Category: News & Tips

Admittedly, Summer here in the UK doesn’t necessarily always mean high temperatures and lots of sunshine from May until September. But there have been a few heatwaves already and with the hottest months yet to come it’s always wise to prepare for the upcoming weeks, especially when you spend more time than usually at home. Here are 5 simple but clever tricks to keep cool during the summer provided by The Cooling Company.

1. Use Portable And Ceiling Fans
Although a portable fan don’t cool the air like an air conditioner does but instead, they work by creating a breeze and the wind-chill effect from that breeze hits your skin and creates a cooling effect.

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For an extra blast of coolness, place a bowl of ice in front of the fan. This simple trick creates a refreshing mist of air. Another useful tip is to place a box fan across from an open window. This is an easy way to create a cross-breeze that can lower the temperature of a room drastically.

2. Use Ice Packs And Take Cold Showers
Using external cold sources such as showers and ice packs is one of the most simple and basic form to stay cool  during hot periods. To beat the heat, hop into a cold shower. Not only will this lower your body’s core temperature but an ice-cold shower invigorates the skin and improves blood circulation.

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Next, stock up on ice! Ice will become your best friend when temperatures are sweltering and you’re desperate to keep cool during the summer. Drink lots of ice water to stay hydrated and prevent heat-related illness. Place ice packs on pulse areas like your wrists, neck, groin, and temples to stay cool.

3. Keep The Curtains Drawn
Even when your air conditioner is running, a smart way to keep your house cool and save energy is to draw the curtains and blinds during the day. Sunlight streaming in through windows increases the internal temperature of the house. Even furniture and walls absorb the heat. That means your air conditioner has to work harder to cool the home.

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Make it a habit to draw the curtains or close blinds and window shutters before you leave for work. This prevents heat from entering the home during the hottest hours of the day. Blackout curtains are best at blocking sun and heat.

4. Use Light Bedding
Getting a good night’s sleep is difficult when you’re hot and sweaty. If the AC isn’t working, you’ll be tossing and turning all night trying to get comfortable. To get a good night’s sleep when the AC isn’t working, use light cotton sheets that are breathable. On a hot night, you can forego a comforter altogether as a sheet is probably all you’ll need. Keep a light blanket nearby in case you do feel a little cold in the night and want to cover up.

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5. Hang Out Downstairs
A common concept in physics is that heat rises. This means that warm air naturally gravitates to a higher area. If you live in a two-story house, you’ve probably noticed that the upstairs area is always warmer than lower level. The air will be cooler downstairs compared to upstairs. Kids may actually find it fun to set up tents and mattresses and camp out in the living room. If temperatures are unbearable, you might want to dive further down into the basement which is the coolest part of a house.

Ah, summer has arrived in full swings. With temperatures consistently over 20 degrees, it is a lovely time to go outdoors. Now as lockdown restrictions are slowly and carefully eased, people can spend more time away from home and enjoy the sun. However, the warm weather also offers a great opportunity to look after your gardens and balconies. If you fancy saving some money and add a real creative touch check out these genius ideas in the video below which is full of inspiration.

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The recent weeks have been an enormous challenge for all of us and with no clear indication yet on when and how the lockdown will end, unfortunately, we might need to brace ourselves for more social distancing measures and time at home. To remain upbeat and positive here are a few quick tips on making the best of these extraordinary times:

Limit your exposure to TV news. Constant news is such a dynamic change at the moment and it’s all negative. Picking it up once a day will give you time to do other stuff without missing the latest updates.

Exercise is vital. If you are healthy physically, you will be healthy mentally. Make the most of the allowance to leave the house for one outdoor exercise a day. Whether you prefer to walk, jog or cycle, take time out during the day for exercise makes a real difference.

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Keep mentally fit by reading books and doing things like quizzes. This is an ideal opportunity to learn something new.

Positivity is the key. Don’t begin the day by rehearsing your grievances. Begin by remembering you’re alive and there are good things still. Tough things may come later but take it one step at a time. Begin with gratitude; then ask for the grace to face the day and its difficulties. Then go and address the difficulties.

Keep a regular schedule. Having a clear plan for the day, can help to get through the days much easier. Go to bed at the same time in the evening, have breakfast, lunches and dinner at the same time every day and have dedicated time slots for exercising and reading.

The recent developments around the Coronavirus crisis have forced most of us to change the way we live and work in our daily life. A huge chunk of employees is now working from home which comes with a number of challenges. Especially when your home is not your usual working environment and face the additional challenge of looking after your kids, home office can be particularly tough to manage. Therefore, we’ve collated a list of top tips to help you to master the challenge to work from home:

Get started early.

Unlike your daily commute to the office, when working from home you don’t have this period of “waking up”.

Therefore work from home productively starts with a to-do list as soon as you wake up. Simply getting a project started first thing in the morning can be the key to making progress on it gradually throughout the day.

Pretend like you are going into the office.

Try to mentally apply the environment of your usual office to your home office by doing all the things you’d do to prepare for an office role: Set your alarm, make coffee, and wear nice clothes.

Structure your day like you would in the office.
When working from home, you’re your own personal manager. To stay on schedule, segment what you’ll do and when over the course of the day. If you have an online calendar, create personal events and reminders that tell you when to shift gears and start on new tasks.

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Choose a dedicated workspace

Just because you’re not working at an office doesn’t mean you can’t, well, have an office. Rather than cooping yourself up in your room or on the couch — spaces that are associated with leisure time — dedicate a specific room or surface in your home to work.

Work when you’re at your most productive (and if you have kids, prepare for disruptions)

Nobody sprints through their work from morning to evening — your motivation will naturally ebb and flow throughout the day. When you’re working from home, however, it’s all the more important to know when those ebbs and flows will take place and plan your schedule around it.

To capitalize on your most productive periods, save your harder tasks for when you know you’ll be in the right headspace for them. Use slower points of the day to knock out the easier, logistical tasks that are also on your plate. Verily Magazine calls these tasks “small acts of success,” and they can help build your momentum for the heavier projects that are waiting for you later on.

It’s difficult enough to get work done if you have children at home, but even harder with younger kids like babies and toddlers. Still, it’s not impossible if you have plan ahead and have some flexibility. Here are tips from real parents who are mastering the work-from-home challenge:

Get help, if you can. It might not be the best choice for your family with the social distancing advisory, but if you have someone that can help out (e.g. a family member that can stay isolated with you), you’ll be able to get the most amount of work done. If you co-parent, take turns between watching the kids and working. When you’re working, hide in a separate room so your kids don’t know you’re there.

