An architect’s studio or interior designer’s workspace can look beautifully organised when a client first walks through the door.
There may be carefully arranged material samples, colour palettes, presentation boards and design drawings.
Behind the scenes, however, things can be rather different.
Fabric books pile up. Flooring samples fill cupboards. Tile boards lean against walls. Old project folders accumulate, and presentation equipment that is only needed occasionally takes up valuable space.
As projects increase, so does the amount of equipment and reference material a design business needs to manage.
For independent architects, interior designers and small creative studios, this can create a difficult choice: rent larger premises, dispose of useful materials or find a more practical way to organise them.
Business self storage offers another option.
SecureStore provides flexible self storage across Bury, Manchester, Failsworth and Salford, helping businesses keep suitable materials, samples and equipment organised without allowing them to take over their working environment.
Why Design Businesses Need More Storage Than Expected
Architecture and interior design are creative professions, but they’re also highly practical.
A successful project can involve dozens of physical materials and presentation items.
Depending on the type of work you undertake, your studio may contain:
- Fabric sample books
- Carpet and flooring samples
- Tile boards
- Wallpaper samples
- Paint colour cards
- Timber and laminate samples
- Material swatches
- Presentation boards
- Architectural models
- Lighting samples
- Decorative accessories
- Display furniture
- Project folders
- Exhibition equipment
Some items are needed every day.
Others might only be used for a particular client meeting or project.
The difficulty is knowing what to keep close at hand and what can be stored elsewhere.
1. Keep Your Studio Looking Professional
First impressions matter when clients visit your office or design studio.
A workspace filled with stacked boxes and overflowing sample cupboards can make meetings less comfortable.
It can also make it harder for your team to work efficiently.
Rather than keeping every sample and piece of presentation equipment within arm’s reach, consider separating regularly used materials from items needed only occasionally.
Suitable self storage can help you retain useful equipment without overcrowding your studio.
Keep Current Projects Accessible
The aim isn’t to move everything into storage.
Materials required for active projects should remain readily available.
Consider storing suitable completed-project equipment, spare displays and less frequently used samples while keeping current work organised in the studio.
2. Organise Fabric Sample Libraries
Interior designers often build extensive fabric libraries.
Over time, these may include samples from numerous suppliers and collections.
A sample library can become difficult to manage if everything is stored together.
Consider organising your materials by:
- Supplier
- Fabric type
- Colour
- Collection
- Project
- Date received
Clearly labelled containers can make it easier to identify older collections without searching through every cupboard.
Check Whether Samples Are Still Available
Before storing an old sample collection, check whether the supplier still offers the product.
There’s little value in retaining hundreds of samples that can no longer be ordered unless they serve another useful purpose.
You may wish to keep selected discontinued samples for reference or inspiration, but review them periodically.
3. Storage for Flooring and Tile Samples
Flooring and tile samples can be particularly awkward.
They may be relatively small individually, but they are often heavy.
A collection might include:
- Ceramic tiles
- Porcelain tiles
- Natural stone samples
- Timber flooring
- Luxury vinyl tile samples
- Carpet sample books
- Laminate boards
These materials can quickly occupy shelves, cupboards and floor space.
Be Careful With Weight
Tile and stone samples are dense.
Do not place large quantities into ordinary cardboard boxes or overload shelving.
Use suitable containers and keep heavy items low and stable.
Speak to SecureStore about unusually heavy quantities before arranging storage.
4. Keep Architectural Models Protected
Architectural models can be expensive and time-consuming to produce.
Some may be used for planning presentations, client meetings or marketing.
Others may have value as examples of completed work.
Because models can contain delicate components, careful packing is essential.
Where appropriate:
- Photograph the model.
- Measure its dimensions.
- Use suitable protective packaging.
- Support delicate components.
- Avoid stacking heavy items above it.
- Label the container clearly.
Check the model’s materials and environmental requirements before deciding whether ordinary self storage is appropriate.
Not every delicate model will be suitable for every storage environment.
5. Store Presentation Boards and Display Materials
Design professionals often produce physical presentation materials for clients.
These may include:
- Large mood boards
- Mounted drawings
- Material palettes
- Printed visuals
- Exhibition boards
- Display stands
- Promotional banners
Some are reusable.
Others may be retained as portfolio examples.
If they’re no longer required for active projects, suitable storage can prevent them from occupying valuable office space.
