Author: Amaan Salie

Taking on a home renovation project can be exciting and rewarding but also challenging. One obstacle you’ll face over and over again during renovations is finding space to store your belongings safely and securely. That’s where self storage comes to the rescue! Here are 10 ways that self storage can save your sanity during any home renovation task:

1) Securing Your Stuff 

During a standard home renovation, your home might be more exposed than usual and the items that generally stay covered in that part of the house will be more vulnerable to theft — due to random people coming in and out of your home, doors needing to be constantly open and unlocked, walls being broken down, etc. 

Self storage facilities can protect your things with an array of security features, including 24/7 CCTV camera surveillance, individual alarms for each unit, security staff, and specific access controls allowing limited access to your unit. Choosing a self storage facility in the UK that offers top-of-the-line security measures to protect your belongings is critical

2) Protecting Your Belongings From Dust and Debris Damage

During a renovation, your normally-spotless home can get bogged down in the chaos and devolve into a messy environment you wouldn’t recognise. Construction dirt and debris can get everywhere, making it more difficult than usual to keep your belongings pristine and clean. By moving your belongings to a storage unit, you’ll be protecting them from damage by dust, paint, and other construction materials, which can cause permanent wear and unsightly markings.

Self storage units are also a fantastic way to keep your possessions safe from damage caused by accidents or mishaps during the renovation process. Suppose you’re doing a major renovation that happened to involve knocking down walls or removing permanent fixtures. In this case, you run the risk of harm to your furniture or other items in that room. By storing your belongings off-site, you can avoid any damage that might occur during the renovation process and save yourself plenty of headaches.

3) Providing More Space To Work With

Storage units can free up space in your rapidly cluttering household and help speed up the work. You’ll work more efficiently and effectively without worrying about boxes underfoot or knocking into furniture with your arms full of materials. This type of planning will shorten your timeline for the renovation too, and don’t we all look forward to the final product the most? The part where we can breathe properly and relax while enjoying the well-earned fruits of our labour.

4) Granting Easy Access

With 24-hour access to a storage unit, seven days a week, it’ll be easy to retrieve any tools or supplies you need to complete your project without digging through a messy and disorganised home for that screwdriver you could have sworn was just here. This amenity is handy if you need a wide variety of tools for different stages of the renovation and don’t want them cluttering up the area. It can also help if you need specific items and furniture to return home at different times. Self storage units typically have customer car access and packaging material shops, which make storing even the most bulky and heavy items much easier.

5) Save Money on Temporary Living Expenses

Renovations often require homeowners to move out of their bedrooms and living quarters during significant reconstructions for their safety, which can be pricey if you need to suddenly look at alternative housing. Self storage allows you to free up space in your home away from the construction site so you don’t have to pay extra for a hotel room during this period. It also makes it easier to stay with a friend (or rotate between a few friends) during this time, as you won’t be dragging your entire collection of precious keepsakes and furniture with you!

6) Supplying Flexible Rental Terms

Home renovations can be unpredictable, with delays and shifting deadlines being all too common. Storage facilities offer rental terms that you can adjust to meet your changing needs without too much stress or paperwork. You can rent a storage unit short- or long-term as needed without worrying about committing to something iron-clad that will come back to bite you later.

7) Reducing Unnecessary Damage to Your Floors And Walls

Renovating your household involves hauling furniture and equipment around to make room for these exciting new changes. Unfortunately, this activity can cause unsightly damage to your floors and walls. You don’t want to hear the sound a heavy sofa can make across a hardwood floor, and chairs bumping into walls can leave permanent dents and chips. To avoid this expensive and time-consuming damage, use a self storage unit.

8) Helping You Stay Organised

Decluttering your home ahead of the renovation can win you the war before the battles begin. With a clean and clear home, managing the completion of your household projects will be much easier. Instead of shuffling boxes and furniture around in a limited space, you can move everything you don’t need into a storage unit, smoothing over the process.

9) Letting You Remain Independent 

A self storage solution means you won’t have to depend on anyone else to store your belongings or tools. During the Great Renovation of your home, you need to account for furniture, appliances, and other cumbersome items that simply won’t fit in other parts of your home or garage. Reaching out to friends, family, or neighbours to hold onto your belongings for an uncertain period can be an unwanted hassle for them. It also puts your relationships at risk if your things get damaged in their care  or you need their space for longer than previously agreed because of a delay.

10) Clearing Space For Your Vision

Holding onto all of your belongings at home while renovating can be demanding.  It can be near impossible to visualise your new space without being influenced by your existing  décor. A cluttered space can cloud your creativity and capacity to create something new and fresh — which was why you started this renovation in the first place. By storing your old commodities away, you can fully envision your new space without any distractions. Now you’re free to come up with more imaginative and personalised design choices.