Explain the situation. It’s a good idea to talk to your kids about coronavirus, especially older ones who can better understand the impact it’ll have on your day-to-day life.

Stay connected with your colleagues

If you work on a team, make sure to check in regularly just like you would in the office. Create to-do lists to keep yourself organized and focused, and share the status of your lists with your supervisor so they know you’re on top of your work. Besides email and messaging programs like Slack, it’s a good idea to set up regular check-ins via phone or video conferencing like Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom.

Sources: Goodhousekeeping.com & HubSpot

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Want to save energy and money around the home but not sure where to start? Especially during the cold months, energy costs are skyrocketing. Thankfully, the comparison website USwitch offers a comprehensive list of easy energy-saving advice for any household. Here are 15 of the best tips:

1. Use a microwave. Heat up food in the microwave as often as possible – it’s generally the most efficient way to heat up and cook food because its relatively small size means that a stronger level of heat can be focused on whatever’s being cooked

2. Be water-conscious. When you’re boiling food in a pan, make sure you only use the amount of water needed to cover the amount of food you’re cooking, because boiling water you don’t need can waste a lot of energy.

3. Shrink your bills, not your clothes. 90% of a washing machine’s energy expenditure is spent heating the water, so if you wash your clothes at 30-40°C you’re saving a significant amount of money.

4. Hang up your laundry. Air-dry your laundry rather than tumble-drying it, particularly if the weather is warm or windy.

5. Install a smart meter. If your supplier offers smart meters to customers like you, it’s a no-brainer to install one. By clearly indicating where you’re spending the most on your energy, you can take steps to cut down usage wherever possible and save money.

6. Use energy-saving lightbulbs. A lot of electricity is used in lighting your home, but you can use less energy by investing in specific energy-saving lightbulbs, which are readily available. You won’t lose any light, and you’ll save money too.

7. Use energy-efficient electric appliances. Some appliances, like dishwashers, run on electricity as opposed to gas, so it’s worth seeking out the most energy-efficient models to ensure you’re not spending more than you need to. Look for models rated A+++ by the EU as a general guide.

8. Double that glazing. If you’ve got single glazing (or a lot of heat is being lost through the doors and windows), install double glazing to more efficiently trap heat.

9. Get free solar panels. Having solar panels installed on your house could save you as much as a third on your electricity bills.

10. Apply for an energy-saving grant. There are plenty of energy-saving grants available to help with the cost of home improvements.

11. Stay warm, cut costs. Turning your thermostat down by just 1°C can save you as much as £75 per year!

12. Don’t leave the tap running. Turn the tap off when you’re brushing your teeth or washing your face – it can waste more than six litres of water per minute while it’s running.

13. Turn the lights off. When you leave a room, don’t leave the lights on unless you’re coming back.

14. Run cold washes in the washing machine. Washing your clothes at 30 degrees rather than 40 can save you a third on your washing bills – you’ll have to do a hot wash sometimes, but sticking to 30 whenever possible can make a world of difference.

15. Compare gas and electricity prices with Uswitch to make sure you’re on the cheapest tariff for you. It only takes a few minutes, it’s free and you could save hundreds.

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One of the rather stressful chores in life includes moving houses. After jumping the many hurdles of the house-buying process, the actual move is often the icing on the cake. However, moving your worldly belongings from A to B doesn’t have to be a nightmare, with the right planning and preparations. The property website Zoopla has put together some excellent tips to help a smooth and swift move.

1. Start NOW

As soon as you know you are moving, start planning by writing down what you need to do and when and make a start on what you can ahead of time.
If this sounds ambitious, just try not to leave it more than three to four weeks before the big day.

2. Don’t compromise on removals

There are different options here depending on your budget and the scale of your move. For larger households, as a general rule, look for British Association of Removers (BAR) registered movers or tried and tested recommendations from friends.

Get at least three quotes and go with the one you feel is best suited to your move, rather than the cheapest. If you only have a small load and just need a van, speak to us. If you hire a unit with Stashed Away you can use our van for free.

3. Start packing early

Many people fall into the trap of putting off packing as they can’t face starting such a mammoth task. Break it down into achievable parts and it will seem a lot less daunting.

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Alternatively, pay extra and get the removals company to do it all for you. They can sweep the entire contents of a house into boxes in a matter of hours and make it look like light work.

4. Ikea bags are a mover’s best friend

Well, maybe not BEST friend, but they’re pretty good for any odds and sods that don’t really need to go in a box. Zipped laundry bags are good for moving linens, clothes and coats, shoes and other non-breakables.

5. Label your boxes

It sounds obvious but so many people forget. Put the labels on more than one side so you can see what’s what when they are piled high.
If you’re really organised, make an inventory of what is in each box, especially if some items are going into storage.

6. Check your furniture will fit through doors

It sounds obvious but misjudging the size of entrances and turning room is a classic moving day problem.
Flatpack furniture you built yourself is often the biggest cause of grief. If it needs to come apart again, find out by taking measurements and give yourself plenty of time to do it.

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Check also if feet and arms on big sofas are removable.
Let the removals company know if you need a window removed or take a door off its hinges, and check they are insured to do it.

7. Create a ‘room plan’ for your new home

Draw up a sketch of where the furniture will be placed in each room. You can always move it again but it saves time deliberating on the day and keeps the removals company happier.

8. Keep wires organised

If you have a multitude of wires going into one device, use sticky colored labels or number each part to match one end to the other.

9. Pack an ‘essentials’ box

Pack the kettle, tea, coffee and milk last, so you can unpack it first. Also, keep a mental note of where your bedclothes and duvet are (see next tip).
Keep remote controls, phones, mobile phone chargers and any other essential items you are likely to lose in the same ‘bits box’ so you know for sure where they are
Keep real valuables and important papers separately somewhere safe.

10. Make your bed as soon as possible

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You’ll appreciate it at the end of the day when you don’t have to do that ‘one more thing’ before you can sleep.
For more advice, take a look at our moving home checklist for buyers and renters.

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And don’t forget if you need a storage unit before, during or after your next house move, get in touch for the best storage solution.