6. Create a Better System for Mood Boards
Mood boards can be difficult to organise because they come in different sizes and formats.
A useful approach is to label them by project.
For example:
PROJECT 104 – RESIDENTIAL REFURBISHMENT
PROJECT 105 – RESTAURANT INTERIOR
PROJECT 106 – OFFICE FIT-OUT
Record the contents in a digital inventory so you can identify the correct materials without opening every container.
7. Store Furniture Samples and Display Pieces
Interior design studios may hold furniture or decorative pieces used for client presentations.
Examples include:
- Sample chairs
- Side tables
- Lamps
- Decorative mirrors
- Display shelving
- Upholstered sample pieces
- Small decorative accessories
These items may be useful for future projects, photoshoots or exhibitions.
However, they can consume considerable space.
Before storing furniture, assess its condition and whether you’re realistically likely to use it again.
8. Protect Suitable Furniture Before Storage
Furniture should be clean, dry and appropriately prepared.
Follow manufacturer instructions for particular materials.
Consider suitable protective covers and avoid placing heavy items on delicate surfaces.
Mirrors and glass-fronted furniture require particular care.
If you’re storing upholstered furniture, check whether the storage environment is appropriate for the material.
9. Don’t Turn Your Office Into a Project Warehouse
Architects and interior designers often work across several projects at once.
Each project may generate its own collection of samples, mock-ups and presentation materials.
Without a system, one project can begin overlapping with another.
This creates confusion.
A team member may spend twenty minutes searching for a particular sample that was last used months ago.
Organised storage, combined with a simple inventory, can help reduce this problem.
10. Separate Active and Completed Projects
A practical system is to divide project materials into three categories.
Active Projects
Materials required regularly by the team.
Recently Completed Projects
Items that may still be required for follow-up work, snagging or client queries.
Archived Projects
Suitable physical reference materials that are no longer required for everyday work.
This approach helps keep your studio focused on current activity.
11. Be Selective About What You Archive
Not every material needs to be kept indefinitely.
Before storing a completed project’s belongings, ask:
- Is there a contractual reason to retain this?
- Could the item be useful for future work?
- Is it expensive to replace?
- Is the product still available?
- Could a digital record serve the same purpose?
- Is the item suitable for storage?
If something has no ongoing value or retention requirement, keeping it indefinitely may not be worthwhile.
12. Understand Your Professional Record-Keeping Obligations
Architects and design professionals may need to retain particular project records for contractual, insurance, legal or professional reasons.
Retention periods can depend on the type of project, contractual arrangements and applicable legal requirements.
Before disposing of important records, check your obligations.
The Royal Institute of British Architects provides professional resources and guidance.
Royal Institute of British Architects
architecture.com
The Architects Registration Board also provides information relevant to registered architects.
Architects Registration Board
arb.org.uk
Self storage is not a substitute for a secure document-management system, and sensitive records require appropriate protection.
13. Consider Digital Archiving Where Appropriate
Some paper-based materials may be suitable for digitisation.
For example, you may be able to create digital copies of:
- Presentation boards
- Material schedules
- Project photographs
- Design notes
- Supplier catalogues
- Selected drawings
However, don’t dispose of original documents where you are required to retain them.
Check professional, contractual and legal requirements first.
14. Protect Confidential Client Information
Design businesses may hold personal information, commercial details and confidential project documents.
If you retain physical records, consider access control, security and appropriate data-protection arrangements.
The Information Commissioner’s Office provides guidance for organisations handling personal information.
Information Commissioner’s Office
ico.org.uk
Do not assume that placing documents in a storage unit automatically satisfies your data-protection responsibilities.
15. Storage for Architects Working From Home
Not every architect operates from a large commercial studio.
Many independent professionals work from home or use a small shared office.
A home workspace may contain:
- Drawing equipment
- Sample boards
- Physical models
- Presentation cases
- Reference materials
- Project folders
These belongings can gradually take over a spare bedroom.
Suitable self storage can help separate occasional-use professional equipment from everyday household belongings.
This may be particularly useful if you meet clients remotely and don’t need a large permanent studio.
16. Storage for Interior Designers Between Projects
Interior design workloads can fluctuate.
One month may involve several active installations.
Another may be quieter.
During busy periods, suitable presentation furniture and project equipment may accumulate.
