Top five places to explore in the Cotswolds

If you’re planning a trip to England, then visiting the Cotswolds should already be on your list of places to see. The Cotswolds is a picturesque region located in south central England and is known for its rolling hills, charming villages and historical sites. 

Whether you’re looking to explore the history and culture of the area or simply want to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the countryside, here are the top five must-visit destinations in the Cotswolds:

Bourton-on-the-Water

This charming village is often referred to as the “Venice of the Cotswolds”. Why, you may ask? Well, because it has a number of bridges that cross the River Windrush. It’s a popular tourist destination that has plenty of tea rooms, shops and historical buildings to explore.

Castle Combe

This small village is often considered one of the most picturesque in England, with its thatched roofs, stone cottages and 14th-century church. The surrounding countryside is just as beautiful making it a great destination for walks and picnics.

Stow-on-the-Wold

This historic market town is located on top of a hill and is surrounded by rolling countryside. It’s home to many antique shops and has a rich history, including connections to the English Civil War. What better way to learn about the country than with the backdrop of Stow-on-the-Wold?

The Slaughters

You may have already guessed that this name actually refers to two small villages called the Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter. Both of the villages are surrounded by meadows and woodland adding to their picturesque beauty and peaceful atmosphere. If it’s walking and cycling that you’re after then this is the place for you!

Chipping Campden

This historic market town has a beautiful high street lined with stone buildings. It’s also home to several important historical buildings such as the St James’ Church and  the Market Hall. The surrounding countryside is spectacular, with many walks and trails for you and your family to explore.


Whether you’re looking for history, natural beauty or just a chance to relax and unwind, the Cotswolds has something for everyone. The good news is that so does Wigwam Self Storage!

Whether your travels take you away for weeks, months or years, you can rest easy knowing that your belongings are being taken care of when you store with Wigwam. We have over 13 different unit sizes to choose from, ensuring  we really do have something for everyone.  Contact us today to learn more about our personal storage solution or use our handy space calculator to grab your quote now! 

How self storage can help you prepare for your wedding 

Anyone who has been married or is busy planning a wedding will tell you that nothing happens overnight. A lot of organising, ordering and stress goes into planning such a special celebration. One way to reduce this stress is to order things ahead of time. Here are a few ways that self storage can help. 

Makes organisation easy  

Self storage can be a fantastic tool for organisation when preparing for your wedding. It gives you a single and secure location to keep all your wedding-related items, allowing you to keep track of everything you need for your big day. 

Allows you to buy in bulk 

Buying in bulk is a great way to save both time and money. However, it can prove tricky if you don’t have space at home to store everything. A self storage unit will give you the extra space you need leading up to the wedding. 

Gives you a workstation  

DIY projects are a great way to save costs when planning a wedding. However, if you don’t want your entire home covered in crafts and glue, rent a storage unit – it may be your best option! Not only will you have space to set up tables and have a workstation, but you’ll also be able to store your projects in your unit when they’re complete.  

Provides a safe and secure location  

Your wedding is such an important day! This is why we understand that you want to know you’re storing your items in a safe and secure location. Not only will a self storage unit provide safety from the elements, but its CCTV security system will also prove handy. 

A place to store wedding gifts   

Using a storage unit for wedding gifts is a practical solution for newlyweds jetting off on their honeymoon straight after the wedding. You’ll be able to enjoy your time away knowing that your gifts will be waiting for you when you get home – while also not getting in the way of your house sitter!  


The size of a wedding comes down to personal preference. However, no matter the size of your wedding, Wigwam has perfect storage solutions for you. With over 13 different storage unit sizes to choose from, we’ve ensured that there’s something (and space) for everyone!  

Contact us today, or visit our personal storage options to learn more. 

How to pack your garage for a move

If you’re like most people, the thought of packing your garage gives you nightmares. However, it doesn’t have to be that daunting. Read on for steps on packing your garage like a pro. 

