Category: Personal storage

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 In addition, decluttering gives you a chance to get rid of expired food, outdated appliances, and other items that don’t belong in the kitchen.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.  

Moving out of your childhood home and into a university dorm room is one of the most exciting experiences in a young adult’s life. However, university residences are also notorious for being the dictionary definition of small, bland and boring. Fear not! With a little bit of creativity and some thrifty shopping, you can style your room to be both comfortable and stylish no matter how beige the walls are!  

Give these top tips a go for creating a great look on a tight budget: 

Wall photo mural 

Add some personality to your dorm room by creating a mural using photos. You can use old photos to create a nostalgic collage or new photos to document your current life and friends. Either way, it’s a great way to add some colour and interest to your walls. All you need is some tape, photos, and a little bit of time. 

Invest in a stylish rug 

A decent rug can add both style and comfort to a space. Whether layering multiple rugs or investing in a single large one, rugs are an easy way to add colour and pattern to a room, and they can be swapped out seasonally or as your style changes. 

Use washi tape or wallpaper to refresh furniture 

Most furniture that comes with a dorm room is old and outdated. However, you can use peel-and-stick wallpaper or washi tape to refresh the pieces in your space. Best of all, washi tape and wallpaper come in a wide range of colours and patterns, are easy to apply and just as easy to remove at the end of the year! 

Upgrade your lighting 

Twinkle lights are a great cost-effective option to add a touch of warmth and personality to any space. As a bonus, they’re relatively inexpensive and easy to install and remove, giving you the freedom to change up your look whenever you want. 

Go with quality bedding 

Your bed is the centrepiece of your dorm room, so it’s important to have something that looks good and feels even better. By investing in quality bedding, you’ll be able to create a stylish and inviting space, and you can take it with you at the end of the year. 

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Expressing style doesn’t have to be expensive. From photographs to ambient lighting and quality bedding, you can make your dorm feel like home. And don’t forget about storage! Wigwam’s student storage units in Chipping Norton are the perfect way to keep your dorm room organized and clutter-free.  

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

When getting ready to head off to university, one of the big things to prepare for is moving away from home. While you may not necessarily be scared of it, there’s still a fair bit of anxiety that comes with having no idea what to expect.  

If you’re moving away for uni and your anxiety is starting to get the best of you, here are a few practical tips for first-timers to help make your transition a little bit smoother.  

Learn to manage your time 

Being a university student is almost like having a full-time job, so make sure to write up a schedule or establish a routine. This will assist you in making sure you get everything done in time while still leaving free time for life. Be sure to include fitness breaks, meals, and study sessions. 

Keep stress levels manageable 

Regular exercise, adequate rest, good nutrition, and meditation are all top-rated and easy-to-implement methods of self-care designed to reduce stress. Don’t make the mistake of waiting for your stress levels to become unbearable before taking action. Instilling positive habits into your everyday routine is the best way to stay mentally zen amidst looming due dates. 

Keep yourself financially in check 

It’s crucial to establish a healthy relationship with money as a first-year student. This includes learning how to handle daily expenses, balance a bank account, read a bank statement, learn to live responsibly within a budget and save for future expenses.  

Get involved on campus 

Universities are huge. The best way to avoid feeling lost in the shuffle is to get involved in campus life. Sign up for clubs and societies that interest you, join a sports team, or just join friends to watch a match. Not only will you meet new people, but you’ll feel more rooted in your new life. 

Remember that you’re not saying goodbye to your old life, but rather hello to your new one. And if you need help packing or moving your things, don’t forget about Wigwam’s student storage units, quality packaging supplies and professional removal services in Chipping Norton. No matter your moving needs, we can help make the process easier for you! Pop in for a tour of our facility or get an easy quote online.   

Oxfordshire is a tourist hotspot, attracting many families and groups of tourists every year. From the historical buildings to the beautiful scenery, it’s no surprise that the county is so popular for weekend trips and planned holidays. Another reason to visit Oxfordshire is the wide selection of activities to enjoy on your own. 