Temporary storage can provide additional space while project schedules change.
However, carefully distinguish between ordinary equipment storage and storing goods that require specialist handling, environmental controls or secure arrangements.
17. What About Client Furniture and Purchased Materials?
Interior designers sometimes coordinate the purchase and delivery of furniture, lighting and decorative products.
Before arranging storage for client-owned items, confirm:
- Who owns the goods
- Who is responsible for insurance
- Whether storage is permitted under your client agreement
- Whether the goods require special conditions
- Who can authorise collection
- Whether the items are suitable for the facility
Don’t assume that every client purchase can be placed into an ordinary storage unit.
Discuss requirements with SecureStore before arranging deliveries.
18. Check Delivery Arrangements in Advance
A self storage unit isn’t automatically a staffed goods-receiving warehouse.
If you need to arrange delivery of furniture or other items, speak to SecureStore first.
Confirm what delivery arrangements, if any, are available.
Don’t give suppliers a storage-site address without checking.
19. Avoid Storing Hazardous or Unsuitable Materials
Some architectural and interior design projects involve products that are unsuitable for ordinary self storage.
Examples may include:
- Paints
- Solvents
- Adhesives
- Flammable liquids
- Hazardous chemicals
- Pressurised containers
- Other prohibited materials
Do not assume that a product is permitted simply because it’s a design sample.
Check SecureStore’s terms and the manufacturer’s safety information before bringing any questionable item into storage.
For information about workplace hazardous-substance management, visit:
Health and Safety Executive
hse.gov.uk/coshh/
20. Keep a Sample Inventory
A simple inventory can transform how you manage physical materials.
For example:
| Item | Category | Storage Location |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric sample books | Upholstery | Box 1 |
| Timber flooring samples | Flooring | Box 2 |
| Tile sample boards | Finishes | Shelf A |
| Presentation boards | Project archive | Box 3 |
| Architectural model | Project 104 | Area B |
You could also include:
- Supplier name
- Product reference
- Date received
- Project association
- Condition
- Availability status
This helps you know what you own and where to find it.
21. Use QR Codes or Digital References
If your studio handles large quantities of samples, you may benefit from a more detailed inventory system.
For example, each storage box could have a unique reference number.
That number could correspond to a digital spreadsheet containing photographs and descriptions.
You don’t need an expensive specialist system to begin.
Even a basic shared spreadsheet can make equipment easier to track.
22. Organise Samples by Supplier
If your business regularly works with particular manufacturers, organising samples by supplier may be useful.
For example:
FLOORING – SUPPLIER A
FABRICS – SUPPLIER B
TILES – SUPPLIER C
This can make it easier to find particular products during design development.
23. Review Your Sample Library Regularly
Design trends change.
Products are discontinued.
Manufacturers release new collections.
A sample library that was useful five years ago may no longer reflect the materials you regularly specify.
Review stored samples periodically.
Consider removing materials that are no longer relevant unless they have clear reference value.
24. Don’t Keep Every Sample Forever
Storage is most useful when it contains belongings worth keeping.
If your studio retains every discontinued fabric, damaged tile and obsolete catalogue, costs and clutter can continue growing.
Be selective.
Keep materials that support your work.
Recycle or dispose of unsuitable items appropriately.
25. Consider the Cost of Larger Office Premises
Moving to a larger studio can be expensive.
Potential costs include:
- Increased rent
- Business rates where applicable
- Utilities
- Insurance
- Maintenance
- Fit-out
- Relocation expenses
If your current workspace functions well for staff and client meetings, moving purely to accommodate older samples may not be necessary.
Separate storage can be worth comparing with the cost of additional office space.
26. Storage for Trade Shows and Design Exhibitions
Architects and interior designers may attend trade shows, exhibitions and networking events.
You might own:
- Display stands
- Branded banners
- Portable exhibition furniture
- Printed marketing materials
- Sample presentation cases
- Demonstration models
These belongings may only be needed several times a year.
Keeping suitable exhibition equipment in storage can free up studio space between events.
27. Prepare for Office Refurbishments
If you’re refurbishing your studio, suitable equipment and furniture may need to be moved temporarily.
Storage can potentially help protect permitted belongings from everyday disruption during the work.
Before moving anything, consider which materials need regular access and which can remain away from the office until the refurbishment is complete.
