Moving House Archives | Kangaroo Self Storage

As an estate agent or property manager, your job is to help your clients buy, sell, rent or manage properties. However, the process of buying or selling a property can be overwhelming for clients, and they may need additional services to make the process smoother. This is where our self-storage comes in!

Our self-storage for businesses will provide a range of benefits to estate agents and property managers, such as extra space for storing furniture or decluttering a property before a viewing. So, as part of our series looking into how different businesses benefit from self-storage, we’re exploring the advantages of our services for estate agents and property managers.

Increased Space In Homes Up for Sale

Clearing clutter from a home is essential in preparing it for sale. Too much clutter will make a home appear smaller and less appealing to potential buyers, so by using self-storage to declutter, estate agents can remove excess items from the home, creating a more open and spacious feel.

Clearing clutter also helps to depersonalise the home. For example, personal items such as family photos or collections make it difficult for potential buyers to imagine themselves living in the home. So by storing these items, estate agents will create a blank canvas allowing potential buyers to visualise their own belongings in the space.

Whether you need to store items from a studio apartment or a five-bedroom home, we have plenty of unit sizes and are sure to have the right storage space for you.

Safe and Secure Storage for Clients’ Personal Belongings

As well as depersonalising and decluttering a home, self-storage is excellent for estate agents and property managers who want to store clients’ belongings for house viewings. During a viewing, some potential buyers may be more prying than others, and the seller may not feel comfortable leaving personal or valuable items in the home if they’re not present for viewings.

If the sellers have nowhere to move the belongings, self-storage is the next best option. All self-storage facilities here at Kangaroo have 24-hour CCTV, which record and monitor all activity in the building, as well as individual padlocks on each unit. As a result, estate agents can put sellers’ minds at ease, and they will relax knowing their belongings are safe and secure.

The Perfect Storage Space for Staging Props and Furniture

Sometimes, estate agents and property managers will be responsible for staging a home to sell. This is common in new build estates or property developments to provide potential buyers with a showhome that exhibits the home’s potential.

Self-storage provides the perfect solution for storing staging furniture. You can store everything in your unit, allowing you to switch around the furniture seasonally. Then, you have the option to decorate the showhomes for Christmas or set out the garden for a summer barbeque! Whatever the weather, you’ll be able to showcase everything the home offers to potential buyers.

Secure and Organised Space for Maintenance Equipment and Tools

As we discussed in our blog about how those in the construction industry can benefit from self-storage, our storage units are excellent for keeping maintenance equipment and tools organised. When a property manager flips a home, several contractors may work on the property simultaneously, so a self-storage unit can act as a tool’s central hub.

Our equipment storage makes your tools accessible to the whole team; they just need to ensure they bring a key to the unit’s padlock!

Excellent Flexibility for Changing Deadlines

Self-storage facilities have extensive benefits for those involved in selling a home. If you’ve been through the process before, you’ll understand that deadlines may change and being flexible is key. Luckily for you, our self-storage is an excellent, flexible storage option!

We invoice storers on a four weekly (twenty eight day) basis payable in advance. However, we only ask for fourteen days’ notice when you vacate your room, and we refund any unused storage charge. This is particularly useful for people involved in selling a home with changing deadlines, as they may need to store their belongings for a longer or shorter period than anticipated.

In addition, we give you the option to up or downsize if and when you need to (space depending), so if you’re not using all the space you’re renting, or business gets busier, and you need more room, you can!

Here at Kangaroo Self Storage, we offer self-storage for businesses across Scotland and North West England; take a look at our locations to find your nearest Kangaroo:

As always, don’t forget you can get in touch with us for more information or to book your storage unit.

As the final days of school roll around, you will be looking forward to your next steps, and for many, that means moving to a new city to start university. Moving out is one of the most stressful things you will encounter, packing up all your belongings and saying goodbye to your childhood room. It is an emotional time, and there is a lot to think about, including where you’ll put all the belongings you’ve accumulated over the years.

However, if you discover that your new accommodation is smaller than you expected or you brought one too many boxes, we can help. With our student storage, we can help take the load off and function as a central point for all your belongings so you can sit back and relax, secure in the knowledge that your treasured possessions are safe.

Moving Day Tips

We all know that moving away from home can be exciting but stressful. You are packing away all your childhood memories, favourite albums, posters and knick-knacks you collected at home. Anyone who has been to university has been in the same boat, and it’s hard to put those things in boxes.

But what many people discover when packing is how much stuff they own. Anyone who has been a student will know what it is like to transport car loads across cities, wedged in the front seat with your bedding under your legs while your mum or dad drives.

