Extra Storage - self storage company

Kitten_Pie

Hi all,

I have a very small one bedroom flat which has been fine for the last few years however we are beginning to get bogged down with stuff (there is very little storage) we have tried to use what little space we have, our table has storage in it and under it as does our bed etc.

We have sold everything that we are happy to get rid of however the financial files and wedding box we don't use that often but can't/don't want to get rid of however they are taking up space, as well as some of our books and an amp etc. Have thought about using those self storage spaces on a long term let (only the small ones)
Thing is they can cost £80- £100 a month for a small space which we could use. Does anyone have any other suggestions or have a cheaper option than the main brand ones? The smaller options at £40 per month hardly seem worth it as not much would fit in at least nothing apart from our files.

I know its not money saving however I can't see what else to do to get things out from under our feet - ideas are welcome.

Errata

How about putting a shelf all the way round in the hallway at top of the doors height for book storage, financial files, wedding box ?

LeeSouthEast

Something I'm looking into is scanning financial documents into my computer, and I mean everything. Bank statements, credit card statements, bills, receipts, mobile phone bills, every other bill under the sun, as they come in. The hard copies will then be shredded. If you aim to keep files for 7 years, this will save so much space just thinking about it makes me giddy.

Microsoft Office comes with something that'll let you do it. I'm still searching for the perfect tool.

Kitten_Pie

I like the sound of putting all of our files on the computer, will look into this idea more. just worried about the security aspect - don't want someone to steal our computer and have access to all our financial records.

With regards to the shelving in the hallway, we have already got shelving and because it is a narrow short hallway we don't want to smother it and make the hall seem even smaller. Have painted it white to try and make it look larger with white shelving which helps. Thanks for the ideas guys.

LeeSouthEast

Security is a basic concern, granted. But it could be as simple as storing the files 'online' with something like Humyo.com, or on an external hard drive you keep locked away until you need to read/scan a new bill. Maybe keep them in a tray until you amass a reasonable amount then do a batch? Where there is a will, there is a way.

Fire_Fox

Errata wrote: »

How about putting a shelf all the way round in the hallway at top of the doors height for book storage, financial files, wedding box ?

You can do this in any room: we have DVD shelves over the lintel of a double-width doorway in our living area, and my parents have book shelves at picture rail height in their spare room. I've seen the same thing done high above the sofa and it looked really good.

OP have you tried vacuum packing winter clothes, shelves above the immersion heater, full height shallow fitted cupboards in the bathroom?

dander

There's one round the corner from me with a big sign up saying "from £5 a week". Granted, I have no idea what kind of space you get for your £5 but I'm sure if you shop around you can knock a fair bit off the prices you've quoted.

lesley1960

We own a removal company that also does storage and we know that removal companies can cheaper then self store , however its not unlimited access . Experience has shown us that people put stuff into storage but then leave it there for years ! I know i should be encouraging people to pay for storage , but think how long you will need the storage ( and then probably double it ) is everything that takes up space in your house worth more then the cost of the storage?

Would i pay to store my stuff? , unless it was short term between house moves , would i hell lol

Kitten_Pie

Thanks for the advise, we are going to put off storage for as long as possible. Hoping not to stay here too long and get a bigger place, so will definately need some storage when we are selling but going to try the scanning and see if more shelves will work without making it look too cramped.

Going to also do another spring clean and see if we can get rid of more things - although not sure what, will have to be ruthless.

Fire_Fox

Kitten_Pie wrote: »

Thanks for the advise, we are going to put off storage for as long as possible. Hoping not to stay here too long and get a bigger place, so will definately need some storage when we are selling but going to try the scanning and see if more shelves will work without making it look too cramped.

Going to also do another spring clean and see if we can get rid of more things - although not sure what, will have to be ruthless.

This is really worth doing, when you come to sell you don't want the prospective owner to realise you have outgrown the place or they will think they will have the same problem.

*Louise*

Do you have any relatives nearby?

When we were needing to store stuff so we could sell our last place, we took over a spare bedroom at my inlaws house (they didnt mind lol)

Just another option if you are looking to move in the end....