Category: Personal storage

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. 

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. 

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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. 

Being a university student can be a full-time job in and of itself. Between attending classes, completing assignments, and making time for fun, there’s hardly any time for anything else. So, the thought of adding a part-time job to the mix might seem daunting. However, there are plenty of part-time jobs perfect for busy schedules. Below, we unpack some of the best part-time jobs for working students. 

Virtual assistant 

You may have seen this one floating around social media. The top benefit of Virtual Assistant (VA) work is that it is entirely remote. The job requires little to no training, has a flexible schedule, and is a great way to make a decent amount of money without sacrificing too much of your study or personal time. 

Bartending or waitressing 

There’s a reason working as waitstaff is a staple in the uni job market. Offering flexible hours to better fit your schedule and decent pay, bartenders and waitresses learn how to work in a fast-paced environment, gain customer-service skills and even enjoy unusual networking opportunities. 

Working in retail 

Retail jobs are typically very flexible and are one of the best ways to gain customer service experience – a valuable skill regardless of which industry you plan to enter in the future. Additionally, many retailers offer substantial employee discounts, allowing you to stretch your income a little further. 

Tutoring 

Tutoring can be a great way to earn extra money while helping others better their grades, and it looks great on a resume. It’s also a great way to sharpen your own academic skills, as you may learn new ways of understanding complex concepts the more you teach them to others. 

House/ Pet/ Babysitter 

House, pet or babysitting is a great option as it requires very little skill, no long-term commitments and is a job you can work around your schedule. Best of all, these jobs provide an opportunity to gain valuable experience in caring for others. 

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If you’re already planning a fun trip with your hard-earned money, Wigwam can help. With a wide range of affordable Oxfordshire student storage solutions, you can securely store your belongings whether you’re travelling for a week or a month. Give us a call on 01608 656 300 to learn more or get an easy quote online. 

When it comes to working out, there are endless resources available online. However, sorting through all of the options can be daunting. Whether you find gyms too expensive or simply dislike working out with a crowd, we’ve put together a list of the best YouTube channels to help you kickstart your fitness journey from the comfort of your home. Let’s get moving!  

Blogilates  

Cassey Ho’s distinct take on muscle training has turned into one of the largest female-focused online fitness empires around. Blogilates, created by Cassey, combines pop music and pilates to create a workout perfect for those who love to dance. Each video is equipment free, besides the optional (but recommended) yoga mat.   

Blogilates classes can be found here.   

The Fitness Marshall  

Caleb Marshall is well known for his entertaining and heart-pumping dance videos, perfect for a quick cardio session. Each video features dancers of all levels and Marshall’s near-constant comical interjections (not to mention his facial expressions). Though the videos are short, you can compile a few into a playlist for a longer workout.  

Check out The Fitness Marshall here.  

HASfit  

HASfit is a great YouTube channel for at-home workouts because it offers a wide range of free, full-length workout videos. The videos are led by certified personal trainers and they cover everything from HIIT to Yoga. In addition, the channel offers a variety of other helpful resources, including workout calendars and nutritional guides.  

You can find the HASfit videos here.  

Leslie Sansone’s Walk at Home  

Leslie Sansone’s programs feel reminiscent of Jane Fonda’s iconic 1980s workout videos, full of ever-present smiles, constant beats and tightly synchronised movements. Walk at Home provides a full workout with zero equipment and is a great alternative to basic cardio workouts.   

Walk at Home classes can be found here.  

Whether you’re clearing out the garage to build a home gym or just clearing up some space in the living room so you can move in comfort, Wigwam’s personal storage solutions are your solution. From our wide variety of unit sizes to our secure, safe and ultra-modern facility in Chipping Norton, we can help you create a home workout space in no time.   

Give us a call at 01608 656 300 to chat with our friendly team or get a quick and easy quote online.