Wigwam and The Branch: Providing refuge and building a brighter future 

Covering over 800 square miles and five counties, the Cotswolds is often thought of as a playground for the affluent and famous. However, beneath the charming surface, opportunities for children and young people are few and far between. In response to the growing need for assistance in the community, came The Branch. 

Introducing The Branch 

The Branch Trust – led by a great team of trustees – works to break the cycle of poverty, isolation, violence, and disadvantage once and for all. Through their innovative response of nurture, training, connection and opportunity, The Branch has become a haven for those in need, working with the underlying problems preventing people and families from reaching their potential. 

At Wigwam, we are delighted to partner with this inspirational local charity as they come together and build a brighter future for the residents of Chipping Norton.  

Can you imagine spending months in a refuge or escaping domestic abuse with no place to turn? The bravery and courage it takes to pack up one’s life into a few suitcases, leaving behind treasured possessions, friends, and their home is extraordinary and not without struggle. This is where The Branch – and Wigwam – step in. 

How it works 

When you are in need, The Branch will receive a call from Social Services and arrive within hours to offer support. From practical help to emotional support, and through the wide range of practical courses they offer, The Branch team works to make a meaningful and long-lasting difference in the community. 

To help smooth the process, Wigwam provides a safe and secure space to store donations and helps collect and deliver them around town through the use of our van and helpful staff. From beds and washing machines to furniture and curtains, we are here to ensure that the donations are ready at a moment’s notice.  

The Branch is a source of life and support without barriers or stigma. We at Wigwam are proud to be part of this incredible initiative as they continue to build relationships and resilience and provide the community with the skills to build a legacy that will transform generations to come.  

If you would like to find out more about The Branch, get involved or require assistance, you can visit their website, Instagram page or Facebook page.  

How students can get ready for the summer term

Student holidays are almost over and it’s time to dust off the books and prepare for another term of studying, socialising and working toward your educational future. University students in the UK are gearing up for a productive summer term, and planning is key to making it a success.

Are you looking for a few tips to prepare for the summer term? We’ve put together a few useful tips to help you prepare for the upcoming summer term.

Set academic goals

Take time to outline your academic goals to make sure that you prioritise your studies while enjoying the summer term. Begin by organising your time and creating a study schedule. Be realistic about what you’re able to accomplish in the time available, and outline healthy habits to keep your mind and body physically healthy.

Prepare your devices

Gone are the days of relying on large textbooks and queuing in the library. Being a student in the 21st century means that you can study from any place at any time, as long as you have a reliable device. Before the term starts, make sure that your computer, tablet or smartphone is in good condition and that you’ve downloaded any applications if needed.

Revise the university social calendar

Socialising at university is a great way to make lifelong friends. Most universities have clubs and organisations to help integrate students based on their extracurricular interests. Familiarise yourself with the university’s social calendar and make note of the important dates, making sure that you get your assignments done on time.

Get all of your belongings in order

If you’re travelling from another city to attend your university of choice, then you need to get all of your belongings in order before the term starts. Pack what you need for the upcoming term and make sure that you have space for all of your sports equipment, books, furniture and belongings. 

If you need extra, secure space, then student storage provides an affordable and convenient solution!

Establish a learning environment

A productive learning environment can make a big difference in your academic results. Consider the best learning environment for you and choose a space that offers a reliable internet connection, has enough space for your needs, and meets your preferred level of silence. Once you’ve established a go-to learning environment, it’ll be easier to follow a positive studying routine.


At Wigwam, we’re committed to helping students in Oxfordshire have an easy moving experience. Whether you’re moving into your own apartment a mile down the road from your parents or travelling from across the country, we have a place for your belongings.

Our safe and secure units are easily accessible and available with affordable lease agreements, providing a space to store books, furniture, valuable belongings and sports equipment. We also offer a van hire service in Chipping Norton and offer storage packaging to further streamline the moving experience!

Contact us at 01608 656 300 to chat with our friendly team and find out more.

