Storage Bloc: Solutions to Living in Small Urban Spaces

Many of us know the burden of seeing clutter take up space at home, or in the office. An ambitious library, a kitchen with inadequate counter space, cupboards straining to contain our clothes. As real estate prices surge, urban city dwellers are increasingly familiar with the scarcity of space and its accompanying frustrations.

What are the solutions available? We speak with siblings David and Jessica Buri about Storage Bloc, their company that aims to help Malaysians by providing on-demand storage and services.

When Storage Bloc talks about revitalising a home or workspace, what does it entail?

We believe that a fresh start begins in the place where you spend the most time. Living and working spaces are a reflection of how one feels. If your space makes you feel comfortable, helps you relax, think, be productive and generally happy – then you probably have your space sorted out right and that is the focus here.

We start in the space you use the most. Throw away or donate things you don’t need any more and won’t miss. Group the remaining items. Things you want to keep, but don’t need around – this goes in Storage Bloc.

For the rest of the items – organise until you feel happy. Don’t over-complicate things. Keep it simple, and start to understand your own process at home or in the office.

As our real estate prices surge, the commodity of space becomes increasingly scarce. Who are the people who use your service, and how do they use it?

Because of this surge in prices, we see a diverse range of market segments that come in to use our service. It varies depending on specific needs. For example, small businesses don’t need to get a big office anymore; they can work at a co-working spot, cafe, or even at home. They use our services for their documents, collateral, packaging, furniture, decorations etc.

We see plenty of customers renovating their homes and offices. During this time, they need temporary storage for all their items. Travellers also use us as a base to store their larger luggage for a few weeks as they travel within Southeast Asia.

People who want to declutter their homes, and Malaysians who move overseas for a few years use our long-term storage. Many of our customers have downsized. They feel a big space is unnecessary, but still want to keep their valuable belongings.

Storage Bloc offers itself as a solution for those who need a clear space to begin transforming it. Do you position your as a short-term storage facility?

We help give people a fresh start. For example, a family with a toddler decides to renovate the toddler’s room. They clear the room of the toddler’s old toys and clothes, but they don’t want to throw them away — these items could be used as as a gift to another newborn. Instead of taking up space (at home), they can store it in Storage Bloc, and take it out when needed.

Whatever it is, we try to make our customers’ lives easier – providing A to Z services – so that they can start afresh, hassle-free.

How can external storage help improve living conditions for urban dwellers?

Our beautiful city of Kuala Lumpur is a great place to live, but it is also hectic. We need to have a space of our own that allows us to think, work, rest and regenerate. With the small space given to urban dwellers, it’s not easy to keep important items while maintaining a calm, organised home.

We can minimise the stuff we have and buy, but eventually, there are things that we need to keep. Having external storage helps maintain a conducive space to rest better or work productively! In addition, decluttering helps general health – less to clean, and fewer places to collect dust or critters.

Besides space, what are the considerations for the types of storage you provide?

We can store everything and anything, as long as it is legal, and does not have a pulse or decompose (food and plants).

You mention that in the process of decluttering, objects can become burdened with memories. Did this emerge from the Konmari movement?

We wouldn’t necessarily say that this came from the Konmari movement, but it is a great trend to witness. Overall, we see more shows giving great information on the importance of our living and working spaces, with doable tips on how to get there.

We have been affected by this movement as we are providing a service that encourages people to really own and maintain their space in great ways!