It’s the time of the year again. Shopping malls are all decked out in red and the music being played is all too familiar, on an endless loop no less, “Gong Xi Gong Xi Gong Xi Ni Ya!”. This can only mean that the Chinese New Year is here!

New year, new beginnings. Exciting times ahead indeed. According to the Chinese zodiac, the year 2020 is the Year of the Metal Rat, and it marks the start of the zodiac’s 12-year cycle.

What does the year ahead hold for us? We’ve consulted our in-house fortune teller (who moonlights as our Head of Operations – wait, or was it the other way around?), and here’s a sneak peek of what to expect in the coming months!

Career

This is the year to be decisive and act! Carpe diem! It’s a good year for professional opportunities, be it climbing the corporate ladder or landing that dream job you’ve been eyeing for a while. Of course, it’s not going to be as smooth-sailing as speed bumps and obstacles are bound to crop up. However, take these obstacles not as a hindrance but a challenge and opportunity to bring out the best in you. Be confident and determined in following your goals, and we have no doubt that you’ll definitely achieve them. We’re rooting for you! (so are those who are expecting bigger red packets from you)

Love

To those who have yet to find their other half, Chinese New Year gatherings and reunions are indeed a dreaded time. Brace yourself for countless interrogations and well-intentioned matchmaking services from your relatives. It’s a good time for love connections, as it is predicted to be a peaceful year for love. Relationships with your loved ones, your significant other or friends and family will be harmonious and also breed goodwill. As in all relationships, communication is key. So, be honest and truthful with one another, and thy love shall blossom.

Lifestyle & Health

2020 calls for a radical lifestyle change – it could be as drastic as a move abroad or simply changing your daily routine. Being too stagnant in life is not a good thing, so make that change happen this year! It could be something as small as deciding to take the public commute to work instead of driving, to giving up a bad habit (such as smoking), or even something as major as moving homes! Just saying: should you choose to move houses and need a temporary storage solution, do reach out to us at Extra Space Asia and know that you’ll be in good hands.

In terms of well-being, good health is expected all-year. Sports, in particular, has been highlighted as a good way to maintain good health for the Year of the Rat. Incorporating sports into your life will not only improve your quality of life, it has also been proven to enhance your quality of sleep and boost higher productivity. Keeping active, that’s a win-win-win all year!

Looks like it’s shaping up to be an exciting year ahead! Changes are bound to happen but take them in your stride, and 2020 will be your best year yet! To those who celebrate, “Gong Xi Fa Cai” from us all at Extra Space Asia! May the year ahead be filled with success, happiness and prosperity!
By: Kenny Ng

With Chinese New Year just around the corner, most households would be busy cleaning up their home and sweeping away the bad luck to usher in all the good luck!

Here’s a fun fact, did you know that there is an auspicious date to do your home spring cleaning? According to the traditional schedule for Chinese New Year preparations, the house cleaning should be done on the 24^th day of the 12^th Lunar month, which happens to be 18th January 2020 this year.

We’ve prepared 3 tips to help tackle your Spring Cleaning more efficiently in a short time period.

1. Focus on the furnishing, appliances and carpets

Chinese New Year is the best opportunity to declutter and organise all the items. Start your spring cleaning routine this year by throwing away those items which you have not used for the past year.

Once you have decluttered, focus on items which are more visible such as your doorway carpet, floor areas and big fixtures like your ceiling fans. Start shaking and washing your carpet to keep them clean so that they can trap all the dirt from your visitor’s shoes before entering your home. After which, vacuum areas under the furniture. Remember to also remove the dust on your ceiling fans and light fixtures with a cloth or a vacuum with a soft nozzle attachment.

2. Engage a helper to aid you in your Spring Cleaning

If you’re really lack of time or too tired to clean up your home after a long day at work, consider engaging an external help to aid you through the cleaning process! Try Helpling, a website that helps you find quality part-time cleaners at a day and time of your choosing! They also offer extra services like interior window cleaning, fridge cleaning at the same hourly rate. You can now relax and enjoy a clean home at the same time when you outsource the cleaning process.

3. Short Term Self-Storage Solution

Planning to host a reunion this Lunar New Year but lack of space to accommodate all your guests? Don’t fret, you can always free up some space in your home with self-storage providers like Extra Space Asia that offers both short-term and long-term self-storage solutions.

Choose to store from as short as 14 days to as long as you need. What’s more, you can start with a bigger storage unit to store all your big furniture, personal items and seasonal rarely used items. And when it’s time to retrieve them, you can scale down your storage space to a smaller unit anytime!

One key benefit of using a self-storage unit is you can enjoy round-the-clock access to your personal items! That means if you need something urgently during the festive period, you can always visit your storage unit to retrieve them.

Extra Space Asia’s Chinese New Year Promotion

This festive season, simply solve the puzzle on our Extra Space Asia website to unlock your exclusive CNY discount! The promo code will entitle you to an additional 5% discount on top of all prevailing promotions. For every successful sign-up, you will also be able to receive a Limited Edition Extra Space Asia Red Packet set.