How to use self storage for every season

Using self storage for every season

Self storage is the gift that keeps on giving. It provides a safe and secure space to store household belongings during a move or keep stock while growing your business. Whether you’re renovating your home, decluttering or downsizing your space, self storage can make the process easier. Self storage can be used throughout the year, serving a unique purpose throughout spring, summer, autumn and winter – and here’s how!

Spring

Self storage is the perfect way to declutter your home while spring cleaning. When you have too many belongings, it can be difficult to know where to start. A self storage unit provides a safe and secure space to store your excess belongings until you know what to do with them.

You can easily access your belongings when you need them, and you’ll have plenty of space to store everything until you’re ready to get rid of it. Consider storing bulky coats, Christmas decorations, snow gear and winter equipment, making space for the warmer weather.

Summer

There’s a definite lifestyle shift during summer. The warmer days encourage people to spend more time outdoors, playing sports and entertaining guests.

Self storage is an affordable way to store any excess furniture such as couches and tables that were previously used to create a cosy winter space. Removing this furniture opens up living space in your home and garden for summer activities like barbecues and outdoor gatherings with friends.

Autumn

As the temperature starts to drop, you may want to start packing away your summer sports equipment and seasonal gear. Self storage serves as an extension of the home, with a range of unit sizes to keep cricket gear, watersports equipment and patio furniture.

Winter

A self storage unit is a great place to store holiday decorations, costumes and other festive items. You’ll also have plenty of space to store all your seasonal gear, and you can access it whenever you need it.

These are just a few practical ways that self storage can offer value throughout the year. At Wigwam Self Storage, we offer a choice of different storage unit sizes at both our Chipping Norton storage facility and our Bromsgrove storage facility, ranging from 16 sq ft to 250 sq ft to keep your belongings safe in every season.

Whether you want to store your snow boots in spring or your cricket gear in winter, Wigwam Self Storage is the way! Call us at 01608 656 300 and chat with our friendly team.

Fun things to do for spring break in Oxfordshire

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 state parks

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, then you’ll love the countless state 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 Wigwam Self Storage, 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 our man and van service in Chipping Norton, for added convenience.

Security tips for new homeowners

Investing in a new home is a big move with lots of factors to consider, including security. There are a number of reasons why security is important for new homeowners. One of the most important, outside of protecting your family, of course, is that it removes the stress of worrying if your investment is as safe as it can be. New homeowners often put a lot of time and effort into decorating and furnishing their homes, so it’s important to have a system in place that can help protect them from theft or damage.

Security can help provide peace of mind and make the homeowners feel safer in their homes. So, how do new homeowners approach the daunting task of securing their new houses?

Get friendly with your neighbours

One of the best ways to secure a new home is to get to know your neighbours. When you know who lives around you, you can keep an eye on one another’s homes and report any suspicious activity. If you see something that doesn’t seem right, don’t hesitate to reach out to your neighbours and let them know.

Install a security system

Installing a security system is an effective way to protect your home from damage or theft. A security system typically includes alarms, cameras, and other sensors that will help you keep an eye on your home at all times.

If you’re thinking about installing a security system, make sure that you research the different options available and find one that fits your needs and budget. Finally, be sure to keep your security system up-to-date and test it regularly to ensure that it’s working properly.

Lock doors and windows

It may seem obvious, but one of the simplest ways to keep your home secure is to lock your doors and windows when you’re not at home. The precautionary measure is a simple step that can make a big difference.

The same tip applies to the garage. Make sure that you lock the garage whenever you leave the home and avoid leaving tools or equipment out in the open.

Taking these simple precautions can help keep your home safe from theft or damage, but what happens when you’re busy moving or undergoing renovation?
If you’re looking for a safe and secure space to keep your belongings during a move or renovation, then our cost-effective self storage units in Bromsgrove and our self storage facility in Chipping Norton is a great solution. Choose from a variety of different unit sizes that are available to rent with a flexible lease, meaning that you only pay for the storage for as long as you need it. Call us at 01608 656 300 to find out more!