TIP: If you need help determining what size self storage unit you’ll need for your renovations, our space calculator can help!

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Creating an organised environment while undertaking such a fun project is critical to everyone involved having a good time. At Wigwam Self Storage, we know how important organisation is, and we offer a variety of storage solutions to do just that. Send us an email at hello@wigwamstorage.co.uk, and one of our self storage experts will be happy to chat about any concerns you might have!

Breathe in deep. Smell that? Summer break is here! 

For many students, it’s a time of adventure, relaxation, and glorious freedom. Whether you’re heading back home, embarking on a summer internship, or travelling abroad, you’ll still face one challenge — what to do with all your belongings during this time. That’s where self storage comes to the rescue! 

Without even trying that hard, we’ve come up with five fantastic reasons why you should consider using self storage this summer. From decluttering dorm rooms to ensuring the safety of your precious stuff, self storage provides the key to a stress-free summer. 

Let’s dive in!

What Do Students Need Storage For?

When students need to move, they (along with mom and pop) may wonder what they can do with all that excess stuff. These items are typically:

• Extra furniture
• Bedding / Mattress / Linens
• Dishes 
• Small appliances like a mini refrigerator
• Textbooks and other school supplies
• Seasonal clothing and sport equipment 
• Bikes, skateboards, etc. 

5 Ways Self Storage Is Gonna Save Summer Break

Find Delight Through Decluttering

As the academic year ends, students find they’ve accidentally done a Smaug and hoarded many items in their dorm rooms or apartments. From textbooks and study materials to clothes and furniture, the clutter can quickly pile up. Self storage offers an excellent opportunity to declutter and organise your living space. By temporarily storing items you won’t need over the summer, you can create a clean and spacious environment, allowing for a fresh start when you return in the fall.

With everything neatly stored away, you can enjoy a clutter-free summer and return to a stress-free living space when the new academic year begins.

Safe and Secure Summer

One of the leading causes of  anxious glances students give each other before leaving their residences for break is the safety and security of their belongings. Self storage facilities offer robust security measures to ensure the protection of your items. These include 24/7 surveillance cameras, gated access, individual locks, and alarm systems. With these measures, you can regain peace of mind knowing that your belongings are safe and secure while you’re away.

Self storage units are also built to withstand various environmental conditions, ensuring that your items are protected from extreme temperatures, humidity, and pests, which might not be the case if you left them alone in your dorm. Whether it’s sentimental items, valuable electronics, or critical documents, self storage facilities provide a secure environment for students wanting to safeguard their possessions.

Flexible & Conveniently Accessible Options

Summer plans can be an unpredictable beast at the best of times, with changes in travel itineraries and internship locations, or unexpected opportunities arising. Self storage facilities offer unparalleled flexibility and convenience for students during these uncertain and exciting times. Most self storage facilities offer flexible rental terms, allowing you to rent a unit for as little as a month or extend your rental if needed. This flexibility means you don’t have to commit to a long-term contract, allowing you to adapt, improvise, and overcome any changes in your summer plans.

Self storage facilities are often conveniently located, offering multiple locations near college campuses and residential areas. This setup makes it easy for students to find a storage unit nearby, saving time and effort when moving their belongings.

Save That Money, Honey

Renting a self storage unit means this can be a hot-savings summer. Compared to alternatives like shipping items back home or renting a larger apartment to accommodate all your belongings, self storage is more economical. With various unit sizes available, you can choose the best fit for your needs and budget. Some storage businesses offer student discounts or group deals, making it even more affordable.

Consider the long-term benefits as well. By securely storing your items, you can prevent potential damage or wear and tear during transportation, or while being held in less secure locations with less-than-safe dorm mates. This plan can save you a decent amount of quid on repairs or replacements in the long run.

For Transitions Smoother Than a Freshman’s Face

Whether you’re moving into new accommodation or even transitioning to a different city for an internship or job, self storage can facilitate a smooth transition. Instead of transporting all your belongings at once, you can store them temporarily and retrieve them gradually as you settle into your new space. This easy-going process eliminates the stress of dealing with a massive move in one go and allows you to focus on the essentials during this otherwise stressful shift.

From decluttering and organisation to safety and security, self storage offers numerous benefits that can make your summer more enjoyable and stress-free. Before you embark on your summer adventure, consider us as a reliable option to store your belongings and ensure peace of mind during your break. Happy summer!

Renting a self storage unit with Wigwam can give you a clutter-free and spacious student summer. Call us on 0800 2545585 to learn more about the student storage solutions we have for you.

