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Author: Imraan

How self storage can benefit university students 

Posted on by Imraan

Students, we know you’ve got a lot on your plate. Between classes, studying and social calendars, it can start to seem like there isn’t enough time in a day – that’s without the added pressure of cramped quarters. 

If you need help making space for dessert (the finer things in life), keep reading for how self storage can benefit you throughout university.  

 
Store bulky sports and hobby equipment 

Whether you’re tripping over hockey sticks or getting hit in the face with paintbrushes every time you open your cupboard, self storage has the extra space you need. Store equipment in a unit to avoid cramming your room with items you only use twice a week. 

Try our handy space calculator to choose the right-sized unit for you! 

 
Save childhood items after moving out 

When children move out, many parents opt to downsize their space or turn the room into something new, but you can hang onto your beloved childhood items with self storage. This way, you can ensure you don’t clutter your small student room with sentimental items you’ve had since you were a child and want to save. 

Avoid a backbreaking ordeal using our Man & Van removals service! 


Keep items safe during the holidays 

Most students head home during the holidays, sometimes to another city or country. While some universities allow students to leave their belongings behind during mid-way holidays, security can be a worry. Rest easy knowing that Wigwam offers secure student storage units with 24-hour CCTV surveillance. 

Pack away seasonal items 

It’s almost winter, so it’s probably a good idea to start making space in your cupboard for bulky blankets and fuzzy socks. Storing your summer items in a storage unit will give you more than enough space to have all your warm clothing and linen organised and close by without cluttering your space. 

We have a packaging shop! Ensure clothes stay clean by using the correct materials. 

Whether you’re worried about the security of your items during the holidays or simply lugging your items back and forth between home and uni – Wigwam has the perfect student storage option. From flexible lease agreements to our quick and easy-to-access location, call us on 0800 2545585 or get a quick quote online. 

The best ways to organise a child’s playroom  

Posted on by Imraan

If you’re like most parents, you want to give your children a playroom that is fun, creative and functional. However, organising a child’s playroom can be tricky, especially when working with a small avalanche of tiny action figures, lost puzzle pieces, feet-destroying Lego and more.  

Begin by decluttering and removing broken toys or donating ones they’ve long outgrown. Once you’re left with the best, try these hacks to organise your child’s playroom. 
 

Clear bins for toys  

When children are on the hunt for a specific toy, tipping out all containers is normally their go-to. However, with clear bins and containers, your children will be able to see straight through and grab what they want without causing an explosion of toys all over the place. 
 

Designate shelving  

Parents are well-aware of toys their children favour. Consider designating a shelf for favourite toys only. This way, your children know exactly where to find their cherished items, and they’ll have an easier pack-up process when the clock hits bedtime.  
 

Book storage  

If you don’t have the space for a full bookshelf or can’t install shelves as a renter, consider using book bins. Place them on a low level or the floor for easy access, allowing children to pack books away neatly at the end of the day. 
 

Organise by colour  

Consider organising items by colour – a favourite strategy of the famous Home Edit duo. It not only makes it easier for children to identify what they’re looking for, but children will use the colour system to put toys back where they found them.   
 

Play clean-up games 

From ‘pick-up by colour’ games to ‘how fast can they clean-up’, make clean-up time fun. Now, you get to have fun watching instead of doing, as your children laugh and race their siblings to the finish line. Kids are smart, but they’ll fall for it at least a few times before catching on. 
 

If you’re not ready to give away your child’s first set of baby toys, onesies or favourite stuffed animal that they couldn’t sleep without, store sentimental items with Wigwam Self Storage. With long and short-term personal storage solutions, you can store items for as long as you need.  

Call us on 01608 656300 (Chipping Norton) or 01527 222321 to arrange an appointment at the first automated self storage facility in Bromsgrove!  

Tips to improve a bathroom without renovating it  

Posted on by Imraan

There’s no doubt that a well-done bathroom renovation can add significant value to your home. However, there are also plenty of ways to improve your bathroom without spending a fortune.  
 
In this blog post, we unpack a few tips on how to do just that. Whether you’re looking to make a few small changes or completely redesign your space, read on for some inspiration.  
  

Paint the bathtub and shower  

Replacing bathtubs and showers is pricey and not always an option. Thankfully there are paints specifically designed to coat discoloured or stained baths and showers. Make sure to research online or visit your local hardware store expert for guidance before taking on this task.  
  

