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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Thursday, May 5th, 2011
Did you know that there is such a thing as Disposophobia? Becoming a hoarder and being reluctant to dispose of your items is now a recognised disorder. After recent exposure to the public through television shows such as Hoarders and Hoarders: Buried Alive, recognition of the condition and its symptoms has increased.
Also known as Hoarding Disorder, Disposophobia affects 1-2% of people in the UK which accounts for 2 to 3 houses per urban street. Extreme cases such as that of Edmund Trebus; who featured on the BBC’s Documentary Series ‘A Life of Grime’, cause victims of the disorder to allow hoarding and clutter to dominate their lives. Mr Trebus lived in one corner of the kitchen only accessible by ladders in his North London home along with his Jack Russell, whilst his collections of vacuum cleaners, old cameras, children’s toys and Elvis Presley Records resided in the rest of his four story house.
Has your cluttering gone to the extreme? Visit www.bigyellow.co.uk to find out more about how you can use self storage to clear your hoarding habits.
Tags: armadillo self storage, big yellow, Big Yellow Self Storage, byss, clutter, de-clutter, declutter, Did you know?, Disposophobia, personal storage, self storage, self storage blog, Self Storage UK, storage, storage solution, UK storage
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Wednesday, April 27th, 2011
Moving to a new home can be a very exciting time but it can also be very stressful. Here are some top tips to take the stress out of moving home.
The first thing to do around your home in the months and weeks leading up to your move is decide what you don’t want to take with you. As the fewer items you have to take, the easier the move will become.
Every other night, take 15-20 minutes going around areas of your home sorting through your belongings that you want to take with you. Not only will this reduce the amount of items but it will make your home more organised.
It’s always good to pack items that you don’t use regularly in advance of your move, as this will allow you to take your time. Start in one room packing up the items that you won’t need until you’ve moved into your new home. When packing, make sure you seal that boxes and you clearly label the contents and which room they belong in.
Once you’ve packed your boxes with items that you won’t need, it’s great to get them out of the way. This will help clear space around your home and keep it organised. You could use one of our self storage rooms to hold your belongings so you don’t have to worry about moving everything in one day.
If you want to find out how you can take the stress out of moving by using self storage, visit www.bigyellow.com to get started.
Tags: armadillo self storage, big yellow, Big Yellow Self Storage, byss, clutter, de-clutter, declutter, furniture storage, moving home, personal storage, self storage, self storage blog, Self Storage UK, UK storage
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Monday, April 25th, 2011
After a stressful day at work, there’s nothing better than coming home to a relaxing environment. Here’s some top tips help clear clutter and relax at home.
The first thing you will need to do is to declutter the main areas of your home from items such as magazines in the living room, kitchen utensils and clothing in your bedroom. If you have too many items lying around it won’t be comfortable and the messy environment can add to your stress levels.
Clearing an area will make the room look much bigger and more enjoyable and keeping areas of your home sparse and clear of all clutter will create soothing surroundings. Make sure you use drawer organisers, under the bed storage and closets but avoid overfilling.
Having a clean house will make you feel calm and less disorganised, giving you one less thing to think about. Now the final step is to put on some of your favourite music or chill out watching a film.
If you want to find out how you can benefit from self storage to clear clutter and create a relaxing home, visit www.bigyellow.co.uk 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, tips and tricks, UK storage
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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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