Don’t miss out on this sweet deal ending 31^st January 2020.
By: Michelle Lee

An ExtraSpaceCares initiative

Based on the Department of Statistics Singapore, as at end June 2019, the proportion of residents aged 65 years and above has increased from 8.8% in 2009 to 14.4% in 2019. This has led to the old age support ratio in Singapore (where residents aged 20-24 years per resident aged 65 years and above) to be 4.5% in 2019. With the growing numbers over the years, Extra Space Asia feels that it is imperative for us to find ways within our means to lend a helping hand to our elderly community. In 2019, we partnered with Society for the Aged Sick (SAS) and celebrated Christmas with our elderly friends at Gardens by the Bay Singapore.

SAS is a non-profit nursing home that provides residential and respite services to people in need of daily skilled nursing care and/or assistance in daily living activities, and who cannot be cared for at home, particularly the less privileged.

Through this CSR initiative, we were able to bring our elderly friends out of their home to bask in the Christmas festive spirit within the picturesque nature at Gardens by the Bay’s Poinsettia Wishes floral display, located in the Flower Dome. Since it was their first time to the Poinsettia Wishes floral display, it warms our hearts and brings us great satisfaction knowing that we were able to bring smiles and laughter to everyone during this festive and joyous period.

Here’s how our meaningful day went by with our friends at SAS.

Many of us are no stranger to self-storage. But here’s something you may not know: Extra Space Asia Self- Storage offers short-term space rentals – from as short as 14 days. This solution is ideal for individuals and businesses that require more space temporarily. Here are three key benefits of short-term self-storage.

1. It’s a lifesaver during home and business transition periods.

 

Mature Asian man carrying cardboard boxes from car trunk at new home

Only those who have experienced will know – buying/selling a home or moving offices is never smooth-sailing as expected. Plans get derailed. Transactions get delayed. What happens to all your items then? Choose short-term self-storage to securely keep your belongings, so that you have peace of mind to focus on your home and business arrangements.

2. It’s cost-effective for your business.

Why rent a big, expensive space just to store inventory? We know businesses need more space for extra stocks during the festive sale periods. Instead of expanding your storage space permanently, choose a short-term option with us. This way, you save on storage expenses and rent a space only when you need it. It’s safe, flexible and accessible – you can retrieve or store your items any time, any day!

Young Asian small business owner carrying product boxes at home office, online marketing packaging and delivery scene, startup SME entrepreneur or freelance woman working at home concept

3. It keeps all your belongings safe and tidy during renovation.

Renovating a new place can be exciting, but as we all know, everything tends to get dusty and messy. Having a short-term self-storage unit will be useful. Here, your furniture and belongings will be free from dirt and damage. Plus, more space for you and your contractors to move around and work. All your belongings will be in good hands at a self-storage facility like Extra Space Asia. 24-hour CCTV monitoring and security ensure that all your items are protected round-the-clock. Only YOU have the keys to your storage unit. Renovating or stocking up on inventory soon? Call us and arrange for a short-term storage unit today!

Working process of installing metal frames for plasterboard (drywall) for making gypsum walls with ladder and tools in apartment is under construction, remodeling, renovation, extension, restoration and reconstruction

By: Michelle Lee

Had a stressful day at work only to find yourself with even more stress at home because of all the clutter? Studies have shown that clearing this clutter could just be the solution to lower your stress levels.

One study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin concluded that clutter sometimes contributes to depression. Another research in the Journal of Neuroscience found that clutter is highly distracting, as there are too many stimuli in the environment.

Dennis Greenberger, the co-author of “Mind Over Mood”, has also pointed out that it’s not the clutter itself that is damaging – it’s how we react to it.

Let’s take a look at some benefits of decluttering.

Cleaning and organising can reduce anxiety

Tidying up your house can help you to reduce anxiety, according to Alicia H. Clark, a psychologist and the author of “Hack Your Anxiety: How to Make Anxiety Work for You, in Life, Love and All That You Do”.

This is true, as most of us tend to view clutter as “unfinished business”. Leaving tasks uncompleted meant more things to do in the future, and that’s stressful. By maintaining a neat and organised living space, you’ll be able to think clearer.

Decluttering trains your decision-making and problem-solving skills

You’ve limited space and what seems like an unlimited number of belongings. To fit everything, you’ll need to choose what gets stored and what gets left behind. Time to get that decisive muscle working!

Decluttering helps you move on with life

Clutter is annoying, distracting and drains our energy. It might even remind us of our painful past. So declutter now! Get rid of the excess baggage (both physical and emotional) and move forward. A clean and tidy space literally shows more room for new things in life. Make room for more possibilities.

Decluttering usually means discarding some of your precious belongings. BUT… if you’re unable to give up any of them just yet, here’s our favourite solution: store them at Extra Space Asia.

This way, you’ll not have to face the mess at home any more. Stay clutter-free, stress-free, while keeping all your things safe and secure at our facility!

 

By: Gary Phua

Having trouble deciding to rent a self-storage unit or to use our valet storage services? Well, you’re not alone. Before you decide, it will be good for you to know some of the key differences between the two services.