Bathroom greenery  

Plants are the perfect accessory to add warmth to sterile areas such as the bathroom. From hanging fresh eucalyptus and lavender over the showerhead to a small plant on the vanity or a large one in the corner, use plants to boost the look and feel of your cold bathroom.  
  

Peel and stick tiles  

Upgrade your bathroom floor in no time with peel-and-stick tiles. The perfect solution for renters and homeowners, these stick-on beauties come in a wide range of patterns, colours and styles, are easy to apply and just as easy to remove with a bit of heat from a hairdryer or heater.  
  

Basic vanity upgrades  

You can upgrade your vanity with a simple coat of paint or get creative with a few decorative pre-cut panels that you can peel and stick straight on. Can’t decide between the two? Try both and give your vanity a fresh and expensive new look!  
 

Dress-up water pipes  

Yes, you read that right. Water pipes are often an unattractive bathroom reality. Use colourful or plain rope and wrap it around visible pipes to dress them up. Consider matching the rope colour to your freshly-painted vanity and enjoy this low-cost and uplifting bathroom style tip.  
 


With affordable personal storage solutions in Oxfordshire and Worcestershire, Wigwam Self Storage is your solution to a clutter-free household. Give us a call on 01608 656300 (Chipping Norton) or 01527 222321 (Bromsgrove) to learn more about our storage solutions while you upgrade your home.  

Top family-friendly activities to do this Halloween in Bromsgrove  

Posted on by Imraan

As Halloween fast approaches, spooky season is in full swing bringing with it a selection of spine-chilling and fun activities. From trick or treating at a haunted house to enjoying a chilly evening fireside listening to thrilling ghost stories, here are a few of the top family-friendly activities to do this Halloween in Bromsgrove. 

Tip: Wondering if Bromsgrove is the ideal place for you and your family? See our article on living in Bromsgrove.
 

Ascarium: Tricks & Treats 

The Birmingham Aquarium boasts a Halloween event perfect for younger children. Taking place from 15 – 31 October, little ones can meet the famous Sea Witch and Warlock before taking part in an exciting treasure hunt. Get ready for an entire day of fun just 30 minutes from Bromsgrove.  

Book your tickets for Ascarium: Tricks & Treats here.  


Attwell Farm Halloween Spooktacular 

From PYO pumpkin and carving to a ghastly ghost hunt, a haunted house, a cursed pirate ride aboard the Black Pearl, and more, Atwell Farm Park is going all out for an unforgettable Halloween experience for kids taking place from 22 – 30 October. Be sure to book your tickets to avoid disappointment!  

Book your tickets for Attwell Farm’s Halloween Spooktacular here. 
 

Torchlit Pumpkin walk  

If your little ones enjoy torchlit walks, spooky crafts, roasting marshmallows and listening to ghost stories around a campfire, take a trip to the Bodenham Arboretum, a quick 25-minute drive outside Bromsgrove. Tickets are limited, so book to secure your spot! 

Book your tickets for Bodenham Arboretum’s Pumpkin Walk here. 
 

The Haunted House!  

Taking place on 31 October from 7 – 10 pm, you and your little ghouls can wind through the Haunted House supporting the Royal British Legion located in B60 2, Bromsgrove. Beware their warning: “Come here if you dare. We won’t haunt you, we swear, but beware, our home may give you a Halloween SCARE!” 

Confirm your attendance on The Haunted House Facebook page here.  
 

Do you need a modern and competitively priced self storage solution in Oxfordshire or Worcestershire? Whether you need extra space to store seasonal clothing and Halloween decorations or general household clutter year-round, Wigwam has a personal storage solution for you.  
 
For more information, visit our Bromsgrove storage facility or give us on 0800 2545585, and a member of our friendly team will gladly assist you!  

The best no-fuss meals for student living 

Posted on by Imraan

Student life is an exciting new adventure where you’re out in the world and learning new things. One lesson is taking charge of your health and nutrition and not relying on takeout as much as possible. However, if cooking is not your forte, we’re here to help. Below, we’ve rounded up a few of the best no-fuss meals for student living. 

Lo Mein 

Perfect with beef, chicken or just veggies, this no-fuss meal only takes 20 minutes and two pots to whip up. Infused with delicious Asian flavours, the main ingredients you’ll need are lo mein or spaghetti noodles, your protein of choice, soy sauce, hoisin sauce and sesame oil.  

