Author: Lidia Van Wyk

Do you consider yourself a book lover? World Book Day is celebrated around the world on 23 April. The day was initiated in 1995 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) with the goal of promoting reading and publishing.

On this day, people are encouraged to celebrate books and the joy of reading by participating in various activities, such as reading aloud at school or work, dressing up as a character from a book, or visiting a library. We would like to take it one step further and encourage you to create a home library!

Consider the following easy steps to create a comfortable and inspiring space in the home.

Design the space

The first step is to pick a cosy spot in the home and design the layout. Consider whether you prefer sitting in a chair, on floor cushions or nestled on the sofa. Choose a layout that inspires you to read for hours on end, whether it be in the corner of a busy room or in a secluded home office.

Consider your budget

Make a list of must-have features that you want in your home library and determine how much the features will cost. For example, allocate a budget for cushions, shelving, building your collection and adding the right lighting.

Create your space

Once you’ve determined the perfect spot for your home library and bought all of your features, then you can start putting it together. Make sure that you have fun as you lay down the rug, place the cushions, install the shelves and add the lighting.

Build your collection

The first step to building your collection is putting the books that you already own on the shelves. If you want to add more books, then you can start browsing the local store, searching for your favourite titles online, and even visiting thrift stores.

Maintain your library

Once your home library is set up, it’s important to keep it well-maintained. This means keeping the shelves clean and tidy, removing any dust or dirt, and organising the books by genre or author. It’s also a good idea to add a few personal touches, such as family photos and ornaments to make the space feel like home.

---

While building your home library, you’ll need to clear items to make space for your books. At Wigwam, we offer a safe and secure storage unit in Chipping Norton to keep household clutter and seasonal items so that you can build your dream home library.

Give us a call at 01608 656 300 to find out more about our flexible lease agreements.

Capsule wardrobes are a rising trend, saving people time, money and stress of choosing an outfit. A capsule wardrobe is made up of a collection of a few essential items, allowing the clothing to be combined to create multiple outfits.

If you’ve recently finished decluttering or you want to revamp your wardrobe, then consider the following tips for building a capsule wardrobe.

Consider your style

Take a moment to consider your fashion preferences and lifestyle. Ask yourself your primary activity, what you do in your free time, and what style you feel most comfortable wearing. These basic considerations will guide you towards the essential items for your capsule wardrobe.

Declutter your items

Declutter your current wardrobe and get rid of any item that doesn’t fit your style or that you haven’t worn in over a year. Doing so will help you to focus on the essential items for your new capsule wardrobe. Hold each item to decide what you want to keep, store, donate or throw out.

Start a simple wish list

Once you’ve determined what you’ve got in your capsule wardrobe, then you can start working to fill in the blanks. Write a wish list of items that you’d like to add, making sure that you consider your colour palette and style in the process.

Add as you go

Consider your budget when building your capsule wardrobe. Slowly build your wardrobe and add an item as needed. Invest in quality clothing that is designed to last, rather than buy high-fashion items that are weak in quality and design. Whenever you’re tempted to buy another item, consider how often you’ll wear it and whether its purpose can be filled by another.

Remember multipurpose clothing

Don’t forget the value of multipurpose clothing such as classic denim, black and white t-shirts, dresses or skirts for work or formal events. These classic items can serve a variety of different purposes depending on paired items and accessories. For example, a pair of black trousers can be dressed up for a fancy dinner or relaxed for a casual brunch.

---

Need a place to store your seasonal items while building your capsule wardrobe? Perhaps you’re uncertain about which items to keep or donate? At Wigwam, we provide a safe and secure space to store your extra clothing until you decide. 

Find out more about our personal storage in Oxfordshire and how it can work for you. Give us a call at 01608 656 300 and chat with our friendly team.

Is your closet overflowing with clothes that you never wear? Are your bulky winter items taking up valuable space? Maybe it’s time to declutter your closet and organise your clothes! Depending on how many clothes you have, you may find the task overwhelming. Luckily, we’re here to help with a few tips for decluttering your closet.

Take everything out of the closet

When decluttering your closet, the first step is to take everything out. This will give you a clear view of what you need to organise and what can be thrown away or donated. Once everything is out of the closet, you can begin sorting it into piles.

