
Thursday, June 2nd, 2011
We’re giving you another chance to win the latest iPad 2 in our new prize giveaway on our Facebook Page. The new edition of the iPad includes front and rear facing cameras that can record in HD and support ‘FaceTime’. With an increase in battery life it will allow you to watch movies, play games and talk to friends online for even longer!
To be in with a chance of winning this great prize all you need to do is answer the following question on the Big Yellow Facebook Page.
When was Apple founded?
a. 1976
b. 1986
c. 1996

Tags: big yellow, Big Yellow Self Storage, byss, Competition, Competitions, ipad, ipad 2, personal storage, prizes, self storage, self storage blog
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Tuesday, May 31st, 2011
A family of blue tits have found a new home at our Big Yellow Colchester store in a wall mounted ashtray.
The tiny birds have been chirping away and a sign has been put in place to make sure people don’t use it while they are nesting.
We’ve decided not to charge rent, so the blue tits are welcome to stay until they’re ready to leave the nest!
Tags: big yellow, Big Yellow Self Storage, byss, clutter, de-clutter, declutter, personal storage, self storage, self storage blog, Self Storage UK, storage, UK storage
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Wednesday, May 25th, 2011
Learning basic DIY can be a beneficial skill to have as you can save money on home improvement and emergency repairs. Here are some top tips on how to use DIY around your home.
If you’re a complete novice then it’s advised that you learn some basic skills from your friends and family as well as the many DIY websites online. In no time you’ll be looking for things to fix all over your home!
One important thing to remember about DIY is make sure you set enough time to complete a job and add an extra hour on top just to make sure. Most DIY errors occur when someone is trying to rush through a project. However if you start a job then you must finish it. Leaving a job unfinished can make your home look messy and if you leave tools out then it can become cluttered with items that take up space and could easily be removed.
Proper equipment should be a part of every homeowner’s tool box. This will help save time, money and ensure that you have the right tools to complete a wide variety of jobs. Tools can be very valuable and whenever you’re not looking for things to fix or planning any home improvements you could store them in one of our secure self storage rooms until they’re needed again.
To find out how you can benefit from self storage or if you’re looking for somewhere to store your tools, visit www.bigyellow.co.uk to get started.

Tags: armadillo self storage, big yellow, Big Yellow Self Storage, byss, clutter, de-clutter, declutter, DIY, personal storage, self storage, self storage blog, Self Storage UK, UK storage
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Monday, May 23rd, 2011
If you’re moving in with your partner for the first time it may be hard to find a space to fit all of your belongings from your previous homes.
Before you move in together you should go through your belongings and decide what you really want to keep, what can be donated and what can be stored until you find free space in your home. If both of you move all your belongings it can become overwhelming as there is maybe too much.
If you found it a struggle to find space in your previous home then you will need to make a sacrifice. Now that both of you have made a compromise and have gotten rid of your clutter, you can really start organising.
Any items that you want to sell or donate but want to keep can be kept in storage until your new home is organised and you find extra space or move into a bigger property.
To find out how you can benefit from self storage when moving in with your partner, visit www.bigyellow.co.uk to get started.

Tags: big yellow, Big Yellow Self Storage, byss, clutter, de-clutter, declutter, home, Newlywed, personal storage, self storage, self storage blog, Self Storage UK, storage, storage solution
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Friday, May 20th, 2011
Even if you’re constrained by the size of a room, there are some things you can do to make it appear bigger.
Mirrors are a great way of making a small room seem larger. Hanging a mirror on the door or using a large mirror on a wall is a good plan of action. Furniture should be placed at an angle in order to hide the box-like feel of certain rooms. You should also consider using fewer, but larger pieces of furniture and eliminating the things that you don’t need such as side tables.
The light in a room also makes a lot of difference, and in general, the more lit a room is, the bigger it looks. Blinds are a better option than drapes in order to maximise the sunlight on offer, but if you have drapes, they should be hung as high as possible in order to give the room the appearance of being higher.
Painting a room can also offer solutions to making a room feel bigger. For example, painting a horizontal stripe around a room can trick the naked eye into thinking that the room is wider than it actually is. Painting the walls the same colour as the furnishings is another trick that makes the furniture seem to fade into the walls. Painting the room in lighter or softer colours is helpful, and certain colours such as creams or icy blues are bright and reflective, which will make a room seem larger. Consider painting the mouldings of the room in lighter colours than the walls, as doing this the walls appear to move outwards, which makes the room seem bigger.
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Tags: 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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Wednesday, May 18th, 2011
Big Yellow Self Storage will be attending the Business Start Up Show, the UK’s largest exhibition for developing and expanding companies, at ExCeL London on 19th & 20th May 2011. We will be there to offer any advice and talk face-to-face with those that require storage for their business.
There will be over 200 exhibitors, 140 seminars, free workshops, one-to-one advice sessions and a range of live interactive features. If you’re thinking about starting your own business or you’ve recently launched one, there will be information, advice and services needed to run a successful business.
Come and speak to Big Yellow if you’re planning to start up your own business and want to find out more about self storage.

