A Guide for Packing Mirrors for Storage

If you are wondering how you can pack your mirror to guarantee maximum protection during storage, then read on through this guide for some simple yet effective packing tips.

Step 1 – Invest in High-Quality Materials for Packing

Packing mirrors should start with understanding why it is important to buy high-quality packing materials. If you would want to store your mirror safely, then you must buy packing supplies of high quality.

These materials include a packing tape, Styrofoam, customized moving box, and corner protectors. Compromising on the quality of these packing supplies while trying to save your money might result in costly consequences in case the mirror breaks and you have to buy a new one.

Step 2 – Take a Masking Tape and Make a Large ‘X’ Sign on the Mirror

Place the mirror on a flat, soft surface such as the bed. Then place strips of the packing tape on the glass from one corner to the other to form an “X”. The aim of doing this is to ensure that the glass will not shatter in case it gets broken.

Taping the glass will also protect its frame from being damaged in case the mirror falls from a high height. This way, you will only replace the broken glass rather than the full mirror, and this will save you money. 

Step 3 – Use Corner Protectors to Guard the Frame Corners

Learning how you can transport a mirror is all about protecting it from all possibilities. Most people forget to protect the frame. They only focus on protecting glass. However, failing to protect the frame is a big mistake since the frame itself protects glass.

Hence, protecting the frame is important to avoid damage that may come from bumps during transit. Use corner protectors to protect the frame. These protectors are ideal for frames that have right-angled edges. Use bubble wraps for frames that are curved or ornate. 

Step 4 – Get a Cardboard Sheet and Place it on the Glass Surface

Use scissors to cut a piece of cardboard to place on the mirror. The cardboard will protect the mirror from grime, dirt, and dust that leave marks and scratches on glass surfaces.

Step 5 – Take a Styrofoam and Cut it to a Size Similar to the Cardboard and Place it on the Cardboard

To protect the mirror further, take a Styrofoam, then cut it into two sections. Their size should be similar to the cardboard.

Take the Styrofoam and place it on the cardboard. Use a packing tape to secure them together.

Step 6 – Now Wrap the Styrofoam, Mirror and Cardboard Together

Take some old blankets or towels and use them to wrap the mirror, Styrofoam, and cardboard in one bundle. Ensure the wrap is tight enough. You may use bubble wraps if you can’t get some blankets or towels.

Use plastic wraps to top up the bundle. Plastic wraps will prevent mold and moisture from damaging the mirror when storing it.

Step 7 – Put the Wrapped Mirror in a Customized Box

It is important to use a customized box to move or store a mirror. A customized box will come in a perfect size for your mirror and protect the entire mirror from damage.

Using a larger box will leave a lot of room where the mirror may move a lot during transit and this may damage or break it.

Moving large mirrors tends to be tricky. Using a fitting and high-quality moving box will protect it from accidental bumps during transit.

Step 8 – Mark the Box Clearly

Mark the box as “Fragile” in clear and large writings. Mark all sides to make sure that everyone handling the package will not have any excuse of tossing it carelessly.

If you forget to mark the box, you might fail to treat the mirror carefully especially when moving.

Step 9 – Move or Store the Mirror Upright

The most important thing when moving or storing a mirror is to keep it upright. Also, no item should be stacked on the mirror.

Glass is the most delicate part of a mirror and storing the mirror with the glass facing the front or laying it flat would risk chances of objects falling on the glass and break it. Storing it upright will keep it safe from damage.

With these 9 steps in mind, you have learned how to easily pack large mirrors for storage or when moving.

The post A Guide for Packing Mirrors for Storage appeared first on WhatStorage?.

Source: https://whatstorage.co.uk/packing-mirrors-for-storage/

Moving Guide to London

London fascinated writers and musicians, and it’s no wonder that even today this city attracts over 19 million tourists each year.

A historical capital filled with breathtaking architecture (both old and new), London is a place that’s easy to fall in love with permanently. And despite the high cost of living, all it takes is some downsizing and a few budget cuts to get a taste of the city.

As Samuel Johnson says, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.”

This said, before you pack your things and call the moving company, there are a few things you should know about London’s real estate market, expenses and entertainment sources.

The bad news is that it’s going to cost you a lot, but the good news is that you won’t regret it.

Many Londoners Save Money on Rent by Downsizing

Despite the high rent and consumer costs, Londoners have found a way to continue to enjoy the beauty of the city without cutting a hole in their pockets.

If you have furniture that no longer fits in your new flat or belongings that you only use during certain seasons, give self-storage a go.

It’s not surprising that the country with the biggest growth in the self-storage industry in Europe is UK. People use self-storage not only to store their belongings but to store business supplies and products, and even use these units as alternative offices.

