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The Top Self Storage Myths And The Real Advantages

 

The Top Self Storage Myths — And the Real Advantages You Should Know

Self storage has become a go-to solution for homeowners, renters, and businesses alike — yet many people still believe outdated myths about what storage units are, how they work, and whether they’re safe or worth the cost.

If you’re considering renting a unit but hesitating because of something you’ve heard online or from a friend, this guide is for you. At Need A Space Self Storage we offer flexible solutions for business and personal self storage, with the lowest rates around. With our convenient location just off the A2 between Faversham and Canterbury and all units on the ground floor level we ensure self storage coud not be easieir.

In this post, we’re breaking down the top self storage myths and revealing the real advantages modern storage facilities offer.

Myth 1: Self Storage Is Only for People Moving House

One of the most common misconceptions is that storage units are only useful during a relocation.

Reality: Self storage fits dozens of everyday needs.

People use storage for:

  • Seasonal belongings (winter gear, garden tools, holiday décor)
  • Home renovations
  • Decluttering and minimalism
  • Business inventory and equipment
  • Document archiving
  • Hobby and sports gear
  • Long-term travel or gap years

Advantage: Self storage offers flexible, short- and long-term solutions for virtually any lifestyle or business need. Simply Ask us at Need A Space what you may or may not store.

Myth 2: Storage Units Are Not Secure

Older facilities without modern security systems have given some people the impression that storage units are unsafe.

Reality: Today’s facilities have advanced protections.

Reputable storage companies such as Need A Space now offer:

  • 24/7 CCTV monitoring and other high tech security measures.
  • High-security locks
  • PIN-controlled gate access
  • On-site staff and office.

Advantage: Modern storage facilities provide security features far beyond what most people have at home — making them an extremely safe option.

Myth 3: Self Storage Is Expensive

Some believe renting a storage unit is a luxury or too costly.

Reality: Storage is affordable — and often cheaper than the alternatives.

When compared to upgrading to a larger home, renting commercial space, or replacing lost/damaged items due to over-cluttered conditions, storage is cost-effective.

Advantage: Competitive pricing, flexible unit sizes, and short contracts help you only pay for what you need. We offer rolling monthly contracts and the option to upgrade or downgrade your space requirements as needed.

Myth 4: Storage Units Are Damp or Dirty

This myth often stems from old, poorly managed sites.

Reality: Modern storage facilities prioritise cleanliness and climate control.

Facilities typically offer:

  • Climate-controlled units
  • Regular cleaning and maintenance
  • Pest prevention measures
  • High-quality ventilation

Advantage: A clean, well-kept environment such as at Need A Space protects your belongings from dust, humidity, and temperature fluctuations.

Myth 5: You Can Only Store Furniture

Many people think a storage unit is just a place to dump old couches and boxes.

Reality: You can store almost anything (within reason).

Common items include:

  • Stock for your business
  • Tools, equipment, and machinery
  • Documents and files
  • Sports gear and bicycles
  • Art supplies and collectibles
  • Electronics and appliances
  • Seasonal business displays
  • Student belongings at The University Of Canterbury Or Christchurch University.

Advantage: Self storage is versatile, making it ideal for personal, academic, and business use.

Myth 6: Access Is Limited 

Some worry they won’t be able to reach their belongings when they need them.

Reality: Need A Space offer easy convenient access

In addition to generous access hours, you also get:

  • Drive-up units and all units at the ground floor level
  • Large loading bays
  • Trolleys and handling equipment
  • On-site visitor parking

Advantage: Easy access means you can reach your items whenever it suits you.

Myth 7: Long-Term Contracts Are Required

A lot of people assume they’ll be trapped in a lengthy agreement.

Reality: Need A Space Self Storage is designed to be flexible.

Need A Space offer:

  • Month-to-month contracts
  • No long-term obligations
  • Easy upgrades or downsizes
  • Convenient moving in and out

Advantage: You stay in full control, with the ability to adjust your space as your needs change.

