Friday, April 22nd, 2011
Becoming a minimalist at home can help you to reduce stress as there is much less clutter, mess and your home will be much easier to clean. Becoming a minimalist isn’t about giving up the things that you need, it’s about keeping only the essentials in your home to live comfortably.
It can help you save space, time and money because you won’t be spending on unnecessary items. Here are some top tips to help you become a minimalist at home.
The main element of becoming a minimalist is removing all of the items that you don’t need around your home. You will need to be ruthless and let go of the items that will cause clutter and mess. Start with your wardrobe as many people allow clothing to pile up in their closets and it can get even worse if nothing is done about it.
Your furniture in each room should serve a specific purpose and if you have any items that you don’t use, remove them. The less furniture you have the better! This doesn’t mean you need to be less comfortable, just make use of the furniture you have.
Go around the rooms in your house and check your belongings and ask yourself whether you could live without the items you find. If you say yes, then you can get rid of them or move them into one of our storage rooms if you can’t bring yourself to get rid of them permanently. Anything you find placed on floors other than furniture should be removed as you shouldn’t store anything on the floors of your home.
We often allow things to take up space in our cabinets and drawers but you should get rid of anything you don’t need. Make use of the space created by keeping items out of sight from around your home that you want to keep.
To have a minimalist home, everything will need to have its own place all of the time. If you’re not sure where something belongs then give it a home and make sure it returns here when you clean.
To find out how you can benefit from self storage to create a minimalist home, visit our Quote and Reserve Online page to get started.
Tags: armadillo self storage, big yellow, Big Yellow Self Storage, byss, clutter, de-clutter, declutter, furniture storage, personal storage, self storage, self storage blog, Self Storage UK, storage, storage solution, UK storage
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Monday, April 18th, 2011
De-cluttering can help relieve stress and create a fresh start in your home. It’s hard to relax in a disorganised home and once you start clearing the clutter you will be surprised how much bigger your home really is. It should be a stress free environment and with a little effort you can help clear the clutter.
Start small by tackling one room at a time and designate three boxes labelled charity, rubbish and storage. As you complete each room you can go through the boxes by donating and throwing away any items that you no longer want or storing the items that you want to keep but can’t find a home for.
Before you buy new items for your home, ask yourself if you really need them and consider what you already have in your home. This will help you keep your possessions and clutter in check.
Setting aside time to declutter regularly is important as you will ensure that it doesn’t build up around your home. Whether you choose a free weekend to tackle the clutter or by simply taking 15 minutes each day, it’s important to include it in your schedule.
To find out how you can benefit from self storage to help clear clutter and relieve stress, visit our Quote and Reserve Online page to get started.
Tags: armadillo self storage, big yellow, Big Yellow Self Storage, byss, clutter, de-clutter, declutter, personal storage, self storage, self storage blog, Self Storage UK, storage, storage solution, tips and tricks, UK storage
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Monday, April 11th, 2011
Did you know that you can use white vinegar for spring cleaning on just about any household item? You can buy many types of vinegar from your local supermarket but for cleaning purposes make sure you use white vinegar. It’s a safe, non-toxic and affordable alternative to clean your home rather than using commercial cleaning products that can be hazardous to the environment.
Vinegar will cut through the greasy dirt that forms on your oven by simply dampening a paper towel and wiping. It can also be used as a deodoriser and clear the air in your home by simply placing a bowl of vinegar in the middle of the room. White vinegar is a great cleaning solution however it is a mild acid and shouldn’t be used on items such as crystal, marble or stone surfaces.
To find out how you can benefit from self storage while Spring cleaning around your home, visit our Quote and Reserve Online page to get started.
Tags: armadillo self storage, big yellow, Big Yellow Self Storage, byss, clutter, de-clutter, declutter, Did you know?, personal storage, self storage, self storage blog, Self Storage UK, spring, spring clean, storage solution, UK storage
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Monday, March 21st, 2011
Not only is Spring cleaning and going green good for the environment but it can also save you money as natural products can work just as well for cleaning and they don’t carry the harmful effects. Here are some top tips that will help you save money and go green while cleaning this Spring.
There are many cleaning remedies that you can use at home such as sprinkling baking soda over your carpet before vacuuming and you can mix it with water to make a strong natural paste for removing difficult stains on hard surfaces.