The NHS estimates that up to 8 out of 10 people in the UK are suffering from back pain at some point in their live. An incredibly high figure, considering that with a few tips and tricks chronic and temporary back problems can be easily avoided.

Especially when we are lifting heavy objects, the body gets painfully reminded. But here is the good news. With the correct technique, it’s fairly easy to avoid more or any damage at all.

Healthwise has put together a comprehensive and useful guide for the correct technique when it comes to lifting objectives:

• Keep a wide base of support. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, with one foot slightly ahead of the other (karate stance).
• Squat down, bending at the hips and knees only. If needed, put one knee to the floor and your other knee in front of you, bent at a right angle (half kneeling).
• Keep good posture. Look straight ahead, and keep your back straight, your chest out, and your shoulders back. This helps keep your upper back straight while having a slight arch in your lower back.
• Slowly lift by straightening your hips and knees (not your back). Keep your back straight, and don’t twist as you lift.
• Hold the load as close to your body as possible, at the level of your belly button.
• Use your feet to change direction, taking small steps.
• Lead with your hips as you change direction. Keep your shoulders in line with your hips as you move.
• Set down your load carefully, squatting with the knees and hips only.
• Keep in mind:
  Do not attempt to lift by bending forward. Bend your hips and knees to squat down to your load, keep it close to your body, and straighten your legs to lift.
• Never lift a heavy object above shoulder level.
• Avoid turning or twisting your body while lifting or holding a heavy object.

All of the above tips are from Healthwise.org

Are you occasionally left with the feeling you haven’t done “enough” or simply could have done more? In times where distractions are constantly present (thank you internet), staying focussed has become one of the hardest challenges of our everyday life. However, the good news, there are plenty of very useful tips out there, helping to tackle this very common issue and eventually become a productive hero. The website www.developgoodhabits.com offers a brilliant list of “productivity hacks” which are easy to adapt.

Here are 7 of the best tips:

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1. Write down three of the most important tasks every morning

You don’t want any ambiguity in your work days, it’s a productivity killer. So, each morning you should take time to prioritize the top three tasks for the day. Be clear with what you write and use more than a three-word description.
For instance, “research hotels” is bad. Instead, use “review and compare prices of hotels x, y, & z.” This will prevent you from drifting to semi-related tasks that don’t accomplish anything.

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2. Set specific times to check email

It’s easy to waste time shuffling through dozens of emails.
All it takes is one email notification and, before you know it, you’ve wasted 20-30 minutes organizing and responding to multiple emails.

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What you should do is choose two times a day to do emails. It’s recommended to do one check before lunch and one more before finishing up your work day, that way it doesn’t accidentally seep into your work time.

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3. Learn to say “no”

For some people saying no is hard, but if you really want to elevate your productivity levels then you can’t let people order you around all the time.
For most people, a firm “no, I’m busy right now. I’ll let you know if I’m available later” should suffice.

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4. Listen to music

Music is a great way to maintain focus and stay productive.
However, everybody is different so it may take some experimentation to find music that helps you focus. A good tool for this is Focus At Will, it uses music scientifically driven to improve your concentration.
You could also use general background noise to improve your focus. Coffitivity emulates the chatter of a coffee shop, which has been shown to actually improve focus.

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5. Start your day tough, or start your day small

What you do at the beginning of the day will dictate the flow for the rest of the day.
The way I see it, you have two options:
Do the hardest task first so everything else feels easier
Do the easiest task first to build up some momentum
The first option will immediately pay off as your remaining tasks will feel easy by comparison. But the second option will help ease you into the work process, lowering the chances of procrastination.
Which option sounds better to you? Give both methods a shot and see which works best. Everybody is different, so experimentation is key.

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6. Use the one and done rule

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Have you ever said “I’ll take care of it later” before? Probably, right?
…But do you actually do it later? Probably not, and it’s not because you’re lazy either.
These situations happen time and time again because we don’t bother adding them to our to-do lists, we assume that we’ll remember to it later.
This most often occurs with low-level tasks (e.g. get milk, take out the garbage), but if it happens enough then you’ve got a big problem on your hands.
Avoid this by simply adding each new task to a to-do list. You don’t even need to think about it, just quickly jot it down and you won’t run the risk of forgetting to “take care of it later.”

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7. Keep a pen and pad (don’t rely on memory, write everything down instead)

Memories are notoriously unreliable.
If you try and remember everything you need to do, you’re going to end up with a lot of unfinished tasks. Don’t take the risk, write down everything you need to remember.
Keeping a pen and pad works just fine, but feel free to use an app on your smartphone to do this. It’s really your preference.

These productivity hacks are all part of the article 15 Smart Hacks for Maximizing Productivity from the website www.developgoodhabits.com, by S.J. Scott

After finding a reliable provider of storage in Bristol or elsewhere to aid with your home improvement project or for your unused belongings, it is very important to have all your items properly and safely packaged, ready for the move. This is to ensure the preservation of all your possessions by preventing them from getting broken or damaged through the transportation and the storage process itself.

In addition to this, securing the right packaging for all your items will make it easier for you to sort through and find things later. To help you, here are a few packing tips you may want to take into consideration:

• Choose the right box

Refrain from using rubbish bags or any type of plastic to pack your items because they easily tear and lack ventilation which may result in mildew. Instead, use the right type of boxes or packing crates that are appropriate for your properties’ weight and brittleness. Typical boxes for storage are a good choice for hefty items such as books and dishes, whilst large boxes are apt for lighter items such as bedding, blankets and linens.

• Consider using hanging wardrobe boxes

Use a wardrobe box for clothing such as trousers, dresses, suits and evening wear to prevent wrinkling and damage. It can also be beneficial to use for hanging curtains.

• Do not overload the boxes

Whilst we advise you fill each box completely to prevent the top or sides from crushing, they should not weigh more than what you can comfortably lift. Make sure they remain ‘square’ without adding too much weight by filling the open spaces with crumpled paper or bubble wrap.

• Label your boxes

Label your boxes with a heavy black marker to save you from having to open everything when you look for an item later. Make sure to mark boxes full of breakables as ‘fragile’ and clearly indicate the stacking direction where the items should be stored in a certain way.

• Tape your boxes up

Securing your boxes with good quality packaging tape is essential to make sure they maintain their structure and protect the items inside.