To help lessen the load or the number of trips you need, here are a couple of top tips from our experts:

Get organised from the start and never leave anything until the last minute.
Sort through clothes before moving and organise them into seasons.
Declutter, donate and recycle unwanted things.
Travel light – you can always return more items when you visit home.

Need an Upgrade? Downsize or Upsize Your Storage Unit

Kangaroo Self Storage offers simple, flexible, and affordable student storage options, whether for term-time storage or holiday storage. You might begin a term where the right flat has not appeared. Why not put your belongings into a storage unit until you have found the right place? You can come and go as you please, as often as you need, during Kangaroo Self Storage’s open hours.

We are flexible! Our storage units come in an extensive range of sizes, so there is plenty for you to choose from. Look around our storage unit sizes and discover your perfect fit. Think of a storage unit as that spare room you have always wanted.

Store With Your Friends

Want to spend the cost of a unit? You can share the space with your friends! Allow them to free up some space in their rooms and benefit from splitting the cost of the unit with them at the same time.

As mentioned, travelling across the region with a carload of belongings is stressful and often leads to overpacking. So, be the ultimate best friend by helping your friends declutter or organise their belongings.

Locations Nearby Universities: That’s Convenient!

Is it your first time moving away from home? Or are you travelling to a brand-new city and struggling to find a place to settle? We can help. Students across the North West of England and Scotland have trusted us to keep their belonging safe and secure. Our secure, clean, and modern storage units have 24/7 CCTV coverage, burglar alarms, smoke detectors and fire alarms – all to ensure the safety of your belongings.

Each site is conveniently located, for example, our Edinburgh units are only a 25-minute drive from the University of Edinburgh—five minutes from Heriot-Watt University and on the same road as the Napier University campuses. Similarly, if you are in Glasgow, our self-storage facilities are just a 17-minute drive from the University of Glasgow. And, if you’re heading to Dundee, our storage site is only a six-minute drive from the University of Dundee and Abertay University.

Enquire for Student Storage Today

Kangaroo Self Storage is the ideal choice for student storage across Scotland and the North West of England because our locations are on main arterial routes, making the stores easily accessible from many of the colleges and universities in these cities. We have supported students for many years, and hundreds of students have trusted us to keep their belongings secure and safe.

There are no complicated contracts or penalties for moving storage room should you need to; we want to make the entire process as smooth and hassle-free as possible. Check out our location list below:

Or, contact us on 0800 012 1528 and tell us about all the benefits of storing your belongings with Kangaroo.

Kangaroo are thrilled to announce the opening of yet another storage store! This time, Roo and the gang have hopped over to Carlisle, and over the past few weeks, we’ve settled in quite nicely. The city is thriving and proven as a popular place to reside, study, and start a business, which is why we believe we’ll fit in very well.

We’re so excited to widen our reach and be able to help even more people with our storage services. So today, we’re taking a deep dive into our new home and providing you with a guide on living, studying, and owning a business in Carlisle. In addition, we hope to provide some insight into the city and why it’s the ideal place for so many different types of people.

Carlisle’s Rich History

One of the main reasons Carlisle is so popular is its incredible history, which is still visible throughout the city. Many of Carlisle’s famous landmarks have a rich history and, upon visiting, provide you with insightful knowledge of the city’s past. Here are a few of the most famous historic spots in Carlisle:

Carlisle Castle. First built in 1093 and then rebuilt in stone in 1122, the castle is over 900 years old and is the perfect site for learning about the city’s past.
Carlisle Cathedral. Located in the centre of Carlisle, the famous cathedral is home to England’s largest flowing decorated Gothic-style window.
Wetheral Priory Gatehouse. Founded in the early 12^th century, this picturesque stone fortification is a stunning piece of Carlisle’s history.

It’s clear that great history is found around every corner in Carlisle, making it a fascinating place to live, work, or study. We couldn’t be prouder to make Kangaroo history by bringing our storage stores to the beautiful city.

Things to Do in Carlisle

For those residing in Carlisle, you can be sure you’ll never get bored of the many things to do and see in the city centre and slightly further afield. Here are some of the top things to do:

Walk along Hadrian’s Wall. Providing stunning views and the best picnic spots, this walk can be as short or as long as you wish, and you can start at multiple different viewing points in Carlisle.
Shop at the Lanes Shopping Centre. Whether you need to grab a last-minute birthday present, have some time to kill on your lunch break, or are looking to treat yourself, the Lanes Shopping Centre has everything you need.
Take a stroll in Rickerby Park. Rickerby Park offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Carlisle city centre.
Visit the Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery. With both evergreen and seasonal exhibitions, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye in the city’s most famous museum.
Store with Kangaroo Self Storage! Of course, Kangaroo Self Storage has recently made Carlisle our new home, so you’re more than welcome to visit us. If you’re local to the area, our household storage in Carlisle is exactly what you need to provide breathing space while you reorganise, redecorate, or renovate your home.

