When Christmas is over and it’s time to take down the decorations, it can be tempting to just chuck the lot into bin bags and throw them into your loft. Although this technique is quick and easy, it invariably leads to disappointment and frustration next year, when you rummage out last year’s decorations only to find them broken, tangled, or covered in dust.

You can get ahead of the post-Christmas storage debacle by planning ahead this year and making suitable storage arrangements now.

Rent a Garage

Unless you have a particularly large loft space with easy access, it’s not the ideal environment for storage. Delicate items can easily be broken and the space will often suffer from excessive heat during the summer and also from damp, conditions that can be damaging for your decorations.

If you rent a garage, you can use it for storing your items that would otherwise end up crammed into your loft. The extra space allows you to organise your possessions much more effectively so that things won’t be lost or damaged and you can find what you want much more easily.

Most people find that they have to move things around in order to accommodate their Christmas tree, lights etc. A lockup garage is the perfect secure place in which to put your displaced items of furniture until the festive season is over.

Where Possible, Use the Original Packaging

Fragile glass baubles and other tree ornaments often come in sturdy cardboard boxes with lids. Keep this original packaging and use it to store breakable decorations. Use a sturdy plastic box in which to stack the individual boxes of ornaments to protect them from being crushed and to preserve their original packaging.

Use Cardboard Egg Boxes to Store Loose Baubles

If you don’t have the original packaging for your tree ornaments, cardboard egg boxes make a perfect alternative. Stuff tissue paper into each compartment and sit a bauble or ornament in each one.

Use Belts for Artificial Christmas Trees

Artificial Christmas trees can look just as good as the real thing if you store them properly, so that they don’t get crushed or damaged.

One problem with artificial trees is that the branches tend to spring out, making them awkward to store. Take a trip to your local charity shop and invest in a few belts. Tie the belts around the tree at intervals to ‘cinch’ in the branches. Wrap the tree in bubble wrap secured with parcel tape to keep it clean whilst in storage.

You can keep your Christmas decorations safe and clean by following the ideas outlined above. A lock-up garage unit can also make an excellent safe place to keep other seasonal items, such as sledges or skis that would otherwise clutter up your home garage or loft.

For more information on hiring a lockup garage, contact our helpful team today.

It’s only normal that you’ll accumulate a number of possessions during your life. This can be anything from expensive valuables like furniture and instruments to more sentimental items like clothes and photographs. In addition, it’s normal that you’ll want to keep hold of these things, even if that means spending a bit of money to do so.

With that said, you shouldn’t have to pay too high a price for owning too many things – especially when you can rent a garage at an affordable price to store some of your belongings. Meanwhile, there are several less cost-efficient options that too many people end up forking out for. Here are three such options and the reasons why they don’t pay off.

A New House

One of the most extreme measures you can take to keep hold of your possessions is buying a newer, bigger house. But this isn’t just costly – it’s also a huge gamble! Not only will you be forced to fork out for stamp duty, solicitor’s fees and interest rates, you’ll also be risking jumping on the property ladder at a time when experts are warning that the housing bubble could soon burst. You’ll find it’s a lot cheaper and safer to hire a garage instead.

An Extension

An extension is just one step below buying a new house. Yes, it’s safer and it will allow you to keep your most prized possessions nearby. However, the cost of extending your home can slowly escalate from the original estimates. Before you know it, you’re paying an arm and a leg for extra materials and additional manpower. Alternatively, you’ll find yourself agreeing to a fixed rent when you turn to garage rental. This ultimately means that you won’t be hit with an unexpected bill out of nowhere just because you wanted to keep hold of your things.

Self-Storage Units

The average self-storage unit comes rammed with features that most people just don’t need. This can be anything from 24-hour security patrols to electronic sign-ins. Yes, this stuff is somewhat handy – but is it really worth paying for? After all, you should find that your belongings are safe and sound in a rented garage not too far from your home.

The Answer is Right In Front of You

If you want to keep your possessions safe without breaking the bank, then the best option is surely to rent a garage from Lock Up Garages.

For more information on the options available to you, please do not hesitate to contact us today and we will be happy to help.

Research into crime rates in the UK has uncovered that Valentine’s Day may be good for your love life, but not for your beloved vehicle.

Apparently, savvy-criminals know that 14th February is a popular date for couples to take a taxi or walk to a romantic dinner, leaving their vehicles at home. This makes this period one of rich pickings for both organised and opportunist car thieves.

Be Cautious in Winter

The winter months in general provide a fruitful time for anyone who makes a career out of selling other people’s cars without their permission, especially when vehicles are not protected by Lock Up Garages.