• Avoid stacking heavy items on top

Items such as heavy rugs, TVs or file boxes must be placed on the floor instead of putting them on top of other items as their weight will slowly crush what’s beneath them.

• Wrap your furniture and fragile properties

Cover your furniture and use protective materials to keep them in good condition during the moving process and whilst in storage köpa clomid utan recept. The same goes for dishes and framed art, which need to be bubble-wrapped individually. If you want to save money or reduce your use of plastics, old blankets, sheets and towels work perfectly well.

• Keep extra materials such as boxes, packing tape and marking pens in your unit

No matter how organised you may be, there may come a time when you won’t be able to find what you are looking for and in an attempt to locate that certain thing, your storage unit to becomes untidy. In light of this, consider keeping a few extra boxes and storage materials in case you need to repack and re-label any belongings.

Conveniently based in Bristol, Stashed Away offers you the best storage solutions with transparent pricing. No matter how many possessions you need to store and how long you need a unit, we can provide you with both long-term and short-term storage options. Rest assured that all our storage units are clean and individually secured in a temperature-controlled warehouse. Check out our Size Guide here. For more information, send us an email at info@stashedaway.co.uk or give us a call on 01179 516325.

Are you among a large number of people which suffer from the Winter blues, also known as a seasonal affective disorder (SAD)? If that’s the case, you are not on your own. According to the NHS, approximately one in 15 people are affected and it can affect people of any age, including children.

The symptoms are wide-ranging and can include depression, lack of energy, concentration problems, anxiety, overeating, loss of libido, social and relationship problems and sudden mood changes or periods of hypomania (over-activity) in spring.

However, the good news is there are some useful and easy-to-follow tips to beat the Winter blues. Sue Pavlovich of the Seasonal Affective Disorder Association (SADA) and the NHS have published 10 top-tips to overcome SAD this winter:

1. Keep active
A daily walk in the middle of the day could be as helpful as light treatment for coping with the winter blues. Read more about walking to get fit.

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2. Get outside
Go outdoors in natural daylight as much as possible, especially at midday and on brighter days. Inside your home, choose pale colours that reflect light from outside, and sit near windows whenever you can.

3. Keep warm
Being cold may make you feel more depressed, so staying warm may reduce the winter blues.
Keep warm with hot drinks and hot food. Wear warm clothes and shoes, and aim to keep your home between 18C and 21C (or 64F and 70F degrees).

4. Eat healthily
A healthy diet will boost your mood, give you more energy and stop you putting on weight over winter. Balance your craving for carbohydrates, such as pasta and potatoes, with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

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5. See the light
Some people find light therapy effective for seasonal depression.
One way to get light therapy at home in winter is to sit in front of a light box for 30 minutes to an hour each day.

Light boxes give out very bright light at least 10 times stronger than ordinary home and office lighting. They’re not available on the NHS and can cost around £100 or more.

6. Take up a new hobby
Keeping your mind active with a new interest seems to ward off symptoms of SAD, says Pavlovich. “It could be anything, such as playing bridge, singing, knitting, joining a gym, keeping a journal, or writing a blog. The important thing is that you have something to look forward to and concentrate on,” she adds.

7. See your friends and family
It’s been shown that socialising is good for your mental health and helps ward off the winter blues. Make an effort to keep in touch with people you care about and accept any invitations you get to social events, even if you only go for a little while.

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8. Talk it through
Talking treatments such as counselling, psychotherapy or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help you cope with symptoms. See your GP for information on what’s available locally on the NHS and privately or read this article on how to access talking treatments.

9. Join a support group
Think about joining a support group. Sharing your experience with others who know what it’s like to have SAD is very therapeutic and can make your symptoms more bearable.

10. Seek help
If your symptoms are so bad that you can’t live a normal life, see your GP for medical help.

With tons of items you have acquired throughout the past years, from clothes to kitchen utensils, your home is probably filled with things that are not being used anymore. So before the holiday season even comes, start de-cluttering your home to make room for the gifts and the visitors that will soon arrive. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed and you don’t know where to start, we’re here to give you some tips on how you can organise your home for the holidays.

Clothes

Can’t seem to hang your newly bought clothes in your wardrobe? It might be time to store away some of the old ones. Clothes are one of the major sources of clutter in your home. As such, it is important to keep your wardrobe under control. To organise your clothes, remove them from your closet and group them accordingly. Separate your daily wardrobe from your out-of-season clothing. Arrange your holiday clothes and special occasion attire in a box and put it in your rented storage. Since you won’t be using your summer clothes and hats within the next months, it would be ideal to pack them away. This way, you’ll have a tidier closet and you’ll have more space available for use.

Old decorations

If you have already decorated your home for Christmas and you still got some leftover decors, consider putting them in the storage facility. Clearing them away will make more room for the gifts that you will receive and your new purchases.

Bikes and toys

If you have children, there’s a good chance that your home is already full of toys espanolfarm.com. With Christmas just around the corner, it is likely that they’ll get more in the coming weeks. Before another surge of toys comes in, try to minimise what you already have. Ask your children to help you sort through their toys to decide what to keep and what to store away. If your child has a bike that he/she has outgrown, you can put it in your storage unit temporarily until you find out whom to give it to or where to donate it.

Kitchen tools

It’s no secret that during the holidays, the kitchen is one of the busiest places in the house. So before the festive season takes hold, consider de-cluttering your kitchen. Pack away your duplicate utensils, kitchenware and any unused equipment. Having an organised kitchen will make it easier for you to find what you’re looking for and will allow you to move well.

Electronics

If you have unused electronics that are still stuck in your home such as computers, laptops and printers, consider selling the ones that are still working and bring the broken ones to a recycling centre. For other large electronics that are not in use but you intend to keep, like television and sound system units, you can put them in your storage unit instead.

Furniture and equipment

If you happen to have visitors coming from out of town for the holidays, make sure to clear out all the big items that you’re storing in your guest room. You may put your unused furniture and gym equipment in the storage facility in the meantime to allow your guests to move comfortably in your house throughout their stay.

If you’re looking to de-clutter your home for the holidays and you need a self-storage unit, Stashed Away Storage Solutions can help you. Based in Bristol, we are a self-storage company offering multiple storage options with transparent pricing. All of our units are durable and secured with a unique locking system. Visit our storage facility located at 91A Romney Avenue, Bristol, BS7 9ST. For more details regarding the services we offer, call us on 01179 516325 or email us at info@stashedaway.co.uk and one of our friendly staff will be in contact with you shortly.

