Our last blog talked about some of the strangest things recovered from abandoned self storage units, but it never ends. Here are some more amazing and unusual items to demonstrate how eccentric people can be.

Electric Chair

Let’s start with the rather gruesome find of an electric chair, which left staff at a US storage facility speculating on its presence. One also wonders who the last unfortunate person to sit on it might have been when in use.

Unexploded Hand Grenade

This caused a bit of a commotion at a unit in Michigan when this live device was found, causing a bomb disposal unit to be hastily called.

Burt Reynolds ‘Things’

Jaws dropped as the contents of a container once owned by the movie celebrity were revealed, including the canoe used in the iconic 1972 film Deliverance. Amongst the other numerous items were a horse carriage made by Dolly Parton, a toy car from Smokey & the Bandit, and a doctor’s note about an op Burt had in 1955.

Body Bits

There have been many shocking things discovered in storage units……like body parts. One of the less horrific is a jar of gallstones, and one guy kept a severed leg he lost during a plane crash, so he could eventually be buried with it!

Loved Ones

Urns are often kept in storage units, but one family kept the body of their Grandma in a casket for 17 years in one.

Michael Jackson Songs

One lucky new storage unit owner found himself with a unit previously owned by Michael Jackson’s father. It contained around 250 unheard and unreleased recordings of the singer some featuring Tina Turner. There was no existing legal ownership, as they were recorded when Jackson was between recordings!

We don’t recommend storing some of the more whacky items listed here at our Cubic Storage facilities. We are however happy to advise on your storage needs in Gosforth, Ponteland, Newcastle & Wallsend.

Self Storage, Holiday Storage, Container Hire, Short or Long Term Rental, Ponteland, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Lots of industries that are property based, have taken a hit and struggled over the past year or so, due to the Coronavirus. However, the self storage industry has seen the opposite happen. Self storage has experienced growth in customers according to the Self Storage Association UK. The industry has experienced a steady increase in occupancy of 2.9 points year on year to 79.2%. Revenue has also been regular, as customers more often prefer to pay for their units by direct debit or other non-contact methods.

Post lockdown saw occupancy levels rise to higher levels than pre Covid, and enquiries reached record levels. This was probably a result of uncertainty about the future, and people wanting to know their best options for storage. Self storage has always been about life changing events and the virus is just one of them. Some core reasons for using self storage include:-

• People getting divorced and having to move the possessions around
• People moving back home to their family from rented accommodation with nowhere to store their belongings
• Businesses forced to decrease their furniture etc to enable easier social distancing
• Downsizing companies needing somewhere to keep stock, appliances etc
• An increase in working from home meaning businesses reducing their office space
• Families down-sizing their homes because of financial concerns related to the pandemic

Self storage businesses are also extremely flexible, allowing people to change their requirements as and when needed. Contracts can be long or short and usually may be updated with very little notice. This can be helpful, especially in these uncertain times, when everything is a worry.

Make sure that the self storage company you choose takes security seriously with additions such as CCTV, perimeter fencing and state of the art locking systems. 24/7 access is also a bonus in places like Ponteland, which is what you will find here at Cubic Storage.

Self Storage, Holiday Storage, Container Hire, Short or Long Term Rental, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

There are a number of extremely sensible and practical reasons for using self storage, but the more frivolous ones can be fun. People love to collect ‘things’. You only have to discover a friend collects ceramic pigs, and everywhere you go you seem to notice an unusual ceramic pig! It seems once people start, they can’t sop and their collection soon begins to take over the living space. This can become a source of contention among partners and the family. This is why many collectors rent a self storage unit, where their treasured collection can grow unabated. There is also less chance of them gathering dust getting damaged or causing a red face for the collector.

Belly Fluff Anyone?

Stamp collecting has always been a popular pursuit for many, but there are also plenty of bizarre collections around. One of the most strange collections is Australian, Graham Barker’s collection of his own navel fluff! He began his er…different collection in 1984, which is now stored in three large glass jars. It’s also led to appearances on many of America’s biggest talk shows.

Bagus Vomitous

Another surprising collection comes in the form of aeroplane sick bags [hopefully empty], which are highly sought after! Who knew this was a thing? Niek Vermeulen from Holland, is down in the Guinness Book of World Records as having the largest collection. This consists of 5,468 [at the last count] of different sick bags from more than a thousand airlines.

Other impressive [sort of] collections include 1800 types of historic toothpaste and powders, 5,239 unique rubber ducks and 6,652 different table napkins. Some collections are generally considered more acceptable or desirable than others, such as British Royal Family memorabilia, musical records, cars and chocolate wrappers.

At Cubic Storage you will find high quality units and containers at affordable hire rates to keep your collections in Whickham, whatever they may be, in mint condition!

Self Storage, Holiday Storage, Container Hire, Short or Long Term Rental, Whickham & Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Self storage containers are being used for all kinds of things these days, some of which will leave you open mouthed! Modifying or re-purposing items intended for one use in order to fulfil a different function is a big trend nowadays and self storage units and containers are no exception. Here are some of the ideas people have come up with:-

Affordable Homes

Structurally sound, dry and inexpensive, shipping containers are increasingly being recognised as substitute housing. They are fairly portable, so easy to set up wherever needed, and can be tailored as desired. These metal boxes are favoured by those wishing to decrease their environmental impact. From luxury homes to temporary solutions for the homeless, storage containers are used world wide as unique, robust abode options.

