Lidia Van Wyk, Author at Wigwam

Selling your home? Here’s five ways to boost its value

Posted on January 6, 2022December 20, 2022 by Lidia Van Wyk

Buying a new home is a huge milestone, but before you can unpack boxes and settle in, you need to close the chapter on your current home –and that includes putting it on the market!

Property is an investment, and with all investments, there’s a favourable return in the end if you’re patient. To help you boost the value of your home, we’ve come up with 5 ingenious upgrades that’ll be a big hit with prospective buyers or renters.

Invest in energy-efficient home features

Eco-friendly features are becoming more important factors for conscious buyers. Society is placing a greater emphasis on environmental concerns and recognise that energy-efficient features save money on utility bills and reduce their carbon footprint. Making your home more sustainable could include home insulation, energy-efficient lighting and solar panels.

Upgrade to high-demand finishes

Implementing popular upgrades is an effective way to improve demand for your house, especially if you want to sell quickly. For example, stainless steel appliances and/or quartz worktops might be a good option in the kitchen instead of other finishes that may not generate as much attention, even if they’re of high quality.

More modest modifications that can boost buyer interest include switching from brass doorknobs and locks to brushed nickel or replacing yellow bulbs with brighter LED lights.

Improve your front garden

Have you heard the term curb appeal? In the context of selling a home, curb appeal refers to the appeal of the property as seen from the street. Affordable landscape improvements and other minor modifications to the front of your property can help boost its value for both appraisers assessing it and potential buyers.

Renovate your bathroom and kitchen

Kitchens and bathrooms tend to have the most notable first impression on buyers. They’re also one of the quickest components of your home to become outdated. So, if you plan to remodel, then the kitchen and bathroom are great places to invest your money.

Give the home a fresh coat of paint

Painting your home is an affordable improvement that can make a big difference on the overall look and feel of the space. Paint has the power to make old surfaces look new and can instantly freshen up the atmosphere.

Preparing to sell your home can be a stressful period, but it doesn’t have to be. At Wigwam Self Storage, we offer affordable and convenient self storage units in Chipping Norton and Bromsgrove to safe-keep your household belongings while renovating or during the move.

Whether you’re downsizing and need a safe place to keep extra belongings, or you need somewhere to keep furniture while you remodel the kitchen, we have a solution for you! Call us at 01608 656 300 to find out more about our self storage solutions in Chipping Norton & Bromsgrove.

The ultimate packing guide for a painless move

Posted on December 30, 2021December 20, 2022 by Lidia Van Wyk

Packing up your house is a daunting task. Between the laborious loads and mentally draining task of deciding what to pack and what to leave behind, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

We’ve put together a useful packing guide to help you pack like a pro, making your next move simple and painless!

1. Pack up your home room-by-room

Packing up your house can be overwhelming but is manageable when you break it down. Start with the kitchen and clear out all of the cabinets and drawers and flatten boxes under them to create a wide surface for packing. Pack all of the loose items before you start on the dishware and cooking utensils.

Next, pack up your bedroom by sorting through your clothing and laying the items out on the bed. Pack books one at a time or stack them in piles by subject or genre. Repeat the process for each room.

2. Invest in quality packaging materials

There’s a lot to consider when you’re moving house. One of the most important things to do is secure your things in sturdy packaging materials.

The wrong packaging material could damage your belongings during the moving process, meaning they’ll need to be packed again,exposing the contents to dirt and dust along the way. It’s something that needs careful consideration and attention so be sure not to compromise on the quality of your moving supplies.

At Wigwam Self Storage, we have everything that you need at our packaging shop – take a look!

3. Create an inventory for all of your belongings

One of the best ways to stay organised and make sure that you don’t forget anything is by creating an inventory. The inventory can be as simple as a list in your phone or it could take the form of a spreadsheet with tabs for each room and subsections for each item,whatever is easiest for you!

4. Number all of your boxes

Numbered boxes are a great way to keep track of your belongings, it’s easier for the movers to sort through boxes that are numbered and it also makes packing up much quicker.

Numbered boxes can prevent confusion if you’re moving items last-minute, or looking for specific items in your self storage unit.

5. Group similar items together

When packing for a move, it’s helpful to group similar items together. For example, you could place all of your cookware in one box and all of your seasonal clothes in another box. This will make unloading everything on the other side easier and more efficient.