Tags: big yellow, Big Yellow Self Storage, Business Start Up Show, business storage, byss, personal storage, self storage, self storage blog, Self Storage UK, storage solution, UK storage
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Monday, May 16th, 2011
There are many DIY websites on the internet, but we are big fans of five in particular. Some are strictly DIY while some are more design focussed. Some are glorified message boards while some are absolutely stunning websites. However, they’re all going to be help you fulfil your DIY needs.
Doityourself.com – A massive online resource filled with in-depth “how to” articles, forums, videos, and user submitted “Did it myself!” projects. There is also a Question of the Day section, Tips & Tricks, and more.
Ikeahacker.com – This website allows you to not only customise your Ikea flat pack furniture, but also offers fantastic ideas for modifications or “hacks.” The site is the brainchild of Jules in Malaysia (who lives only 15 minutes away from an Ikea store), but most ideas and articles are user submitted. Our favourites include the Billy Bookcase converted into a Marshall Amplifier and the stool that becomes a table for two.
DIYideas.com – A part of the Better Homes and Gardens network, this site really focuses on the community aspect of DIY. The site includes forums, photo galleries, and even a DIY wiki. There are also some great photographs of completed rooms for inspiration.
Instructables.com – Not strictly a DIY website, but offers “how to” information on a variety of things, from the wacky to the helpful. For example, have you ever wanted to build your own Dr. Who Tardis? You can find out how with a full explanation and photographs to guide you through each step here.
DIYnot.com – Its design makes it look unremarkable, but it’s actually a fantastic resource for any DIY experts and first timers alike. The site also features its own shop, and a search option that allows you to find an expert or supplier in your area just in case you need further help.
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Tags: big yellow, Big Yellow Self Storage, byss, DIY, personal storage, self storage, self storage blog, Self Storage UK, student storage, UK storage
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Friday, May 13th, 2011
Did you know that while YouTube is filled with music videos and your favourite television clips, it has also become a virtual treasure trove of DIY hints, tips, and inspiration? In fact, it’s quickly becoming the first port of call for someone with a specific problem or DIY need.
The quality of DIY videos on YouTube vary, from videos of one person trying to share some knowledge, to recognised home improvement brand names with their own channels and playlists. For example, the kitfoam channel features seven videos with instructions for the installation of spray foam insulation kits. Meanwhile, the iFixitYourself channel has alerady gotten over two million views of its videos. As YouTube grows, its DIY content will no doubt continue to grow as well.
Don’t forget that many sites also have their own video portals, such as Helium.com.
Remember that for certain tasks, you should always use the video to supplement what you have found in other resources. Also, there is no substitute for having thorough written instructions and photos that you can take with you to the site of your home improvement. And always choose video instructions with the an eye toward safety.

Tags: big yellow, Big Yellow Self Storage, byss, clutter, de-clutter, declutter, Did you know?, DIY, personal storage, self storage, self storage blog, Self Storage UK, UK storage, YouTube
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Thursday, May 12th, 2011
Your living room is usually the area where clutter can build up quickly and can be difficult to keep organised. Here are some top tips to help keep the room free from clutter giving you more space to relax.
An effective way to eliminate clutter in your family room is to designate areas for specific purposes. If you use this area to read magazines and books it’s easy for them to be left in different areas such as on coffee tables. Make sure they always return to a bookshelf or magazine rack so they’re always kept in one place.
If your family room has too much furniture, it will make the room appear much smaller than it actually is. Any furniture that you feel is taking up space but you want to keep can be stored in a self storage room. This will help clear space in your home and allow you to keep the item, especially if it’s one that you think you may want in the future.
To find out how you can benefit from self storage to help clear clutter and free up space in your living room, visit www.bigyellow.co.uk to get started.

Tags: big yellow, Big Yellow Self Storage, byss, clutter, de-clutter, declutter, personal storage, self storage, self storage blog, Self Storage UK, tips and tricks, UK storage
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Tuesday, May 10th, 2011
If you’re working from a home office many things can cause a distraction such as paperwork that hasn’t been filed or a large amount of items around your desk. Here are some suggestions to make your home office a more productive place to work.
Simple things like changing your desktop picture to something calming and pleasing to look at will make spending a day in front of the screen less of a chore. It’s also a great way to compensate for an office that doesn’t necessarily boast a room with a view.
Place house plants around the room in order to not only look better but aid the circulation of oxygen through the office. Let there be light and take advantage of any outdoor space you may have.
Stay hydrated and ditch the sugar to avoid the sugar crash and boost your energy. Dehydration is a common cause for fatigue and weakness.
Working in a calming space will create a productive environment and will make your work much more productive and to a higher standard. It will only make going to work easier!
If you want to find out how you can use self storage to create a home office, visit www.bigyellow.co.uk/personal to find out more.

Tags: big yellow, Big Yellow Self Storage, business storage, byss, clutter, de-clutter, declutter, home, Home Office, personal storage, self storage, self storage blog, Self Storage UK, storage, storage solution, UK storage
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