Month: May 2022

Moving into a new apartment comes with a variety of different emotions. Excitement at the fresh opportunity, the stress involved with the move, and perhaps sadness at leaving your previous home behind.  

Amid all of these emotions, it’s important to ask your landlord a few important questions, such as the following; 

What utilities and amenities are included in the rental agreement? 

While you may agree to a monthly rental payment, hidden costs or surprise amenities may be included. Ask the landlord which utilities are included in the rent and which you need to pay for yourself. It’s also important to find out more about the home’s utilities, such as gas or electrical.  

If the property includes amenities, these should also be mentioned in the agreement. For example, ask whether the apartment has parking and whether internet service is included. 

Can you make changes to the premises? 

When renting an apartment, it’s important to remember that you don’t own the property and need permission to change the premises.  

These changes don’t only include the likes of large renovations but also small updates such as painting the walls, hanging frames on the wall and making changes to the garden.  

Who is responsible for the maintenance of the property? 

Property needs to be maintained to keep its value, and normally the landlord is responsible. Ask the landlord about their maintenance schedule, including garden services and major or minor repairs. It’s best to get the process in writing. 

Are there any building rules and regulations? 

The apartment will most likely be a part of a larger corporation with a governing set of rules. Ask the landlord about the apartment building’s house rules and make sure that you follow them. Breaking these rules could lead to a fine or termination of the lease, so ask about the repercussions too. 

What security systems are in place? 

One of the benefits of a complex or apartment building is the security of having neighbours nearby. Question the security systems in place, what lock systems are used and how to get an extra set of keys if needed. 

Asking your landlord important questions can reduce friction down the line and make the moving process more streamlined. Another way to reduce stress is to organise a personal self storage unit to temporarily store your household belongings during the move.  

At Wigwam, we offer a cost-effective solution to keeping your household belongings safe. We also offer man and a van service in Chipping Norton and packaging supplies, making the moving process even easier.  

Interested in finding out more? Contact our friendly team at 01608 656 300. 

There’s a lot of planning involved with relocating, such as packing up boxes and clearing away clutter. If you have pets, then you also need to consider how your furry friends will be affected by the moving process.  

A little bit of planning can save a lot of stress, especially when you have pets to consider. We’ve put together a few tips to help make the process as smooth as possible.  

Familiarise your pets with packaging supplies 

Pets are curious by nature, and when they see something new in their environment, they will naturally want to investigate. This can be a problem when you have packaging supplies lying around, as your pet may mistake them for their new toy. Start packing early to familiarise your pets with the packaging supplies from the get-go. 

Keep a routine 

Moving can be a stressful experience for your pets too. While your schedule may change during the moving process, it’s important to keep your routine with your pets. Feed them at the usual time, take them for walks, and give them a little bit of extra love! 

Secure your pet during the moving process 

There’s a good chance that you’ll leave doors open while settling furniture and belongings into your new home. Make sure that your pet is safe and secure so that they don’t run outside and get lost. For example, place their dog bed in a secure room with an open window and make sure that they are comfortable. 

Pack an emergency moving bag 

Keep a bag with a few essentials for your loveable pet. Include a water bowl, food, treats, kitty litter and their favourite toy to make them feel at home. Not only will these essential items make your pet feel at home, but they are useful in the case of an emergency.  

Pet-proof your new home before arrival 

Take the time to make sure that your new home is safe and comfortable for your pets. Be aware of some of any potential dangers such as electrical cords, poisonous plants or gaps in the boundary wall, and make sure that they are secured before moving day.  

Do you need a little bit of extra help during the move? At Wigwam, we offer expert moving services, packaging supplies and personal storage solutions to make the moving process easy and stress free. Give us a call at 01608 656 300 to find out more, or contact us online. 

Practising self-care is an important part of maintaining a healthy well-being, and there are various ways to practice self-care, including exercise, healthy eating and regular meditation. 

Meditation, in particular, offers many benefits, such as reduced stress, increased self-awareness and improved relationships.  

While there are many different types of meditation, the basic principle is always the same, and that is to focus your attention on one thing and to keep your mind from wandering. 

The most important part of meditating is to find a method that works for you. Meditation can be done sitting, lying down, walking, or even standing. You can meditate with your eyes open or closed. Some people prefer to focus on their breath, while others choose to repeat a word or phrase over and over. 

If you’re new to meditation, then you may be wondering where to begin. We’ve put together a few tips to get you started. 

Assign a time to meditate 

If you want to make meditation a regular practice, you need to include it in your daily schedule. Pick a time of day that best suits you, such as the early morning or before bed in the evening.  

Clear a quiet space 

Find a quiet place where you can sit comfortably. You may want to sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground, or you may want to sit cross-legged on a cushion on the floor. Make sure that the area is free of clutter and distractions so that you can focus on your breath. 

Focus on your breath 

One of the easiest ways to meditate is to focus on your breath. Start with a few deep breaths to calm the body. Pay attention to your breath as it goes in and out. If you find that your mind starts to wander, gently bring your attention back to your breath.  

Be kind to yourself 

Go into your meditation practice without expectations, and realise that it may be more difficult to focus on some days than others. With time and practice, you’ll find it easier to let go of your thoughts and stay present in the moment. Be patient with yourself because meditation takes time and effort to master. 

Try guided meditation apps 

The popularity of meditation apps has been growing over the last few years. These apps have taken off because they make it easier for people to meditate. In some cases, guided meditation can be more personalised than traditional forms of meditation. 

Do you need a little bit of extra space to meditate in the home? Clear away the clutter in a sunny spot in the bedroom or set up a corner in your home office, using our cost-effective self storage units as an extension of your home. 

At Wigwam, we offer safe and secure storage units, available from as small as 25 sq ft or as large as 200 sq ft. Contact us at 01608 656 300 to chat with our friendly team, or contact us online.