Studying in Carlisle

Carlisle is a fantastic, bustling place for students to enjoy their university years. As discussed above, there are plenty of things to do and see, meaning you’ll never be bored during your downtime away from your studies.

The city boasts several high-quality educational facilities, such as the University of Cumbria, which offers an incredibly diverse range of courses.

In addition, Carlisle has been noted for its fantastic career prospects. Studying in the Cumbrian city opens up a variety of career opportunities, particularly in the tourism industry. This is because the university is surrounded by the stunning Lake District, which welcomes over 15.5 million visitors annually.

We offer student storage in Carlisle, so if you are studying in the city, please don’t hesitate to enquire about storing with us. We offer plenty of deals, offers, and discounts for students so you can save while you store!

Starting a Business in Carlisle

Running a business in Carlisle provides a long list of benefits, including:

Growing economy. Carlisle’s economy provides ample opportunities for new businesses to thrive.
Strategic location. As well as being a thriving city, Carlisle is brilliantly located close to major cities such as Glasgow, Manchester, and Newcastle.
Supportive workforce. The local government and business community support entrepreneurship and provide resources and assistance to help new businesses succeed.
Growing tourism industry. Carlisle’s growing tourism industry presents business opportunities in the hospitality, food and beverage, and retail sectors.

If you’re looking for business storage in Carlisle, we’re here for you. We now have first-hand experience running a business in Carlisle and can vouch for all of the above, so if you’re considering starting a company in the Cumbrian city, this is your sign.

Don’t forget, we also have locations across the rest of North West England Scotland, including:

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team or visit one of our stores in person to discover how we can help you, whether you’re a local resident, student, or business owner.

Now that we’re into 2023 and the lull of January has hit, you might still be thinking about how to tackle the year and achieve your goals. For some people, setting goals for the new year means losing weight, reading more, or giving up smoking. But goals don’t have to be about stopping or starting habits, particularly as most of these well-meaning ideas are abandoned by February. Trying to make 2023 the best year it can be is about more than self-improvement; it can be about finally making steps to get to where you want to be in life.

Whether you’ve always wanted to own a business, take the plunge into a brand-new career sector, or move to a new area, make 2023 the year you stop hoping and start doing.

Think About Where You Want to Be

The first step to making 2023 your year is establishing where you are now and where you want to be. How do you want your year to look? Are you hoping to found your start-up business, go to university to finally get the degree you need to switch up your career or move out of your hometown to a brand-new area? Whatever it is, deciding your goals is the first step in ensuring your dreams become a reality.

Once you have a clear idea of your destination, you can begin planning your journey and deciding the best route to make sure you get to where you want to be by the end of the year.

Take SMART Steps

You may have heard of the SMART technique before. If not, it’s an acronym that sets out a way to create, well, smart goals:

Specific – The goal needs to be clear and precise. What is it you want to accomplish? Why do you want to achieve it? What or who is involved, and what resources do you need? Set out your goal as clearly and with as much detail as possible.
Measurable – How will you know when you’ve achieved your goal? Set your own benchmarks to accomplish as you go along, as well as the overall completed goal at the end. Track your progress to help you stay motivated and meet your deadlines.
Achievable – Goals need to be attainable, so you must be honest about what is realistically possible, especially within the period you’ve set yourself. Think about how you will achieve your goal and whether it’s realistic based on constraints, such as financial factors.
Relevant – Is your goal relevant to you? Does it seem worthwhile and match your other needs? This step ensures your goal matters to you and fits into your broader wants and needs.
Time-Based – Every goal should have a target date; a deadline to focus on to help you move forward. When do you want to complete your goal? What can you do in the next six months to work towards this? What can you do right now? Remembering this step helps to prevent every day, mundane tasks from getting in the way of your long-term goals.

Using the SMART method makes goals more manageable and easier to set out. As you follow each letter of SMART, you are forced to think carefully about the dream, allowing you to make sure that goal is realistic and attainable. For example, if you’re planning on moving to a new house, write that goal down and apply the SMART method so you can start to see your action plan come to life.

S: Where do you want to move to? What’s your budget?

M: When should you have your deposit by? How long until you can start viewings?

A: Realistically, can you afford to move home this year?

R: Will the stress of moving house be worthwhile?

T: What should you do in the next week, month, or six months to stay on track?

We recommend pinning your SMART list to your fridge or sticking a note to your laptop so you can always see it and be aware of the next step.