Whether you’ve recently relocated to the historic county or you’re visiting on holiday, there are many activities to enjoy solo. Consider the following as a starting point. 

Stroll through Port Meadows 

Located just west of Oxford city centre, Port Meadows offers a wonderful view of the Thames River and some of Oxford’s famous landmarks. It’s a great place to take a walk or go for a jog, and there are plenty of places to sit and relax if you need a break. 

Explore the vintage shops 

If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience, Oxford is the place to be. The city is home to a selection of vintage shops, which offer everything from clothes and accessories to furniture and home decor. Exploring these stores is a fun way to spend an afternoon on your own. 

Browse the stalls at the Covered Market 

Visiting the Covered Market is a great way to mingle with other people as a solo visitor, providing a place to browse the stalls and find unique gifts. There are many different vendors, each with their own specialities, including food, clothing and music.  

Join a walking tour 

There are so many sights to see around Oxfordshire, made even more fascinating when you understand the history behind the buildings and the stories behind the structures. Joining a walking tour is a fun way to see these sights, learn about the area’s history and maybe even make a few friends.  

Soak up nature in the University of Oxford’s Botanic Garden 

The University of Oxford’s botanic garden is the oldest in the UK, dating back to 1621. The garden is a popular tourist attraction and is open to the public year-round. It features a variety of gardens, including a rainforest, a specialist plant nursery, and a herbarium. If you’re looking for a beautiful and alluring place to relax, Oxford’s botanic garden is a great option. 

If you’ve recently settled in Oxfordshire and need a helping hand, then our friendly team at Wigwam Self Storage is happy to help. Our personal storage solutions are a cost-effective extension of the home, storing items during a move, while downsizing or as a student on holiday. Give us a call at 01608 565 300 to find out more. 

Are you planning a move? Whether you’re moving down the road or relocating to a new city, it’s important to consider the various costs involved – and how to cut them down.  

Without proper preparation, the costs of moving can add up and become unmanageable. Luckily, there are a few ways to cut down on moving costs, and here are just a few of them.  

Schedule your move at the right time 

The cost of relocating can be lowered depending on when you schedule the move. The first step is to book your move in advance. The next is to research the most affordable time to move. For example, Tuesday is the most expensive day to move home, while Sunday is the cheapest. 

Compare the cost of movers 

Get multiple quotes from reputable companies and choose a hiring company that offers a decent price with no hidden costs. Stay away from dishonest movers and make sure that you check the company’s online reviews before confirming the date. At Wigwam Self Storage, we offer cost-effective man and van services, helping to streamline the moving process. 

Save time 

Time is money. When you save time during the move, then you can use your time in more productive ways. Some of the most effective ways to save time include following a comprehensive checklist, using smart packing techniques and developing a packing system. 

Invest in quality packaging supplies 

When you invest in quality packaging supplies then they will remain sturdy and do the job effectively. You can trust that your belongings will be protected, remain undamaged and that you won’t have any high replacement costs.  

Prepare for the worst-case scenario 

Even with airtight planning, there may be bumps along the way. Imagine arriving in a new city and your home isn’t ready? Or realise that your furniture doesn’t fit into your new home? Having a personal self storage unit on standby is a cost-effective backup plan to keep your household belongings secure during a temporary period.  

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At Wigwam Self Storage, our friendly and professional team offer a range of affordable moving services including van hire, packaging supplies and self storage units, helping you save costs while moving. Give us a call at 01608 656 300 to find out more. 

Planning a move can be done over a long period of time as you pack up your home in between your usual schedule, or it could be a rushed experience. If you are under time pressure to move, it can add a little bit of stress to the situation.  

However, planning ahead can help alleviate the stress and make the moving process a lot easier. Consider these easy tips that can prevent you from being overwhelmed when packing for a move in two weeks (or less). 

Tip: Need a place to store some of your belongings while you move? Contact our Chipping Norton, Shipston-on-Stour, Alton, Lincoln, or Bromsgrove storage facilities.

How to pack for a move in 2 weeks or less

Moving in two weeks is easy provided you’re following the necessary steps. Below is everything you need to know to ensure a seamless transition.