Step one: the purge 

This is your chance to declutter and get rid of everything you’ve been meaning to get rid of for years. It also makes for a simple packing process. Not sure where to start? Here are a few suggested items you should probably get rid of:  

·        Old clothes  

·        Outdated electronics  

·        Exercise equipment you never use  

·        Tools you never use   

·        Anything broken or damaged beyond repair  

·        Kids’ toys they’ve outgrown  

·        Furniture you don’t need or want  

Step two: the clean-up   

Now that your garage is clutter-free, it’s time to give it a good clean. This is especially important if you’re planning on storing anything in your garage during your move – you don’t want your belongings getting dirty before they make it to their new home.  

·        Sweep and dust everything  

·        Wash down all surfaces using a mild cleaner and a sponge  

·        For floor stains, treat with a heavy-duty cleaner before giving the floor a good scrub    

·        Let everything dry completely before moving on    

Step three: the packing  

Start with large items first and work your way down to smaller items. That way, you can make sure everything has a spot – and nothing gets lost in the shuffle.  

Packing tips:    

·        Use sturdy cardboard boxes for small items  

·        Wrap large items in furniture pads or blankets     

·        Label everything clearly     

·        Pack heavier items at the bottom of boxes and lighter ones on top     

·        Use plastic bins for fragile items – wrap each item with bubble wrap first     

·        Don’t overpack boxes     

Step four: storing your belongings   

If you’re not ready to move everything into your new home yet or need some extra space, Wigwam can help. We offer storage units in various sizes so you can store as much – or as little – as you need. Plus, our state-of-the-art security systems will give you peace of mind knowing your belongings are safe until you’re ready for them again.     


Visit our Personal Storage options or stop by one of our facilities, so we can help you find a perfect solution for your needs! 

The best tips for packing and storing books 

If you ask any book lover, they’ll tell you that you can never have too many books. However, it is possible to have too many books in your home.  

Before you get upset, this doesn’t mean that we’re encouraging you to get rid of them. However, it may be time to consider an alternative storage solution. The good news is that Wigwam has the perfect solutions for you. But before we get into that, it’s important to know how to pack and store your books correctly to avoid any damage.  

Here are a few tips on how to do just that:  

Give your books one last clean   

Cleaning books before putting them into storage is a vital step in protecting them from damage. Dust and dirt can accumulate on the pages and covers of your books – which can lead to the discolouration and deterioration of the pages over time. 

Organise your books before packing them  

Organising your books before placing them in storage can make it easier to find and access them when needed. A simple way to do this would be to sort them by author or genre. This also helps you to be mindful of what you already own when considering new purchases. 

Wrap each book with a protective covering  

Wrapping each book may be tedious, but it’s the most effective way to protect your books from damage. Protective covering such as plastic bags or acid-free paper can help prevent dust, moisture and other elements from damaging the covers and pages. 

Make sure that you have sturdy boxes 

Sturdy boxes are crucial when packing books for storage or transport. They provide a secure and protective environment for the books, preventing them from getting damaged. They also ensure a safe way of stacking your books, allowing you to save space in your storage unit. 

Pro Tip: Our team at Wigwam has made finding sturdy boxes easy by selling them at our packaging shop. 

Pack your boxes correctly  

Whether your previous efforts to protect your books were in vain is usually determined by how you pack your boxes. As long as they are never on their spine, the heaviest ones are at the bottom, and you don’t overfill the boxes, you and your books will be just fine. 

Putting your prized possessions into storage may seem daunting. I mean, they’re your prized possessions, after all. However, choosing a Wigwam storage location near you means that you’ll never be far away from them. To learn more about our offers, contact us today! Or visit our personal storage options to learn more. 

Are you a collector? Here are some storage tips 

Collectables are often valuable and sentimental items that require special care and attention when it comes to storage. Proper storage of these items can help preserve their condition and value over time. The key to successfully storing collectibles is carefully considering their individual needs and taking appropriate measures to protect them.  

That’s why we’ve put together a list of general ways for you to do just that! 

Invest in proper packaging 

Part of ensuring your collectibles’ longevity is making sure you pack them correctly and use the right containers. While different items may require more or less care, there are a number of essentials you should remember when packing any and all items: 

  • Use moving boxes: they’re perfect for both moving and storing items  
  • Use bubble wrap: it keeps items supported and cushioned when being stacked 
  • Use plastic sleeves: this allows you to avoid smudging, staining and dust  
  • Use tape and markers: use tape to secure boxes and bubble wrap and markers for labelling your boxes so you know where everything is  

Ensure there is no direct sunlight 

While most people are happy to see the sun, the same can’t be said for collectors and their collectibles. In fact, exposure to natural light can cause any type of item to fade, warp and even dry out. For these reasons, it’s important for collectors to find a safe storage space that doesn’t receive direct sunlight.   

