Author Archives: Ellie Hardy

When considering a move, one of the most common questions people ask is, “Is Northampton a good place to live?” This historic market town in the heart of England often flies under the radar, but it offers a unique mix of heritage, green spaces, connectivity, and community spirit. In this blog post, we’ll explore what makes Northampton a great place to call home—and help you decide if it’s the right move for you.

A Prime Location in the East Midlands

One of Northampton’s biggest advantages is its location. Situated in the East Midlands, it enjoys easy access to major cities like London, Birmingham, Oxford, and Cambridge. Thanks to excellent transport links—including the M1 motorway and fast trains to London Euston—commuters and travellers can enjoy the balance of town living with big-city access.

If you’re asking, “is Northampton a good place to live for commuters?”, the answer is a resounding yes.

Affordable Property and Living Costs

Compared to the soaring prices in cities like London or Oxford, Northampton offers far more affordable housing. Whether you’re buying your first home or renting, your money goes further here. The town features a variety of property types; from charming Victorian terraces to modern apartments, suiting different lifestyles and budgets.

For families, the cost of living is also reasonable, with good local schools, parks, and amenities that make everyday life that bit easier.

Green Spaces and Outdoor Life

Northampton is home to numerous parks and green spaces, perfect for walking, cycling, and family outings. Abington Park, Delapré Abbey, and the Nene Valley are just a few of the gems locals enjoy year-round. If you love the outdoors, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much green space is on offer.

So when wondering “is Northampton a good place to live for nature lovers?”—it definitely ticks the box.

A Town with History and Culture

With a history stretching back to the Domesday Book, Northampton boasts a wealth of heritage. From the historic Guildhall to the ruins of Northampton Castle and the beautiful 12th-century churches, the town is steeped in history. It also has a strong cultural scene, with the Royal & Derngate Theatre, local museums, and regular festivals bringing the community together.

Community and Lifestyle

Northampton has a strong sense of community. It’s big enough to offer the amenities you need—shops, gyms, restaurants, and cafes—yet small enough to feel welcoming and neighbourly. The town centre is undergoing revitalisation, and new developments like the Waterside Enterprise Zone are bringing fresh energy to the area.

Families, students, young professionals, and retirees alike can all find their place in Northampton. With a diverse population and inclusive atmosphere, it’s a town that embraces change while staying true to its roots.

The Verdict: Is Northampton a Good Place to Live?

In short, yes, Northampton is a good place to live. With its strategic location, affordable housing, strong transport links, green spaces, and rich heritage, it’s an increasingly popular choice for people looking for quality of life without the high cost of city living.

Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or a lifestyle change, Northampton has a lot to offer. Don’t overlook this vibrant town—come and see for yourself why so many people are proud to call it home.

Thinking of moving to Northampton? Contact Here Self Storage Northampton today—we’re your local experts, ready to help you find the perfect place to live in this growing and dynamic town.

Your baby’s first outfit. Their hospital wristband. That tiny pair of booties knitted by Grandma. These sentimental treasures often carry more emotional value than anything else we own. But what happens when you no longer have space to keep them at home?

Whether you’re holding onto baby clothes and keepsakes for future children, or simply can’t bear to part with those special items, long-term storage is a smart solution. In this blog, we’ll show you exactly how to store baby clothes and keepsakes to ensure they stay safe, clean, and preserved for years to come.

Wash and Dry Everything First

Before you pack anything away, it’s essential to clean all garments and items thoroughly. Dirt, body oils, and milk stains can cause yellowing or attract pests over time.

• Use a gentle, baby-safe detergent.
• Avoid fabric softener, as it can leave residue.
• Make sure all items are completely dry before storing to prevent mould or mildew.

For keepsakes like soft toys or blankets, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions carefully before storage.

Choose the Right Storage Materials

The materials you use can make a big difference in long-term preservation. To protect fabrics and delicate items:

• Use acid-free tissue paper to wrap each item—this prevents yellowing and fabric breakdown.
• Store in plastic containers with airtight lids, ideally made of polypropylene (look for the #5 recycling symbol).
• Avoid cardboard boxes, which can attract moisture and pests over time.

Label each container clearly, and consider using smaller boxes to make it easier to organise by age or category.

Keep Items in a Cool, Dry Place

Temperature and humidity can cause damage to textiles and paper-based keepsakes. That’s why it’s important to store everything in a location that’s dry and free from extreme heat or cold.

A self storage unit is ideal for baby clothes and keepsakes. It offers consistent conditions and peace of mind that your precious items are protected no matter the season.

Be Selective With What You Store

As tempting as it is to keep every tiny outfit, be realistic about what you’ll want to pass on or look at in the future. Choose only the most meaningful or high-quality pieces, such as:

• First outfits
• Special occasion clothing (christening gowns, birthday outfits)
• Handmade items
• Keepsakes like baby books, shoes, or blankets

Donate or repurpose anything that no longer holds sentimental value.