The Real Advantages of Self Storage

Now that we’ve cleared up the myths, here are the genuine benefits:

✔ Declutter your home without getting rid of sentimental items

✔ Create space for hobbies, business, or growing families

✔ Protect valuable items in a secure, monitored environment

✔ Avoid the cost of moving to a larger property

✔ Store seasonal or rarely used items efficiently

✔ Gain flexible space that grows with your needs

✔ Reduce business overheads while maintaining stock neatly and safely

Final Thoughts: Self Storage Is Smarter Than Ever

Today’s self storage solutions are clean, secure, flexible, and affordable — making them a smart choice for households and businesses alike.
If myths have been holding you back, now you know the truth: self storage offers real, practical advantages that can simplify your life and save you money.

Our family run, friendly team at Need A Space is ready to arrange a site visit for you and discuss your requirements. Contact Us On 01227 751673 to find out more today.

 

The Top Reasons British Households Use Self Storage

And Why You Should Choose Need A Space Self Storage if based in Kent.

Why More British Households Are Choosing Self Storage.

Self storage has become one of the fastest-growing services in the UK. From decluttering to downsizing, households across Britain are finding flexible, affordable storage options that fit modern living.

Here are the top ten reasons why British households use self storage — and how it could help you too.

1. Decluttering & Creating More Living Space

Modern homes often feel cramped with seasonal décor, sports gear, and old furniture. Renting a self-storage unit helps free up valuable space while keeping your possessions safe and accessible.

Need A Space self storage in Kent for a clean, dry, and secure environment perfect for household decluttering. We are conveniently located just off the A2 between Canterbury & Faversham and ideal for easy access. All our units and storage rooms are on the ground floor level too.

2. Moving House or Delays in the Property Chain

House sales and removals rarely line up perfectly. Self storage provides a stress-free solution when you need a temporary home for your belongings during moves or property chain delays.

3. Home Renovation or Redecoration

Protect your furniture and valuables from dust and damage while renovating. A short-term self storage rental keeps everything secure until your new space is ready.

4. Downsizing or Life Transitions

Moving to a smaller home? Downsizing doesn’t mean you have to part with treasured possessions. Store sentimental or seasonal items safely until you’re ready to decide what to keep.

5. Students & Temporary Work Relocations

Students and professionals working away from home often use storage to hold furniture or personal items between terms or contracts. Flexible, short-term storage options make this affordable and convenient.

6. Overflow from Garage, Loft, or Shed

If your garage or loft is overflowing, storage units offer clean, organised space for garden tools, bicycles, or hobby equipment.

7. Protecting Antiques, Collectibles & Heirlooms

Self storage provides a secure, climate-stable environment for delicate or valuable items such as antiques, heirlooms, and artwork. At Need A Space we offer the latest in high tech security ensuring your goods are as safe as possible. Extra insurance is also available should you require.

8. Managing Life Events – Divorce, Bereavement, or Travel

Life changes quickly. Whether you’re going through a separation, managing an estate, or taking an extended trip, a storage unit gives you space — both physically and emotionally — to sort things out at your pace.

9. Running a Home-Based Business

More UK households are running small online businesses or side hustles. Self storage is an affordable alternative to renting commercial space, ideal for stock, packaging, or office equipment.

10. Seasonal & Hobby Equipment

Camping gear, garden furniture, sports equipment — all take up space! A storage unit keeps seasonal items safe and out of the way until you need them again.

Why Choose Need A Space Self Storage in Kent?

When it comes to reliable, affordable self storage in Kent, Need A Space stands out for its great location, flexibility, and exceptional customer service.

Here’s why more households across Kent and East London are choosing us.

Convenient East Kent Location Just Off the A2.

Located at Thunderhill Business Park, Boughton-under-Blean (near Faversham and Canterbury), Need A Space offers easy access from major routes — perfect for families, movers, and commuters.

Find Need A Space on Google Maps

Lowest Price Guarantee

At Need A Space we promise to beat any local quote by 5% and offers no deposits, no hidden fees, and flexible terms — giving you complete control over your storage budget.

Safe, Secure, and Modern Facilities

Security is top-priority:

  • 24-hour CCTV surveillance
  • Perimeter fencing & alarm systems
  • Infrared beams & gated access

Your belongings are kept in clean, dry, and fully monitored units — ideal for furniture, documents, and valuables.