Group similar items

Grouping similar items together makes it easy to find what you’re looking for when needed. For example, gathering all T-shirts allows you to determine which to keep, donate, store or throw out. From here, you can continue to group them into different sections, such as colours and materials so that you can find your items in a single glance.

Set predetermined rules

When decluttering your home, it’s important to set predetermined rules in order to make the process easier and less overwhelming. For example, if you haven’t worn items within the past year, then it’s time to get rid of them. Another rule could be to throw out the item if it is badly stained or damaged beyond repair.

Hang your clothes

Hanging your clothes makes it easier for you to see and access your clothing. Hanging also helps keep wrinkles from forming which will make ironing much less of a burden!

Create storage solutions for bulky items

Most people have a lot of clothes, but not a lot of space to store them. This problem is especially common during the winter season when bulky sweaters and jackets take up a lot of space.

Fortunately, there are some easy storage solutions that can help you declutter your closet and free up some much-needed space. One solution is to invest in a clothing rack or organiser, another is to fit shelves or inside drawers. If you’re really struggling to free up space, then it might be best to rent an affordable storage unit for seasonal items.

Keep the seasons in mind

When decluttering your closet, it’s important to evaluate your clothes seasonally. This means getting rid of items that you won’t need during the current season, and storing away items that you will need for the upcoming season.

---

In the summer, you can get rid of all of your heavy winter sweaters and jackets and store them away until the winter months. By doing this, you’ll free up valuable space in your closet and ensure that you always have the right clothes available when you need them.

---

If you’re looking for a safe and secure space to store your seasonal clothes in Oxfordshire, then look no further than Wigwam Self Storage. Our range of storage units are perfect for keeping your belongings clean and safe until you next need them.

Give us a call at 01608 656 300 to find out more about our services or contact us online.

Spring break is a time for students to relax and enjoy their time off from their studies. For some, that means travelling to a far-off destination, while for others, it’s a trip down the road to a charming town. For those who prefer to stay closer to home, Oxfordshire offers plenty of opportunities for fun and relaxation.

Let’s explore a few fun activities to do for spring break in Oxfordshire.

Enjoy the parks

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, then you’ll love the countless local parks in the area. Many of these parks have wonderful hiking and biking trails for those who like to break a sweat. For a more relaxed experience, you can soak up the fresh air in the picnic areas and playgrounds.

Visit Oxford

The historic town of Oxford is bustling with activity, even during spring break when students are on vacation. There are plenty of beautiful buildings that showcase grand architecture, such as the Sheldonian Theatre and Christ Church. Each building has its own charm and magical allure.

Explore Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is slightly further away, but the hour-long drive is worth every minute. There are various shopping, dining and cultural attractions in the historical town. Loved as the birthplace of Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is a must-visit for literature enthusiasts.

Relax in the area’s beloved gardens

If you’ve had a busy term and you want to relax, then you can choose from a wide selection of Oxfordshire’s world-famous gardens. Green spaces such as Blenheim Palace, Hidcote Manor Garden, and Westonbirt Arboretum are all worth a visit, either as a solo student or with a group of friends.

Calke Abbey in Ticknall is a lesser-known garden that’s full of special surprises including an impressive forest and rare attractions like the monkey puzzle tree.

Cotswold Wildlife Park

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, then Cotswold Wildlife Park is the perfect place for you. Cotswold Wildlife Park is home to over 1 500 animals from all around the world. The park offers an interactive experience that’s fun and educational at the same time.

There are plenty of activities for you to enjoy during spring break in Oxfordshire. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day in a beautiful garden or a deep dive into the historical beauty that surrounds the area – you’re in for a treat.

One decision that you don’t have to make is where to keep your belongings during the student holidays. At our Bromsgrove storage and Chipping Norton storage facilities, we offer affordable and flexible student storage solutions.

Contact our friendly team at 01608 656 300 to find out more about our various storage units and additional services, such as man and van service, for added convenience.

Eco-gardens are becoming more and more popular as people become interested in organic living and sustainable practices. But what exactly is an eco-garden and how can you create one this spring?

An eco-garden, also known as a permaculture garden, is a garden that is designed to be as self-sufficient as possible. This means that the garden relies on natural methods of pest control, water management, and soil enrichment instead of artificial chemicals and fertilisers.

If you’re looking for a fun project to enjoy this spring, then an eco-garden is a great idea. Consider the following tips when getting started.