Schools

We often think of storage containers as purely somewhere to store excess belongings, but in some undeveloped parts of the world they are being used as schools. With the addition of windows, air conditioning or heating, these low cost spaces are ideal where traditional school buildings are not possible. In fact they are sometimes used in countries like the UK as additional annexes or ‘add ons’.

Pop up Shops, Cafés and Restaurants

All kinds of businesses like shops, bars, cafés, art galleries and even theatres now use storage containers as temporary pop up facilities. This is an extremely modern concept and one that works well for everyone. Combinations of multiple containers are also being used as more permanent solutions.

These are just a few of the ways that storage containers are solving modern day issues, other uses include sheds, natural disaster shelters, home offices, garden nurseries, garages and as hobby spaces such as dark rooms. At Cubic Storage though, we recommend more traditional storage uses, check out our website to see what we offer.

Safe, Dry Summer Self Storage, Holiday Storage, Container Hire, Newcastle, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Autumn brings with it a sort of calming effect, and a slowing down after the hectic summer months. Most people like to retire into their cosy homes as it gets colder and the nights draw in. We can look forward to the sparkle and excitement of Christmas once more, and perhaps a even bit of snow?

This season is all about rich colours and sumptuous inviting textures, but a complete redecoration isn’t required. Here are a few pointers on achieving a wonderful seasonal feel for your home with just a few quick changes.

1. Colour Choice

The colours we surround ourselves with are one of the keys to creating our desired atmosphere at whatever time of year. Summer colours like pale blue and mint green remind us of warm, sunny islands, but would feel a little too cool in the winter. A colour palette consisting of shades like orange, brown and mustard will start to feel right during the onset of autumn. Once winter is in full swing, lush deep greens, browns and reds work their magic, and the transition is fairly simple!

Warm hues can be added by changing over soft furnishings, curtains, cushions and items like vases and maybe rugs. Of course which shades you can use successfully, will depend on the overall tone of your existing décor. Cooler colours throughout your home will look great when neutrals like beige, rust, orange and brown are added.

2. Tactile Textures

Textures are excellent for adding interest, and rooms can look a little flat without a variety of textural elements. The cooler months offer an ideal opportunity to fill your abode with chunky throws, shaggy rugs and tactile cushions. Top off the look by bringing home pine cones, chestnuts and unusual twigs to place in bowls, baskets or on wreaths.

3. Luxurious Lighting

Cosy evenings in front of the fire will feel homely and welcoming with the use of corner lights and table lamps placed here and there. Candles and fairy lights also create a gorgeous living space. Consider cost effective self storage units at Cubic Storage, to store away your seasonal items until they are needed again.

Self Storage, Holiday Storage, Container Hire, Short or Long Term Rental, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

We understand that for students certain times of the year are more stressful than others, usually just when you don’t need any extra stress. When nearing the end of the year, there are a thousand and one things to think about like what to wear to the end of year ball, which parties to attend, where to spend the holidays, oh and of course there’s the odd exam!

There is one dilemma we can help with here a Cubic Storage, and that’s where to leave your belongings so that they are safe and undamaged. We have a range of storage units and containers in the North East, perfect for keeping your things undisturbed, until you need them.

Finished College

Perhaps you have finished college, and are returning home after enjoying a summer break. We offer a convenient and affordable place to store possessions and valuables, fully protected by state of the art security features.

Sharing Digs

Sometimes students are sharing digs with others, that can be pretty compact, meaning not a lot of space for ‘things’. Also if you go away and your flatmate has guests over regularly, do you know your stuff is safe? This can be frustrating, and cause battles, which is why a cheap storage unit is an ideal option.

Sports Equipment

It’s surprising how belongings can accumulate when in college or university, if for instance you wish to get involved in social activities like sports and outdoor pursuits. These can require the purchase of equipment that take up space. So again, Self Storage is the answer!

Cheap & Convenient

You will want a fast, low cost storage solution, available all year round that you can access when you need to. Some students even share a storage unit for things they don’t use on a daily basis, to lower the price even more.

Call us for information on what we offer on 07531 435637.

Safe, Dry Summer Self Storage, Holiday Storage, Container Hire, Newcastle, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Did you know that China introduced self storage units as long as 6000 years ago? Self storage is as viable and popular now as it was then, which is why we welcome you to our new Cubic Storage website. Storage units solve a myriad of problems for all types of people in a wide variety of situations.

These include the recent and growing trend for downsizing, allowing many couples and small families to move from large properties to more affordable, compact homes. There then arises the question of excess items and belongings like large pieces of furniture, that will clutter a new building, and where to keep them.

If you don’t want to sell or give away these possessions, but do not want to throw them away, they can be stored in an affordable self storage unit for as long as you need. Our units come in a range of sizes, and are secure, clean and dry so you’ll never have to worry about your stuff getting wet or damaged.

Those in the middle of a house move have benefited from hiring a self storage unit, in the case of a property chain collapse. Or where a moving date is fast approaching, but things aren’t yet ready at your new place. Perhaps Gran has come to live or a Granny flat has been built for her, but her lifelong possessions still need to be sorted out. Maybe the kids have finished college for the summer or for good, and need somewhere to put numerous accumulated books etc. Decorating a home or office is a lot easier when all items are removed into temporary storage.

Lots of people these days have online businesses such as stores on eBay or similar, and have nowhere to store goods, packaging, records and other items. Perhaps you are a tradesman with valuable tools that you’d rather not leave in your van.

We offer a perfect solution to all of your storage needs in Newcastle Upon Tyne and surrounding areas, with round the clock, drive up access. Call us on 07531 435637

Self-Storage, Dry, Clean & Secure Storage, Container Units, Office Hire