Take Initiative

Take the initiative with your goals. For example, if you want to begin studying for your degree, spend some time researching which course is right for you, the best universities for your course, and where you want to study. Once the initial research is done, you can start conversations to find out how to apply, when to apply, and what you need to do to prepare and make the transition to a student as stress-free as possible.

Additionally, if you want to start your own business, start your research. There is so much information available online, so even if you have no clue how to set up a business, set aside time to find out. Message small business owners through sites like LinkedIn and see if any would be willing to have a chat with you about the process. Don’t just collapse on the couch when you get home from work, do the right thing and begin your journey.

One of the main factors to consider is where your business will be based. Choosing home-based work is an excellent idea if you’re looking to keep costs low. At the same time, it can be challenging to separate work from home, so ensuring you don’t overwhelm yourself with business belongings taking over your home is key. Our business self-storage is the best choice, as it provides you with the space you need to store business items, so you don’t lose or damage documents or fall over stock in your spare room. We have storage sites across Scotland and North West England, including:

Maintain a Positive Outlook

Setbacks and failures happen to everyone; what sets apart the people who succeed and those who don’t is how they handle that failure. Don’t let a bad day or a bad week sour your motivation. Instead, take some time to shake it off, return to your SMART goal and pick up where you left off.

And don’t forget to share your goal with your friends and family; celebrate your wins with them, no matter how small. Their support will help you keep that positive energy focused on your goals.

Evaluate and Re-Adjust

A year is a long time to plan for, and it will go by in a flash. If you find yourself struggling or you think your wants may have changed, there’s no shame in adjusting your goal accordingly. After six months or so, evaluate your progress by looking at where you started in 2023 and what you’ve achieved so far. Maybe you’ll have already completed your goal, or perhaps you didn’t manage to get started. Either way, take some time to reflect on your progress and re-adjust if necessary.

We hope you feel inspired to make the change you’re looking for in 2023. From everyone at Kangaroo Self Storage, we hope this year brings you what you’re looking for. As always, we’re here to provide support in the form of extra space whether you need domestic self-storage when moving home, student self-storage when going to university, or business self-storage when starting your own company.

Moving home is often considered one of the most stressful times in your life. Whether from one accommodation to the next or going back home for the holidays, it is often the bain for most students’ university experience. Being a student, it often feels like you spend much of your year moving to a fro.

Whether your parents are hassling you to pack up your room before you leave for your big adventure to university or you are worried about your personal belongings being safe when you come home, we can help. With our student storage, we can help take the load off and act as a central point for all your belongings so you can relax, knowing they are safe and secure.

Early Preparation is Key

When it comes to jobs you may not look forward to, it often feels like a heavy weight on your shoulders, and you may find yourself procrastinating and leaving everything to the last minute. However, when it comes to moving out of student accommodation, preparing early can offer significant relief.

If you like to be super organised, you could even create a schedule with to-do lists that can be completed throughout this time, leaving the big move day a breeze because most of the jobs will have already been completed in advance.

Lists and Sectioning

Lists are the best way to organise your time and help break the big task of moving down into more manageable chores. Making a list of all your items and ticking them off can give you an incredible sense of gratification. Then, decide whether you intend to take it with you, leave it at home (or your accommodation), and any leftover items could be boxed up and put into a storage unit, keeping both locations tidy and free from clutter. You can book one of our units for term-time storage or holiday storage, and we offer the most competitive prices for all budgets.

Another way to break down the big move is to section your space or room into more manageable areas. For example, plan to cover areas in spells; your wardrobe could be task one, your chest of drawers task two, and under your bed could be task three. Having smaller sections can help reduce the overwhelming feelings a move can provide.

Get Help Organised From the Start

Making sure you have the relevant help before beginning to pack will lessen the stress come moving day. Whether you need help moving or dismantling furniture, having the extra hands will help lessen the load and make it a much more enjoyable experience.

It is also a good idea to make sure that when it comes to the big day, you have someone to help with transportation. Even if you use your own vehicle, the extra weight and overloading of your car is not healthy and can cause damage if travelling long distances. Ask friends and family for help or recommendations for someone who can. If there is no other option, many removal companies can offer discounts to students, and it may be worth checking with your university for their suggested removal services.

Labels and Boxes Are a Must

Although using bags for life and bin bags may feel more accessible, unpacking can become challenging when you get to your new accommodation. Searching through miscellaneous bags for items you need immediately can cause settling-in stress.