With only a week to go, Christmas is almost here. Have you sorted all your Christmas gifts yet? If you are still looking for the perfect gift, but don’t want to spend a fortune and prefer to give something personal this year, we have some good ideas for you. Check out our top 7 best DIY Christmas gifts:

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1 Brownie Mix in a Jar

This brownie mix looks so tasty and it’s very easy to put together. It’s also a great activity to do with a child. Simply layer the dry ingredients in a large mason jar and decorate with baker’s twine, custom labels, a gift tag, and baking instructions. For more information click here.

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2 Guess Who? Game

What a genius idea! Board games are always a crowd pleaser, but with this popular classic, you also add a very personal touch to it. This is also a gift which should be fun making with the kids. The other great thing, it’s a long-lasting one. The idea was published by Molly from the website Almost Perfect.

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3 Homemade biscuits

Home baking is hugely popular, not just during the Christmas period, and it offers a perfect opportunity to sort out your presents at the same time. The website “Balancing Home” has some really simple and yummy recipes in store for you to make some Secret Almond Cookies, Double Peanut Butter & Milk Chocolate Chip Cookies, Hershey’s Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Heath Bits Peanut Butter Blossoms. You can find all the recipes here.

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4 Cozy Gift Slippers

This is the perfect gift for the men out there. Compared to the other gifts this requires a bit more “shopping” but it’s still a very personal gift and the great thing is you can choose little presents which suit the receiver. The slippers are not only an ideal Christmas gift but also perfect for Father’s day. Find out more about this lovely idea here.

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5 Fimo Tube Necklaces

If you rather fancy giving some jewellery this year, but either can’t afford the expensive stuff or prefer to do it yourself – or both – have a look at these beautiful looking necklaces from the website “The Lovely Drawer”. All you need to get them done is a few affordable materials and some tools (e.g. scalpel). For instructions visit the Lovely Drawer website here.

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6 Mason Jar Cocktails

Everyone likes a cheeky drink over the Christmas period. With these original cocktail jars you’ll surprise your friends and family. A very simple and quickly gift to make and with some beautiful designed tags, they become very personal. Find out what’s your loved ones favourite drink and surprise them with these little jar cocktails. For full instructions visit the Something Turquoise website here.

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7 Terracota Votives

Lastly something beautiful for the home. Ideally, in the dark season, these little candles make your house much cozier. They produce a warm atmosphere and can be made in any size. They are also ideal for adding a beautiful glow to an outdoor area. Best of it, the votives are very cheap to make. We found them on the website Sugar and Charm here.

The term ‘self-storage’ means different things to different people. To some, it represents a junkyard for forgotten belongings, to others it acts as a lifeline during periods of transition for both domestic and business users.

Whatever your current perception, Stashed Away will debunk common myths and reveal the truth about their self-storage facility.

You do not need to commit for 6 months unlike renting a house, storage is available for as a short time such as 4 weeks or for as long as it’s needed. The modern facility with steel individual units and temperature controlled storage provides a pleasant facility to use.

You can keep almost anything in the unit from a stamp collection to business stock, we offer a range of sizes so you can choose the right one for your budget only paying for the unit for as long as you need it, keeping costs as low as possible.

Security is taken very seriously such as CCTV camera monitoring, alarm systems, coded key fob entry and your unique unit cylinder lock providing only you access to your belongings 7am to 7pm seven days a week.

• Here are some typical reasons for self-storage
• No room at my residence
• I’m moving and I’m between properties at the moment
• I need to declutter giving me the best opportunity to sell my home
• I run a small business from home and need extra storage space
• I’m separating or divorced and need a place for my belongings now
• My home is being renovated, I need a place clean and dust free

Stashed Away is a family run business and can be more flexible to suit your needs, we can also provide you with a van. Just off Muller Road, and servicing Lockleaze, Horfield, Bishopston, Ashley Down and St Agnes, this door stop storage facility means that it’s easy to pop in – when you are passing come in and have a look around or go to our website www.stashedaway.co.uk we even have a video.

As the temperatures slowly but surely drop we spend a lot more time inside and don’t, we all like to have a warm and cozy home? Unfortunately, this is also the time, when we will notice a rapid rise in energy costs due to increased heating and other energy guzzlers. This can be frustrating, especially as costs of living keep increasing and with Christmas on the doorstep wouldn’t it be lovely to save a few quid viagra genérico españa?

To help to save some money, we have put together a top 5 list with tips to cut your energy bill:

1 – Switch Energy Supplier

Switching your energy supplier or tariff can be an easy and efficient way to save money. The consumer website Which? has found out that you can save at least £300 per year by switching from the priciest standard tariff on the market to the cheapest available deal.

Around 58% of all households are on a standard or default tariff, according to energy regulator Ofgem, meaning there are big savings you could make on your energy bill.

2 – Replace Light Bulbs

Energy-saving light bulbs can help cut your energy bills easily. An LED light bulb costs around £1.71 to run per year. Over its lifetime, it could cut up to £180 from your energy bills, compared with an old-style bulb.

LEDs are the most energy-efficient light bulbs and use almost 90% less energy than traditional incandescent. Best Buy LEDs cost from around £2.49 for one and some can pay for themselves through energy savings in a few months.

3 – Home insulation

Insulating can save you up to £275 per year, Which? found out. Laying loft insulation to a thickness of 270mm in a typical non-insulated three-bedroom semi could trim £130 a year from energy bills, as less heat will be lost through the roof.

Insulating cavity walls can save up to £145 a year in a semi-detached house. Solid-wall insulation, although more expensive to fit, could save you £245 in the same type of house.

Even if you already have some loft insulation, you could save an extra £10 a year by topping it up from 120mm to the recommended 270mm. You can also reduce heat loss through your windows by replacing single-glazing with double-glazing.

4 – Keep your energy bill under control

Paying your energy bill through direct debit means you spread your costs over the year and avoid big shock winter bills. Providing your energy supplier with regular meter readings will keep your bill as accurate as possible. This helps avoid building up a big credit or debit balance.