Make the necessary preparations in advance 

Give yourself enough time to buy moving boxes and packaging supplies so that your belongings are packed safely. Review all administrative tasks, such as travel arrangements and moving insurance, to make any necessary changes. Make sure that you call the utility company and wrap up any loose ends as well.   

Organise all of your belongings 

Decluttering is one of the first practical steps to packing up your belongings and preparing for a move. Make an inventory of all of your belongings, pack all items that won’t be used in the time before the move, and reserve a self storage unit to keep household belongings until needed. 

Start packing 

Even with limited time, you need to give yourself enough time to pack up the home in a relaxed manner. Carefully wrap all fragile items, group similar items together, donate items you no longer need and make sure that all essential items are readily available. 

Finalise your home 

As moving day approaches, make sure that you leave your old home in good condition. Organise a deep clean of the home, move a few carloads to your new home, pack an overnight bag with a few essentials and confirm that all utilities are transferred. 

Hire professional help 

Many hands make light work, and hiring professional help can make the moving process a lot easier. At Wigwam, we offer various self storage services that streamline the move. 

Moving in 2 weeks: Frequently asked questions

Is moving in two weeks possible?

Yes, moving in two weeks is possible; however, it will require careful planning and execution. Start by packing early, get your home and belongings organized, and request quotes for moving or van rental services. Additionally, have a backup plan in case something goes wrong.

What do I need to pack and move in two weeks?

To move houses in two weeks, some of the items you’ll need include:

• Cardboard boxes
• Bubble wrap
• Packing tape
• Packing paper
• Moving blankets
• Furniture covers
• Marker pens
• Moving truck rental
• Cleaning supplies

What time of week is best to move?

The optimal moving days are Monday to Thursday, despite Tuesdays being less popular. Less demand for movers makes scheduling easier. Taking a day off work pays off significantly.

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Get storage for 2 weeks

If you’re planning a move in two weeks or less, then we’ve got you covered. Whether you need packaging supplies, van hire or a personal storage unit, we’re a call away. Contact us at 01608 656 300 to chat with our helpful team, or contact us online.  

Moving into a new apartment comes with a variety of different emotions. Excitement at the fresh opportunity, the stress involved with the move, and perhaps sadness at leaving your previous home behind.  

Amid all of these emotions, it’s important to ask your landlord a few important questions, such as the following; 

What utilities and amenities are included in the rental agreement? 

While you may agree to a monthly rental payment, hidden costs or surprise amenities may be included. Ask the landlord which utilities are included in the rent and which you need to pay for yourself. It’s also important to find out more about the home’s utilities, such as gas or electrical.  

If the property includes amenities, these should also be mentioned in the agreement. For example, ask whether the apartment has parking and whether internet service is included. 

Can you make changes to the premises? 

When renting an apartment, it’s important to remember that you don’t own the property and need permission to change the premises.  

These changes don’t only include the likes of large renovations but also small updates such as painting the walls, hanging frames on the wall and making changes to the garden.  

Who is responsible for the maintenance of the property? 

Property needs to be maintained to keep its value, and normally the landlord is responsible. Ask the landlord about their maintenance schedule, including garden services and major or minor repairs. It’s best to get the process in writing. 

Are there any building rules and regulations? 

The apartment will most likely be a part of a larger corporation with a governing set of rules. Ask the landlord about the apartment building’s house rules and make sure that you follow them. Breaking these rules could lead to a fine or termination of the lease, so ask about the repercussions too. 

What security systems are in place? 

One of the benefits of a complex or apartment building is the security of having neighbours nearby. Question the security systems in place, what lock systems are used and how to get an extra set of keys if needed. 

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Asking your landlord important questions can reduce friction down the line and make the moving process more streamlined. Another way to reduce stress is to organise a personal self storage unit to temporarily store your household belongings during the move.  

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At Wigwam, we offer a cost-effective solution to keeping your household belongings safe. We also offer man and a van service in Chipping Norton and packaging supplies, making the moving process even easier.  

Interested in finding out more? Contact our friendly team at 01608 656 300.