Boxes offer more protection and better organisation. Unlike a bag, a box will offer a more rigid and stackable structure, preventing your personal belongings from getting broken or damaged in transit. In addition, they provide a perfect surface to ensure correct labelling and itemised content listing. This offers significant ease when unpacking as you can locate the items you wish to put away first. Alternatively, if you plan to put things in storage, it helps remind you of each box’s contents after extended periods.

We offer a broad selection of storage boxes within our box shop. We stock sizes for every item, including conducive wardrobe boxes, protecting your clothes at all stages of the move.

Sort Through Clothes Before Moving

If you are preparing to move and know you will not use an item of clothing until you have moved out, organise a system in which you pack away items after they have been washed and dried. This can help save you time and packing later down the line, reducing the stress and time needed to pack. It can also be applied to bedding and sheets, saving you from needing to wash when you unpack.

If you believe you may have too many clothes or have a significant amount you no longer wear, take the opportunity to reduce what you need to take with you. You could organise three piles, clothes to donate, seasonal clothing, and clothes to take. If you have a considerable amount of seasonal clothing, we have a selection of storage sizes that you can use to rotate your wardrobe without cluttering your room.

Suppose you need any additional storage help whilst at university or returning home. In that case, we have competitive prices across all our storage unit locations and offer storage across various locations in the North West and Scotland, ideal for students.

Our Dundee student storage, for example, is a quick 6 minutes from the University of Dundee and Abertay university. So, where ever you are studying, see if we have a unit close to you and book a storage space online.

We’re here for you. No matter what your circumstances are or what life events you’re going through, expected and not, our self storage facilities can provide you with relief.
Our self storage stores have a wide range of household storage options to suit all requirements, whether you need permanent or temporary storage space. There are plenty of reasons as to why you would choose to use self storage facilities. Perhaps you’re moving home and need somewhere to store furniture while you wait for completion, or maybe you’re expecting a baby and need some extra space. Whatever the reason, you can rest assured that we will go above and beyond to ensure that our self storage facilities provide exactly what you need.

Moving Home

According to the Self Storage Association Annual Report, 29% of self storage customers are involved in moving home, making it one of the most common reasons for someone to use our household storage.
Moving home is one of the most stressful experiences in a lifetime, with so many factors to think about simultaneously and a long list of different expenses to consider. We aim to take some of the pressure off and allow our self storage units to give you some breathing space while you focus on other areas of the move.
There are many reasons someone might use our household storage in Edinburgh and other locations when moving home, for example:
• When waiting for a completion date
• When clearing their home ready for viewings
• To make space for renovating
• To hold items before selling after a clear-out

Marriage

Another huge life event that could require help from our self storage in Glasgow or other areas is marriage. When you get married, you’ll acquire many things during the lead-up, including a vast array of decorations such as table settings, flower arrangements, signs, seating charts, and anything else you’ve accumulated to create your perfect day. Many couples buy these items in bulk to cut costs but struggle to find somewhere to keep them in their home amongst the other pre-wedding chaos.

Our household self storage facilities can act as a hub for your big day, allowing you to organise and store everything you need in one safe place. Rest assured that you will not be running from your family home to your future mother-in-law’s house and everywhere in between looking for the candle holders you put in a “safe place”. With our self storage units, you can keep everything you need contained and secure.
Additionally, keep all your wedding gifts, leftover decorations, flowers, and outfits in your storage unit after the big day. Sorting through these items can take time, and the last thing you will want after arriving home from your honeymoon is to be faced with clutter and piles of things to organise.

Divorce

Going through a divorce is an emotionally exhausting experience, so doing anything you can to take some pressure off and make this time in your life easier is always worth doing. Each divorce is entirely individual, so it’s difficult to say just how self storage can help in your situation. Here are a few examples:
• Store household belongings while you decide which party they are going to
• Store household belongings before selling
• Store your personal belongings and important documents for security reasons
• Store household items while you clear your home before moving
We understand that each scenario is different, and often quick decisions need to be made. If you find that you need to make changes to your storage unit, for example, needing to upgrade to store more belongings, we will be more than happy to accommodate.

Bereavement

A death in the family is the most common reason someone would use household storage facilities. Understandably, it is a traumatic and incredibly upsetting time for everyone involved, which is why the team at Kangaroo will do everything we can to make your time with us simple and hassle-free.
Store their belongings in our household storage units for as long as you need. So whether you need a place to store items while you clear out their home or are storing things until it is decided who is receiving what, we can accommodate you. Our household storage in Warrington and other areas in North West England have plenty of options depending on the volume of items that need storing.