 

Free Van Hire & Moving Support

Need A Space offers free van hire for longer term bookings, to help you move items in and out of your unit, plus on-site packaging supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap) for an easy, organised move.

Flexible Unit Sizes

Whether you’re storing a few boxes or an entire home’s contents, you can choose from multiple unit sizes — and even upsize or downsize as your needs change. These include indoor rooms, storage crates to external modern insulated containers in all sizes.

Family-Run, Local Business

As a family-run Kent business, Need A Space focuses on friendly, personal service. Our helpful team makes self storage simple, stress-free, and reliable — just what local households need.

To summarise:

Self storage has become an essential service for modern British living — helping families, students, and homeowners keep their spaces organised and stress-free.

If you live in Faversham, Canterbury, or anywhere in Kent, and need secure, flexible, and affordable storage, Need A Space Self Storage is the local name you can trust.

Call Us on 01227 751673 to discuss your storage requirements and to arrange a site visit.

The Top 9 Businesses That Use Self Storage And Why Need A Space

 

If you run a business in Kent, you might already know the value of extra, flexible space. At Need A Space Self Storage, we support many local enterprises by offering secure, cost-effective storage solutions across Canterbury, Faversham, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Sittingbourne and beyond.  With easy access just off the A2 between Canterbury and Faversham there is lots on offer to consider for your self storage needs.

Here are nine types of businesses that frequently use self storage — and how Need A Space can help you thrive. From free move in vans for longer bookings to maibox address services and postal/courier drop offs, we have a full range of add on services to offer.

1. E-commerce & Online Retailers

Online sellers often juggle stock, packaging materials, returns, and seasonal fluctuations. Self storage lets you keep stock close, organised, and scalable as your business grows — without paying for a full warehouse.

How Need A Space helps you and your business, just one example. You can expand or shrink your unit on demand at short notice, and use our free move in van and forklift services for moving stock.

2. Brick & Mortar Retailers

Retail stores often lack the backroom space needed to store seasonal stock, promotional displays, or excess inventory. Using self storage frees up shop floor space and prevents clutter. Also you can keep overflow stock safe, rotate seasonal items, and preserve a tidy, customer-friendly store environment.

3. Construction, Trades & Contractors

Plumbers, electricians, carpenters, builders, and other tradespeople need secure storage for tools, equipment, materials, and consumables. Self storage offers a safer, central location instead of leaving gear in vans or at worksites.

Why choose Need A Space?  Our facility is well secured (CCTV, alarms, perimeter fencing) and provides easy access days and times so you can pick up tools when needed.

4. Event & Wedding Planners

Event planners deal with decor, furniture, lighting, AV equipment, props, and seasonal decor. Many of these items may not be in use year-round, making self storage a smart option.

What Need A Space offers: you can keep bulky items stored securely between events, ready to deploy when needed. Our large 40,000 ft² facility has space for large items and staging supplies.

5. Interior Designers & Home Stagers

Designers and realtors often move furniture, art, staging props, and decor between clients. Storing these pieces securely offsite reduces clutter in your workshop or office.

With Need A Space, you can preserve delicate items in clean, dry units, and rotate staging pieces easily for client showings.

 

6. Catering & Food Service

Catering companies must store tables, chairs, buffet equipment, linens, and non-perishables. Seasonal events or changing menus can leave you with overflow gear.

Note: Always check with us at Need A Space about restrictions on storing perishable and hazardous goods. But for non-perishable equipment, utensils, and furniture, Need A Space provides a safe and dry environment.

7. Landscaping & Lawn Care

Landscaping businesses often have mowers, trimmers, seasonal equipment, garden furniture, planters, and materials. Using self storage helps free up space at home bases and keeps tools secure off-season.

Our advantage: you can store bulky outdoor equipment in units easy for vehicles to access, reducing wear and tear from weather exposure, all our units are at the ground floor level.

