The Meon Springs Self Storage Guide

Whether you're new to self storage or you're an expert, there are plenty of hints and tips to help you save money and move safely.

The kind of things you want to think about are firstly decluttering to ensure that you are only storing things that have a high value for you (emotionally, financially or both).

For most people, storage is needed at times of change or stress. Either for example, moving house or when somebody has died or separated. That said, the stress can sometimes be positive - for example, if you are beginning a world tour for a year or two.

At Meon Springs, our aim is always to maximise the help we can offer and minimise your stress, whilst moving and storing.

Self Storage Prices

To receive an up-to-date price list of all our storage units please enter you details below.

Alternatively, you can call us on
01730 823249 during office hours or email
storage@meonsprings.com
Evenings and weekends - 01730 823134

Decluttering

We thoroughly recommend a good declutter before choosing to store your possessions. After all, there's no point storing stuff you don't need or want. If the thought of having a clear out brings you out in a cold sweat, then there's plenty of advice available online.

Leo Babauta at Zen Habits, for instance, recommends 18 different 5-minute decluttering tips while Colleen Madsen at 365 Less Things recommends you give away one thing a day for a year as a way to declutter.

You may also try the Oprah Winfrey Closet Hanger Experiment, take the 12-12-12 challenge, use the Four Box Method or try many other decluttering techniques and skills.

At the end of the day however, the point is quite simple the more "decluttering" the less you'll have to store.

Choosing a unit size

Once you've decided what you want to store and removed all the clutter, next it's time to chose the right size storage unit to meet your needs. There are a number of ways people try to estimate the amount of storage space that they need. Some people get the tape measure out to measure up all their items of furniture to calculate what size storage unit would work best.

We find that it is much easier for people to visualise a space and answer a question such as, "Would the goods you have to store fit into a ... large single garage?"

At Meon Springs, we're flexible on storage unit sizes. which means that we will accommodate your storage goods in the best sized unit, when you get down here,

Deciding how you're going to move your stuff

You've booked your unit - the next step is to work out how to get your stuff here. Are you going to attempt the move entirely on your own, hire a removal firm to do it all - or something in between.

If you need help we can recommend van hire companies, removal firms and courier firms that might be able to assist. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

One firm that we use extensively is Hughes Stanton Removals. Sam, who runs it used to be an antiques dealer, which means that as well as being polite he is extremely careful with packing, moving and unloading your goods. You can contact him by email samhs@tiscali.co.uk or give him a call - 07884 313612

Getting your packaging right

Good packaging for storage is really important, not only to protect your goods but also to maximise the use of space and ensure that you can find what you want when you want. There are a range of storage packaging items that you can get:

Different sized storage boxes
Plastic storage containers
Packaging Tape

Large boxes can be used for storing larger items such as toys, cushions, blankets etc. Medium storage boxes are better for storing china, crockery, kitchen utensils, larger books, CDs and other items. Small boxes are ideal for storing books, ornaments and other odds and ends,

Whatever you do, you'll need plenty of packaging tape or duct tape and a good marker pen to mark up where everything is.

To protect your goods, you may like to invest in woollen blankets. In fact, many removal firms will have woollen blankets that you can use. They are perfect for protecting storage items on the move and in store.

It is possible to purchase sofa wraps that are the correct shape for fitting around your sofa. And also chair wraps for the same purpose. Plastic mattress covers can also be used for protecting your mattresses.

If you are not a regular tabloid reader, you might also need to invest in some packing paper and for the more fragile storage items you'll need bubble wrap.

We don't provide packaging, however there are many good websites where you can buy storage packaging online.

You could try http://www.onlineboxes.co.uk/

Storing economically saves you money

Did we say you need to declutter your belongings before you even think about putting things in storage? Even if you have done this is always worth sorting your things right up to the day you visit us. If needs be, go to the tip before going to your storage unit.

And when it comes to storing your belongings, your items should be packed in an organised, methodical and professional way. If need be, get some shelving in the unit, or use one of our archive units for the boxes, leaving more space for the more bulky goods.

Securing and insuring your possessions

As with most other self-storage facilities, it is your responsibility to secure your unit. However, we do provide padlocks should you wish to use them.

Here at Meon Springs, we have CCTV coverage across the whole site and a fully monitored alarm system.

We also believe in going the extra mile - which is why we insure your goods - subject to an upper limit - at no extra charge.

Relaxing afterwards

And if all moving boxes and furniture has worn you out, feel free to pop down to the fishery lodge to unwind. You'll be more than welcome.

After all, relaxing is one thing we do well at Meon Springs. As well as our self storage facility, we run a premier fly fishery and offer award-winning glamping holidays.