Having a Baby

When you’re expecting a baby, everything else in your life gets put on pause. All your priorities shift to ensuring everything is ready for their arrival, including making extra space you may not think you have.
As part of the nesting process, it’s essential for expecting parents to have the facilities to get their home to the standard they want before their baby arrives. We have plenty of household storage options available, whether you need to clear out an entire room or just a corner. If you need to make space for a nursery or baby items, then we’re here to help.
We understand that these life events can cause a considerable stir in your everyday routines, and it can take time to get back on track. However, the team at Kangaroo will ensure that your or your loved ones’ belongings are safe and secure until you’re ready to take them back, however long that is.

Get in touch with us to find out what we can do for you, or visit our sites for household storage in Dundee and other cities in Scotland and North West England.

There’s no arguing that moving house is incredibly stressful, disrupting your life and moving everything you own to a new location is hard work – but it can also be strenuous on pets, both large and small. With so much going on during a home move, it can be easy to forget how much of an impact the process has on animals – but there are things you can do to alleviate some of those stresses for both yourself and your animals. Today, we’re going to take a closer look at how to move house with pets.

Before Moving Day – Keeping Pets Happy

Disruption to your current home doesn’t just happen on the day you move; it starts when you begin packing.

Pheromones

Both cats and dogs produce pheromones when they feel secure, which helps them identify their home – you’ll notice this particularly in cats, who spread their pheromone by rubbing their faces on things. Packing up everything in your home disturbs these scents and can lead to feelings of unrest in your pet. Buying a plug-in diffuser that releases these pheromones into the air or a pheromone infused collar can help cats and dogs feel calm and safe as their normal environment beings to change. Any diffuser you purchase should be plugged in at least 24 hours before you start making changes to your old home.

Keep Your Routine The Same

Your pets are used to a routine – it may not feel like it sometimes, but they know when feeding time is, when it’s time to rest, when you are likely to be around and when they will be alone. Moving house can throw off their routine, so try to ensure you keep as much of it the same – like feeding, walks and playtime – as possible to lessen the impact.

Create a Pet-Safe Zone in Your Home

Designate a space somewhere in your home where your pet can go to get away from the disruption of packing – this will also help establish a safe space for your pet on the day of the move itself. Slowly begin to move your pet’s food, water and bedding to a quiet room like a spare bedroom to establish a pet-safe zone that they can get accustomed to before the move. This will also help them adjust to the shock of an empty house, particularly if you’ve chosen to take advantage of self-storage like Kangaroo’s household storage in Edinburgh.

Pet Admin

You’ll have a lot on your mind when you move, but don’t forget to ensure your pet is registered at a local veterinary practice close to your new home. You should change the address registered on their microchip and make sure you keep up with their flea and worming treatments.

Keeping Pets Happy on Moving Day

The big day has arrived, you’re all packed up, you’ve got the keys to your new home, and the removal van is waiting outside. So, how do you ensure free-roaming animals like cats and dogs don’t get under your feet, lost or feel too stressed?

Consider Leaving Your Pet with a Friend or in a Cattery/Kennel

This might not be possible, but it may be best to leave your dog or cat with someone else during your move if this option is available to you. Introducing an animal to a new, empty house whilst all your belongings are still in self-storage, like our household storage in Glasgow, can be as stressful as the packing and transit itself.

Put Your Pet in Their Safe Area

If leaving your pet with someone else is not an option, ensure they are kept in the safe zone you’ve previously established in your old house whilst the house is being emptied. This will reduce the risk of them getting hurt or lost whilst also providing a safe space to relax in.

Travelling to Your New Home

Once it’s time to get on the road, travel with your pet as you would normally. If you’re moving a cat, keep them inside a secure carrier and use your car’s seatbelts to strap them in. A dog should always be in a crate or harness whilst travelling in a car or van, as unrestrained dogs, particularly those going through the stress of moving, can be a hazard.

Exploring Their New Home

Before you release your pet into their new home, ensure you’ve set up a safe area similar to the one in your old house. Put all their food, bedding and toys in a quiet place, along with something like an unwashed pillowcase or piece of your clothing that will have a reassuming scent on it. Cats should be allowed to explore independently – don’t force them out of their carrier before they are ready. When letting a dog explore a new home, make sure the house is secure, or keep them on a lead if that isn’t possible.

If you’ve been using self-storage, like our household storage in Dundee, it is a good idea only to introduce your pet to your new home once you’ve removed everything from storage. This way, your pet is introduced to a relaxing environment full of familiar things.

Tips for Moving Exotic and Non-Roaming Animals

Of course, cats and dogs are not the only animals that we keep as pets. While they may be the animals that are likely to be problematic when moving, it’s essential not to forget about smaller critters or exotic animals that require specialist environments to be comfortable.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Cold-blooded pets like lizards and snakes need special consideration when moving since they cannot regulate their body temperature. If they aren’t travelling in their vivarium, make sure you provide a heat source to keep them comfortable, like a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. For creatures like frogs who require a wet environment, place wet sponges or damp towels inside their carriers to provide moisture.