Sadly, there are still car owners who leave their vehicles unlocked – with the engine running – while they de-ice their windows. This of course is an open invitation to unscrupulous thieves.

However, even if you keep your car safely locked near your property, the cover of darkness in winter provides today’s tech-savvy car thieves with plenty of opportunity.

Sophisticated Methods

Car crime rates have fallen dramatically in the UK. In fact, according to the AA the reduction is five-fold since the 1990s.

However, there are still around one million vehicles stolen or damaged each year. And much of car theft is at the hands of “professionals” who steal to order.

This also means that investing in the latest high-tech security systems for your car may not provide the level of protection you imagine. Organised criminal rings – who often ship cars abroad – also have access to the latest technology and invest in ways to override many modern security systems.

Keyless vehicles are particularly vulnerable to cyber-tech car crimes.

For example, professional thieves lie in wait near keyless vehicles on their “shopping list”. When the owner goes to lock their car remotely, the thieves use a jamming device to block the signal. Then when the coast is clear, they can drive away the unlocked car.

Keeping Your Vehicle Safe in Winter

Undoubtedly one of the biggest deterrents for even the most organised and determined thief is if you look for lockable garages to hire in your area.

Not only does a garage provide a high level of security for your vehicle, it also means it won’t suffer from iced up windows. So when winter comes, you can unlock your vehicle and garage and drive away with peace of mind.

Incidentally, winter is also a period when more cars are damaged in collisions, even when they are stationary. You may carefully park on the kerb near your house but if someone else driving by hits ice, it could be you counting the cost.

To find a lockable garage near you, ready for winter (and Valentine’s Day), contact us today and we can help.

If you’re looking to make more unusual investments, are an avid fan of hobbies, or someone with garage space to spare, tucking away collectables when you hire a garage could net you a small fortune in the future. Here are the most valuable assets to stock up on.

Memorabilia

Fan culture is on the rise and there are loads of new releases that could make you some cash. The Superhero films are always popular, with branded model figures, comic books and games loved by fans worldwide – just look at the increasing popularity of comicons! Star Wars is an obvious classic, but even really popular kids films (think Disney or Pixar, for example) make things that buyers are going to love not just now but in years to come. A key tip for collecting memorabilia is to look for limited editions and limited production runs – they’ll be more exclusive.

Comic Books and Video Games

Comic books have had a cult following since they were first printed, and with more superhero films being made this is bound to continue. Older video games and consoles are harder to come by and so will hold their value for longer – stash yours away and look forward to reaping the rewards later (and not just in the fun you’ll have playing!). If you decide to rent a garage for a general clear out, then perhaps you’ll have some space to spare.

Vinyl Records

Whether yours or your parent’s, if you’ve got a stash of vinyl records hanging around, hold onto them. Collectors love to discover old artists and songs, the more obscure the better. Keeping collectables in good condition is always key, but this is particularly true for records, so hang onto artwork and protective sleeves, and remember records are always better when you can play them!

McDonald’s Toys

Believe it or not, those cute little toys you loved in your happy meal are making a comeback, plus with McDonald’s teaming up with brands to release limited edition character toys, you’ve got the perfect excuse to indulge. That’s not just a frivolous burger – you’re investing!

Top Tips for Storage

Protect your items and their packaging – try and keep them dust free and in their original packaging if you can. If you can resist the temptation to open the packaging, even better. Keeping your collectables out of the way so you can forget about them while they creep up in value is the best way to keep them in tip-top condition.

Contact us to rent a garage space and you could be making a small fortune in no time!

If you have a garage, the likelihood is that you are using it as a dumping ground, rather than an extra room in your home. Within a flash, your spacious garage can end up cluttered with junk and therefore can’t be used to its potential. If you’re looking to convert your garage into an extra room in your home, here are a few quirky ideas you may never have thought of:

1. A ‘Man Cave’

Now all the rage, men in the house can have their very own space to play video games and watch their favourite sports. The great aspect of a ‘man room’ is that flamboyant decor isn’t needed – just a few comfortable armchairs, a TV, fridge and a games console.

2. A Home Cinema

A little more challenging to create, but extremely worth the work, why not convert your garage into a home cinema? You may decide to give your garage the classic look by choosing red armchairs and carpet and then add a large flat-screen TV onto the wall or white pull-down screen to project onto. Ensure you purchase a good sound system and a refrigerator to store away essential snacks and goodies.

3. A Casino Bar

You will be the talk of your friends by turning your garage into a lounge bar and casino. By choosing to use the space in this way, it will become a great place to entertain guests and make a real statement to your home. Add a couple of roulette wheels and build a traditional bar with stools to give the room a glamorous and authentic feel.

