Everyone thinks that storage units are merely to store old/unwanted or space-greedy items.
Yet what if you didn’t need to store more things, you simply want a bit more space?
On TV and in popular culture, paternal figures are regularly viewed mending, fixing and tinkering in the garage. Beloved children’s author Roald Dahl would compose his esteemed classic novels from a shed in his garden. Recent horticultural and raw food trends have led people to reconsider the virtues of home grown vegetables. These green-fingered foodies hire allotments that provide them with a haven from city life as an added benefit.
People are aware of the concept of “me-time” but are starved of a place to spend doing their hobbies.
With the average home in the UK approximately 90 square metres and getting smaller with each new home build, it is not surprising people are taking storage units just to enjoy a chill-out zone.
It is clear that busy working family members are in need of some R&R away from the house to get out of the mind set of roles and responsibilities and remember what it is like to be themselves.
At Rent A Space, staff have witnessed the sublime to the ridiculous in terms of alternative uses of the facility, from hosting businesses to storing coffins, but what can you do to enjoy some uninterrupted “me-time”?
Use it for music practice
Not only is it becoming increasingly difficult to fit large musical instruments into your home, but finding the time to practice is ambitious at best in the typical family setup.
Staff at Rent A Space can attest to the fact that customers use their unit for that very purpose. Storage expert Cal Jones explains that one of her customers had the idea to bring his grand piano into the space where he could jam with friends: “He is rather an eccentric chap and used to play in an jazz band but now is too old to perform. He still likes playing and invites friends to come and play too.”
Fun and games
Despite the frenetic Facebook-curated lives of friends and relatives globe-trotting and photographing their Michelin-star cappuccinos, life is all about enjoying the small pleasures.
That could be something as simple as indoor pub games. Where better to install a pool table than in a storage facility? You can invite your friends, enjoy the banter and not worry about keeping your family awake in the next room.
Reading room
You might not remember, as it was a while ago now, but growing up, many of us could frequent something called a “library” where you would check out sets of bound paper leaves called “books”. That’s how they used to be before they were available on tablet devices! In today’s distracted world, it’s a wonder anyone ever gets through an entire book.
If you fancy yourself as a modern day Phileas Fogg who pines for the halcyon days of reading rooms, you can use a storage space to set up a miniature one just for you. Free yourself of the compulsions of social media checking and cosy up with your favourite reads.
Art studio/Maker space
Whether it is large-scale mural painting or handcrafting outfits for the Borrowers, a storage unit can provide the ideal workshop out of the way of rogue pets and children.
Many makers take advantage of the opportunity that a storage unit presents them with to relieve their home of copious boxes and crates filled with ribbon, beads and pliers.
Yes there are dedicated art studios available for this purpose, but at Rent A Space, you do not have to prove your artistic merit to be accepted for a unit. We take artists of any calibre!
Bring your records and listen to music
When changes in your life happen, it’s out with the old and in with the new. That means in with the baby equipment and out with the cherished vinyl collection you spent many emotional moments being counselled by during your teenage years.
In Cal Jones’ experience, people have gone so far as to rent spaces to hide possessions from their partners. While we don’t want to be responsible for any marital discord, you and your partner could take a storage unit as a compromise over the music collection you have been fighting over.
With a few personal touches such as a rug and a couple of armchairs, we think a storage space would provide the perfect auditorium to appreciate your favourite musicians that even your partner would enjoy.
Walk-in wardrobe
Every woman has dreamed of this at one point or another – Blame all those 90s TV shows. If you manage to acquire a healthy amount of Manolo Blahniks and Fendi handbags à la Carrie Bradshaw, then keep them organised and safe inside your own walk-in storage unit. That way, there’s no danger of your treasures falling into the jaws of the family dog or being modelled by your offspring. You can use your space as an oasis in the desert of reality – Shoes understand your problems better than people do!
Exercise space
Have you ever bought a workout DVD, let’s say Davina’s latest Christmas offering (even though you own all the rest which remain in their cellophane) or one by the latest Corrie/X-Factor flavour of the month?
Donning your exercise gear you rip open the cover, pop the disc in the machine, press play and soon lament your decision because there is no room to do burpees, you keep stubbing your toe on the sideboard, and you nearly crushed the cat one too many times.
Or you finally get down to some long-anticipated yoga exercises only to have your family continuously walking through the living room to reach the adjoining kitchen, and then back again, precariously dripping hot coffee over your leotard.
Does this sound like you? Don’t let space be an excuse not to succeed in your fitness journey. Instead, use a storage space to lock out the world and stay in your mental zone for as long as you need.
What would the Rent A Space crew do if they had a storage unit? Without hesitation, they have plenty of ideas such as creating a personal gym, adding a pool table and getting to grips with their musical instruments.
It goes without saying that, like in any public place, there are rules to keep in mind. To make sure storage units are not abused or contravene health and safety regulations, the team keep a close eye on the facility, making use of CCTV to keep other customers safe so you don’t need to worry about the neighbours.
If any of these ideas sound enticing to you, then check out our room sizes here.