At the moment, the micro flats trend in London is increasing in popularity, and while you can make a micro flat work for you, there are still a few items that you can’t possibly store in 19 square meters.

Free Museums

London might be expensive, but most of the big museums are actually free. You have the option to spend hours learning about the history of England at the Museum of London, or see a simulation of a T-Rex at the Natural History Museum.

If you’re into biology and the human body, you can check out deformed skeletons and dissected animals at the Hunterian Museum.

Your Kids Won’t Get Bored

In London, there are plenty of free activities to enjoy with kids as well.

You can take them to Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross to get a taste of Harry Potter’s magical journey at Hogwarts.

What about spending the day on a pirate ship? At Diana, Princess Of Wales Memorial Playground, your children can become pirates on Captain’s Hook ship.

Plus, there are many parks and free playgrounds that you have access to.

Finding Rent Can Be Challenging

While you can find a few good, inexpensive places to live in London, most of them get scooped up within hours. But don’t get discouraged, and by no means should you give anyone an initial deposit before seeing the place with your own eyes.

The good news is that if you don’t look for rent in the city center, you will save quite a bit of money.

For the most part, unless you’re a doctor and engineer, London is not the best place to go if you want to save money or make more. Even Los Angeles is cheaper to live in.

However, the truth is that London is not only very expensive, but it doesn’t have much economic growth either.

When it comes to saving money and earning it, Liverpool is one of the most budget-friendly options. According to Numbeo, consumer prices in London are 29.31% higher than in Liverpool.

It’s Impossible Not to Find Your Crowd

In London the official language is English, but the city is so diverse that over 100 languages are spoken there, not to mention the many neighbourhoods dominated by various cultures. To give you an idea, over 40% of the London population happen to be ethnic minorities.

So no matter where you come from, there’s always a small neighbourhood in this city that will make you feel at home.

Universities on a Budget

If you plan to study in London but don’t quite have the money for it, there are a few options for you as well.

For example, the University Of The People is one of the most appreciated volunteer based universities with no tuition fees. While you do need to pay a fee for the degree, it costs significantly less than your standard bachelor’s degree.

For the time being, there are only two options: business administration and computer science. But new subjects could be added soon.

Excellent Public Transportation

Driving in London can be a nightmare, but if you take the tube or a bus, not only will you reach your destination faster, but you’ll also save money.

Cycling and walking are both popular in London as well, not to mention both activities improve your overall health.

Parks

While London doesn’t have a good reputation when it comes to fighting pollution, we believe the nickname “The Big Smoke” is undeserved. The city has many green spaces where you can relax, take a walk, and admire wild life. In some parks, you will even find deer running around.

What can you do in parks?

Some parks have tennis courts, skateparks, football facilities, outdoor chess boards and playgrounds for children.

Pubs With a Story

Some say that the only way to get to know the real London is to dive into the pub culture.

There are over 3,000 pubs and the best way to make friends is to go where the locals go, which is the pub, obviously.

If you’re looking for an authentic English experience, there are a few traditional pubs from the 16th century, such as Lamb & Flag and the Spaniards Inn.

At the Grenadier, you’ll find a pub with a story and a ceiling filled with money to pay off the debt of a ghost. The legend says that a soldier was killed after cheating at a game of cards, and the only way to redeem his soul is for the living to pay for his journey.

The post Moving Guide to London appeared first on WhatStorage?.

Source: https://whatstorage.co.uk/moving-guide-to-london/

The Ultimate Student Moving Checklist

Relocating into a new apartment building at school can be a very hectic time. It’s a big change that can be mind-boggling. Combine that with getting off to a good academic start and making new friends, and you’re pretty much setting yourself up for a nervous breakdown! So, how do you get ready for the move? Pretty simple. A moving checklist.

The stress of relocating can mold your mind into a pretzel, and cause you to overlook some things. Trying to recall everything you need to get done, from furniture shipping to setting up the Wi-Fi, can be almost unmanageable, which is why it’s vital to be proactive. With a complete, printable student moving checklist your move will be simple and stress-free. If you’re looking for a more standard checklist, check out our moving home checklist.

Important Documents

The following credentials will be very important for your move to college, particularly during your first few weeks. Make duplicates of all of them and stash them together in a secure file to make sure none of them goes missing.

• Passport photos
• Your bank card and bank details
• Driver’s license/passport or some form of ID
• Accommodation documents
• Passport photos
• Your course acceptance letter
• All official college documents, together with your acceptance letter
• All your Student Finance documents
• National Insurance card

Entertainment/Electrical Items

It really goes without saying that you will want to bring entertainment with you to college, for example your personal computer. You might even want to bring your own television, however you should check with the administration before packing it.