If you think you’ve been paying too much and are in credit with your energy supplier, take a meter reading. You can ask for a credit refund at any time, even if it doesn’t fit with your energy supplier’s automatic refund policy. Your right to do this is legislated in Condition 27 of the Gas and Electricity Supply Licence Conditions. This says that any credit balance must be refunded if asked for by the customer.

5 – Quick Energy Tips

Finally, some quick and easy energy tips:

• Understand your energy bill. It’s the first step in knowing how much gas and electricity you’re using and where you can cut back. A smart meter will tell you how much energy you use in real-time, or you can buy an energy monitor.
• Don’t leave your gadgets on standby. This could save you up to £30 per year, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
• Fit a water-efficient showerhead. These keep your shower feeling powerful while cutting down on your hot water use.
• Only run your washing machine and dishwasher when they’re full, and use energy-efficient programmes. Dry your washing outside, rather than using your tumble dryer.

Please note the above tips were originally published on www.which.co.uk

If you’re moving to a new house or you have to store away some valuable items from your home or office, it is ideal to get a storage unit. But before renting one, you have to assess if the facility can ensure that your belongings will be kept secure and well taken care of. Here’s a short guide when selecting the right storage unit.

Consider its location

Storage units are often built sturdily and are hardly affected by outside factors. Then again, changes in temperature and humidity level can affect the items that are stored inside. If the storage unit is outdoors, it is more susceptible to heat, humidity and violent winds. On the other hand, if it is located indoors, the temperature and moisture content may still vary, especially if it receives direct sunlight or rain. Moisture in walls can leak into the unit and could cause mould growth in your valuables. As such, it is important to stack your boxes several inches away from the wall.

Picking a climate-controlled storage is a great idea for items that are vulnerable to these factors, such as seasonal clothing, antiques, furniture and electrical appliances. This way, your belongings will be stored in a more consistent climate, making them less likely to be damaged by the changing weather conditions.

Tight security

One of the things you would like to avoid is to get your items stolen, that is why it is essential that the storage facility you choose has tight security. Make sure to check the lock, access keypad and burglar alarm to confirm they are in good working condition. There should also be adequate lighting inside and outside the unit and surveillance cameras must be in place. Ultimately, it would be best if someone constantly monitors the activities in the facility.

Proper maintenance

A number of people may have used the storage unit before you so it is vital to inspect the space. Make sure that there are no spills or leakage in the room that could possibly damage your items. There shouldn’t be gaps or cracks as these can allow insects, rodents and pests to enter and damage your items. Having a clean and pest-free storage unit can give you peace of mind that your belongings are secure, no matter what.

Picking the right size

Storage units come in a variety of sizes. Before choosing a unit, you have to assess the size of the items that you’re going to store, to avoid paying for a space that you won’t use. There are some tools online like storage calculators and size guides that you can use to determine the space that you need. Asking a facility staff member can help you attain the best size perfect for your items.

Cost can vary widely

Storage unit prices vary, depending on the size, location and features. It is best to shop around and look for the best deals before signing a contract. This can provide you with a good idea of what you require for a price that won’t hurt your wallet. Just take note of the important features like climate control, security and cleanliness when making your decision.

Stashed Away Storage Solutions is a local self-storage company based in Bristol offering multiple storage options with transparent pricing. All our units are made of steel and with unique locking systems. You can be assured that each storage unit is clean and secure, all within a temperature controlled warehouse suitable for both personal and business users. Call us on 01179 516325 or email us at info@stashedaway.co.uk for more details.

Relocating to a new home can be a difficult task. Apart from having to deal with the pain of leaving your old house, the process of doing complicated paperwork and moving personal belongings can also add to your stress. To help you in this transition, there are different services that you can use to face the challenges associated with moving , one of which is hiring a self-storage unit. Here are a few reasons why investing in a self-storage unit when moving to a new house is a smart move.

Makes your home more appealing to buyers

Usually, buyers look for house that can accommodate all their belongings with room to spare. As such, it is important to make your home look spacious by clearing away your unused items. De- cluttering can create a sense of space and make the room appear larger.

Think of the things that you actually use. Small items like toys or home decorations can be kept in boxes and stored in spaces like the loft or shed. On the other hand, large items like furniture and equipment that you do not need on a regular basis can be packed up and stored away in a self-storage unit. This way, all your possessions are together in a secured place.

Can prepare you for your big move

The process of packing up your belongings, loading them into a removal van and then unloading them at your new home can be stressful and time-consuming , especially if you do it all in one day. To reduce your workload, pack some of your items ahead of the main move a trouvé. Start by packing things you don’t need on a daily basis a few weeks in advance and then continue gradually until the day before your move. Instead of having all the boxes spread all over your house, keep them in a secured storage unit until after the move.

Serves as a temporary storage

It might be necessary for you to live in rented accommodation or to stay with family or friends if your house gets sold before your move. Since you cannot bring all your belongings to the place you’ll be staying, you will need a place where you can temporarily put your items until your new home is ready for occupancy. In this situation, putting your treasured possessions in a self-storage unit can be of great help. This way, you can be assured that your items are in a safe space until you move to your new home.

Stores your possessions whilst you work on your new home

Once you’re ready to move to your new home, you may still have to leave some of your items in the storage unit. This is probably because you have to do some restorative work in your new property. Whilst doing things like redecorating and tackling other projects, it would be hard to move around if there are scattered boxes and furniture. By keeping things that you do not need right away in the self-storage can make your decorating process a lot easier.

If you are moving to your new home and you need a self-storage unit, Stashed Away Storage Solutions can assist you. We are a self-storage company based in Bristol offering multiple storage options with transparent pricing. Stashed Away is located at 91a Romney Avenue, Bristol, BS7 9ST. For more information call us on 01179 516325 or email us at info@stashedaway.co.uk and one of our friendly staff will be in contact with you promptly.

If you find that you have too much stuff in your home, in the process of moving to another place or downsizing for a smaller apartment, self-storage is the best temporary solution to your space needs.

But before you rent a space in the nearest self-storage facility in your area, here are a couple of things you need to look for to ensure that your belongings will be secure in a storage space. By carefully considering all these, you ensure that your belongings are stored in a safe area that meets your needs.