Another option is to use a mixture of white vinegar with water which is an environmentally safe, natural solution for your cleaning needs that can be used instead of using harmful chemicals. It’s a natural odour absorber and neutraliser which can be used to clean everything from floors, sinks, bathrooms, kitchens and you’ll be impressed with the results.
Instead of buying sponges, paper towels and cleaning wipes you can use old clothes as cleaning rags. By tearing them to use for rags you will be creating space in your wardrobe while saving money, recycling and going green.
In addition you could buy a few houseplants to put around your home that will not only filter the air indoors but you’ll be making your home go green for Spring and many months to come.
Tags: armadillo self storage, big yellow, Big Yellow Self Storage, byss, clutter, de-clutter, declutter, personal storage, self storage, self storage blog, Self Storage UK, spring, spring clean, storage, storage solution, tips and tricks, UK storage
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Thursday, March 10th, 2011
Spring is on its way and there are many ways you can enjoy it by getting your home ready for the season. It doesn’t even need to cost money as you can use items that you find in nature. Here are some top tips to help you add a touch of Spring to your home.
Simply by opening your windows to allow fresh air back into your home or freshening up tired looking rooms can blow away the cobwebs and winter blues.
One way to bring freshness into your home is through your windows. Not only should they be clean and sparkling but you may want to consider having curtains that don’t block your view outside. One way to do this is by having blinds that won’t completely cover the windows and can still let light in while maintaining privacy.
Another way you can add spring to your home is to fill it with fresh flowers and plants. Flowers can brighten up any room and add a fresh scent while your plants can add a natural look and help to clean the air that you and your family breathe around the home.
You can change some of the furnishings in your home to make it more in tune with the Spring season. Replacing designs and pictures with those that have a fresh Spring theme are all great reminders of the outdoors.
Tags: big yellow, Big Yellow Self Storage, byss, clutter, de-clutter, declutter, personal storage, self storage, self storage blog, Self Storage UK, spring, spring clean, tips and tricks, UK storage
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Tuesday, March 8th, 2011
Warwick Sleigh, who works for the Big Yellow Wandsworth store is hoping to raise £15,000 in support of St George’s Hospital dedicated charity, First Touch, which helps fund its equipment and staff initiatives. The money will be given as a thank you to all the excellent staff who gave live-saving care to his new born daughter in October 2009.
Warwick will be leading a team of work colleagues and friends, including ex-Saracen’s rugby star Muna Ebongalame on a bicycle ride to raise the money. The cyclists will ride 60 miles from St George’s Hospital to Eastbourne District General Hospital on 7th May 2011.
We’ve been able to provide the team with matching cycling jerseys and the cause has already raised more than £2,000 so far!
To find out more information about the 7th May cycle, visit cycle2savelives.com, and to learn more about the charity visit www.first-touch.org.uk.
To sponsor Warwick and his team please visit www.justgiving.com/Warwick-Sleigh.
Tags: big yellow, Big Yellow Self Storage, byss, Charity, clutter, de-clutter, declutter, personal storage, self storage, self storage blog, Self Storage UK, Self Stroage, storage, storage solution, UK storage
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Friday, March 4th, 2011
At this time of year the majority of people are happy that the cold and dark nights of Winter have passed and are looking forward to a long Summer. Not only is it a great time to feel refreshed but it’s also a time of year when you can refresh your house. The hardest part is finding the motivation to actually make it happen.
Spring cleaning can seem a major task, but it needs to be done. Starting with a fresh, clean and organised home will make everyone at home feel much better and ensures a healthy environment.
Before you make a start, choose one small area or room that you that you want to accomplish first. Choosing a high traffic area in your home to begin with will increase your motivation because you will be able to notice the result immediately.
As you make your way through areas of your home you can decide what belongings you want to keep, throw away, donate or place in storage. Make sure you only keep what you use and only store what you really want to keep.
At the end of the day you can sort these items by putting them in the correct place, throwing them away or by getting them ready for storage. You can then start fresh with the next area of the home.
By repeating this process in all the rooms in your house you will be to declutter one step at a time and really see the results as you go along. To find out how you can benefit from self storage to help you get organised around the home after the spring clean, visit our Quote and Reserve Online page to get started.