Find a climate-controlled space 

If you’re a collector, you’ll know that most items are extremely sensitive to their environment. This means that changes in the temperature can affect both the condition and value of these items. While high temperatures can cause warping and deterioration, lower temperatures can cause materials to crack. Consider storing your collectibles in a climate-controlled space to avoid any potential damage to your valuables.  

If your storage unit isn’t climate-controlled consider the following suggestions: 

  • Purchase a few desiccant pouches (silicon pouches you find in electronic packaging or with new shoes) and place them in your boxes. They absorb excess water in the air and prevent mould and mildew 
  • You can also place bowls of kitty litter or baking soda to further combat mould and mildew 
  • Wash and properly dry all material-like items before storing them. While items made from material tend to do fine in high temperatures, they can grow mildew or mould in hot weather if any stains or soils are left on them 

In the same way that collectibles vary, so do people’s reasons for collecting them. For some it’s just a hobby that they’re passionate about, to others it’s a profession. However, no matter what your reason for collecting these items is, storing them properly needs to be a priority.  


That’s where Wigwam Self Storage comes in! Not only do we offer a secure location to store your collectibles, but we do so with a wide range of storage units that can cater to your every need as well. Contact us today to start taking care of your collectibles, or visit our Personal Storage options now! 

How to hang a tapestry in your dorm room 

A hanging tapestry is a unique and personal addition to a dorm room. It brings colour and pattern to an otherwise plain wall, and it is also an inexpensive way to personalise your space and make it feel more like home. Your next question is probably how you can secure it to the wall with minimal damage, right? Well, then we’ve got just the list for you! 

Consider using push pins  

One of the easiest ways to hang a tapestry against drywall is by using push pins. This option gives you the freedom to choose how the tapestry will hang depending on where you put the pins. The only downside to push pins is they leave small holes in the wall and your tapestry. 

Try a few adhesive hooks 

Using adhesive hooks can only be described as a win-win situation. Not only can they be used to hang your tapestry but they can be removed without causing damage to the wall or the material. Whether you choose to tie a piece of string to the corners or add your own grommets, adhesive hooks are an effective way to hang a tapestry.  

Purchase a curtain rod in casing 

Tapestries with delicate material may require a slightly different approach when hanging. In this case, using a curtain rod is the easiest and most fuss-free option. Generally, these tapestries will come with a casing, meaning you’ll need to pick a rod to be placed on top of adhesive hooks. If you’re looking for a more elegant look, this is the option for you.  

Contemplate velcro strips 

If you’re looking for a damage-free option that provides a cleaner look, then you may want to give velcro strips a try. The way the material hangs will depend on where the velcro strips have been placed on both the wall and the tapestry.  

Generally, tapestries take up a lot of room. So, if you’re looking for some extra space to store your tapestries and other bulky items while you go home for the holidays, Wigwam is here to help. Give us a call to find out more or visit our Student Storage options to book your unit today! 

Pros and cons of building a container home 

Building a home has become more and more expensive over the years. So, it’s no surprise that people have started to look for alternative and more affordable ways of building their forever home. One of the styles that is continuously growing in popularity is container homes.

While people agree that it’s a creative choice, you can’t support it without looking at both the pros and cons of building a container home.

The good news is that you don’t need to look for a list anymore, as we’ve got one right here!

Pros of building a container home

It’s cost-effective

Shipping containers are readily available and relatively inexpensive, which can help to reduce the cost of construction.

It’s durable

Container homes are built with strength and durability in mind meaning that they can withstand harsh weather conditions

They’re mobile

They are easy to transport and can be relocated quickly.

There’s less construction time needed

Small container homes can be built as quickly as three weeks!

There’s room for creativity

They offer a unique and modern aesthetic that allows room for customisation to suit the owner’s needs and preferences.

Cons of building a container home

Limited design options

Being made from shipping containers means that there is a limited range of sizes and dimensions that could limit design options.