• Headphones
• Cable adapters
• Camera
• Computer/laptop and charger
• Extension leads
• Hair styling tools and hair dryer
• Speakers
• Phone and charger
• HDMI cable, Ethernet cable
• External hard drive

Clothing

Clothing usually is a no-brainer; you will most probably know what you want to take with you to college. Here is a list of the basic essentials, including a few extras that you might have forgotten about, to make sure you’ve got everything you need for all occasions.

• Formal shoes
• Smart-casual clothing
• Formal clothing
• Nightwear
• Comfortable clothing
• Everyday clothing
• Everyday shoes
• Raincoat
• Backpack
• Gym Bag
• Seasonal clothing (sunglasses, gloves, scarves, hats)
• Costume clothing (for themed parties!)
• Winter boots
• Slippers
• Swimwear
• Clothes hangers
• Dressing gown

Academic Items

Academic supplies like notepads and books can take up a lot of space and weight in your bags. So, don’t freak out, you can always stock up on everything you need when you get to college. Most colleges will have a shop providing all the important stationery items. However, there are some basic essentials you might want to take with you just to get started.

• Sticky notes
• Paper clips
• Sell tape
• Planner, diary or journal
• Stapler and staples
• Highlighters
• Pencils and pens

Your college will probably send you a ‘recommended reading list’ before your arrival at college, and purchasing all of these textbooks can seem like the sensible, organized thing to do. But, it’s best to wait until you have actually started your course and assessed the situation before you decide which books you really need to buy. As not only do they consume a lot of space and weight in your luggage – they’re costly! You’ll quickly learn that you can find many of them in the library at no cost, or you could even share or borrow them from your course-mates.

Kitchen Supplies

You have to eat while you’re at school, so start by gathering the necessary kitchen supplies so that you can cook and store food that you don’t eat. You also need to have something to eat on and eat it with. Consider the following supplies:

• Pot
• Plates
• Cups
• Mug
• Dish soap and scrub brush
• Bowls
• Fork, knife, spoon
• Tupperware
• Can opener
• Pan

Room Needs

While many college rooms come furnished, it is with the bare necessities, and you will still need some things to make the room usable, especially for studying and other uses. The following are some of the basic items that you won’t want to go to college without:

• Alarm
• Pillowcases
• Mattress protector
• Mini sewing kit
• Mini iron and ironing board
• Trashcan
• Storage
• Duvet
• Bed sheets
• Pillows
• Clothes hangers
• Hangers
• Bulletin board/dry eras
• Clothes horse
• Doorstop
• Lamp
• Earplugs
• Hot water bottle
• Wastebasket

Toiletries

The first time you get sick, you are going to feel really crappy about not having a bottle of Tylenol, Excedrin or Aspirin. So, get it before you get sick. Don’t forget the following:

• Razors, clippers, tweezers
• Floss and toothpaste
• Lotion
• Medicine
• Shower stuff
• Hair styling products
• Bandages
• Soaps

Miscellaneous

These items may slip your mind when boxing up your personal effects, but you’ll be surprised at how handy some of them can be in your time of need.

• Umbrella
• Change for washing machines and bus fares
• Beach towel
• Playing cards
• Alarm clock
• A torch
• Swiss army knife
• Batteries
• Books
• Handheld hoover
• Toolkit
• Sports equipment

Essential non-essentials

The following items aren’t precisely essentials, but we can almost guarantee that you’ll need to have them in your new room, to give it that touch of home.

• Pictures of friends and family
• Fake plants for decoration
• Bulletin board
• Cushions/Throw blankets for decoration
• Full-length mirror/wall mirror

Other stuff

There are also some things that you might not think about, that would be good to take to college with you.

• Cleaning supplies
• Storage containers
• Household products (Ziploc bags, trash bags, light bulbs)

Let’s face it- When you go off to college, you are moving out of your house, and thus you need some basic personal effects to function. So, if you fear bringing your stuff with you over the summer break or you simply don’t have enough room in your apartment, finding a self-storage unit near you may benefit you.

The post The Ultimate Student Moving Checklist appeared first on WhatStorage?.

Source: https://whatstorage.co.uk/the-ultimate-student-moving-checklist/

Choosing a Removals Company

Don’t underestimate the time spent packing and moving your belongings, not to mention the stress of carrying heavy furniture pieces.

Packing itself takes days. And if you choose to move everything yourself, you will have to invest another day in unpacking everything as well as calling friends and family to help you carry boxes. Make sure to check out our Moving Home Checklist to make sure you plan your move properly. 

You might end up with broken plates or scratched furniture pieces. Plus, some items are extremely hard to carry, so if you have massive wood furniture or large sofas, you are setting yourself for a day that is bound to give you a few grey hairs.