Get the full recipe here 

Pasta Bake 

All you’ll need for this easy dish is your preferred pasta and tinned or fresh tomatoes for the base. Then it’s time to get creative with your favourite veg, herbs, protein and creme fraiche for a lovely texture. It’s also easy to make for a group of friends or if you’re meal prepping for the week ahead.  

Curries 

With premixed curry paste and some coconut milk, you can whip up an easy and tasty curry – Thai green or red curry paste is especially popular. Remember that chicken thighs are cheaper and more flavourful than breast meat if you’re going for a meat option, otherwise potatoes, chickpeas and rice are all great substitutes.  

Quesadillas 

With a pack of tortillas, cheese, veggies and your protein of choice (optional), this flavour-packed meal can be ready in less than 30 minutes. Layer your chosen filling on a tortilla, add cheese and top with another tortilla. Dry fry in a pan until golden and the cheese has melted (about 5 minutes), and voila!  

For Jamie Oliver’s famous veggie quesadilla recipe, click here 

Soups 

Soups are not only easy to throw together in a hurry but they’re packed with flavour and nutrients whether you prefer veggies or love a hearty meaty soup. Additionally, they require minimal clean up and are a great way to use leftover ingredients before they go bad. 

Get a wide range of soup recipes here 

If your cluttered dorm is a cooking hazard, store unessential dorm room items with Wigwam. With secure student storage available in a wide range of sizes, you can store as much or as little as you need. To learn more, give us a call on 01608 656 300 or pop into our Chipping Norton facility for a tour. 

Top student hangout spots in Chipping Norton

Posted on by Imraan

If you’re looking for a break from the library, lectures and assignment deadlines, we can help. If you’re interested in somewhere new to enjoy a bite to eat or just want to find new places to relax and socialise, Chipping Norton has plenty to offer.  

From charming bookshop cafés to classic pubs, here are some of the best student hangouts in Chipping Norton. Change out of your pyjamas, run a brush through your hair and get out there! 
 

Middle Barton Sports and Social Club  

If you’re a sports fan, there’s no better place to relax after a long day of classes than at Middle Barton Sports and Social Club situated on Worton Road. Whether joining their weekly pool league or simply enjoying a pint with friends, you’ll be in good hands.  
 

The Chipping Norton Theatre  

The Chippy Theatre and Cinema – first built in 1888 as a Salvation Army citadel – is the ideal student hangout spot, offering a mixture of theatre, arthouse cinema, music, comedy and dance. From a rainy afternoon to a fun night out, the Chippy Theatre is the place to be.   
 

Jaffé and Neale Bookshop and Café  

Is there any better place to enjoy a chilly autumn day than a cosy bookshop? Of course not! Situated in Market Square, this charming independent bookstore is a dream for literary students. Pop in for a slice of cake, a delicious coffee or hot chocolate, and fuel your body and mind.  
 

The Red Lion  

The Fox’s Red Lion pub is a Chippy institution dating back to 1684 and well-loved as the smallest pub in town. With an enclosed beer garden, a traditional pub menu and a relaxed vibe, this laidback pub may become your favourite spot for a well-deserved study break. Take your laptop along for some light reading while you grab a bite to eat.  
 

Whether you need extra space to store childhood items or a short-term solution to store furniture during the holidays, Wigwam can assist. Offering flexible student storage solutions in Chipping Norton and Bromsgrove, we have a unit to suit your needs, schedule and budget. Call us on 0800 2545585 to learn more or request a hassle-free quote online!  

Tips for living with dorm mates

Posted on by Imraan

Sharing your space with another, whether they are a long-time friend or a new one, can be difficult at times. However, the foundation of successful cohabitation is all about merging personalities, cultures, and upbringings to create a new way that works for everyone. 

If you’re having a little trouble adapting to a new way of living, try these tips for living with dorm mates. 

Set rules early on 

Everyone has their bad habits, whether it’s leaving wet towels on the floor or dishes in the sink. By establishing house ground rules early on and nipping bad habits in the bud, you can avoid conflict and have a much more pleasant living experience from the start. 

Get to know each other 

Your dorm mate is someone that you’ll be sharing a living space with for the next several months at least, so getting to know them should be a priority. Not only can it make living in tight quarters more bearable, but you may end up with a lifelong friend. 

Respect each other’s belongings 

Respecting your dorm mate’s belongings will go a long way in creating a positive living environment and is the easiest way to avoid unnecessary conflict. So next time you’re tempted to borrow their clothes, laptop or toothpaste, remember to ask first! 

