The most common renovations are bathrooms and kitchens. Both are big, messy jobs, but they’re not the only improvements householders make. Total house renovations done over time are popular too. In fact, a confused.com survey found that 32% of us are involved in, or planning, some kind of home upgrade.

Self storage can help. Here’s how.

Getting Ready

Any kind of renovation, from a simple lick of paint in the bedroom to a total overhaul of the kitchen, is a good opportunity for a good declutter. You’re going to have to move stuff anyway, so take the chance to assess the possessions you’re keeping at home.

If you can do this before you even start the planned work, so much the better. You’ll have less to do when the main task starts.

Have a Plan

As far as possible, work out what you’re going to do, what order you’ll do it in, and when it will happen. Figure out:

• What will need packing up.

• Materials you’ll need for the work.

• Will you need time off work?

• Would childcare or pet sitters make life easier?

If you have lots of small items to pack up or move (maybe toys, clothes, kitchen utensils etc.) get plenty of boxes ready. Instead of facing moving boxes and/or furniture from room to room, consider renting a self storage unit so you only need to move stuff once.

Having fewer boxes to trip over while you work makes the job go a whole lot quicker, with less mess and fewer frustrations.

Self Storage Solutions

With so many self storage options available, it can feel a bit overwhelming to know which to choose and how to decide. Here are a few pointers:

• Look for a wide range of room sizes on offer so you don’t pay for more space than you need.

• Look for flexible contracts, especially those that let you leave early and refund you for unused days so you’re not out of pocket if you steam through the renovation work.

• Look for good security. You want 24/7 CCTV, PIN code access, fire, smoke and intruder alarms. Well-lit premises are a boon, as is out-of-hours access.

• Look for lifts, trolleys, loading bays and good parking.

When you contact the facility, how friendly are the staff? Do you get the feeling they want to help you get the most out of your self storage? Do they sound like they’re willing to help solve problems or answer questions? The team at Cinch self storage in Swindon ticks all those boxes.

Pack Your Possessions Carefully

Use strong cardboard boxes or sturdy plastic containers for smaller items. Cushion delicate items in tissue paper, bubble wrap, or even tea towels or clothing items.

Label boxes clearly and precisely. So, don’t just write ‘kitchen things’, write “food processor and bread maker”, or “hand and bath towels” rather than “bathroom things”. You’ll thank yourself later if you need to retrieve a specific item from a particular box.

If you’re storing furnishings (which is a good idea when you’re renovating) try and dismantle larger items if possible. They take up less space that way and you might get away with a smaller storage unit. At any rate, cover everything with dust sheets or plastic wrap, and remember to carefully bag up and tape any screws to the item they belong with.

Renovations already cost a lot of money, you don’t want to add replacing broken belongings to your expenses.

Have a Bolt Hole

If the work is extensive or long-running, it’s important you have a haven of calm to escape to. If you can, try not to stay at home during really big, disruptive jobs involving building work. Maybe stay with family or friends for a few days, or even book a local Air BNB. Renovation work is stressful enough without trying to live amongst dust and rubble.

At the very least, keep one room in the house clean and useable, where you can shut the door and relax at the end of the day.

Main Benefits of Using Swindon Self Storage

Here’s a quick summary:

• Your belongings are safe, protected from damage.

• They’re held in secure, locked units, with alarms and CCTV surveillance.

• You know where everything is, making it easier to retrieve random object should you need to.

• Units from 15 sq ft to 500 sq ft, and you can combine units if you need a very large area. There’s something to suit everyone.

• Out of hours access is available so you can work on your own time schedule.

• Flexible contracts so you’re not tied in. You can leave early, or stay longer. You’re in charge.

5* Customer Service

The Swindon team is not only very knowledgeable, they’ll give you a warm welcome every time you visit.

This is what Claire, one of our customers, had to say about the Swindon team:

“I’ve been chatting to Charlotte at the Swindon branch. She’s been fantastic! She’s answered all my questions and has gone above and beyond with the level of customer service she’s provided. Charlotte sorted out a reservation for me and provided opening times so I could come along and see what I needed.”

If you would like to know more, please give us a call on: 01793 267 585 or get a quote online.