That said, some people still want to save some extra bucks by doing everything themselves. This may work if you are currently unemployed and you don’t lose money by taking too many days off. But if you are a 9-5 worker or freelancer, your boss won’t be happy to hear that you got sick twice in a month.

Going DIY could also be a viable option if you don’t have heavy furniture or fragile items, which is unlikely to be the case. But if you do, you probably won’t need a removals company.

A self-storage unit can be helpful as well if you don’t want to bring the heavy furniture to your new place for the time being.

If you do have heavy furniture and fragile items, you might want to consider a removals company since they also offer insurance in case something goes bad. Also, it’s going to be easier for you if you have professionals helping you both pack and move your belongings.

This being said, picking the right removals company is not easy. With so many options out there, it’s hard to pick, but this is where we help.

We put together a short guide on how to pick the best removals company in your area, negotiate on price, and more.

A good removal company practices transparency

There are a number of services that a removals company offers, including packing, moving, and providing insurance.

Based on the quality of the services, the distance traveled, and the size of the crew, you will receive a quote. The bigger the crew is, the faster the team, and the better the insurance options are, the more you pay.

But you should be able to find out how much these services cost individually and make a compromise in one area, if necessary, to negotiate on price.

For example, you might ask what their hourly rate is, how much it the traveling costs are, and how much the insurance costs separately.

A good company is transparent about their costs, and they will try their best to help you out. For example, some moving companies offer discounts if you use your own packing supplies.

If you don’t have belongings that are expensive and need to be moved, maybe you can negotiate a more affordable insurance package.

A good removals company will visit your home in person before making an offer

Getting quotes over the phone from a removals company is always a bad idea, both for them and for you.

They are some factors that can lower the costs on your end and make their job twice as hard. For example, a piano will be hard to carry, especially if the stairways are very tight. But if they don’t come to look around first, they won’t know it.

On a similar note, you might be able to get a discount if you don’t have “problematic” items that require a lot of work. For example, if you’re moving to the first floor and you don’t have a piano to carry, it’s going to be easier on movers compared to someone living on the 10th floor in a crowded area.

If you do get a quote from a removals company that can’t pay a visit (this usually happens when you call them just a few days before your move), make sure you are honest about what type of items you have and what the new location looks like.

You should have a conversation about moving your items at least 2 weeks before your moving day. Most removals companies are quite busy, and you might not find anything on a short notice.

Compare the prices from moving companies in the area where you are moving

When you ask for an estimate, make sure you get the hourly rate for workers, the insurance fees, the fees for packing, mileage, and other costs before you compare two companies.

If you are moving to a smaller town, you might be able to get a better offer from a moving company in the place you are relocating. When you are comparing two companies, make sure they both offer the same service package. Otherwise, you might be making a compromise on quality.

You should also research the area where you are moving, when it comes to uneven roads and the type of automobiles moving companies use.

Tall lorries don’t go well with bad roads and steep gradients, which might get you in trouble with the local police. Make sure you ask about permission to unload before you do so.

Another factor that impacts the pricing is when you plan to move. During holidays and on Saturdays, prices are usually higher since the demand is increased as well.

Research your insurance options

Make sure you reading the contract and asking the right questions about emergencies. Ask the removals company representative about what happens if the move is delayed, or what kind of insurance they are offering and what it covers. Do valuable items require special insurance, and what’s the limit per item?

Also keep in mind that if you choose to pack some items yourself, those items won’t be covered by insurance. You might be saving a bit on the packing costs but might lose money if your items do get damaged.

Before you send the items, make a list with the fragile and heavy objects that may offer some difficulties.

Ask them if they will help you unload the packages in the designated room

Many companies help their clients get their packages to the designated room if the boxes are labeled, which saves a lot of time and energy for property owners.

Some removals companies offer cheaper services but don’t include putting the boxes in certain rooms. Before you sign a contract, make sure you ask if they will help you out with this and if they need a floor plan so the movers know where to unload certain boxes.

Ask for the credentials and experience of the removals company  

If the removals company has a website, you can check yourself if they are members of The British Association of Removers or The National Guild of Removers and Storers. These organizations ask from their members a certain degree of professionalism and experience in the industry before accepting them. Being part of one of these organizations can be a good indicator of the quality of the services that they offer.

The post Choosing a Removals Company appeared first on Self Storage Comparison with WhatStorage.

Source: https://whatstorage.co.uk/choosing-removals-company/

11 Items That Should be Stored in a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit

When you decide to take the big step of storing your belongings in a self-storage unit, you should look for what kind of features these services come with.

Certain items are more fragile than others and can be damaged over time by humidity, high and low temperatures, and exposure to light.

You may be tempted to skip this step, but the truth is that our homes are different from storage units. In them, we always try to maintain a balanced temperature and humidity.

