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Home Renovations: Where to Start and How Self Storage Can Help 

So, you’re thinking about renovating your home? Or maybe we’re too late on the draw and you’re reading this in the middle of a kitchen that looks a little like a demolition site. Either way, this blog has golden nuggets of advice to guide you through preparing for the beginning or next stage of your home renovation.  

We’ll also take you through the benefits of using self storage units during this transformative (but stressful) time.  

Whether you’ve decided to outsource the wall-smashing to the experts, or are a die-hard “Grand Designs” fan, there are several common questions that come up during any home renovation.  

Let’s tackle things one question at a time. Best we start with the most pressing one.  

How Much Do Home Renovations Cost?  

couple-calculating-renovation-costs

Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this one, but we can help work your way towards one. Home renovations can set you back anywhere between £1,000 to £500,000.  

Factors such as the scope of the project, materials, labour and location all play a part in determining the final price.  

Okay yes, we know all of that and it’s all very well and good, but how do you work out the cost of your own home renovation?  

Break It Down into Elements:  

Location, Location, Location  

If you’re in London or the Southeast of England, your home renovation is typically going to be more expensive than in other regions. Keep that in mind when you’re putting your budget together.  

Labour Costs 

Is your home reno more of a DIY situation? Or are you hiring skilled tradespeople to do the heavy lifting? If you’re hiring extra hands, you’re looking at about £150-£250 a day, but this range will vary across professions and locations.  

Material Choice   

Your choice of materials makes a very big difference when it comes to the overall cost of your home remodel. Premium items like granite countertops or oak flooring are going to cost you a pretty penny. Enter every homeowner’s worst nightmare: compromise.  

Planning Permissions and Building Regulations  

Fees associated with council planning permissions in the UK can range from £200-£500 while inspections may cost an additional £500-£1000.  

Unexpected Costs  

A fundamental part of life, surprises lurk around every corner. Especially when it comes to home renovations. Under an old sitting-room carpet one might find mould, or maybe damp in the upstairs bedroom. 

They’re not things anyone wants to think about, but it’s important you add some padding to your budget for unexpected costs.  

How Much Home Renovation Can I Afford?  

couple-discussing-their-renovation-look

Considering each of these elements in as much detail as possible will help you build both a great budget and a beautiful home. This exercise will also help you determine how much you can actually afford to spend on your home renovation. 

With so many moving parts and time-sensitive decisions to make, it’s understandable that emotions tend to run high. That’s why it’s also important to ask yourself how high of an emotional cost you’re willing to endure.  

Daily Mantras During a Home Renovation:  

  • Not everything on your wish list must be ticked off now 
  • If something doesn’t go according to plan, it’s okay, you’ll pivot  
  • Don’t let the finish line distract from the details, they’ll what you’ll remember  

Are Home Renovation Shows Real? No, but Self Storage Is… 

Netflix really does make just about everything look easy these days. From blowing glass to building your dream tree house home, is there anything you can’t learn to do? 

Reality-check incoming… 

Renovating a home means your living space is going to be considerably disrupted. And the project may very well go on longer than you think. Dust will settle in places you didn’t know existed and your belongings? They’re vulnerable to paint splatters, dents and worse.  

That’s why self storage can be your secret weapon.  

Why Use Self Storage During a Home Renovation?  

Here are some compelling reasons why renting a self storage unit during your remodel can save your sanity (and your stuff). 

1. Protect Your Belongings (And Your Peace)  

    Keep furniture, appliances and valuables safe from dust, paint, accidental bumps and anything else in-between by tucking them away in a secure storage unit. With a variety of unit sizes available, Wigwam has space for every type of home renovation.  

    2. Maximise Your Workspace 

      Clearing furniture and other items from rooms will give contractors or yourself more room to work efficiently. The more efficient the work, the sooner you’ll have your home back.  

      3. Enhanced Safety and Security  

        Moving items out of your workspace and into storage during your home or renovation space and into a storage unit also removes potential trip hazards. This importantly reduces the risk of injury during construction.  

        4. Stress Reduction  

          Remodelling any home, even in small stages, is a stressful process. But, ensuring that your belongings are safe, and your workspace is optimised and hazard-free will make the entire journey far less stressful.  

          Tips for Choosing the Right Self Storage Unit  

          When selecting a self storage facility consider the following:  

          Size Options  

          Look for a facility that offers a range of unit sizes so that you’re not paying for unnecessary space. Not quite how much space you need? Try out our easy-to-use Storage Space Calculator.  

          Accessibility 

          Make sure that you can access your items when needed, especially if the renovation is a long-term project. At Wigwam Self Storage you’ll have access to your conveniently located unit, seven days a week.  

          Security  

          Choose a facility with modern security measures like CCTV, individual unit locks and 24/7 monitoring. These aren’t nice-to-haves anymore, they’re the industry standard.  

          Home Renovations Made Easy With Wigwam 

          Renovating your home can be a whirlwind of decisions, dust and dreams being actualised. With careful planning and the right tools, you’ll have no trouble jumping over any hurdle that comes your way.  

          Using self storage during this time ensures that your belongings are protected, your workspace is ideal, and your stress levels are kept in check.  

          Ready to smash your renovation out of the park? Your dream home awaits, get in touch with our team today.  

          Top Winter Storage Tips for Skiers, Snowboarders & Winter Sports Enthusiasts  

          Whether it’s skiing, snowboarding or ice skating, winter brings out adventurers who can’t resist the crisp air and snowy landscapes. With all of the outdoor action comes the need for lots of winter sports gear including snowboarding and skis meaning you’ll almost certainly need winter storage.  