Protect Keepsakes and Paper Items

If you’re storing items like birth certificates, cards, or baby books, make sure they are:

• Stored in acid-free envelopes or plastic sleeves
• Placed flat to prevent bending or warping
• Kept in a moisture-resistant box

Silica gel packets can also be added to containers to absorb any residual moisture.

Avoid Vacuum-Sealing for Long-Term Storage

While vacuum-sealed bags save space, they’re not ideal for long-term storage of delicate baby clothes. Compression can damage fibres and leave creases that are hard to remove. These bags also trap moisture, which could lead to mould if not used correctly.

Consider Self Storage for Extra Space

When your loft is full or your cupboards are overflowing, self storage offers a safe and convenient solution. A clean, dry unit allows you to store baby clothes and keepsakes without cluttering up your living space.

At Here Self Storage, our units are perfect for families looking to preserve their little one’s memories while freeing up room at home.

Understanding how to store baby clothes and keepsakes properly is key to keeping those cherished memories intact. With the right preparation and storage solution, your baby’s treasured items will be ready to hand down—or simply enjoy looking back on—for many years to come.

If you’re looking for a safe, secure place to store your sentimental items, contact Here Self Storage today. We’re here to help you protect what matters most.

Photographs aren’t just images on paper – they’re treasured memories frozen in time. From childhood holidays and weddings to those everyday moments that make life meaningful, photos help us hold on to the stories that shape us. That’s why learning how to store photos carefully is so important.

Whether you’re safeguarding old family albums, cherished prints, or professional photographs, proper storage can prevent damage from light, damp, and time. In this guide, we’ll explore how to store your photographs safely and how self storage can help protect these irreplaceable memories.

Why Proper Photo Storage Matters

Photographs are surprisingly fragile. Without the right conditions, they can fade, stick together, discolour or warp. Here are the main threats to watch out for:

• Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct light, especially UV rays, causes fading and discolouration.
• Humidity: Moist conditions can lead to mould growth, curling, or photos sticking together.
• Temperature Fluctuations: Extreme changes can warp paper or cause prints to become brittle.
• Handling: Frequent handling, creasing or touching the surface with bare hands can leave lasting damage.

Taking the right precautions now means your memories will last for generations.

How to Store Photos: Tips for Long-Term Preservation

Here’s how to store photos properly to ensure they remain in pristine condition:

1. Use Acid-Free Materials

Always choose acid-free photo albums, sleeves and boxes. Standard cardboard and paper contain acids that can deteriorate photographs over time.

2. Store in Cool, Dark, and Dry Conditions

Avoid attics, garages or basements, which are prone to damp and temperature swings. Instead, choose a stable environment — ideally between 15–21°C and with low humidity.

3. Avoid Plastic Bags

Never store photos in plastic bags or cling film, as they can trap moisture and cause sticking or mould. Use polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene sleeves instead.

4. Handle with Care

Wear clean cotton gloves when handling valuable prints, and avoid touching the image surface directly. Fingerprints contain oils that can cause damage.

5. Keep Photos Flat and Organised

Store photographs flat to avoid bending and creasing. Use labelled boxes or albums to organise by date, event or person — making it easier to enjoy and protect them.

Why Self Storage Is Ideal for Preserving Photographs

If you’re running out of space at home or want to create a dedicated memory archive, self storage is a brilliant solution. A high-quality self storage unit provides:

• Dry, damp-free conditions ideal for long-term preservation
• Secure access so your memories are always safe
• Extra space to store photos, albums and other sentimental items without cluttering your home

At Here Self Storage, we believe your memories deserve more than just a box in the cupboard. That’s why our facilities offer clean, monitored, and purpose-built environments that go beyond storage — we’re here to help you protect the moments that matter most.

Whether it’s your grandparents’ wedding album or a shoebox full of 90s snaps, your photographs deserve to be treated with care. Because memories aren’t just made — they’re stored.

Looking to store your precious memories?
Get in touch today and discover safe, secure self storage designed to protect what really matters.

As the days get longer and the sun begins to shine a little brighter, many of us feel the urge to throw open the windows and refresh our living spaces. But is spring cleaning good for mental health? The short answer: absolutely. A thorough spring clean isn’t just beneficial for your home – it can do wonders for your wellbeing too.

The Link Between Clutter and Mental Health

Numerous studies have shown a strong connection between a cluttered environment and increased stress, anxiety, and even depression. When our homes are untidy or disorganised, it can be difficult to focus, relax, or feel in control. This kind of physical chaos often reflects or even amplifies mental clutter.