8. Offices, Professional Services & Document Storage

Many businesses—law firms, accounting practices, consultancies—accumulate reams of paperwork, files, and archive materials. Archival storage in climate-controlled conditions preserves documents and frees up valuable office real estate.

What Need A Space delivers: secure units ideal for archive boxes, sensitive records, and equipment you don’t need daily access to.

9. Content Creators, Photography & Media

Photographers, videographers, set designers, prop houses, theatres and media production companies need safe places to store equipment, sets, lighting gear, backdrops, and props. Self storage units offer a cost-effective extension to your studio.

With Need A Space, you can protect expensive gear in clean, monitored units and scale up as your creative business grows.

Why Kent Businesses Prefer Need A Space in East Kent

Here are some ways Need A Space stands out for local Kent businesses:

  • Lowest price guarantee — we’ll beat any competitor by 5 %.
  • Free van & forklift usage (with conditions) — making moves and deliveries easier.
  • Flexible unit sizing — you can upscale or downsize as your needs change.
  • Strong security — CCTV, alarms, perimeter fencing for peace of mind.
  • Spacious facility — more than 40,000 ft² of clean, dry units in Kent.
  • Strategic location — we serve Canterbury, Faversham, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Sittingbourne, Ashford and more.

Tips for Businesses to Get the Most from Self Storage

  1. Shelve strategically — Use racking systems to keep your unit organised and maximise vertical space.
  2. Label everything — Inventory lists help you retrieve items quickly.
  3. Climate control for sensitive items — If your goods are temperature or humidity sensitive, choose an appropriate storage type.
  4. Access schedule planning — Know the times you’ll need to access your storage so you choose a unit with matching access hours.
  5. Insurance review — Check your business insurance covers items in storage or consider supplementary coverage from Need A Space.

Final Thoughts

Self storage is far more than a place for personal belongings — it’s a strategic tool that businesses across sectors can use to stay lean, agile, and efficient. Whether you’re an online retailer, a tradesperson, an event planner or a design firm, Need A Space Self Storage in Kent offers reliable, flexible, and secure storage to support your ventures.

Want to discuss your specific business needs or get a quote? Contact Need A Space today, our family run friendly team can arrange a site visit for you without obligation. And let’s find the right storage solution for you. Call us on 01227 751673 to discuss all your storage requirements.

 

Why Canterbury Students Are Turning To Self Storage

University life is exciting, but it also comes with challenges—especially when it comes to space. For students in Canterbury University Of Kent or Christchurch University Kent, juggling study materials, seasonal items, and personal belongings in often small accommodation can be overwhelming. That’s why more and more students are discovering the benefits of using self storage units and lockers. At Need A Space Self Storage we offer a range or storage units and student lockers that are proving ideal for Students. We are located between Canterbury and Faversham with easy access, and can even arrange transport for student possessions.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top reasons Canterbury students are choosing self storage and how it can make university life easier, more organised, and stress-free.

1. Create More Living Space

Student accommodation in Canterbury is usually compact, meaning storage space is limited. A self storage unit gives students the opportunity to declutter their rooms, making living spaces more comfortable and organised. By storing bulky items like sports equipment, extra clothes, or kitchenware, students can make their accommodation feel more like home.

2. Safe Storage During Holidays

One of the biggest struggles students face is what to do with belongings during summer or winter breaks. Moving everything back home is often inconvenient and costly. With a self storage unit, Canterbury students can safely leave their items close to campus, ready to pick up when term starts again.

3. Affordable and Flexible Options

Student budgets are tight, but self storage in Canterbury at Need A Space is surprisingly affordable. Many storage providers offer student discounts, flexible rental terms, and lockers or smaller units tailored for limited belongings. This makes it an ideal solution for those looking for budget-friendly, short-term storage.

 

4. Keep Valuables Secure

Self storage facilities are designed with security in mind, offering CCTV monitoring, gated access, and individual locks. For students living in shared houses or halls, this added layer of protection can provide peace of mind, especially when storing laptops, textbooks, or sentimental items.

