Big Changes for the Self Storage Industry

Increased Demand for Self Storage Units & Containers

Online searches for self storage facilities increased by 21% in March this year according to Google Trends. This is compared to the same data for last year, and reports reveal other interesting changes related to self storage. Due to Covid 19, there was a significant shift in the type of storage being searched for. Commercial and domestic customers seeking self storage facilities are usually split 50/50, but more recent information shows it is now 90/10 in favour of domestic customers. This is thought to be because people who are self isolating feel they need more space at home.

However, these figures have raised eyebrows, as many businesses are now struggling to find somewhere to store excess equipment, furniture and stock. This is to reduce clutter, and stay within social distancing rules.

Making Space & Working from Home

If you need to declutter your home for a safer, more spacious area there are many tips to be found online that experts swear by. One involves placing ‘things’ that you are not sure you will need in a box, perhaps in a self storage facility. If after several months you have not needed certain of the items, they can probably be tossed.

Rearranging your furniture can also create space, and perhaps selling or donating pieces that are in the way or just don’t match your décor. Again a self storage unit is ideal for any furniture you wish to remove from the home but ultimately keep. Many people have been working from home and subsequently have had to transform a room into an office environment. They may also need a place to keep files and office related equipment etc. Hobbies are another area to have grown in the last few months, which also brings a need for storage of tools, materials and finished masterpieces.

Rising Popularity of Cycling

A surprising aspect of the pandemic is the rise in cycle ownership, in fact such has been the demand for bikes it’s not so easy to buy one. Shops are selling out as soon as they have a delivery and online orders are taking many weeks. Numbers of cyclists in the UK are up to 70%, and there are several reasons for this growth in cycling. The government sited cycling as one of the safest ways for people to get daily exercise during lockdown. Social distancing isn’t an issue when riding along on your bike. Also the roads have obviously been much quieter with less traffic, encouraging more people to get out on their bikes.

In addition to the pleasurable side of cycling, a large proportion of workers have chosen to cycle to and from work. This is a result of the reduction in public transport available across the country. There have even been charitable schemes starting up to provide NHS and other essential workers with reconditioned bikes. The upshot is that many councils are now rethinking infrastructures in an effort to permanently accommodate cyclists more effectively. Cycles can be tricky to store, especially over the winter months when they may not be used as frequently. Imagine finding space in today’s smaller homes for the cycles of a family of four! This is where self storage containers come into their own.

Major Adjustments for Businesses

Businesses have perhaps taken one of the biggest hits from this virus, and those that have survived have done so by being adaptable. They have had to rethink every part of their service and often alter their premises. This includes things like restaurants changing their floor layout and reducing their seating areas. Customers must be able to remain 2 metres apart at all times so tables and chairs had to be thinned out. This can present a bit of a dilemma though, requiring decisions to be made about furniture and other items. Where do you store your excess pieces safely and securely for the time being?

Billericay Removals have a range of self storage options to suit all of your domestic, commercial or business needs. If you wish to discuss your self storage needs, give us a call on 01277 653866 or 01268 768246

Increased Demand for Self Storage Units & Containers, Making Space & Working from Home. Rising Popularity of Cycling, Major Adjustments for Businesses

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