Residents in Poole have been de-cluttering their homes at the start of the year like never before, according to one of the largest storage businesses.

Store & Secure in Hamworthy said they have seen a huge increase in home-owners emptying their properties.

Lucy and Sophie Maidman said that there seems to be two reasons; preparing for building work and a new minimalist outlook for the year. Lucy said:

“We’ve been in this business for many years now and never has January heralded so many people taking storage to help them de-clutter."

“January is always a time when people start afresh and turn over a new leaf, but de-cluttering seems to have really taken off this year – up by 50 per cent on any previous year."

“I think a lot of people have decided to extend their homes rather than sell and move and in preparation for that they’ve taken storage out and have started to clear rooms. But there also seems to be a move to more minimalist interiors. Whether this is a wider trend I don’t know, but we’ve seen a lot of it."

“Some people, especially those in the very small new homes, simply don’t have much space and are making room. But others who live in modern homes with lots of glass and windows find they look better with a more minimalist interior. Therefore, following Christmas, they are taking storage with us and bringing things they don’t want in their homes."

“What they intend to do is rotate their possessions – such as paintings and small pieces of furniture. I think because we are physically secure, but also put a great deal of emphasis on our cyber-security and information security, people really trust us to look after their often very valuable possessions."

“We are a family business and are well-known in the area, and that familiarity really helps. I also think that our own interior, with its brightness, clean lines and minimalist feel helps encourage people to clear their own homes.”