Birds

Birds are naturally skittish and anxious creatures. Therefore, they are best transported in their cages whenever possible; however, if their cage is too large for your car, consider a roomy carrier with a comfortable perch to keep them happy on a bumpy car journey.

Rabbits, Ferrets and Small Mammals

Small mammals should be transported in a carrier with enough room to move around freely and rigid enough that they cannot chew through it and escape. For nocturnal creatures like chinchillas and hamsters, avoid disrupting their sleep schedules by covering the carrier with a towel during the move.

We hope you found this guide to moving your pets helpful and wish you luck with your big move – remember, it can be stressful, but it’s also exciting! Putting your belongings in self-storage is a great way to alleviate some of the stress of moving, so contact us at Kangaroo Self Storage today and see how we can help with our self storage in Altrincham and other locations.

Moving to a new house is a very exciting but scary time. Moving to a new place brings massive life changes, there are so many things to do in preparation. Giving yourself plenty of time to prepare for any issues, however, can help minimise stress.
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Young couple packing their stuff into boxes

Moving to a new house can be a very stressful time, but also exciting – and self-storage can help every step of the way. Putting your belongings into storage can save time and money, and provide a safe place to store your things while you focus on moving home.

At Kangaroo Self Storage, we’ve helped countless homeowners and renters move to a new house, and we can do the same for you. Take a look at some of the ways self storage can help keep your move stress free:

Simplify the packing and unpacking process
You can declutter the house before moving
Have a clear our when selling your home
Keep your belonging safe when you’re in-between homes
Move items out of the way when you’re having work done

1. The Packing and Unpacking Process

Packing your things is time-consuming, but self-storage lets you take care of the packing bit by bit to make it easier. You’ll be free to tackle each room at your leisure rather than feeling pressured to hurry, and the same applies to unpacking.

After moving in, you’ll want some time to settle in. With self-storage, you can gradually unpack over time once you’ve decided on a home for everything..

At Kangaroo, you can use our units like a spare room. If there are things you’re not currently using, you don’t want them taking up space in your new home, so you can leave them with us for as long as you need.

2. Decluttering the House for Moving

Decluttering your home is not just a great idea for people downsizing, moving house is a great time to clear out all the things you don’t need.

Most people have more than they realise, and self-storage can help make it all much more manageable.
Removal companies can charge by the hour and the number of journeys made. If you move your things into storage, you can save on time and money.
Decluttering can help you see how your furniture will fit in your new place. Self-storage gives you the time you need to decide what to throw away and what to keep, preventing you from getting rid of something, and regretting it later.

3. When You’re Trying to Sell Up

When selling your house, you want to showcase it at its best, so it will appeal to buyers. This can be tricky if your house is cluttered and messy. Self-storage can help make your home more attractive by creating space.

For example, you can take out big furniture pieces that hinder passageways or make a room look too small. It’s normal to become blind to how much stuff is around you, so go through it all and keep only the best things on display and put the rest in storage.

You still want your home to look lived in, however, so don’t go overboard. The idea is to create an attractive space to help potential buyers imagine themselves living there.

4. When You’re In-Between Homes

When purchasing a house, it may be easier to stay with friends or family or rent a smaller place while selling your current one. It can help the process go more quickly when the right house for you comes along.

So if you’re in-between homes, you likely won’t have space for all your furniture and packed boxes, and unpacking can be a hassle if you won’t be staying there long anyway. Take essentials with you and store the rest, you can retrieve it all once you’ve settled into your new home.

At Kangaroo, you’ll find plenty of units that can help you during your move, with enough space to house all the belongings from a six-bedroom house.

5. When Your House Needs to Have Work Done

Self-storage is great if your house needs a little TLC, either for sprucing up a house for sale or preparing your new home for moving in. Whether you’re renovating or re-decorating, or both, it’s much easier to do it if the house (or room) is empty.

Moving your belongings in before your new property has had the carpets replaced, walls painted, or anything else is a big hassle. You’ll be re-arranging the furniture again right after moving in. So cut out all the additional work by putting your things into storage.

Your belongings will be safe and sound, and you can get them whenever you’re done. At Kangaroo Self Storage, we provide flexible terms from as low as seven days, and you can even purchase boxes and other packing materials from our Box Shop.

Download Our Checklist

And, because moving house means keeping track of a million and one things, why not get ready ahead of time and prepare for any issues with a comprehensive list you can go through as early as two months before your move?