28. Protect Fragile Samples and Models
Not all design materials are robust.
Some may be sensitive to:
- Impact
- Pressure
- Moisture
- Temperature changes
- Incorrect stacking
Check the relevant manufacturer’s guidance and the environmental conditions needed for each item.
Where an object requires specialist conservation or controlled conditions, ordinary self storage may not be appropriate.
29. Keep Heavy Samples Low Down
Stone, tile and flooring samples can create concentrated loads.
Don’t overload boxes or shelves.
Keep heavy items stable and avoid unsafe stacking.
If you’re storing a substantial quantity of heavy materials, speak to SecureStore before arranging transport.
30. Check Insurance Arrangements
Professional equipment, samples and models may have considerable value.
SecureStore offers storage insurance options.
Discuss the nature and value of your belongings with the team.
Also check whether your professional indemnity, business contents or other insurance arrangements cover items held away from your main premises.
Different policies cover different risks.
31. Removal + Storage for Bulky Design Equipment
Large presentation boards, display furniture and architectural models can be awkward to transport.
SecureStore provides Removal + Storage for suitable belongings.
If you have bulky permitted equipment, speak to our team about its dimensions, fragility and handling requirements.
SecureStore’s First-Month Storage Offer
SecureStore previously introduced a limited two-week flash offer giving eligible customers their first month of storage for £1.
If you’re considering business storage, ask our team whether this promotion remains available.
Promotional terms, eligibility and availability apply.
Suitable storage may help with:
- Fabric sample libraries
- Flooring and tile samples
- Presentation equipment
- Architectural models
- Display furniture
- Exhibition materials
- Non-hazardous project equipment
- Other permitted business belongings
How to Book Your Unit With SecureStore
Getting started is straightforward.
- Review the materials currently occupying your studio.
- Separate active-project equipment from older reference materials.
- Identify what genuinely needs to be retained.
- Check whether your belongings are suitable for ordinary self storage.
- Organise samples by supplier, material or project.
- Label containers and create a digital inventory.
- Protect fragile equipment appropriately.
- Contact SecureStore to discuss suitable unit sizes.
- Ask whether the £1 first-month flash offer remains available.
- Discuss Removal + Storage for bulky or delicate equipment.
Call: 0161 470 0288
Email: info@securestoreselfstorage.co.uk
Visit: 574 Manchester Road, Bury
Locations: Bury | Manchester | Failsworth | Salford
No deposit required in many cases; same-day move-in may be available.
Contact SecureStore for current prices, terms, promotional eligibility and unit availability.
Give Your Design Studio More Room to Create
A productive architecture or interior design studio needs room for people, ideas and active projects.
It doesn’t necessarily need every old sample, display board and piece of presentation equipment sitting in the same room.
By organising your materials and keeping suitable occasional-use equipment elsewhere, you can create a more practical workspace without automatically committing to larger premises.
Keep current projects accessible.
Archive useful reference materials.
Review discontinued samples.
Protect valuable models.
And use suitable storage to support the way your business actually works.
SecureStore provides flexible business self storage and Removal + Storage across Bury, Manchester, Failsworth and Salford.
Whether you’re an independent interior designer, an architect working from home or an established creative studio, our team can discuss storage options for suitable business belongings.
Call 0161 470 0288 or email info@securestoreselfstorage.co.uk to enquire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can architects and interior designers use self storage?
Yes. Suitable material samples, presentation equipment, models and other permitted business belongings may be stored, subject to SecureStore’s terms and availability.
Can I store fabric, flooring and tile samples?
Suitable samples may be stored, but you should check their condition, weight and environmental requirements. Some materials may need specialist storage conditions.
Can architectural models be kept in self storage?
Potentially, depending on their construction, fragility and environmental requirements. Delicate models should be assessed carefully before storage.
Can I store paint, solvents and adhesives?
Do not assume these materials are permitted. Flammable liquids, hazardous chemicals and other prohibited goods must not be placed into ordinary self storage.
Does SecureStore help move bulky presentation equipment?
SecureStore provides Removal + Storage for suitable belongings. Speak to the team about large, heavy or fragile items before arranging collection.
Does SecureStore offer a £1 first-month promotion?
SecureStore previously introduced a limited two-week flash offer for the first month of storage at £1. Contact the team to confirm whether the promotion is still available and check the applicable terms.