The items that were preserved so easily in your home will need air conditioning in a storage unit as well. Most of them do.

If you have some belongings that you cherish and you plan to use a storage unit, make sure you look at our list of items that require special care.

1. Paintings and art collections

Extreme temperatures can make the canvas shrink, and humid environments can lead to mold and mildew growth.

Art is best stored in cold and dry environments without sudden temperature changes.

2. Fabrics

Anything made out of fabric, including upholstered furniture, can grow mildew and develop an ugly smell in a humid setting. Fabrics last longer when they are cleaned professionally and stored at 50% humidity.

3. Electronics

Electronic devices can handle a little bit more humidity, up to 60%. But you have to be careful with high temperatures during the summer.

Above 60% humidity, your electronics will stand no chance, and you will start noticing corrosion and mold.

4. Metals

Many collectors choose to store their metal coins in a self-storage unit. But metal is no more resistant to humidity than other materials, not to mention that you need to keep your items away from sudden temperature changes.

In the presence of moisture, iron will rust and copper will change its color to green (hence, why your finger turns green from copper rings), silver will darken, and lead will be completely destroyed.

5. Paper

If you collect comics or you want to store your books and photographs, keep in mind that they might turn yellow in the winter or summer due to temperature changes.

Paper items are affected by humidity as well. Ideally, it should be below 30% humidity, and your belongings should be protected from light as well.

6. Mattress and pillows

Mattresses and pillows are tricky because there is always the chance of retaining moisture. It’s not that difficult for a dress to dry after it gets a bit humid in the storage unit, but a thick mattress will become a home to mold in a situation like this.

The humidity levels in a self-storage unit should be around 40%

7. Leather furniture

Aside from making sure leather doesn’t shrink from humidity or warp from high temperatures in the summer, you also have to make sure you let it breathe.

A thin cotton sheet works best for this type of furniture. It protects it from dust accumulation and it lets the leather breathe, which prevents pungent smells.

8. Wines

Perhaps one of the trickiest items to store, wines need low light, moderate humidity, and a constant temperature.

You may be tempted to store your wines in a dry environment, but it’s best to keep the humidity between 40% and 70 %. Environments that are too dry will damage the quality of the wine. They will also make the seals harden and the bottles difficult to open.

On the other hand, too much moisture in the air will change the color of the wine and accelerate the aging process. This will ruin its flavor.

9. Wood furniture and antique items

If you have some cabinets from your parents or antique items, a climate controlled environment is a must due to how wood reacts in cold and hot environments.

In a colder setting, the wood will contract. In hot temperatures, it will dilate. On top of this, the moisture in the air should be controlled as well since it can lead to mold.

Occasionally, the wood also needs to be treated against parasites and polished with oil to maintain its shine.

What can be stored in a storage unit without climate control?

If you want to store your belongings, do it in the spring or the fall, before extremely hot or cold weather arrives. Even items that would be otherwise damaged in the lack of climate control will remain intact during the gentler seasons.

The problem with this approach is that the weather is rarely predictable. You can end up with exceptionally hot days during the spring or cold, rainy days during the fall.

Other items that can be stored without any special requirements are items that are made to withstand extreme temperatures, such as patio furniture pieces, frying pans, pots, spoons, knives, and forks.

Whatever doesn’t get damaged in extreme temperatures, can be stored in a storage unit without climate control.

The post 11 Items That Should be Stored in a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit appeared first on Whatstorage.

Source: https://whatstorage.co.uk/11-items-that-should-be-stored-in-a-climate-controlled-storage-unit/

8 Things You Need to Know Before Moving to Birmingham

Birmingham, the second biggest city in England and the hometown of Ozzy Osbourne, is becoming a popular destination not only for tourists but also for young people looking for a place with more job opportunities.

You may ask yourself, “But isn’t London the best city for young people when it comes to chasing the dream?”

Sadly, London has become too expensive for most people. Many students and recent graduates end up in micro-flats simply because they can’t afford to even split the rent with a roommate in an average-sized apartment.

Birmingham, on the other hand, is far more inexpensive when it comes to renting. According to Numbeo, the rent in Birmingham is 50% lower and the cost of food, clothing and other expenses are about 20% lower than in the capital.

If you want to find out more about what Birmingham has to offer before moving out, we crafted a list of 15 things you should know about this city.

1. A Green Paradise

Birmingham is not concrete jungle, despite being the second biggest city in England and the heart of technological advancements in the past century.

Instead, it’s filled with green spaces and parks. To be more specific, it has over 500 parks.

Two of the biggest parks are Cannon Hill park and Sheldon Country park, where you can see a 17-the century farm and animals running freely on the farmland.

