Come December and January each year, self-storage company Lock+Store would see a surge of about 100 percent in the demand for its boxes from small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The demand comes not just from companies closing their books, but also from households preparing for their annual springcleaning.
“Typically the SMEs would order about 30 to 50 boxes at a go for their whole year’s storage needs. They use the boxes for files and documents,” said Ms Helen Ng, Chief Executive Officer of Lock+Store. Companies are also increasingly looking beyond self-storage for customised and integrated services. Ms Ng said, “SMEs expect more than just basic self-storage. They are increasingly looking at specialised document storage services with shelving, and integrated services such as transport and packaging (boxes).”
Annual springcleaning sparks boxes demand
The strong year-end demand for boxes at Lock+Store is also fueled by another key demographic group – household storers with “seasonal” items such as winter clothes and festive decorations, and families whose children have outgrown their books and toys. Householders, however, are usually less clear about their boxes requirements.
Ms Ng said, “We often find flustered householders coming back to us again and again because they have underestimated their storage requirements or do not know how to store bulky items like Christmas lights and trees. Unlike office documents, household items come in different shapes and sizes.”
To help companies and households kickstart their annual office storage and springcleaning, respectively, Lock+Store has published a self-storage eguide at www.lockandstore.com.sg. Lock+Store will organise an open house on Saturday, 18 Jan 2014 from 12 noon to 5 pm at its Tanjong Pagar facility for the public to view its lockers and storage units (24 and 48 sqft).
“Boxing” tips
Here are five quick “boxing” tips from Lock+Store:
1. Always choose boxes of the same size so you can stack them easily
2. Always label the boxes so you know where to locate your items in future.
3. Sort out documents by type and year. Put them into envelopes and pack them into boxes. Be sure to label the boxes
4. When storing your Christmas tree, prepare some newspaper and raffia string. First, disassemble the Christmas tree. Next, wrap up the different sections with newspaper and tie them with raffia string. Store the bundles in a box. Wrap all Christmas baubles and decorations in bubble wrap. Stack them into boxes layer by layer. Separate each layer with newspaper.
5. When storing stuffed toys, pack them into bags. Pop a mothball into each bag. Box up the bags. Insert silica gel packs into the box before sealing it.