5. Perfect for International Students

International students in Canterbury Kent, benefit greatly from self storage. Instead of shipping belongings back and forth between countries, they can conveniently store items over the summer. This saves time, money, and stress, making self storage the go-to option for students studying abroad. Whatever you are studying at The University Of Kent or Christchurch University we are ready to make planning your space and and security of possessions that much easier.

6. Store Seasonal Items

Students often bring everything at once when they move into halls or houses, even if they don’t need it all year. With a storage locker, bulky winter coats, bedding, or summer gear can be stored away until needed. This makes day-to-day living much easier and less cluttered.

7. Support for Moving Between Accommodations

Many Canterbury students change accommodation after their first year. Self storage at Need A Space makes this process smoother by providing a temporary home for belongings during the transition. No need to stress about overlapping move-in dates—storage units offer the perfect buffer.

Final Thoughts

For Canterbury students, self storage is more than just a convenience—it’s a smart solution to common student living challenges. From freeing up space in small rooms to ensuring peace of mind during holidays, self storage units and lockers are becoming a go-to option for students who want to stay organised, secure, and stress-free.

If you’re a student in Canterbury looking for flexible and affordable storage, consider renting a self storage unit today. It could be the easiest way to simplify your university life and focus on what really matters—your studies and student experience.

Contact Need A Space where you will find our friendly, family team with years of experience ready to make your student life easier to manage. Call us on 01227 751673 to discuss your requirements. Being one of the longest established we not only cater to the needs of students but offer the best rates around, from student lockers sizes up to fully secure indoor units.

Why Self Storage is Becoming Increasingly Popular with Independent Retailers and Online Sellers in 2025

In 2025, more independent retailers, eCommerce entrepreneurs, and online sellers on platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Amazon are turning to self storage as a practical, scalable solution for managing their growing inventory needs. At Need A Space Self Storage in East Kent, we’ve seen firsthand how this shift is helping local businesses thrive while keeping overhead costs low. Our family run friendly team are one of long established self storage businesses in East Kent. With an easy access site between Faversham and Canterbury and the lowest rates around, arrange a site visit to see all that we have to offer.

Here’s why Need A Space self storage in East Kent is becoming a go-to resource for the next generation of sellers.

1. Flexible Storage for Growing Online Businesses

Whether you’re an Amazon FBA seller, a handmade crafts creator on Etsy or Ebay, or a local boutique expanding your online presence, your storage needs can fluctuate. Self storage offers flexible contracts—so you only pay for what you need, when you need it.

At Need A Space, our storage units range in sizes to suit everything from a few boxes of inventory to full pallets of stock. And with easy and secure access available, your business can stay agile and responsive.

2. Cost-Effective Alternative to Warehousing

Commercial warehouse space often comes with long-term leases, business rates, and utility bills—making it a risky investment for smaller operations. In contrast, self storage provides a secure and affordable alternative, with no hidden fees.

East Kent’s Storage affordability makes it a prime location for online sellers based in Canterbury, Faversham, Folkestone, Dover, and Ashford looking to lower their operational costs without compromising on accessibility. Need A Space offer a large choice of storage units, from containers in all sizes, to indoor storage rooms and units as well as storage crates.

3. Clutter-Free Homes and Workspaces

Many side hustles begin at home—but as your business scales, so does your clutter. Boxes in the bedroom? Packing materials in the kitchen? It’s not sustainable.

Self storage allows you to separate your personal and professional life—freeing up space at home and creating a more organised workflow. With Need A Space, you get a clean, dry, and secure environment to store your products and supplies.

4. Secure Storage with Peace of Mind

Security is non-negotiable when storing valuable inventory. Our facilities are equipped with 24-hour CCTV surveillance, gated access, and secure locking systems—so you can store with complete confidence.

Many online sellers use self storage not just for inventory, but also for returns, packing materials, trade show displays, and even seasonal stock.

 

5. Scalability for Seasonal Sales

Selling spikes during peak retail seasons—Black Friday, Christmas, or summer holidays—can quickly overwhelm a home-based seller. Self storage gives you the breathing room to expand temporarily without committing to long-term overheads.

At Need A Space, you can scale your unit size up or down depending on your needs, making it ideal for seasonal business models.

