A lack of storage space in new, affordable British homes is proving to be a huge problem for home owners according to a recent survey by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
The ‘Way We Live Now’ report (for the independent Future Homes Commission’s investigation into how the UK can build enough of the right kind of homes for modern British households) describes how home owners are forced to look for alternative storage space in their cars and relatives houses.
Storage space for items like the Christmas tree and nostalgic belongings like old photograph albums was said to be adequate, however the main problem was a lack of handy storage space for everyday items like the ironing board, clean linen and clothes and in some cases – food.
Private storage space was also found to be very important – with many participants feeling that they had no storage for the things which they wanted to keep private from visitors.
The report (conducted with members of the general public who were all looking to buy an affordable new home in the next 12 months) also highlighted the lack of knowledge among first time buyers as to the amount of storage space they will need in a new home.
It found that first time buyers struggle to estimate just how much basic storage space they need which sometimes led to problems when they first moved in – with items like the vacuum cleaner and mop and bucket left on display.
Chief Executive of Ipsos MORI, Ben Page said: “The research graphically shows just how cramped and poorly planned much of our housing is today, and the extraordinary lengths people go to cope with it. RIBA is absolutely right to draw attention to it.”
If you are struggling with the amount of storage space in your home then contact Easy Self Store in Hull, East Yorkshire. At EasySelfStore we have a range of storage options that may be able to help you free up some additional space in your home.