Our moving house checklist will keep you organised and help you tick off tasks by date, ensuring you don’t forget anything, from contacting all your service providers to getting new locks for the home.

You can download a printable PDF of this checklist or opt for an interactive, mobile-friendly version – or both, so it’s up to you!

Kangaroo Self Storage Can Help You

We know how stressful moving house can be, so make it easier by taking advantage of self-storage.

We provide self storage in Edinburgh, self storage in Dundee and self storage in Glasgow. We offer a wide variety of unit sizes from small 16sq ft lockers to 500sq ft units.

Check out our offers page to see our range of great deals, including a free collection service and up to six weeks free storage when you store with us for at least 12 weeks.

We also offer the following benefits:

No maintenance costs
No utility bills
No business rates
No security fees
24-hour security system
Access door entry controls
Intruder alarm systems

Kangaroo is always on hand to answer your questions, so don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our friendly team will help you find the perfect unit for your needs.

Are you and your partner finally ready to take that big step and move in together? You’ve thought it over, talked through all the emotional aspects and now you’ve decided it’s the right time.

But have you thought about the logistics? Combining all your possessions is going to create a mountain of belongings. What will you do with all your books and prized collectables that won’t fit in your new home? Take a look at our helpful tips for making the moving in process as easy as possible and take the stress out of the move.

Where Are You Moving?

First things first, where exactly are you moving? Are you moving into your partner’s home, are they coming into yours or are you picking out a new place together? It’s a crucial decision, but once made you’ll have a better idea of which belongings you want to bring with you – and what you’ll need to buy.

Talk it out together and make a list of pros and cons for each option. Your place might have excellent transport links, but your partner’s home might be larger or more affordable. It’s a tough decision but one you need to make together!

Declutter Your Home

It’s always best to start the moving process with a good declutter. Assess your belongings. It’s normal to accumulate stuff over time, but it’s unlikely you will be able to take every little thing with you when you move in together. So, this is a fantastic opportunity to declutter and sort out what you want to keep.

If you both live in your own homes currently, you’ll inevitably have at least a few pieces of the same items of furniture, such as kitchen tables and sofas, and you’ll end up with a mountain of cutlery. However, it’s understandable that you might not want to throw your possessions away or donate everything, especially if you have expensive furniture or things with sentimental value.

Work together to figure out what you need from both current homes and pack accordingly. You might be tempted to leave this until you’ve already moved in, but you’ll create more work and it will be harder to get organised if you’re trying to manoeuvre around a living room with two sofas, three armchairs and two coffee tables! Additionally, if you’re paying someone to move your things, you’ll end up paying more.

So, instead of having to let go of what you might want in the future, why not put some of it into storage?

In the future, if your family grows, you can move to a bigger place and take your stuff out of storage. And, of course, if things don’t work out with your partner, you’ll still have all your own belongings too.

Make Sure You Both Have Your Own Space

Personal space is essential in any relationship. No matter how much you enjoy someone’s company and they enjoy yours, it’s healthy to have some time apart to enjoy your own company and interests. If your new place is too small to create a space for yourself, try an activity out of the home. Compromise is essential, especially as you will now need to get used to sharing communal areas on a daily basis.

It might be something you need to talk about and come to an arrangement if the two of you have different ideas about personal space.

Choose the Interior Décor Ahead of Time

Talk about how you want your future home to look together before moving in. It’s something you may have to find compromises on if you both have different ideas of how you want your home to look. It can be particularly hard, especially if one person is moving into their partner’s already established home; if you’re going to live together, it’s important you both have something you like, whether it’s artwork, furniture or wallpaper. It will help you both appreciate your new living situation more.

Tidy Up or Don’t Tidy Up?

Cleanliness and messiness can cause friction in a relationship. Some people have very different ideas of what clean and tidy is, and you both must decide what you’re comfortable with and are willing to tolerate. It doesn’t matter if the entire place is completely spotless, so long as you’re both happy with it.

Discuss your expectations before moving in together. Hopefully, you already have an idea of what your partner is like from dating them, but if you’re a clean freak and your partner is more relaxed, you may need to compromise to keep the peace, and vice-versa. If there are habits you just wouldn’t be able to live with, get it out in the open before the big move!

If you’re looking for storage in Glasgow, storage in Edinburgh or storage in Dundee, contact Kangaroo Self Storage today. We can offer you clean, safe and secure storage for your belongings for as long as you need. Kangaroo is here for you during those important milestones in life; whether you’re a student; you’re starting a family or just beginning your life together with your partner. Contact us today, and one of our friendly team members will be more than happy to help.