Permitting issues

Depending on where you live, there may be strict regulations regarding the use of shipping containers as homes. This can make it difficult to get the necessary permits and approvals to build a container home.

Limited resale value

Because container homes are relatively new and not as common as traditional homes, they may not have the same resale value. This can make it difficult to sell a container home in the future.


Wigwam Self Storage can be extremely useful to you when building a container home. We can keep your tools and building materials safe, organised and out of the way, provide a secure place to store your belongings while your home is being built and keep your items that may not fit in your container home once it is completed.

We have a wide range of unit sizes to help make your building process smoother and more efficient, allowing you to focus on the construction of your new container home.

Contact us today for more information or visit our Personal Storage options to learn more!

Tips to making your home office more productive  

Creating a productive home office can be a challenge, especially if you’re used to working in a traditional office setting. However, with the right planning and organisation, you can design a home office that not only maximises your productivity but also helps you work more efficiently.  

Here are some simple yet effective tips for making your home office more productive:  

Dedicate an area for your home office 

Having a dedicated work area at home helps you create a sense of separation between work and home life. This can help you focus on work when you’re in your workspace, and allow you to relax and unwind when you’re outside of it. 

Maximise the amount of natural light in the room 

If you’re feeling tired and unproductive, it may have something to do with the lighting in your home office. While there are a number of ways to change this, maximising the amount of natural light in the room has to be at the top of the list. Exposure to natural light not only helps to regulate the body’s circadian rhythms but also improves your mood.   

Invest in quality furniture 

Did you know that an ergonomic chair can help to improve your productivity and overall well-being while working from home? It does this by providing proper support for your body and improving your posture, both of which improve your circulation. If we were you, we’d run – not walk – to the nearest store! 

Keep your workspace clutter-free 

Having a cluttered workspace is very distracting. However, it’s more than that. The time that is wasted looking for documents or stationary amidst the chaos could be used more effectively to finish reports or meet deadlines. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that organising your space, and keeping it that way will increase your productivity, while decreasing your stress levels.  

Bring the outside indoors 

Incorporating plants into your home office design is an easy and inexpensive way to increase your productivity. They can boost your oxygen levels and bring a sense of calmness, while adding the perfect amount of colour and life to your space! 


Now that you’ve started reorganising your new home office, you’re probably looking for a place to store some of your old office equipment and supplies, or even documents ready to be archived. If this is the case, Wigwam Self Storage has got you covered.  

For all your storage queries, big or small, contact us today to learn more or visit our Business Storage Solutions now!  

How to properly store your Christmas tree

Bah Humbug! Christmas is now over, which means it’s time for the festive decorations to be boxed up and stored away. It’s crucial to properly pack and store your artificial tree so that it remains in mint condition for when you need it next year.

From wrapping fragile décor in bubble wrap to vacuuming every loose particle still seen on your tree, here’s how to properly store your Christmas tree.

Carefully remove all ornaments

Don’t pack your tree away with the ornaments still attached! Remove each one carefully and wrap them in bubble wrap for extra protection before placing them into a protective container. Use cardboard to divide the ornaments inside the container or pack them loosely.

Clean the tree of all debris

Use a soft brush to remove any dirt or debris clinging to the branches. You can also use a vacuum hose attachment to get rid of small particles.

Spay your tree, then make sure it dries

Moisture can cause the tree to rot or grow mildew – even if you didn’t ask for extra green décor. Once you’ve sprayed the tree from head to toe, place it outside to dry.

Pro Tip: to speed up the drying process, stand the tree in a bucket of sand or sawdust – make sure you keep an eye on it and turn it for all sides to dry out evenly.

Wrap your tree in a protective layer

Wrap your tree in a sheet or tarp to protect it from insects, dust and other potential damages. Once it’s wrapped in a protective layer, slide it back into the box it came in. If you have more than one tree, stack them on top of each other.

Pro Tip: if you don’t have the original box your tree came in, you can always ask your local shopping market for one or purchase from our Packaging Shop in Chipping Norton.


Christmas trees are a holiday tradition for most families – but a pain to find space for once Christmas is over. Store your seasonal décor with us to save room for life at home. From Christmas trees to Halloween decorations, call us on 0800 2545585 to learn more about our Personal Storage options.