Category: Personal storage

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!  

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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. 

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.     

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

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. 

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! 

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! 

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.

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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. 

Winter tires are built for snow! But that doesn’t mean they’re built for the harsh conditions of your garage during the summer months. Storing tires can be a hassle because of their size and all the extra steps needed to keep them in good condition.  

Keep reading for a few tips on prolonging the shelf life of your tires while they’re in storage: 

Make sure tires are clean and dry 

Avoid cleaning products that have petroleum. They can end up causing corrosion if your tires are out of service for a couple of months. Mix mild dish soap and warm water in a bucket and scrub away grime before making sure they are completely dry. 

Pro Tip: Avoid using abrasive tire cleaners, dressing and gloss – they can speed up the breakdown of rubber. 

Keep tires away from sunlight 

Direct sunlight and its UV rays penetrate and heat the rubber inducing premature corrosion and leading the tires to dry out. For extra protection, even in a garage or storage unit, cover tires with a thick sun-proof tarp and store them away from windows or doors. 

Wrap each tire in an airtight plastic bag 

Did you know that oxygen deteriorates tires? While some items require airflow to stay in good condition, tires do better in vacuum-sealed plastic. Vacuum-sealing prevents oil from evaporating and drying out the tires, so wrap each tire individually for the best results. 

Pro Tip: You should still use a thick sun-proof tarp for added protection. 

Pack tires properly 

Tires start picking up deformities if they aren’t packed properly. Unmounted tires should be stored upright or stacked on top of one another. Never hang unmounted tires on hooks – the tires tend to sag. Tires on rims should be hung-up on tire hooks or stacked vertically. 

Pro Tip: Keep tires off the ground on a pallet, hook or shelf and rotate their positions monthly to prevent deformities. 

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Whether you have a tire business and need some extra storage space or a family looking to store winter tires through the summer – our storage units or containers are dry, spacious and perfect for your tires!  

Call us on 0800 2545585 to learn more about our business storage or personal storage options. Alternatively, get your quick quote here! 

Hiring the wrong moving company can cost you money, precious time and energy. From ensuring the safety of your items to avoiding putting a dent in your budget, make sure you do your research before making any decisions. 

Keep reading for a few tips on what you should check before hiring a moving company. 
 

Do your research 

Research at least five companies. Search through their history and reviews and get quotes from your top three. Be careful of “Rogue Movers”. They typically give a low estimate over the phone or internet without visiting your home or seeing your goods, and you may end up paying more than the original estimate.  

Ask about extra fees 

Moving companies sometimes have extra fees that are only added to the final invoice once the move is complete. Make sure you ask movers about any potential extra costs. This way, you can try to avoid them or at least avoid the fright you’ll get when you receive the final invoice.  

Pro Tip: To ensure an accurate quote from movers, ask if the final rate includes physical assistance with packing up, loading and unloading the van.  

Do they have insurance? 

Insurance is sometimes included if you arrange for movers to pack your belongings. However, if you’re handling the load, it’s unlikely you’ll be insured against breakages caused by improper packing – unless you take out your own insurance. Ask the movers so you know whether you should start arranging or if they have you covered.   

Know when to move 

You should aim to move in the winter months as summer (peak season) is when moving companies are at their busiest. However, if you have no choice but to move during peak season – mid-week or mid-month will be your budget-friendly options. 

Pro Tip: Demand for movers is often highest on weekends, and at the beginning and the end of a month. 

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If you’re feeling a tad overwhelmed by the moving process, turn to Wigwam. Offering convenient self van hire, Man & Van services, a fully stocked onsite packaging shop and affordable personal storage units, we have all you need for a stress-free moving experience!  

Ready to move? Give us a call on 0800 254 5585 or request a quick and easy quote online. 

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. 

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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.