2. Second Largest Economy

Did you know that in the 19th century Birmingham was considered the Silicon Valley of England?

Perhaps, one of the biggest misconceptions about this city is the fact that it does not bring as many jobs to the table, but in fact it’s the second largest economy in England.

Many would point out that the average wage in Birmingham is lower than London.

While this is true, you have to keep in mind that, as mentioned above, general costs are 20% lower and rent is 50% lower.

The average wage in Birmingham is a little bit over £24. In London it’s £34.

3. Relaxed and Friendly Atmosphere

In other cities, if a stranger approaches to ask you how your day was, you would probably be alarmed, and perhaps for a good reason. However, in Birmingham, salespeople and con artists aren’t the only people who are friendly. Most people will salute you and smile at you.

Some consider it an overly-friendly city, but if you always wanted to live in a place with a more relaxed atmosphere and a diverse cultural background, this place might be for you.

4. Daunting Traffic but Good Public Transportation

While it’s not that friendly to drivers, public transportation is at its best. There are buses all over town 24/7.

Regional and national trains are also available, and if you’re looking for traveling inside the city, the Midland Metro is another option.

If you’re looking for a monthly pass, you won’t spend more than £60 per month for public transportation.

5. Plenty to Do in Your Free Time

Regardless of your tastes, there’s always something you can do in your free time, from looking for bargains and hidden gems in the local shops and markets to admiring the Victorian architecture. Birmingham is known to have a large variety of entertainment sources.

Depending on your budget and what side of town you live in, you have plenty of pubs and bars to choose from. If you’re looking for some fun on the dance floor, there are many clubs to choose from as well.

If you’re on a budget, the many parks and green spaces can be a great place for a relaxing weekend.

6. Exotic Food Scene

Due to its multicultural and multi-ethnic background, Birmingham offers a large range of foods that come from all over the world.

If you don’t have the budget for a night out at a restaurant, the street food stands and the coffee will definitely satisfy your senses.

In Birmingham, you will find the famous Buddha Belly, The Hungry toad, and the Canoodle.

7. Great Shopping Experience

There are many places you can shop in Birmingham, from the Bull Markets to the Balti Triangle to New Street Farmers.

The Balti Triangle has a large number of shops specializing in Asian food, clothing, and jewelry. If you’re looking for bargains, the Bull Markets are the way to go. There you will find fresh meats, furniture, cheese, and everything in between.

8. You Don’t Have to Go to Venice to Take a Boat on the Canals

With over 35 miles of canals, Birmingham has more canals than Venice.

Most of them were built at the beginning of the 1700’s as waterways to transport heavy loads. They were used for over 170 years.

But due to the fact that the maintenance and the repairs of the canals were costly, in 1980 it was decided that goods will no longer be transported using these waterways.

Today, the canals are an attraction for tourists who want to enjoy a coffee near the canals or visit the city by boat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to move to Birmingham, you’ll be pleased to find out that it has something for everyone, from reasonably priced homes to inexpensive rent to a growing economy.

This city is well-known for its diversity, which is easy to spot on the street food scene.

On top of this, it has one of the largest parks in Europe and more canal waterways than Venice. You simply can’t get bored in Birmingham, especially if you add to the mix the many pubs, bars, and the famous Cadburys chocolate.

Also, if you feel like you’re missing your previous home, Birmingham is in the heart of England, making it the perfect place to live if you plan to visit your relatives or go for a vacation. You’re only 2-3 hours away from other major cities.

The post 8 Things You Need to Know Before Moving to Birmingham appeared first on Whatstorage.

Source: https://whatstorage.co.uk/8-things-you-need-to-know-before-moving-to-birmingham/

Top 10 Things Everyone Should Find After Relocating

After relocating, you will have to start life all over again. That means finding all sorts of people to provide you with basic services. Remember how difficult it was to find a great hair salon in your last town? What about an honest and trusted mechanic?

Worry not. Follow these 10 suggestions that will help you find the right people after you move:

1. Check for People’s Haircuts

Instead of trying a number of hair salons every month until you find the right one; you should just check other people’s hair.

Asking your neighbors, friends, or coworkers where they got their haircut is a clever way to find the best hairdresser in town.

 

2. Ask around

Search for “key people” who know everyone in town and you will quickly start setting a network of people who know other people.

It’s like a domino effect.

Ask your hairdresser if she can refer you to a good handyman, chiropractor, mechanic, or just about anyone else.

3. Lawn Maintenance

Chat with your neighbors and ask them who’s doing their yard. Have them recommend you which companies are good and, equally important, which ones you should definitely avoid. The next time you see a sweaty crew trimming somebody else’s lawn, go over and ask for a quote.

