Category: Personal storage

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.  

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.