Compromise where you can 

You can’t have it your way all the time. This may be a tough pill to swallow, especially if you’re a neat freak and your dorm mate definitely is not, but learning to compromise on minor issues is vital to building a healthy living environment. Learning to compromise can also help you build strong personal and professional relationships down the line. 

Although you can’t use Wigwam’s student self storage solutions to store a messy dorm mate, you can use it to create more space for easier living. If you’re ready to store your excess dorm room items, give us a call on 01608 656 300 or request an obligation-free quote online. 

Best apps for university students

Posted on by Imraan

One of the best parts of university life is the opportunity to grow as you try new things. If you’re knee-deep in academics and starting to feel just a little overwhelmed by new responsibilities, we can help.  

To help you stay focused and avoid mid-semester burnout, we’ve listed some of the best apps for university students. From easy referencing to ambient noise to help you study better, we’ve got you covered. 

RefMe 

If you hate remembering the differences in citation methods, this app is for you. After scanning the book barcode, RefMe will create your chosen citation method from over 7500 citation styles and save the reference, helping you cite, reference and create bibliographies like a pro. 

Noisli 

Noisli is a gift for students who struggle with noise distraction. Offering a wide range of ambient sounds, including brown noise for enhanced focus, students can create a custom ambient soundtrack to help them focus, relax and even sleep better.  

Evernote 

Evernote is perfect for enhancing task management and note-taking, helping to keep your thoughts organised. Able to capture a note in any format, Evernote can also save product/service reviews and take pictures of receipts or handwritten notes. 

Dragon Dictation 

Do you do your best thinking out loud? This app allows you to dictate copy for as long as necessary. Using voice recognition software, you can create and edit documents of any length and then either save or email them to yourself or others when you’re ready.  

Timetable 

The perfect digital planner, Timetable (or Class Timetable for iOS) is a great way to plan your day and keep track of your many upcoming assignment deadlines. Say goodbye to an overcrowded brain and hello to the new productive and organised you! 

All apps are available on Android and iOS 

An uncluttered space is vital to studying better. If you need extra space, turn to Wigwam. With affordable Oxfordshire student storage units available in a wide range of sizes, you can store as much or as little as you need with ease. Give us a call on 01608 656 300 to learn more. 

How to deep clean your kitchen 

Posted on by Imraan

Many people give their kitchen a simple clean and wipe down as a daily chore, but how often do you move your fridge to clean under it? The kitchen is the centre of any home. It’s where we cook our meals, store our food and socialize, making it an essential space to keep clean and organised.  

If you’re ready to clean like the royal family is coming over, try these tips to deep clean your kitchen. 

Declutter 

Many people think of decluttering as an optional step in the cleaning process, but when it comes to the kitchen, it is essential. A cluttered countertop or cupboard can become a breeding ground for bacteria, and the more clutter there is, the harder it is to clean effectively. In addition, decluttering gives you a chance to get rid of expired food, outdated appliances, and other items that don’t belong in the kitchen. 

Time to scrub 

Work through one cupboard or drawer at a time to prevent becoming overwhelmed. Remove everything and give each space a thorough scrubbing to remove dirt, packed dust or food debris. Don’t forget about the corners and backs of the cupboards and drawers. 

Tackle the fridge 

First, remove everything from the fridge and freezer, tossing any expired or frostbitten items. Next, remove the shelves and drawers to give them a good scrub with warm soapy water. Once you’ve finished cleaning, be sure to dry the surfaces completely before returning any food items. 

The dusting begins 

Dust gets everywhere, so remember to dust the top of your fridge, ceiling fan, cupboards, light fixtures, and items packed way in the back. Dust accumulates quickly and becomes sticky over time, so it’s best to give items a second wipe down with a slightly damp microfibre cloth to collect the dust and avoid it resettling. 

Suck it up 

After wiping out dirt and debris, your floor may be a mess. Bring out the vacuum and move large appliances such as the fridge (best to do it while it’s still empty) and washing machine from their stationery places. Don’t forget to vacuum in the tight corners and scrub the walls before moving items back into place. 

Final touches 

Now that the bulk of the cleaning is complete and your floor is free of dirt, finish off by mopping the floor and giving all plug points, handles and the light switch a final wipe down. 

If you need a new home for the unessential appliances no longer cluttering your countertop, Wigwam is your solution. With a wide range of personal storage unit sizes available with 24-hour security, you can easily and safely store your valuable kitchen appliances until you need them.  

To learn more, give us a call on 01608 656 300 or request an easy quote online.