Choose the right location

The first step in creating an eco-garden is to choose the right location. The garden should be in an area that receives plenty of sunlight and has decent drainage. It’s also important to consider the climate. For example, the UK’s temperate climate is great for growing roses.

Plan the layout

The next step is to plan the layout of the garden. This includes choosing the right plants for the climate and soil type, as well as designing a system for water management and pest control. Make an effort to use native plants as they are better adapted to the local climate and soil.

Prepare the soil

Before planting anything, it’s important to prepare the soil. One of the advantages of an eco-garden is that healthy soil can be created naturally from organic materials such as compost, animal manure, and leaves.

Use mulch and hugelkultur beds

Use mulch, pebbles and other natural materials on top of pathways and in garden beds to reduce weeds and retain moisture. If you want to really go green, try one of the hugelkultur beds which uses small amounts of wood and organic material buried beneath the soil surface to create larger yields without artificial fertilisers and pesticides.

Use drip irrigation for water management

Drip irrigation is one of the best ways to conserve water and reduce runoff. This process also helps prevent soil erosion by allowing water to drip slowly out of hoses instead of pouring out in an uncontrolled and often wasted way.

Set up a compost bin

A compost bin is another great way to create a natural fertiliser for your garden. Food waste, leaves, and other organic materials can be turned into rich compost that improves the soil’s ability to retain water.

Get creative!

Last but not least, get creative with your eco-garden and try some new techniques to reduce waste and improve sustainability! The goal of an eco-garden is to produce the highest yield possible while reducing the burden on the environment.

With a bit of research and planning, creating an eco-garden this spring can be an incredibly rewarding hobby. With less time spent using chemicals to control pests or maintain water levels, there is more time for relaxing in your garden!

Do you need to make space to create your eco-garden? Our affordable and convenient self storage units in Chipping Norton & Bromsgrove are available in a range of different sizes and are the perfect option for getting rid of clutter in the garden.

Give us a call at 01608 656 300 and chat with our friendly team. You can also contact us online!

Are you looking for affordable and effective ways to add a little bit of personality to a room? An accent wall is a feature inside the home where the design of a wall is different from the other walls in the room.

The difference can be as subtle as a different shade of colour or as bold as a vastly different print. Accent walls are inexpensive and easy to do, giving you the option to choose any colour or design that tickles your fancy. Using your creative freedom, you can create a wall that reminds you of your favourite holiday or bring joy into your home with a pop of colour.

Here are a few ideas to get you started! 

Print and patterned wallpaper

One of the most important things to consider about a patterned accent wall is that the design complements both the room and the rest of your style choices. If you’re using a bolder print, then choose more subtle patterns in other parts of the room so they don’t compete or clash with one another.

Choose from geometric designs that add a contemporary feel to a creative pattern to showcase your personality. Maybe you even choose a floral print to lighten the mood!

Textured wallpaper

Textured wallpaper is a great way to add interest and personality to a room. There are many different textures to choose from, so you can find the perfect one to match your style.

Texture can also be used to create an illusion of depth or space in a room. Again, make sure that you choose a texture that complements the other design choices in your room and ensure it’s something you’ll enjoy looking at every day!

Bold colour

Bold colours can be used to create a focal point in the room or to brighten up a space. Paint one wall bright and keep it simple on the other walls of the room. It’s a good idea to choose a solid wall that doesn’t have interruptions.

Subtle shade

Choosing to paint your accent wall a gentle colour is an easy way to make a room feel as though you’ve styled it. If you want something that complements the rest of the room’s style but is still bold enough to stand out from any other wall in the room, then choosing a subtle shade of colour as an accent wall is perfect.

If you’re unsure how to get started, then we suggest painting your accent wall a colour that is two shades darker than what you currently have on your walls.

Wall panels

Wall panels are an effective way to add personality and interest to a room. These types of accent walls come in many different shapes, sizes and textures that will either complement or contrast the rest of your style choices. Wall panels are also great for adding depth or space where it might not have existed before.

It’s always exciting to see the end result of a renovation, but the process itself can be quite disruptive. Whether creating an accent wall is part of a bigger renovation project or a standalone addition, self storage can come in handy!

Keep your furniture safe and secure while renovating your home or make space for your new accent wall by renting a safe and secure storage unit with Wigwam Self Storage. We offer a variety of different size units to best meet your needs.

Contact us at 01608 656 300 and chat with our friendly team about moving in today!