Decluttering and cleaning can have the opposite effect – helping to create a calm, peaceful space that promotes clarity of thought and a greater sense of wellbeing.

Why Spring Cleaning Feels So Good

Spring cleaning offers more than just a tidy home – it’s an act of self-care. Here are just a few mental health benefits of a proper clean-up:

• Reduced stress and anxiety: Removing mess helps reduce visual noise and tension, making it easier to unwind at home.
• Boosted mood: Physical activity like dusting, sweeping, and scrubbing releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters.
• Improved sleep: A clean, uncluttered bedroom is proven to promote better sleep quality.
• Enhanced focus: A tidy environment supports clearer thinking and increased productivity.
• Sense of accomplishment: Completing tasks and seeing immediate results can significantly boost your confidence and motivation.

How to Spring Clean Without the Stress

The idea of spring cleaning can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t know where to start. Here are some practical tips to help you get the job done without burning out:

1. Start small – Pick one area, like a drawer or cupboard, and build momentum from there.
2. Set a timer – Give yourself 20–30 minutes of focused cleaning, and then take a break to avoid fatigue.
3. Use the four-box method – Label boxes: Keep, Donate, Bin, and Store. This simplifies decision-making. You could also consider selling any unwanted items on sites such as eBay, Vinted or Facebook Marketplace.
4. Create a checklist – Break tasks into manageable steps to stay organised and motivated.
5. Play music or a podcast – Make the process more enjoyable with your favourite tunes or a new episode.
6. Reward yourself – Whether it’s a cup of tea or a relaxing bath, treat yourself after each session.

How Here Self Storage Can Help

Sometimes, clutter isn’t about mess – it’s about not having enough space. That’s where Here Self Storage comes in. If you’re struggling to part with sentimental items, seasonal gear, or bulky furniture, we offer secure, flexible storage solutions to free up valuable space in your home. Let us help you create a cleaner, more organised environment – and a clearer mind. For more tips on spring cleaning, see our blog post here.

Spring is the perfect time to reset, both physically and mentally. So next time you find yourself wondering is spring cleaning good for mental health, remember: a clean home can mean a calmer, happier you.

Spring is here, bringing the perfect chance to refresh and rejuvenate your home. A thorough spring clean not only enhances comfort but also fosters a sense of well-being. To make the process seamless and eco-friendly, we’ve put together a list of top spring cleaning tips designed to be effective and sustainable.

1. Plan and Prioritise

A whole-house clean can feel overwhelming, but a structured approach helps:

• Create a Checklist: Outline the areas and tasks you need to tackle. A checklist provides direction and a sense of achievement as you tick off completed tasks.
• Set Realistic Goals: Break large tasks into manageable steps. For instance, dedicate one day to decluttering the kitchen and another to organising the bedroom.

2. Declutter Responsibly

Before you start cleaning, address clutter:

• Assess Your Items: Identify what you use regularly and what you no longer need.
• Donate or Sell: Instead of discarding unwanted items, donate them to local charities or sell them on platforms like Vinted, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace. This reduces waste and promotes sustainability.

3. Choose Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions

Minimise harsh chemicals by using natural alternatives:

• DIY Cleaners: Household staples like white vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice work wonders. A simple mix of equal parts water and vinegar makes an excellent all-purpose cleaner.
• Reusable Materials: Opt for reusable cloths and mop heads to reduce waste and enhance sustainability.

4. Focus on High-Impact Areas

Prioritise spaces that significantly affect your home’s cleanliness and appearance:

• Carpets and Upholstery: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and sofas to neutralise odours before vacuuming. Consider carpet cleaner powders for added freshness.
• Windowsills: Give your windowsills a fresh look using self-adhesive vinyl wraps. Allow cleaning products to dry fully to prevent dampness, mould, and mildew.

5. Organise as You Clean

An organised home is easier to maintain:

• Categorise Items: Group similar items together for easier access and storage.
• Storage Solutions: Use clear, labelled containers to keep items organised and visible.
• Strategic Placement: Store frequently used items at the front of cupboards and less-used items towards the back for easy access.

6. Maintain a Tidy Home

Consistency is key to a clutter-free space:

• Daily Habits: Spend a few minutes tidying each day to prevent clutter buildup.
• Seasonal Reviews: At the start of each season, reassess your belongings and donate or discard items no longer needed.

The Benefits of Self Storage

For items with sentimental value or seasonal use, self storage is an excellent solution. It allows you to keep your home clutter-free while preserving important belongings. Our Here Self Storage facilities provide secure, accessible spaces so your items remain safe and available when needed. With flexible contracts and competitive pricing, Here offers simple, easy and local storage solutions for every need.

By incorporating these spring cleaning tips, you can create a fresh, organised, and sustainable living space.