4. Search for Healthcare Centers

When moving to a new town, there are three vital services you should always find: a doctor, a dentist, and a good hospital nearby. You can ask your local Facebook friends or office mates for suggestions. Also, remember to ensure all of these services are covered in your health care plan.

5. A Reliable Auto Mechanic

Finding a good auto mechanic is difficult. Friends, coworkers, and neighbors can also guide you on this one. Ask which places are just going to rip you off and which ones they’ve used for years. Even with referrals, it might also be a good idea to check reviews on sites like Yelp.

 

6. Fellow Parents Can Be Very Helpful

When it comes to childcare, fellow parents are your best friends. Ask your hairdresser, coworkers, and fellow parents at the playground to get the scoop on the best babysitters in town.

7. Pet Sitters

As you may have noticed, chatting with the people around you is the best way to find good service providers.

This also applies to your pets.

Chat your neighbor to find reliable dog walkers if you have to travel without your pet.

Other good places to search for referrals are veterinarians, dog parks, and pet supply stores.

8. Locate a Handy Man

If you’re a very busy person and don’t have the time to clean the gutters or install new lighting, consider asking your neighbors for reputable contractors, handyman, and electricians.

 

9. Find Friends that Share your Interests

Getting to know like-minded people is most likely one of the hardest things on this list. Finding service providers is easier because all that matters areend results, but setting a new network of friends can be trickier. Whether you have progressive or conservative views, Facebook is a great tool to find locals that share the same interests as you. If you don’t find any groups of people with the same passions, you can even start one on your own!

 

10. Get to Know Your Surroundings

Being the new kid in town, you should start searching for familiar places where everyone knows your name. Ask people about their favorite bars, jogging trails, coffee shops, and parks. When you start looking at familiar faces every day you’ll start feeling more grounded and secure in your new location.

The post Top 10 Things Everyone Should Find After Relocating appeared first on Whatstorage.

Source: https://whatstorage.co.uk/top-10-things-everyone-should-find-after-relocating/

Moving Home Checklist

Moving home is an exciting chapter in your life and certainly, with that excitement follows the turmoil of having to move your household items. With so much to do, where does one even begin? Planning ahead is crucial. Let us walk through the steps guaranteed to make your life a whole lot painless.

Budget

• Once your moving date has been decided upon, the first step is to establish your moving budget and book a removal_van from a trusted company, guaranteed to move your valuables guardedly. Make sure the company you book bestows removal insurance, that way you can rest assured that your goods are covered as a precaution.

Home and Contents Insurance

• Get a content and household insurance for your new home.
• Remember to notify your post office, utility supplier, gas, broadband, and water supplier of the change of address. Your bank, financial providers, Electoral Commission etc. will also need to be informed of this change of address so that your mail can be forwarded accordingly.

Measurements

• Take measurement of the rooms to ensure that your furniture will fit through the doors and there is enough room to fit all the furniture you intend to take with you.
• Create a record of all the items that will be moved, noting the state of each item and quantity.

Packaging

• Proper packaging is vital. You might want to sort out all your items according to the material and size.
• Be sure to make note of all your precious belongings requiring special care.
• Dispose of any items you no longer have use for. Can’t decide? Find a storage_facility near you and store away your possessions until such a time you are ready to make the tough call.
• Before moving any machinery like a refrigerator, stove, TV, dishwasher etc, check removal instructions. Should you fail to do so, you might find yourself in a position where your items are malfunctioning and you have no idea what went wrong.

The Kitchen

It often comes as a shock when you are packing up your kitchen and realize what a lot you have in there.

• Use all opened foodstuffs and toss away any products past their sell-by date and use all frozen foods as the refrigerator will require defrosting before the moving date. Any form of liquid might damage the rest of your goods.
• Throw away all flammable products and make sure that all gas cylinders are empty as they are of hazardous nature.
• Remember to return rented and borrowed items to companies or your neighbors.
• Do not pack any legal documentation and jewelry in cartons or boxes. Carry them with you.
• Arrange packing material to make sure all your boxes and/or cartons are labeled accordingly.

Storage Facility

• Research storage_facility near your new address. Perhaps you have more furniture than your new home can accommodate. Such information will prove to be useful should you find yourself in need of storage.

The post Moving Home Checklist appeared first on Whatstorage.

Source: https://whatstorage.co.uk/moving-home-checklist/

Minimalist Interior Design

Minimalism is the art of decorating your home in such a manner that does not exude a lot of furniture, leaving the rooms spacious. The trick is in the ability or art of combining shapes, colors and textures which will blend immaculately together.

Modern Design

Modern design refers to a term and this style was brought into being around the 1920’s to 1950’s. It’s unchangeable. Avoid clutter and complicated decorations. Simplicity is the key and the utmost sophistication.

