collection service (T&C’s apply) we’re on hand to make sure your season starts smoothly. Call now for more information on 0121 250 5055.
Deciding to branch out on your own in business and becoming self-employed can be a daunting, but equally exciting experience.
There’s a few things you need to consider. Getting your finances in order, employing a good accountant, getting your marketing and branding correct – and finding the right base to work from.
If your business relies solely on a laptop, your front room or kitchen table may be adequate to get started. Hot desking is an option that has also become increasingly popular, and means you can keep your work life and home life completely separate.
However, when your business involves products, equipment or quantities of marketing materials, working from home might not be an option. When boxes and equipment start to fill your hallways, and you feel that you never find a place to switch off from work – then it’s time to consider business premises that don’t cost the earth.
Running your business from a storage unit is a really great alternative to separate offices. No business rates, no council tax and no overheads – just one simple monthly fee, and all the floor space you need to keep yourself organised.
Not sure it would work for you? Here’s just some of the businesses that can be run from a storage unit.
Handyman and fix-it professionals
If you have a business which involves fixing, mending and helping others with jobs around the house, the chances are you have a lot of heavy and bulky equipment, which could take up valuable space in your home – and can’t be left inside a van at night for risk of theft.
The safe and secure premises of a storage unit can be the perfect solution, and with long opening hours throughout the week, you can start your job at whatever time suits you during the day, knowing that you can pick things up and drop them off at your own convenience.
Selling online
If you have an eBay or Etsy store, a unit for your stock will free your home of boxes, especially if you buy in bulk to sell on for a small profit.
With simple shelving solutions you can keep stock in order, have an area for wrapping and posting, and you know your product will be kept dry and safe, whatever the weather is doing outside.
Look about for the right storage provider – some provide the shelving if asked, and can include wi-fi and lighting in your unit, making it easier to do everything in one place.
Furniture upcycling
Anyone who has converted furniture from shabby to chic will know that while the end results look flawless and effortless, the process in-between is anything but. Bulky items take a lot of work to transform, from filling and fixing, sanding and painting.
A storage unit is the perfect place to store larger items as you are transform them for sale, without getting in the way at home. Some storage providers can offer a choice of units with outside access as well – giving you ventilation for a workshop and easy access for deliveries.
Lawyers, accountants and medical professionals
You may not think that this kind of profession needs much in the way of storage, but all that paperwork soon piles up – and in many cases businesses are required to keep paper records for set amounts of time, long after they need daily access to it.
While keep boxes of files piled up in your home, or in your inner city office, where you pay inner city prices for every square foot. Storage units are far more cost effective, and great for archiving files that you just don’t need cluttering up the place.
Photography studio
A unit is a great way to get started as a photographer. You’ve got space to hang a white background, power for lighting and all the space you need for stock and product photography or model shoots.
If you are thinking of starting your own business or need a bit more space in your office, look around for the right storage provider. You’ll get indoors units, particularly helpful if you will be working from the unit in the winter, all the flexibility you need to expand as you grow, and a secure, PIN controlled place to call your own.
Thinking about starting your own business and need some storage advise? Call us on 0121 250 5055
Whether at work or at home, your environment is much more pleasant if it is clean and organised.
Whenever an office is disorganised or is in need of a good deep clean, there can be a negative impact on the business, as workers become unhappy and the company becomes a lot less streamlined and productive.
It’s a proven fact that working in a disorganised and cluttered space dampens creativity and productiveness, so anything you, as an employer, can do to limit this impact will pay dividends for your business.
Which is why, although a seemingly small part of your working week, selecting the right cleaner is vital. But before you pick, there are a few pointers to follow to make sure the company you select are the right ones for you – whether you’re considering hiring them to clean your work or your home.
Flexible and trained cleaners
Cleaning is more than throwing a duster and hoover around every week or so. Specialist cleaning firms will be able to discuss your cleaning requirements for your office space, and also are trained in the best products to use for each surface. They will treat your property with respect and care.
The right firm will advise you on which areas would need to be cleaned on a weekly, monthly or annual schedule, and create a plan, just as you would have with your own home, to make sure everything is hygienic and, importantly, health and safety compliant.
This could consist of making sure the high use areas such as the bathroom and kitchen are cleaned on a more regular basis, while others with lower use, or items like carpets and windows, are scheduled in less often.
Check their credentials and get referrals
You wouldn’t let just anyone into your home, just as you wouldn’t allow a stranger on the street to enter your office.
Most work environments have cleaners on site out of office hours, and in domestic properties the homeowner is often at work while the cleaner comes in. This means giving unsupervised access to the property – so you have to be certain that you hire a cleaner with good credentials.
It’s essential to choose a company that is insured and offers a guarantee that all employees are properly trained and thoroughly referenced, including checking for criminal records.
A reliable company will have other clients who should be more than happy to endorse them – so don’t be shy about asking about other customers you can speak with directly as referees, before you sign on the dotted line.
They should also have a clear process to ensure your satisfaction. Merry Maids, for example, ensure your premises are checked by a supervisor after the first clean and on a rotational basis for others. They also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee where they will come back for a free clean if you are not happy with any aspect of their work.
You have the highest standards for your own work – so you want to make sure that the cleaning company you choose does too. If you’re after regular cleaning services, don’t be afraid to ask for a trial basis so you can see their cleaning for yourself.
One time cleaning services
You may not need regular cleaning services, but a professional clean can be just what you need. Consider if you are trying to sell your home – or are moving into your new place. A complete deep clean may just make that sale go faster, or help your new home feel fresh and welcoming.
If you’ve finished decorating or renovating, your home may be full of dust. Hiring a cleaner for a thorough cleanse – particularly if time is short – just makes life a little bit easier.
Special offers for Cookes customers
Hiring a cleaner for your home or business may seem like an expense you don’t need – but it doesn’t need to cost the earth. Choose a firm that has offers for block bookings.
Merry Maids is a family-run business based in office space on the Cookes Storage site in Minworth, close to Sutton Coldfield and Birmingham.
To celebrate the summer and their successful partnership, Merry Maids are offering Cookes customers any ‘one-off’ cleaning service for the discounted price of £70 per hour (inc. VAT). The offer includes two maids, all cleaning equipment and a Supervisor check of the completed clean. Alternatively, they are happy to provide a fixed, no-obligation quotation that will ensure that the clean is tailored to your specific requirements.
For more details, contact Merry Maids on 0121 313 1005.