At Wigwam Self Storage, we offer conveniently located self storage units to the broader Chipping Norton area. With the option to rent a unit for as little as two weeks, we help to make the moving process seamless and efficient. Give us a call at 01608 656 300 to find out more about our personal storage solutions.

Top tips to introduce work-life balance into the workplace for the New Year

Posted on December 23, 2021December 20, 2022 by Lidia Van Wyk

The New Year is a time to reflect on the past and plan for the future. For many of us, that means setting healthy goals and working towards them! One goal that we recommend is to work towards incorporating work-life balance into your workplace. It’s important to take care of yourself so you can be productive and happy both at home and at work.

Here are some tips on how you can start introducing this balance in the workplace for the New Year.

Take time off to recharge

It’s important to take time off for yourself when you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed out or burnt out. Take a short break from work and head home early, go on leave or check into an escape room. It will help rejuvenate your mind and body!

Don’t overwork yourself

To have a healthy work-life balance, it is important to know when you are overworking yourself. Work-related stress can lead to health issues and poor mental well being if not managed properly. Remember that it’s okay to take time off from your phone or computer.

Make time for family

Work-life balance is not just about managing stress levels at work, it’s also about balancing the demands from home. Make time for your family and friends, even if it’s just a quick coffee or phone call. You’ll not only be able to recharge but also stay connected with the people you love!

Create a work schedule that maximises your productivity

It’s important to find a work schedule that maximises your productivity. If you have trouble managing time or are unsure of where to start, try creating a planner for yourself. Doing so will help keep track of the tasks at hand and set reminders so nothing is missed. Setting goals can also be helpful as it keeps you accountable for the things that you need to accomplish.

Learn to say no

Saying no to extra tasks at work can be hard, especially if you’re worried about letting someone down. However, it’s important to remember that your mental well-being and physical health is a top priority. Whether it’s taking on more responsibilities or working for an additional hour after the clock strikes, learn how to say no so you can make time for yourself and offer your best work for the tasks on your plate.

Declutter your workspace

Your workspace can be a source of stress if it’s disorganised or cluttered. That’s why decluttering your workspace and setting up systems to help you manage the tasks on hand will help improve productivity. Setting reminders, creating lists and organising documents by date are just some ways that this system works!

Our business storage units are the perfect solution to hold excess office equipment, clutter and filing that adds to a stressful work environment. Kick 2022 off on a positive note and secure your business storage unit today. Contact us at 01608 656 300 to chat with our friendly team, get a quote online or pop into our facility on Hook Norton Road.

Not your ordinary self storage facility

Posted on December 15, 2021December 20, 2022 by Lidia Van Wyk

Are you downsizing your home and looking for space to store extra furniture, or are you looking to store business stock? Self storage continues to prove to be a cost effective solution for whatever your space needs may be, but how do you choose a reliable provider?

The same way you judge a restaurant on the taste of its food, there are a few key features to look out for when selecting a self storage facility. At Wigwam Self Storage, we’re so much more than just a self storage facility. Here’s why.

Convenient access for locals

Located on Hook Norton Road, Wigwam Self Storage provides accessible self storage solutions to the broader Chipping Norton area. Our facility features unrivaled security systems, allowing our customers to access their units 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Flexible lease agreements

We understand that life is unpredictable, which is why our services and agreements are flexible, allowing you to rent a unit for as little as two weeks or for as long as you like. Whether you’re looking for temporary storage during a home renovation, or a place to hold business stock over the holiday season, we offer a selection of unit sizes ranging from 16 sq ft to a whopping 1,000 sq ft. Even better, our customers can upsize or downsize their units as needed with no extra cost!

A team that goes above and beyond

Wigwam Self Storage is a family-run business that offers self storage with a personalised touch. Our dedicated team goes above and beyond to make sure that your self storage experience is seamless. We even offer a virtual office solution to use as an operational base.

Personalised services

No single person’s storage needs are the same. Whether with our reliable van hire service or convenient packaging shop, we are dedicated to supplying everything you need to move or store your belongings safely.

Container storage services

In addition to safe and secure self storage units, we also offer storage containers for business and personal use. Our containers are also monitored by 24-hour CCTV cameras, giving customers peace of mind when storing or accessing large quantities of stock, inventory or goods.

Wigwam opened its doors a few years ago and has grown into a trusted and reliable self storage facility. Our family-run business offers affordable options for household and business storage, treating each of our customers as valued members of our family. Call us at 01608 656 300 to chat with our friendly team, or connect with us online.