Tags: armadillo self storage, big yellow, Big Yellow Self Storage, byss, clean, clutter, de-clutter, declutter, home, self storage, self storage blog, Self Storage UK, spring, spring clean, UK storage
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Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011
Your living room is meant to be the place in your home where your friends and family gather but if the space is cluttered then it may drive people away. Your living room doesn’t have to be a collection of clutter and keeping it clear shouldn’t feel like a chore that you just want to avoid. Here are some top tips that will help you reclaim the space in your living room.
Clothes that belong in a wardrobe or a jacket that needs to be hung up before you use it next should be placed in the correct space. Items that don’t belong in your living room shouldn’t be kept there.
If all of your possessions don’t have a home then they will always be out of place. Find a space where cluttered items can be kept. Remember to store items where they will be used as it’s easier to put things in place if you don’t have to run around your house putting them all back.
Keeping your decorative items in check is a must, as too many will make your living room look cluttered and disorganised. Only use decorations that you really find inspiring and can add to the atmosphere of the room.
Getting in a routine of clearing clutter once per week will mean that it will never build up. By putting any kitchen items, toys or clothing back where they belong you will make the room more inviting for the next day.
Tags: armadillo self storage, big yellow, Big Yellow Self Storage, byss, clutter, de-clutter, declutter, personal storage, self storage, self storage blog, Self Storage UK, storage, storage solution, UK storage
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Monday, February 21st, 2011
Did you know that we’re not the only ones that suffer from too much clutter around the home? Even former Friends star Jennifer Aniston is selling her Beverley Hills mansion because she is desperate to de-clutter. The house has been placed on the market for an incredible £26million as she looks to simplify and clear the clutter. However, there are many solutions to help solve clutter and get organised in your home without having to move.
Your living space should only have items that are used on a regular basis as all the other items can be stored elsewhere. Ensure all of your items are sorted before you place them in the storage areas around your home as this will prevent clutter being moved from one area to another and for the items that you can’t find a space for you could consider putting them in storage.
You can view the article where Jennifer discusses the clutter in her home here.
Tags: armadillo self storage, big yellow, Big Yellow Self Storage, byss, clutter, de-clutter, declutter, Did you know?, personal storage, self storage, self storage blog, Self Storage UK, storage, storage solution, UK storage
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Sunday, February 20th, 2011
Deciding how to store items in your home is a very important part of de-cluttering and getting organised. The following tips will help you make quick and valuable decisions which will help you organise all areas of your home.
Hallway – Sort through your collection of scarves, hats, coats and other items of clothing that take up space. You can keep the items that are used daily or weekly as any of the excess items can be moved into a nearby cupboard, donated to charity or put in a self storage room.
Living Room – Old books, DVDs and CDs are the usual culprits so lose the bits and pieces and only display your most prized possessions.
Kitchen – The main source of frustration in a kitchen is overstuffed cabinets and drawers filled with duplicate kitchenware, dishes that are used only on special occasions, mismatched containers and appliances that you no longer use. If you can’t bear to part with an item consider relocating it or putting the items in storage.
Closets – It’s time to be strong and clear out those items that haven’t been worn in the last year, no longer fit or are out of style.
Bathrooms – Throw away any items that have expired or those that are no longer in use. Items such as toothbrushes can be kept in holders to save space and keep them clean.
Office – Any paperwork that can be found on a website or email should be recycled. Filing systems can help you minimise the inflow of paperwork and help reduce your existing paperwork piles.
Kids Room – Teaching children the concept of ‘one in, one out’ can stop toys from becoming jumbled and cluttered on the floor.
Garage –When you clear space in your house, boxes of old clothing, sports equipment and extra furnishings usually end up in the garage and will never return inside your home. To create a vast amount of free space you can donate the items or keep them in self storage.
To find out how you can benefit from self storage, visit our Quote and reserve online page to get started.
Tags: big yellow, Big Yellow Self Storage, boxes, business storage, clutter, collectibles, de-clutter, declutter, fine wine storage, furniture storage, music storage, personal storage, self storage, self storage blog, storage, storage solution, student storage, UK storage, wine storage
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