4. Music Studio

If you have a teenager that is set on having a music career, why not turn the dull space into a professional music studio? Here they may decide to rehearse and record music. It would be best to install soundproofing to allow them to make as much noise as they wish…and avoid keeping the neighbours awake!

5. Toy Room

If you have young children, there is nothing worse than hundreds of toys dotted around your main living space. To be free of clutter, a family/toy room will keep the rest of your home looking elegant and tidy at all times.

If you don’t have a garage with your home, or if your garage is already full and you’d like to store those items elsewhere so you can make use of extra room, why not rent a garage? At Lock Up Garages, we have garages across the UK. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information, or why not check out our other blog posts too.

While spring is traditionally the season for cleaning, there’s something about getting rid of clutter after the long summer holiday that can be particularly satisfying. Whether you’re keen gardeners, love your summer sports or want to clear out the empty nest, affordable and accessible lock up storage can help you free your home from unsightly clutter.

You Can Keep the Things You Love

Kids off to uni? Chances are they won’t have space to take everything that’s currently cluttering up their room, but there are things they still can’t bear to part with. If you want to restore a little order to your home, then storing all those items in a lock up garage can be the ideal way to get some space back while your kids will still be able to access their precious stuff 24 hours a day.

Put Away the Summer Tools

If you’re a keen gardener you’ll know how easy it is to accumulate all kinds of tools that are essential in the garden during the summer months, but then need to be stored over the winter. A shed can never match the security of proper storage, so why not house your summer tools where they’ll be safe, watertight and secure?

Store Your Equipment

If you’re the outdoorsy type then the summer is the time you indulge in all of your hobbies and pastimes from cycling in the Alps to snorkelling in the Caribbean. But once the holidays are over, you may have thousands of pounds worth of expensive gear that needs secure storage, but you simply don’t have the space at home. That’s when you need a secure and affordable lock up garage that’s accessible 24/7 and will give you the peace of mind knowing that your prized Cervelo or that set of Titleist clubs are being properly stored without costing you a fortune.

‘Just in Case’ Clutter

Do you tend to hoard things ‘just in case’ they’ll come in useful? Then if you’re having a general autumn clear out now’s the time to store all those useful items in a lock up garage. You’ll have instant access to your treasures when you do finally need them without having spent more than they’re worth on storing them.

Whether you’re a hobbyist or a hoarder, an empty nester or a master gardener, we have the ideal storage solution for you with our lock up garages. Just find your nearest location with our handy site map and then contact us for more details.

When you moved into your current house, no doubt at the time it was perfect, and maybe you had a room in mind even more perfect for your home office space.  However, as time passes, children may burst into your life, or other situations cause for the room to be full of everything but your files, PC and work equipment.

Imagine your office being separate from your home, but still just a two second walk away. A place where you can be productive and organised, shut the door and lock out any noise, yet still be a part of the household and keep an eye on the kids- sounds like heaven? The perfect solution to your work and family needs could be the garage!

Space for Office Needs

Sometimes renting out an office space can be restrictive, giving you only a small amount of space, and often in a busy environment, with other people passing through and by your work space. Although this can be a great solution for many due to its convenience, and the fact that it is away from the home, giving you the feeling of going to work, for others it isn’t the peaceful haven enabling you to fully concentrate.

Many of these facilities also are manned by a reception and will only operate between certain hours- mostly working hours. Dependant on the nature of your work, you may get a creative burst in the evening or early morning. If you work at an external office, you don’t have the opportunity to open up the laptop and jot down your thoughts.

Costing

Renting an office space can rack up a hefty price tag, from the get-go. Before you even consider staffing, utility costs and even your lunch break the total you are spending can seem very daunting. If you choose to convert your garage into a home office, you avoid any of these financial scares!

By utilising your garage space, you don’t need to pay extra electric bills, extra maintenance, maybe even a cleaner- you don’t even have to think about the extra added costs of the coffees and lunch breaks- because if you are at home, your kettle is waiting to be boiled, and the bread is waiting to be made into a sandwich. You could even put a washing load in while you’re at it!

Your Designs

Another great benefit of having your own space for your office space is that you can do what you please with the interiors! If you need a space for clients to wait and have a coffee, you could create that space. Colours can make an enormous difference to the look of an office space with certain shades even proved to improve mood and productivity.

Consider what type of business you are running and whether you will have clients over for meetings and adjust the interiors around these factors. If you are a creative business, why not give a splash of colour and some plants?