Different storage sizes

Your chosen self-storage provider should have different sizes of units available so that you can choose one that’s appropriate for your needs. The size of the storage unit you need will ultimately depend on the possessions you need to store. But it can be rather tricky to estimate how much space you require. If you choose a unit that’s too big, you won’t be able to maximise the storage space and you might end up spending more by paying a higher rent. On the other hand, if the storage space is too small, it won’t be able to accommodate all your stuff and you’ll end up needing another unit to rent. Also you should keep in mind that the space should not only fit all your items but also provide enough space for you to go inside when you need to find an item that you will suddenly need in the future.

Premium security

Security is very important when it comes to self-storage. Even if you are not planning on keeping valuable assets inside, you would still need to ensure that all your stored belongings will be safe and secured, so a facility that gives importance to protection and surveillance is your best choice. They should be able to provide 24-hour video supervision, fire prevention, security guard and a system to monitor individuals that come in and out of the facility. Aside from this, the actual building should have a fence, a gate and indoor and outdoor lighting.

Climate-controlled units

Your chosen self-storage facility should have climate-controlled units. This is because when items are exposed to extremely hot or cold temperatures, they will be more susceptible to damage. This is why climate-controlled units are extremely important especially if you live in an area with extreme temperatures. These units are designed to protect your belongings, keep wood furniture from warping, prevent metals from accumulating rust and keep documents and books from deteriorating because of moisture. Climate-controlled storage spaces may be relatively more expensive but it is definitely worth investing in if you want your stored belongings to last.

Friendly customer service

A good self-storage provider should have friendly staff who are available to answer all your enquiries and assist you through the process of storing your belongings in their facility. They should also be easy to contact if you’ll need to get an item from your storage unit in the future. In addition to this, your self-storage provider should have office hours that’s convenient for you.

If you are looking for a self-storage unit, Stashed Away Storage Solutions can provide you with all your storage needs. We are a self-storage company based in Bristol offering multiple storage options with transparent pricing. Stashed Away is located at 91a Romney Avenue, Bristol, BS7 9ST. For more information you may email us at info@stashedaway.co.uk or phone us on 01179 516325.

Whether you love or hate packing your possessions, finding the right items to keep them safe is important. If you are a fan of using self-storage, here are the items you may require to assist you when placing your things into the storage unit.

1. Permanent Marker or Label Maker

Most people do not appreciate the value of labelling boxes until they are faced with the task of looking through everything in their self-storage unit in search of one particular item. Label your boxes accordingly and use the markers to write down the categorisations. This will help you manage your possessions and prevent you from opening boxes one by one just to search for a specific item.

2. Dryer Sheets

Do you know that dryer sheets not only keep your items at the self-storage smelling fresh? Putting a few sheets strategically in the corners of the storage unit will keep minute insects from entering your unit. Just remember to replace the sheets once a month.

3. Furniture Covers

If you are storing furniture such as mattresses, chairs and tables in your storage unit, it is important to have furniture covers to protect against dust and damage.

4. Clear Plastic Bins

Aside from boxes, you can also store items in clear plastic bins. These are more durable than cardboard boxes and can be reused many times. A tip when buying bins: purchase bins of the same size to make them easy to stack. If you have a limited self-storage space, it is important to choose the right shape and size of the plastic bins to maximise the use of space.

5. Vacuum-Sealed Bags

If you are worried about storing your clothes, beddings and other linens in your self-storage unit, then we have the perfect solution for you! You can store these items in vacuum-sealed bags protecting them from any damage. Vacuum-sealed bags are perfect to save space as they squeeze the air out and don’t allow it to go back in.

6. Bubble Wrap

When storing valuables, another important item is bubble wrap. By using bubble wrap you are reducing the likelihood of fragile items being broken. Make sure to avoid leaving gaps when filling boxes.

7. Cardboard

Do not throw away old cardboard! These items can be repurposed and used when it comes to storing items. You can put cardboard between printed photos to stop them from curling or use it underneath heavy boxes to prevent them from sliding.

8. Basic Cleaning Supplies

Before putting your possessions in your self-storage unit, you may want to clean them first. Storage units may become dusty so keeping basic cleaning supplies inside your storage unit is a must. This way, you are ready for a cleaning when you visit your self-storage unit.

9. Inventory App

Keeping an inventory or tracker of your belongings is important. It’s impossible to remember everything you have stored in your self-storage unit, just keep tabs using the apps on your mobile phone viagra generika preis.

These are just some of the essentials you require when storing items in your self-storage unit.

If you still don’t have a self-storage unit, we can help you. Bristol-based self-storage, Stashed Away, is a family run facility that offers an affordable and local solution to your personal and business storage needs. With a variety of storage solutions to choose from, we are sure that you will be able to find the ideal solution to suit any requirements. Contact a member of our team today on 01179516325 for any further information about storage availability. Please continue browsing our website to learn more about the services that we can offer.

The following article is written by Christa O’Leary and originally appeared on MindBodyGreen.com

There are many ways to make life inside more comfortable and enjoyable. One simple way to optimize your nest is to begin removing clutter and organize your stuff so that you are able to truly enjoy your home when you will be spending more time inside.

Remove roadblocks

Sometimes in our need for perfectionism, the idea of organizing can feel very overwhelming. This can lead to stagnation or a complete roadblock. Move forward by focusing on what you can get rid of first. This will reduce the psychological burden of the task.

Give every item its own place

Everything you have in your space should have a place. Label the destination if it will help you stay clutter free and organized. This might be a great time to get some of those colorful storage containers.

Don’t acquire; make a trade

When bringing new items into your living environment, think about getting rid of something you know longer need or use. This can help cut down on the surplus and overwhelming inundation of items that can pile up in your home.

Develop a seasonal system

Make a point each season to notice what you have and haven’t used. It’s time to purge whatever you no longer need. When you do this on a regular basis, you develop your own clutter-clearing system that will help you all year long.

Focus on a strategic approach.

Breaking the process of clutter clearing down into manageable pieces takes out overwhelm. Don’t try to tackle everything all at once this can be defeating. Put a strategy in place so that you know exactly what needs to be done and when.

Divide your possessions into four categories

The process of clearing the clutter is simple. There are four categories:

Throw out: First go through and find anything that can be tossed. Include anything worn, broken, chipped, in disrepair, or items you haven’t used in years.

Donate: Go on a shopping spree for those that are less fortunate.

Not ready to part: Place these in a box labeled with the date. If you don’t go back to the box in a year, donate!

Find a home: Items you truly love should have a home within your abode. Find a place within your space.

