Store as much as you like for as long as you like
Store as much as you like for as long as you like
Here we go again! As we approach the clocks going back in the UK, it’s impossible to ignore the onset of winter. Even if you can’t bear any festive chat until at least mid-November, there’s probably a little piece of your brain wondering if making an early start to festive preparations is actually a good idea. Shopping, especially for those with young or large families, is a huge task for many of us, and the key issues are timing and storage.
If you blitz your shopping on Christmas eve, storage won’t be a problem. But it’s less stressful and more financially prudent to shop well in advance. In which case, what do you do with all the goodies to keep them secure and secret? That’s why we thought we’d take a look at how to manage being one of the cohort of prepared people.
The benefits of early Christmas shopping are clear, particularly when you consider the alternative of battling December crowds and depleted shelves. Starting your festive preparations in September or October allows you to spread costs across the months, making the financial impact much more manageable for your household budget.
Early shopping also means better selection. Popular toys, electronics, and limited-edition items often sell out as Christmas approaches, leaving last minute shoppers disappointed. When you start early, you have the first pick of the best items (assuming they’re released!)
Perhaps most importantly, early shopping reduces stress. You can browse at your own pace, whether online or in store, comparing prices, and avoiding the frantic rush of December. Why not choose to take your time choosing thoughtful presents rather than settling for whatever’s left on the shelf?
Even though it’s clearly sensible to start shopping early, so many of us don’t. Perhaps because it does present one significant challenge: where to put everything. Large toys, bulky electronics, and multiple gift sets can quickly overwhelm your spare room, under-stairs cupboard, or wherever you usually stash presents.
This storage challenge becomes even more complex when you have curious children or partners who might stumble across hidden gifts. Many families find themselves playing an elaborate game of hide-and-seek with Christmas presents, moving boxes from room to room to avoid detection.
If you’re expecting guests over the festive period, the storage problem intensifies. That spare room filled with presents suddenly needs to accommodate visiting relatives, leaving you scrambling for alternative hiding places at the worst possible time.
One increasingly popular solution is renting a small storage unit specifically for Christmas preparation. Think of it as your personal Santa’s grotto; a secure, dry space where you can store gifts safely away from prying eyes.
A small storage unit offers several advantages for Christmas shoppers. You can visit whenever suits you to drop off new purchases or collect items for wrapping. You can even use the storage unit to do your wrapping in. Imagine how much quicker the process will be without the distractions of home! The controlled environment protects valuable electronics and delicate items from the temperature fluctuations and dampness that plague many home storage areas like garages and lofts.
Storage units also provide the security that home storage often can’t match. With substantial locks and facility security measures, you don’t need to worry about theft or accidental discovery by family members.
Beyond storing gifts, early planning can help you create more space in your home for the festive period itself. Consider temporarily storing non-seasonal items like garden furniture, sports equipment, or bulky household items that won’t be needed during winter.
This decluttering process gives you room for Christmas decorations, a proper tree, and all the paraphernalia that comes with festive entertaining. You’ll find your home feels more spacious and organised, making the whole Christmas period more enjoyable.
Many people use this opportunity to rotate their wardrobes too, storing summer clothes and bringing out winter items. This seasonal swap creates additional space in bedrooms and makes daily life more organised during the busy festive period.
For many families, the solution lies in combining early shopping with flexible storage arrangements. Short term storage units are perfect for Christmas preparation, allowing you to rent space for just a few months when you need it most.
These units come in various sizes to suit different needs. A small unit might be perfect for storing gifts and seasonal decorations, while larger families might benefit from more space to accommodate bigger presents and holiday supplies. You might even find that a storage unit gives you space and calm year round as you move through the ebb and flow of the year’s activities.
The flexibility of modern storage solutions means you can adjust your space as needed. Start with a smaller unit and upgrade if your shopping gets enthusiastic, or downsize after you’ve distributed gifts to make room for post Christmas storage needs.
Of course, Christmas preparation isn’t limited to shopping. There are a host of other aspects of the season that benefit from early planning. From decoration storage to accommodating visitors, an extra space can more than pay back the financial cost in decreased stress. Keep an itinerary of what’s stored in your storage unit, label boxes of belongings and decorations, and make sure to label any wrapped gifts so you don’t forget who they’re for.
Early Christmas shopping needn’t mean turning your home into a chaotic warehouse. With proper planning and the right storage solution, you can enjoy all the benefits of being prepared without the stress of finding space for everything.
A short term storage unit provides the perfect answer to the early shopper’s dilemma. You get secure, accessible space for your growing collection of gifts, plus the peace of mind that comes with knowing everything is safe and secret. And you may find that short term moves to long term as you rotate storage with the seasons!
Contact Blue Box Storage today for a quote on flexible storage solutions that will keep your festive preparations on track and allow you to enjoy a truly relaxed Christmas season.