Here at Lockup Garages, we can give you the alternative storage solution for your previous stored goods, vehicle or other items, so you can make the most of your home space. If you have been considering renting a lockup garage, we have garage units in over 1,000 various locations, so we are sure to find you a place for storage, and the new option of a home office!

If you would like to know any more information, you can view our map to see your nearest site, or simply get in touch with our team, who would be more than happy to discuss your needs further!

Many of our customers choose to use a Lockup Garage as an alternative to self-storage when they need to make more space in their home. So, why do our customers need more space in their home and why is a Lockup Garage the perfect solution?

Growing Family

A new member of the family may mean that you need to find more space in the home. Perhaps you need to clear out the spare room that used to be filled with items that you couldn’t find a place for in order to set up a new nursery. Maybe you need to move some items into storage when you’re baby-proofing your home.

A Lockup Garage is ideal for this as it provides 24/7 access to items that you may want to store, but allows you to free up space in your home.

Flying the Nest

Fast-forward 18 years and you may be preparing to wave your children off as they embark on their next adventure at university. While they are leaving, they are sure to be returning at the end of term. This means that you will have an empty room that you may want to utilise for other purposes while your child isn’t using it.

You could use a Lockup Garage to store some of their belongings, allowing you to access the items at any time so you can put their room back together in time for their return!

Home Renovations

When you’re decorating it can be hard to find the space, especially when you’re trying to avoid damaging any of your furnishings or furniture. However, you won’t want to spend too much on storage when you only need it short term.

This is why a Lockup Garage could be a perfect solution as there is 24/7 access and you can use it for however long you need.

Moving Home

While you’re moving home, you may be buying items for your new place before you actually get into the house. Perhaps you’re downsizing so won’t be able to fit everything into your new house.

A Lockup Garage is the perfect solution as you can keep your belongings out of the way of the big move. You could even use it to store your boxes as you pack them, giving you more room to begin the move. With easy access whenever you need, you could pop in day or night to grab something from your storage or add something.

There are many reasons why you may need to clear some space in your home and a Lockup Garage could be the perfect solution to your storage needs. For more information about how you can rent one of our Lockup Garages, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 020 8882 8575 and we’ll be more than happy to help. Alternatively, you can fill out our online contact form and we will be in touch with you.

A garage isn’t just where you keep your car, it can also be a quiet haven for you to relax and unwind. And what better way of having your little corner of paradise than by ensuring its interior is stylish? There are a few autumn interior design trends that you can incorporate into your garage, so that you can start enjoying your garage.

So, what interior design trends can you expect to see during the autumn months so that you can incorporate them into your garage? We’ve compiled a small list to inspire you!

Dark Green Colours

Although autumn turns leaves into a combination of golds, browns, and reds, dark green colours are in this season. They are particularly striking when combined with natural wood furniture, and an accent of brass only adds to the overall aesthetic. If green isn’t your favourite colour, why not add it in only with small accessories?

Terra Cotta Tiles

You don’t have to completely DIY your garage into a different room in order to incorporate Terra Cotta tiles in the design. They can add a touch of cosiness to what could be a cold-looking room, and adding them to the wall helps you to achieve the style. If covering the wall isn’t your preference, simply add a line or two of tiles at the bottom of the wall to highlight the garage.

Geometric Patterns

Simple lines can go a long way, and geometric designs such as triangles can truly add a special look to your garage. Whether you prefer prints or you want to create your own geometric designs on walls with paint, you can easily add these patterns for a cohesive look.

Tropical Inspirations

Garages can be fun spaces for home theatres or hobby havens, and tropical accessories can really bring the fun to a potentially dull-looking area. Tropical prints, wallpaper, or paintings can add the character you’re looking for. You can also strategically place accessories such as pineapples, palm trees, and flamingoes for a touch of tropical paradise here and there. And if you really want to have a ‘wow’ factor, why not buy a tropical-inspired sofa for your garage?

These are just a few ideas to inspire you when creating your own space within your garage. If you want to transform your garage now but need the space, don’t worry! At Lock Up Garages we have all the storage space you could ever want. Just get in touch with our friendly team today to know more!

Garages are no longer just for storage, cars and that old junk you don’t know what to do with. Homeowners all over the world are creating exciting and practical spaces instead of the conventional vehicle storage. From home gyms to workshops, homeowners are pulling out all the stops to transform their garage into a creative area. For whatever reason, you may find yourself restricted for space, and the answer could be right on your doorstep…literally. In your garage!