Don’t have too many “favorite” things

It is important to have special pieces around your home that remind you of happy memories. However, it’s also important to be selective with these happy-memory-making items. Clutter is clutter, even with the “good” stuff. It’s time to pare down when you are no longer able to see the special tokens because you have too many trinkets on your bookshelf.

Just do it!

Take immediate action with the four categories of belongings! Don’t leave things sitting around, because this is another form of clutter.

Don’t get distracted from your items’ final destination

That brings me to my next point, I don’t know about you, but I often have bags of items sitting around waiting to be given to this person or that charity. Getting them to their final destination can be challenging for a whole assortment of reasons. If you aren’t able to get them to their intended endpoint within a week, bring them to the charity drop-off box down the street.

Make your bedroom your oasis

Begin with your bedroom. Make this a nest that nurtures you and an oasis away from clutter elsewhere. This room is critical for three reasons. You spend seven or so hours in it each day, it’s the last room you see before you nod off and the first room you see upon waking. A clutter free bedroom will help you enjoy sweet sleep and positively begin your day.

Your external world has a huge impact on your internal sense of well-being. You can harness the power of your natural instincts that urge you to organize, clear and clean during the fall season.

The above tips and more inspiration can also be found in Christa O’Leary’s book Home in Harmony: Designing An Inspired Life available at Amazon

Self-storage units have the reputation of being used solely by homeowners who have too many possessions or those who are in the process of moving homes. However, did you know that self-storage facilities can also be used for small businesses? Here are some of the reasons why you should consider renting a self-storage facility for your business:

1. Storage units are secure

Sensitive business information and documents can be stored in a secure facility where they can be readily available to extract anytime. Furthermore, a storage unit can keep your documents safe from environmental issues that can possibly occur in your office space, such as fire. Your documents will also be away from suspicious persons and limit the risk of theft.

Stashed Away’s self-storage units are secure and alarmed 24/7. Enjoy the peace of mind brought by the knowledge that your business assets are safe from damage and secure from theft.

2. Using a storage unit frees up space in your business

If you have stock overflow or unused furniture and equipment you can use the self-storage unit this will free up valuable space that you could convert into something more productive. If you feel your office is running low on space see if there are any items you may not need in the future and store these in the storage facility.

3. Different sized storage units are available

Are you thinking of storing office equipment or furniture? Regardless of the items you are going to store there will always be a storage unit for you. If your storage requirements change in the near future you can always upgrade or downsize your storage unit. Just contact your self-storage facility.

4. Some storage facilities provide additional services

Companies like Stashed Away will help you in the process of moving, making it easier and less expensive. If you require your items and need them delivered just liaise with the team and they will assist you.

5. Storage units can be accessed 365 days a year

Stashed Away’ s storage units can be accessed from 7 AM to 7 PM all year round, making it the perfect choice for convenience. If you operate on weekends and holidays and need to access your stock and documents stored in the facility they are always available.

6. The cost of renting a storage space is less than purchasing a larger office.

Planning on renting a bigger office because you feel like your space is cramped? How about checking if office items can be stored in a storage unit, such as furniture, machines and documents. Hiring a self-storage is less expensive and easier than looking for a new office space.

These are just some reasons why you should consider hiring a storage space for your business needs. Remove the idea that self-storage is just for personal use. Experience the different advantages of having a self-storage at your disposal. If you are looking for a self-storage facility that can help you with your business storage needs, look no further! We at Stashed Away are always willing to help.

Bristol-based self-storage, Stashed Away, is a family run facility that offers an affordable and local solution to your personal and business storage needs. With a variety of storage solutions to choose from, we are sure that you will be able to find the ideal solution to suit any requirements. Contact a member of our team today on 01179516325 for any further information about storage availability. Please continue browsing our website to learn more about the services that we can offer.

You might think that packing your things would be the least of your problems when you’re juggling studies and work in university. It wasn’t until the holidays and summer, the only time when you’ll be able to have a break from all the university drama, that you’re confronted with the mundane and annoying task that is storage. We have listed the common storage problems students face whilst at university.

1. Your childhood bedroom has been converted

Most students relate to this problem. The moment you go to university, your parents would immediately renovate your bedroom into something else. Most of the time it’s transformed into a guest room, and the stuff that you’ve been keeping inside your childhood bedroom is kept in some box hidden away in the basement or attic. The conversion of your room comes with furniture and equipment that your parents think might be necessary for the guests which makes it impossible for your university possessions to have space in your own converted room.

2. Your possessions can easily fill up a car or van.

You might not be aware of it, but you have accumulated a lot of things during your stay in your rented accommodation. Who knew that those books lying around your room would take up so much space, added to the furniture you have brought to be used in your rented accommodation.

3. Do you really think you can bring your belongings home by train?

Let us say you have managed to pack all of your things and you want to bring them all home. Do you really think you can find a seat on the train, with three bags, a rucksack, a box and a suitcase?

This problem is true to students who want to bring their possessions back home but do not want to use a removal van or their parents don’t want to have the inconvenience of driving to the university to fetch them.

4. Leaving certain items in your rented accommodation is not an assurance that they will be there when you get back.

One concern that most university students think about is the security of their rented accommodation since they’re not assured that their belongings are safe to be left alone, especially in cities and busy neighbourhoods. Coming back to a different room because of the noticeable missing furniture or equipment is not a pleasant experience.
Sometimes, when you leave your possessions, your fellow students might take it upon themselves to use your things and there’s no telling if they’ll take care of them. There’s no assurance that you’ll be able to find your items again.

These are the common situations and problems that students experience when it comes to storing their things.Renting a self-storage unit can ease all your woes and can provide you with less hassle when you are faced with this problem of storing. By hiring a storage unit, you are sure that you will be able to store all your items in a highly secure and accessible place. Security wise, storage facilities are equipped with 24/7 surveillance cameras and alarm systems, meaning you do not have to worry about missing items.

Stashed Away can collect your boxed belongings and store them for the holiday period and deliver them back to you. Keeping them clean, safe and secure, so you’ll find your belongings just as you left them. You can order you boxes online prior so the move out can be made easily we will collect them and when you require them again, just give us 7 days notice, and we will deliver them back. Visit our website for more information. Don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team on 01179 516325 or email us at info@stashedaway.co.uk to see how we may help you.