Why East Kent Sellers Choose Need A Space

✅ Multiple unit sizes to suit every business
✅ Convenient location with easy access to major transport links
✅ Secure facility with 24/7 CCTV and gated access
✅ Flexible terms for startups and growing businesses
✅ Friendly, local support team who understand your needs

Final Thoughts

As the eCommerce boom continues into 2025, the need for adaptable, affordable storage solutions is more crucial than ever. For independent retailers and online sellers in East Kent, self storage isn’t just a convenience—it’s a strategic advantage.

If you’re looking to grow your business without the cost or commitment of traditional warehousing, consider Need A Space Self Storage. Whether you’re an Etsy artisan, an Amazon power seller, or a local pop-up retailer, we’re here to help you scale smart.

Contact Need A Space Self Storage in East Kent today to book a unit or get a free quote. Your space to grow starts here. With all our expertise we have a lot to offer small businesses.

 

The Advantages of Using Self Storage When Selling Your Home and Moving House in East Kent

Selling your home and planning a move can be one of life’s most stressful experiences. Between decluttering, staging for viewings, and organising your belongings for the next chapter, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where self storage can make all the difference — especially if you’re in East Kent. At Need A Space Self Storage, we provide secure, affordable, and flexible storage solutions to help homeowners navigate the moving process with ease.

Why Use Self Storage When Selling Your Home?

1. Create a Clutter-Free Environment for Viewings

First impressions matter. When potential buyers walk into your home, they want to envision themselves living there — not be distracted by overflowing wardrobes or piles of toys. Using self storage allows you to declutter each room, store non-essential items, and present a clean, spacious home that appeals to buyers.

2. Stage Your Home More Effectively

Home staging is proven to help homes sell faster and often at higher prices. By storing excess furniture and personal items, you can create a neutral, stylish space that showcases your property’s best features. Allowing those all important clear photos to be taken for Rightmove and such. At Need A Space Self Storage, our storage units in East Kent are ideal for safely keeping your belongings while you focus on presentation.

3. Reduce Stress and Improve Organisation

Packing up your entire house in one go is stressful. With self storage, you can begin the packing process gradually. Box up seasonal items, rarely used equipment, and decorative pieces ahead of time. This not only reduces last-minute chaos but also helps you stay organised throughout the moving process.

How Self Storage Helps During the Move Itself

1. Bridge the Gap Between Homes

Many homeowners face delays between selling one property and moving into another. If your move-out date doesn’t align with your new home’s availability, self storage is a practical solution. With secure, easily accessible units in East Kent, Need A Space Self Storage gives you peace of mind that your belongings are safe during the transition.

2. Make Renovations Easier

Planning to renovate or redecorate your new home before moving in fully? Storing furniture and boxes off-site prevents them from getting damaged and gives contractors room to work. It’s a flexible option that helps streamline the renovation process.

3. Downsizing Made Simpler

If you’re moving to a smaller property, you may not have space for all your current belongings. Self storage provides a buffer zone, giving you time to decide what to keep, donate, or sell without making rushed decisions.

Why Choose Need A Space Self Storage in East Kent?

Convenient Location: Easily accessible site in East Kent, including Ashford, Faversham, Whitstable and Canterbury.
Flexible Terms: Short and long-term storage options to suit your moving timeline.
Secure Facilities: 24/7 CCTV, alarmed units, and individual locks for maximum security.
Variety of Unit Sizes: Whether you need to store a few boxes or the contents of an entire home, we have a solution for you.
Friendly, Local Service: As a trusted East Kent business, we’re here to help at every stage of your move.

Final Thoughts

Using self storage is one of the smartest moves you can make when selling your home and preparing to relocate. From reducing clutter and enhancing your home’s appeal, to managing your move with less stress and more flexibility, the benefits are clear.

If you’re preparing to sell your home in East Kent, Contact Need A Space Self Storage today. Our family run friendly team will help you choose the perfect storage solution to make your home move as smooth as possible.

Need A Space Self Storage – Your Trusted Partner in East Kent for Self Storage with More.

📞 Contact us today on 01227 751673  and get a free quote and self storage advice!

 

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