1.From Carers to Chauffeurs Apartment

Some situations call for an extra hand in the home. Whether a cleaner, carer, driver or an extra family member staying for a while, sometimes your current space just isn’t enough. Especially when they are not family or even a carer, an ‘outhouse’ or a space not in the home would be a dream, right? Well, your garage could be the answer to all your space problems. By utilising this room, your helper could have their own space to do work, or keep their supplies while taking care of your loved one.

2. Mighty Microhome

As with any garage, yours probably doesn’t have heating or plumbing, but once you’ve dealt with this, you have the basis for a micro-home or a duplex! If your kids have graduated but you’re sick of them, their dirty pots and unwashed clothes, your garage is the answer!  You could give them the garage as their own personal space and even put a washing machine in there, so they can do all their chores themselves. If your garage is a separate entity from your house, you could even give it a second floor and turn it into a two-floored property!

3.Playing Around!

Children can be a lot to handle sometimes, especially in the summer holidays, and even worse when it’s raining. What do you do with excited, energetic and bored kids? Put them in the garage! Obviously after you have transformed it into a haven of toys, teddies and fun. The garage can be a multipurpose space, engaging the entire family in creative and physical play and activities. The space could allow anything from painting on canvases to rollerblading and could even hold swinging ropes and monkey bars. Plenty of space for entertainment and mess!

Summer Celebrations

Summer is one of the most exciting seasons, and is certainly the time to get out in the garden and enjoy the space with family and friends. This might mean people staying over or a place to keep BBQ supplies and beverages. By transforming your garage into a summer house, you could have a space for you and the family to kick back and relax, and if the rain makes an appearance, the party can continue! When you don’t particularly want muddy feet and many people nipping in your house for party supplies, your newly transformed garage turned summer house is the perfect solution.

And Relax…

Life can sometimes be stressful, tiring and busy. And coming home to cooking tea, chores and dealing with more work or children probably won’t help any of the above. A space to call your own would be nice, right? Ever thought about transforming your garage into your own personal hub for you and your hobbies?

This space could be the perfect place to keep your painting equipment, your home gym, or even your PC and office space. Whether you are a blogger, an artist, a body builder, or a mum that just needs a place to read a book and have a glass of wine at night, your garage could be the answer.

Get rid of the old stuff in your garage by storing it in a lockup garage, and make way for all the new and exciting interior design ideas and furnishings.

If you need extra space for your car, we can supply a secure and safe garage space for it near your home.

If you would like to know any more information about what you can store in our garages, or where your nearest one is, simply check out our online map, and our rental agreement, or pick up the phone. We would love to discuss your requirements.

Space is an important commodity in the modern home, you pay more for a larger amount of space and as such, you may not always have all the space you need. However, just because you don’t have the physical space does not mean you have to live in cramped and cluttered conditions.

So, with no space in your home, how can you free up space in order to have a free and comfortable living space?

1 – Foldaway Desks

One of the biggest issues of modern living is the fact that your home is often used for both play and work. Having somewhere to do this work, however, can be much more difficult than the fun side of things. A full-sized desk does not have a place already assigned to it in the modern home. So, an alternative is needed.

A foldaway desk is a perfect solution to this issue. Available when you need it, but folded away on occasions that make space the more important commodity.

2 – Hang Everything

Random bits and bobs around the home can be one of the biggest issues for space saving exercises. Utensils on work surfaces, shoes on the floor and all sorts of other little bits and bobs hanging around. Hooks, small shelves and other such methods of hanging things from the wall is a perfect way to solve the issue of these lay-about items. It saves floor space and makes for a neater looking setup.

3 – Storage Bed

The bedroom can be the biggest but also the smallest space in your home. This is all down to the bed because although you may have a sizeable room much of the floor space will be taken up by your sleeping area. Thus, buying a bed with plenty of storage space underneath can be the perfect solution to quite a serious issue. Store bedding, towels and other necessities – or even clothes – to free up space in the rest of the room and also utilise the floor space for something other than just sleeping.

4 – Sofa Bed

If space is very limited, such as in an apartment, then combining your sofa and your bed is the most practical solution. Seating by day and sleeping by night, it’s a space saving solution on the tightest of budgets.

5 – Pet Storage

Pets can make our homes a lively and beautiful place to be, offering us comfort even on the rainiest of days. But, their various toys and equipment can end up taking up a lot of space. Hideaway eating areas or boxed furniture that hides the kitty litter are a few of the options you have to keep your pet’s necessities under wraps.

Of course, the best way to save space is to put all of your non-essential or collectable items into a garage for storage!

Providing expert garage renting in the UK, here at Lock Up Garages we will help you find the solution you need. You can also get in touch with our friendly team if you want to know more about how we can help you find storage solutions.