Self-Storage

This concept offers storage space at a facility for you to store your belongings. Just like owning an extra storeroom out of your home, where you can access at any time of the day!

Valet Storage

Think of Valet Storage like a mover and delivery service. Instead of visiting a storage unit to store your belongings, you go online to arrange for a delivery person to pick up your items and store them for you. And when you need your belongings back, simply log on to our web app and select a timing to have your items delivered back.

Self-Storage vs Valet Storage Features

Self-storage offers the flexibility of different storage unit sizes, from as small as a locker to as big as your bedroom. You can also choose to upgrade or downsize your storage unit any time during your storage period. The facilities are accessible 24/7, so you can reach your belongings any time without notice.

For valet storage, our delivery personnel will provide you with your requested number of storage boxes. Once packed, just arrange for retrieval of your boxes – that’s all! Here’s an overview of these two services.

	Self-Storage	Valet Storage
Size of Storage Space	Locker to master bedroom sizes available	As many storage boxes as you require
Accessibility	24/7, instant access to your belongings	Arrange online for belongings to be sent to you within 2 days
Convenience	Visit our storage facilities to store or retrieve your belongings	Extra Space staff will deliver your storage boxes directly to your preferred location.

As you can see, each has its own benefits. So it really boils down to what you’re looking for. Happy deciding!
By: Gary Phua

Winter clothing can be real costly! And with Singapore’s all-round humid weather, proper long-term storage will ensure your winter clothing is in tip-top condition for your next winter vacation. Here are 3 simple storage tips to keep your winter outfits in good condition for future uses. Try it out!

1. Wash and store

Just came back from a winter vacation? Be sure to clean everything well before storing them. Sort all your winter outfits materials by either machine wash or dry-cleaning. Wash them before storing as unclean items may contain residual perfumes, oils and even lotions that can cause stains and yellow spots on your clothes.

After wash, add some Lavender in your storage space to prevent musty odours. Lavender scents work well to repel moths and keep your winter outfits smelling fresh and clean. Don’t forget about the footwear: wipe down and condition your winter shoes before storing them.

2. Storing your winter outfits the right way

Believe it or not, the way you store your winter outfits affects how they look like in the future. Do not store your winter outfits in plastic garment bags as these bags retain moisture that may cause your winter clothes to smell and have yellow spots. Try not to cramp too many winter outfits into one vacuum-sealed bag. It may be space-saving, but the items could lose their shape over time.

As for tall winter boots, simply fill them with plastic boot sharpers or by stuffing loads of tissues inside for a quick and cost-effective alternative!

3. Choosing the correct storage spots

As Singapore is summer-hot all year round, the heat affects how and where you choose to store your winter clothing. Always choose a spot that is dark, cool, dry and away from direct sunlight as sunlight can fade the colours on the winter clothes.

Most winter clothing like your thick coats and sports gears can take up quite a lot of space in the wardrobe! Since winter outfits, accessories and sports gears are necessary yet not frequently used, why not consider storing them at a self-storage facility like Extra Space Asia. By storing in an air-conditioned unit at Extra Space Asia, you can be ensured that the temperature and humidity factors are constant, safekeeping all your winter gear in their optimum condition.

The next best part about having an Extra Space Asia’s storage unit is the 24/7 access to your extended personal storage space where you can retrieve and store anytime, any day you like! ‘Cool’, right?

Call us today at 6771 3100 if you need extra storage space for your winter items.
By: Michelle Lee

Looking to expand your online business or starting a new business? At Extra Space Asia, we understand that every business requires quite a fair bit of expenses, especially at the beginning stage. We aim to help your business by providing a smart business storage option that is not only flexible in plans, our storage options also work to give you endless savings!

Here’s why businesses, entrepreneurs and even those working from home should consider Extra Space Asia’s Smart Business Storage today:

1. Wide range of storage sizes under one roof

Save the trouble of finding the next suitable storage size to fit your growing business. At Extra Space Asia, we offer a wide range of storage sizes from Locker units as small as 6sqft to Walk-in storage as big as 500sqft all located in one storage facility; you can choose to up-size or downsize your storage unit any time when you need to.

2. Affordable storage options

If you have a start-up or thinking about expanding your ecommerce business, you should explore the option of using a self-storage to store all your business inventory. Wait, but why not warehouses? That is because unlike warehouses where rental costs can range from $8,000 to over $100,000 monthly, the rental cost of using Extra Space Asia self-storage starts from as low as $1 for your first month with recurring discounts for the following months of rental. What’s more, there is also no fixed storage plans at Extra Space Asia self-storage, unlike warehouses where you might need to rent for a minimum period based on a contract.

All that, in return, will bring about significant cost savings to your business.

3. 24-hour access to a secure storage facility

At Extra Space Asia Self-Storage, you will be given a unique Pin code to access to the storage unit; this is a code that only you have, so that only you can access to your storage unit.

Fun fact about Extra Space Asia Self-Storage’s unique pin code is that it will always light your way to direct you to your storage unit should you decide to come to retrieve something from your storage unit at odd hours like 3am!

 

 

 

By: Michelle Lee