          In this blog, we’ll be taking you through our top 10 winter storage equipment tips and tricks. One of which (spoiler alert!) is to make use of our safe and secure self storage solutions. We thought we’d get that one out of the way early on.  

          Why Proper Winter Storage Matters  

          Before we get into the “how”, it’s important to discuss the “why”. 

          Improper storage of winter equipment can lead to a number of issues that you don’t want to be dealing with at any other time of year. Without taking the proper precautions, you could be looking at issues such as rust, mould or warping — all of which will likely carry high associated cost.  

          Belongings that are stored in the proper conditions with the correct care tend both to last longer, and to perform better in the following season. No one wants their skis giving up on them halfway down the slope, nor monthly repair or replacement costs.  

          Storing larger items that require specialised care in your home isn’t always an option. Gear like skis and snowboards take up considerable space and so many enthusiasts turn to self storage.  

          Secure, accessible, affordable — need we say more?  

          Preparing Winter Equipment for Storage  

          man-cleaning-his-skis

          There are a couple of things you can do before putting your winter gear into storage to ensure that they stay in tip-top shape.  

          Short on Space and Time?  

          Don’t quite have time to read the whole blog? No problem! Scroll to the bottom of the page to see our cheeky checklist for winter gear storage.  

          Gear and Equipment 

          Cleaning and Maintenance  

          It’s best to start out by removing all dirt, moisture and salt from your gear. Using a water and vinegar solution and a damp cloth, wipe down skis and snowboards thoroughly — make sure to clean the edges and bindings! Skates should be bone-dry before being placed into storage to keep them from rusting.  

          Repairs  

          Once you’ve removed the layers of dirt and grime that have built up after months of adventuring, you’ll be able to see if any repairs are needed. Inspect your gear for damage like cracks, loose bindings or worn-out straps and make the necessary repairs before placing them safely into storage.  

          Protective Measures  

          A final layer of love can make all the difference for the longevity of your gear. Apply a protective wax coating to skis and snowboards to prevent drying or cracking and treat and metal with rust inhibitors. For a winter gear storage cherry on top, we suggest using padded bags for extra protection during transport and storage.  

          Winter Clothing  

          From giraffe costumes to Borat look-alikes, the internet has seen some pretty creative skiing outfits over the years. Correctly storing items like these is just as important as storing jackets, snow pants, gloves and winter hats.  

          Getting the Basics Right 

          Wash and dry all clothing to remove any sweat, dirt or stains that run the risk of becoming permanent over time. Like skates, your clothing should be drier than our jokes to avoid mould and mildew forming.  

          Use vacuum-sealed bags to storage bulkier items like puffer jackets and snow pants — this will also protect them from dust and pests.  

          Our final suggestion is to ensure boots are clean and dry before stuffing them with boot trees or rolled–up newspaper to help maintain their shape during storage.  

          Maximising Space for Home Storage 

          pair-of-skis-stored-in-a-person's=garage

          If you prefer to keep some of your gear at home, optimising your space to prevent clutter and protect your equipment is essential.  

          The Right Space  

          In order to avoid any damage, choose a storage space that’s cool, dry and away from direct sunlight (and curious kiddos who might take your skis out for a joyride). Naturally then, basements and garages make the ideal choice if they’re not prone to damp. 

          Wall-Mounted Racks & Ceiling Storage 

          They say one should look upwards for a source of infinite inspiration. We’re no life coach, but as storage people, we agree whole-heartedly with this sentiment. Wall-mounted racks and ceiling storage solutions can keep skis, snowboards and snowboards off of the floor and out of the way.  

          If you settle on a wall-mounted rack or unit then smaller items like gloves and goggles can also be safely tucked away in labelled bins on a shelf.   

          Seasonal Rotation 

          If you’re short on space, consider rotating out-of-season items and equipment like garden tools or summer sports gear. Say goodbye to the tennis rackets and strawberries and cream until Wimbledon rolls around again!  

          Why Self Storage Might Be Your Best Option  

          people-packing-winter-gear-into-a-storage-unit

          Winter sports tend to require more gear than other seasonal activities, which means that it generally takes up a lot more space. For this reason, self storage can be a game-changer for winter sports enthusiasts.  

          Let’s consider how:  

          • Free Up Home Space: Moving items like skis and snowboards into a self storage unit can declutter your home while keeping gear safe.  
          • Security: With features like 24/7 surveillance and access control, your valuable gear is in safe hands.  
          • Flexibility: With a variety of unit sizes to choose from, Wigwam can accommodate everything from snowboards to full ski collections. Use our handy space calculator to work out exactly how much space you need. Plus, our flexible rental options mean you can store your gear for as long (or short) as you need.  

          Winter Gear With Wigwam  

          Proper winter storage might feel like a bit of a mission in the beginning, but it’s crucial for protecting your investment and ensuring your gear performs at its best next season. From cleaning and maintenance to secure self storage, these tips will help you extend the life of your equipment and keep it ready for action at a moment’s notice.  

          If you’re ready to declutter your home and store your gear safely, Wigwam Self Storage has you covered. With affordable, secure and flexible storage solutions, we’ll ensure your equipment is stored in perfect condition all year round. 

          Get in touch with our team today to find the perfect unit for your winter gear or get a free quote here. See you on the slopes! 

          Cheeky Winter Gear Checklist  

          • Clean all gear thoroughly before storing 
          • Inspect and repair any damage 
          • Apply protective coatings (e.g., wax for skis) 
          • Choose a dry, cool storage location 
          • Use labeled bins and racks for organisation 
          • Opt for self-storage for larger collections or secure environments 

          With these tips in hand, your winter gear will stay in top shape, ready to tackle the snow again next season!