The number of families living in overcrowded homes without enough storage space has hit a record high, according to a new report.

A study by Lloyds TSB Insurance showed that half a million family homes failed to meet official standards on storage space, an increase of 68,000 over the past decade.

A baby boom has coincided with design trends which have led to fewer bedrooms in houses, research among 1,800 adults found.

Lloyds TSB Insurance spokesman Paul Spillane said: “The combination of the current baby boom and the trend to convert bedrooms to another use means that our homes are filling up fast.”

If you need more space why not visit your local Lok’nStore Self Storage centre?  They have secure storage facilities at 22 locations across the South east providing cheap, low cost domestic and household storage. 

Call FREE on 0800 587 3322 or visits loknstore.co.uk for more information.

Full article here!

The UK’s self storage industry has continued to grow despite the economic slowdown, according to a report by Mintel for the Self Storage Association.

The report showed that the number of self storage facilities in the UK in 2009 had increased by 4% in the past year to 800 facilities, generating revenues of £345m and employment for 2,800 people.

The rate of growth in 2009 did slow – down from rates of 8-15% over the last five years but the association said there will be more growth in future as the UK catches up with more established markets for self storage such as the USA.

There is now 28m sq ft of storage space in the UK.

Rodney Walker, chief executive officer of the SSA UK, said: “The industry has shown itself to be reasonably resilient over the last year and remains cautiously optimistic for the year ahead. The last few months have seen some consolidation and investment in the market which, along with improved access to finance and a stronger housing market, will provide the industry with an opportunity for further growth.

“The UK market continues to lead the rest of continental Europe in terms of scale and revenues; however as the market continues to grow there is likely to be an increased pressure on margins and the need for operators to further explore additional and innovative revenue streams.”

By Jennifer Rigby

Self Storage For Business: Neil Explains All On Video…

Lok’nStore has made three videos trying to help customers get a better understanding of self storage.  That includes information for those after domestic/household storage and business storage - which includes a lot of government or civic organisations like colleges, hospitals, emergency services and local councils and NGO’s or “organisations” which in turn includes charities and voluntary groups.

This last video has Neil, the Lok’nStore Sales Director talks about why businesses and organisations use Lok’nStore.  He explains that nearly every type of business may need self storage one day and why storing at Lok’nStore is so popular. But I won’t tell you the ending and spoil it…

Lok’nStore have affordable office space to rent, to suit all budgets, sizes and situations, providing you with a flexible working space that you can easily expand or contract along with your business.

Easy rent office space from Lok’nStore is available at various locations providing you and your business with a choice of office solutions to suit ‘any’ budget.  Not only does your Lok’nStore Office Space come fully inclusive of rates and utility bills but you also have a choice of terms, by the day, month or year.  ‘Offering you total flexibility for your business, with office space that can easily expand or contract according to your needs.’

With offices available to let from just £5 a day, we guarantee the most cost effective office rental in the South East.     

• Totally flexible terms, by the day, month or year
• 80 – 800 sqft available
• The flexibility to grow or downsize your office space
• Free wireless internet available
• Free Parking
• No long term commitment
• No long term costs
• No lease or rates

What next?

Talk to our office sales advisor Debbie Friend.  She’ll discuss your requirements and will work with you to find the best possible solution. Please call her on 01252 521010 or 07753 719001.  Or if you don’t have time and just want an idea of costs, drop her a quick email with your office rental requirements and she’ll get back to you with the best solution for you and your business.

The Lok’nStore Self Storage centres with office space are:

Basingstoke  01256 474700
Eastbourne  01323 749222
Luton  01582 721177
Milton Keynes  01908 281900
Northampton Central   01604 629928
Northampton Riverside  01604 785522
Poole  01202 666160
Reading  0118 9588999
Southampton  02380 783388

You can call or email any of the Lok’nStore Self Storage centres that have office space available for rent or let and they will help you find the most cost effective solution.