If you have kids, you know how quickly their toys can take over your living room. The endless stream of dolls, stuffed animals, action figures, and building blocks can create a never-ending cycle of clutter that seems impossible to control. 

However, with a little creativity and planning, you can create a clutter-free living space that is both functional and stylish. 

Let’s explore some must-try living room toy storage ideas to help you achieve just that.

Use Storage Ottomans

Storage ottomans are an ideal choice when it comes to keeping your children’s toys organised and out of sight. These versatile pieces of furniture are not only comfortable to sit on, but they also offer ample storage space to keep your living room neat and tidy. 

With a range of sizes, styles and colors to choose from, storage ottomans can fit seamlessly into any decor scheme. Some ottomans even come with removable trays, making them perfect for serving drinks and snacks when you’re entertaining guests. 

So, if you’re looking for a stylish and functional way to declutter your living space, a storage ottoman might just be the solution you need.

Create a Toy Nook

Consider creating a designated toy nook. Not only will this keep the space organised, but it will also provide a fun and cosy area for your children to play and read. 

Using a bookshelf or cubby system is an excellent way to store toys, while a comfy cushion or rug can make the nook inviting. 

Having all the toys in one area makes cleaning up a breeze, allowing you to maintain a clutter-free living room that’s both functional and stylish.

Install Wall Shelving

Wall shelving is an excellent solution for bulky toys that don’t fit in an ottoman or toy nook. 

Use floating shelves to provide a stylish and functional display option for your children’s favorite toys, books, and board games. The key is to ensure that the shelves are at a height that your children can easily access so they can take out and put away their toys independently. 

Consider using colorful bins or baskets to further organise and add a pop of color to the shelves. 

Use Baskets and Bins

When it comes to versatile storage options, baskets and bins are excellent choices for keeping your living room tidy. They come in a range of sizes, shapes and colors, making them an easy way to add a pop of color and texture to your decor. 

Baskets and bins can be used to store anything from small toys to larger items like blankets. They’re also lightweight and easy to move around, so you can quickly tidy up any messes. 

Repurpose Furniture

Repurposing an old piece of furniture is an excellent way to create a unique and cost-effective toy storage solution for your living room. 

Instead of getting rid of an old dresser or bookshelf, consider using it to store your children’s belongings. An old dresser can be repurposed to store clothes and toys, while an old bookshelf can hold books and board games. 

This not only helps you save money but also gives your living room a personal touch that reflects your unique style. 

Use Vertical Space

Hanging toy hammocks or nets from the ceiling is an excellent way to store stuffed animals, while over-the-door shoe organisers can be used to keep small toys and accessories organised. 

By using your vertical space, you’ll free up floor space and create more room for your children to play. These vertical storage solutions are easy to install, affordable, and can add an interesting element to your living room decor. 

Create a Toy Rotation System

To minimise clutter and keep things fresh, consider implementing a toy rotation system. 

Rotate toys in and out every week or month, giving your children something new to play with while keeping the rest of the toys stored away. 

This method not only helps prevent clutter but also helps children appreciate their toys more and become more imaginative with the toys they have. It also encourages children to take good care of their toys since they know they’ll get a chance to play with them again in the future.

Consider Self Storage

If you’re still struggling to find space for your children’s toys in your living room despite trying all of the above ideas, it may be time to consider self storage. 

Self storage units, like the ones provided by Wigwam, can be a great solution for storing your children’s toys that they don’t currently use or for seasonal items like holiday decorations. 

It’s a safe and secure way to keep your home clutter-free without sacrificing the things you love.

A clutter-free living room is possible even with children’s toys. By using storage ottomans, creating a toy nook or considering self storage, you’ll be able to create a functional and stylish living space that both you and your children will love.

And if you do decide that self storage is the best option for you, Wigwam is here to help. With various unit sizes and 24/7 security, you can rest assured that your belongings will be safe and secure with us. Don’t let clutter get you down, organise and store your children’s toys today.

Not sure how much space you’ll need, use our handy space calculator!

Are you looking for a secure and organised way to store your belongings? Renting a storage unit is the perfect solution! But with so many different sizes available, finding the right one can be tricky. To simplify this process and help you make an informed decision when selecting a unit, we’ve created our ultimate size guide. 

Our resource includes valuable tips on assessing space requirements and optimising storage – ensuring that all of your items are kept safe while maximising the capacity of any unit size. 

Ease into organising with our helpful guide today.

Assessing Your Needs

Before you start browsing different unit sizes, it’s essential to create a list of all the belongings you need to store and measure their dimensions. This will provide you with an accurate estimate of how much space you’ll require, ensuring you don’t rent a unit too big or too small. 

By creating a detailed inventory, you can also ensure that your belongings are organised and easily accessible, minimising the chances of damage and confusion when retrieving them.