Things to do in Chipping Norton this December

Posted on December 9, 2021December 20, 2022 by Lidia Van Wyk

Chipping Norton is known for its charming countryside that buzzes with festivities in December. With ample activities on offer, it’s no wonder that Brits flock to the market town to make the most out of the festive season.

If you’re planning to spend a few winter days in Chipping Norton this December, be sure to add the following activities to your itinerary.

Blenheim Palace and the illuminated light trail

Blenheim Palace features a Christmas Market as well as an after-dark trail that is illuminated at night to explore the outdoors. The Christmas Market runs until the 19th December and boasts over 70 designers and artisans selling their products in the Great Court.

Fairytale Farm

Fairytale Farm is a family favourite, offering a magical and immersive space to enjoy the festive cheer. Tickets are on sale for Saturdays and Sundays until 12th December, and then daily from 13th of December until Christmas Eve. Visitors can expect a range of entertainment including interactive dancing penguins and Santa’s sleigh ready for delivery. Parents can also enjoy a late-night feast of mulled wine and mince pies.

Oxford castle and grotto

If you’d like to celebrate the season a little bit differently this year, why not hum jingle bells from behind bars? A stone’s throw away from Chipping Norton, Oxford Castle & Prison hosts Christmas at the Castle. There are daily daytime guided tours, led by costumed guides with lantern lights. Santa’s grotto is also coming to town, providing an opportunity to meet Santa and enjoy festive-themed activities.

The Theatre Chipping Norton

The Theatre Chipping Norton is an entertainment hotspot during the festive season, showcasing a selection of delightful productions in various theatre, concert and gallery formats.

Jaffé and Neale Bookshop and Café

Nothing can quite compare with the warm and cosy atmosphere of a bookshop and café. In the heart of winter, Jaffé and Neale Bookshop and Café offers a warm place to browse best-selling novels and sip on a warm beverage. Who knows, you might even pick up a few Christmas gifts!

At Wigwam Self Storage, we pride ourselves on being invested in the Chipping Norton community, offering safe and secure storage solutions for personal and business needs. Located on Hook Norton Road, we provide 24/7 accessibility to our valued clients. Contact us at 01608 656 300 to find out more, or fill out a contact form online and we’ll give a call back!

How self storage can help your business cut costs

Posted on December 7, 2021December 20, 2022 by Lidia Van Wyk

For any business owner, a main goal is to keep costs to a minimum and increase profits. Many savvy business owners choose business self storage to help them achieve this goal, as it provides a cost-effective space to store stock, inventory, and equipment – but that’s not all!

There are many other benefits of business self storage, which you can read about here.

Only rent the space that you need

It’s not unusual for businesses to allocate unnecessary expenses to storage space that they don’t need. At Wigwam Self Storage, our storage facilities in Chipping Norton and Bromsgrove offers a variety of different sizes, ranging from 16 sq ft to 1,000 sq ft, ensuring that you only pay for the amount of space that you need and not a cent more.

Flexible lease agreements

What happens if your need for space changes over time? Instead of being tied to an expensive and long-term lease contract, self storage allows you to upsize or downsize your space as needed, with no extra cost incurred! Whether you need short-term storage or a long-term arrangement, self storage is a fantastic and flexible solution.

Cost-effective solution to commercial warehousing

Retailers, wholesalers and transport businesses allocate a large portion of their budget to warehousing that is often expensive and situated in inconvenient locations with difficult access. Larger self storage units provide businesses with all of the benefits of a warehouse and none of the hassles.

Wigwam Self Storage offers conveniently located warehousing space in the Chipping Norton and Bromsgrove areas.

Added security

Did you know that 13% of cargo theft occurs at the facility itself? Wigwam Self Storage prioritises security, making sure that businesses can store their business stock and inventory with confidence and peace of mind. We offer individually alarmed rooms with PIN controlled access and 24/7 externally monitored CCTV to ensure our customer’s belongings are protected round the clock.

Downsize office space

Take a moment and consider how much space in the office is used for productive work and how much is used by clutter and unused documents? Self storage allows businesses to downsize their office space and pay less rent by storing unused items in a safe and secure place.

Are you ready to cut business costs? We’ve got a storage unit waiting for you! Contact us at 01608 656 300 to find out more. Alternatively, you can fill out a contact form online and we’ll give you a call back.