Pro Tip: If you’re storing furniture, make sure to disassemble it before moving it into your storage unit. This will help you save space and keep your items in better condition.

Choose the Right Storage Unit Size

10 sq. ft. Storage Unit

10 sq. ft unit is perfect for storing small items or a few boxes, such as seasonal clothing, holiday decorations or important documents.  

• Students: this size is perfect for storing dorm room essentials over the holidays. 
• Small business owners: this size is perfect for storing inventory, supplies or equipment. 
• Decluttering your home: this size can help you store those sentimental items you’re not quite ready to part with but don’t have space for in your home.

Pro Tip: Stack your boxes to make the most of your vertical space. Use shelving units to help keep everything organised and accessible.

25 sq. ft. Storage Unit

This size can accommodate larger items, such as bicycles or small furniture items and can fit several medium-sized boxes. 

• You can store a twin-sized mattress, bed frame, desk, chair and a few boxes in this unit. 
• If you’re a small business owner, you can store additional inventory, supplies or files. 
• You can store seasonal equipment, like lawnmowers and gardening tools, during the off-season.

Pro Tip: Use bubble wrap or moving blankets to protect your furniture from scratches or damage during transport and storage.

50 sq. ft. Storage Unit

When it comes to storing larger items like sofas, chairs or mattresses, a 50 sq. ft. unit is an excellent option. This size is also suitable for storing appliances like refrigerators or washing machines. 

• If you’re moving to a new home, you can store the contents of a small apartment or a few large items from a larger home. 

• You can store a queen-sized bed, a dresser, a couch and a few boxes. 
• Small business owners can store large inventory items, like display cases or merchandise racks. 
• Additionally, this unit size is perfect for storing a vehicle, like a motorcycle or ATV.

Pro Tip: Use a furniture dolly or a truck to move heavy items. This will make the process much easier and safer for you and your belongings.

75 sq. ft. Storage Unit

This size can store the contents of a small apartment, including large furniture pieces like couches, tables, appliances and several boxes. 

• Small business owners can store additional inventory, supplies or office equipment. 
• Homeowners can store a queen-sized bed, a dining table set, a refrigerator, a washer and dryer and around 30 medium-sized boxes. 

Pro Tip: Label all of your boxes with the contents and room they belong in. This will make it much easier to find what you’re looking for when needed.

100 sq. ft. Storage Unit

When you have a lot of furniture or a significant collection of items, a 100 sq. ft. unit provides ample storage space. This size can store a full bedroom set, including a king-size bed, dressers, nightstands and several boxes. 

• Suitable for storing large items like sectional couches, dining room sets or pianos. 
• Perfect for homeowners who need to store the contents of a small home or apartment. 
• Perfect for small business owners who need additional space for inventory or equipment.
• You can also use this size unit to store a vehicle, like a car or a small boat, with some extra space for additional boxes or smaller items.

Pro Tip: Use vacuum-sealed bags to compress items like comforters and pillows. This will help you save space and keep your items fresh and clean.

150 sq. ft. Storage Unit and Larger

This size can comfortably accommodate: 

• Large homes or offices that require space for furniture, appliances and equipment. 
• A whole-house inventory; multiple rooms of furniture, appliances and collections. 
• Small business owners who need extra space for their inventory, tools and equipment.

Pro Tip: Store your vehicle on jack stands to relieve the weight on the tires. This will help prolong the life of your tires and prevent flat spots.

Container Storage

Storage containers are a secure and viable alternative to traditional indoor storage units and can be used whether you require a personal or business storage solution. They are perfect for:

• Storing furniture during a large house move.
• Protecting costly items while downsizing.
• Serving as a secure workshop space for entrepreneurs.
• Storing costly equipment and tools.
• Protecting and storing excess business inventory or office supplies.

Pro Tip: Outdoor containers also often offer drive-up access, allowing you to easily load goods from your car into the unit.

Wigwam’s Size Guide/ Space Calculator

At Wigwam Self Storage, we understand that choosing the right storage unit size can be a daunting task. That’s why we’ve created a handy space calculator to make it easier for you. 

By simply entering the items you plan to store, we’ll give you an estimate of the unit size that is suitable for your needs. 

Pro Tip: Make sure to measure the height of your items as well as their width and depth to ensure that you select a storage unit with adequate vertical space.

Conclusion

Looking for a storage unit to suit your needs? At Wigwam Self Storage our experts will help you find the right fit! From 10 sq. ft. up to 150 sq. ft. and beyond, we offer expansive storage solutions tailored just for you. Get started today by exploring our convenient online space calculator tool – it’s never been easier to start storing smarter!