Choose a theme and blend it throughout the room. The cladding must be uncomplicated and slightly darker than the inside wall finishes so that standing from the outside looking in or walking in the colors pop.

The rooms must be well-lit with sunlight shinning through from all possible angles in the room.

Contemporary

Contemporary design is affected by evolution. It is about the here and now, ever changing with time and trends.

Try earthy colors such as brown, grey and black for flooring and tiles. These neutral colors allow your gleaming decorations to really shine through, giving your house a visible sparkle that will leave the room perfectly easy on the eye without the excess decorations.

Minimalist Design

Minimalist design is achieved by taking the contemporary design and simplifying it even further. This is all about functionality. Maintain the same color-schemes as in contemporary. Simply remove the additional chair and whatever decoration you may have on the coffee table. Ferret out the apartment, if you hardly use it remove it to be kept in storage.

Industrial Design

Imagine a loft or a warehouse. This type of design draws inspiration from that theme. It is raw yet seems unfinished with the use of either wood or bricks, or both. The ceilings are high. For a touch of sophistication add a lower handing chandelier. Abstract art blends well with this type of design, but only one or two pieces.

Mid-Century Modern

Mid-century modern is adapted from the mid 1900’s with a retro element and minimalism using natural shapes. A functional design making it easy to transition from in-house to the exterior.

Traditional Design

The traditional design is adapted from the European style, with a lot of furniture and accessories. To achieve a minimalist look remove the accessories and pay more attention to the details of the walls. Use stones and/or bricks of different tones of earthy colors.

Transitional Design

Transitional design finds the balance between traditional and modern design, blending together in a matter that is not too over the top, and one style does not surpass the other. Incorporate steel and glass from the modern materials and twist it up with lavish furniture. This is an unexpected style but when combined together perfectly, it is quite appealing.

The post Minimalist Interior Design appeared first on Whatstorage.

Source: https://whatstorage.co.uk/minimalist-interior-design/

15 Ways to Have the Perfect Summer Backyard

Summer is a great season for those who love to spend time in the fresh air or even those who live to entertain.What’s better than drinking your morning coffee on your porch or having a nice, relaxed dinner with your friends in the backyard’s table?

If you’re one of the above, the backyard is probably your favorite area of the house, yet in most cases keeping it tidy and fashionable can be a difficult task. Most people think they have to spend a lot of money to achieve this, but that doesn’t always have to be the case.

Follow these 15 tips to boost your backyard’s appeal and start taking your outdoor living space to a whole new level!

 

1. Get Rid of Stuff.

Getting rid – or storing – your old skis, bikes, kid’s toys, snow blower, or whatever you have lingering in your backyard’s corner will definitely make the clutter go away.

 

2. Clean your Area.

Most people overestimate the power of some old-fashioned cleaning. A simple scrub of your tables and chairs can be enough to get you backyard the facelift it desperately needs.

3. Cleanse your Garden.

Cut down your overgrown shrubs and rip out all dead bushes and weeds. Also, consider growing vegetables or flowers to create a beautiful aesthetic.

 

4. Splash some colors.

Think of adding pots with beautiful, bright colored flowers to complete the ultimate summer look and feel.

 

5. Create a Pathway.

If you have no diving points in your backyard, consider setting a path with sand, stones, or gravel. Your trail can be used to mark distinct areas of your yard, like the play area, garden, or dining spot.

6. Comfortable Furnishing.

Nothing says outdoors more than a good set of comfy patio chairs along with a nice dining table. If you want to make your backyard more appealing, the only things you should definitely consider investing on is on relaxed and fashionable outdoor furniture.

7. Bring in Some Fire.

A fire pit is an easy yet creative way to dazzle all your guests. You can even build your own using a solid base of compacted gravel and some landscape blocks.

8. Swing away.

To get a more summer-ready feel, you can simply add a porch swing that will definitely keep you and your guests cozy at all times.

 

9. Water Attractions.

If you’re looking to give your backyard some tranquility, your best bet is to add water attractions like a mini pond, column fountain, or even a small waterfall.

 

10. No Bugs Allowed.

One thing that can drive you and your guests away from hanging outside is the bugs. Consider investing on insect repellents to establish your backyard as a no-fly zone.

 

11. Make Extra Room.

If you have a small backyard with no space for people to sit or walk, we suggest you use turf pavers. Even if you know nothing about laying concrete, you can still consider hiring a professional to do the job.

 

12. Shine Bright Like a Diamond.

The best way to highlight your outdoor space’s features is to add more light. Think about wrapping your tree trunks with string lights or even install new lights around your patio or deck to provide your area with a new summer look.

13. Sprinkler Systems.

The summer can be a very hostile environment for your plants. Smart sprinklers nowadays allow you to water your yard in a breeze and even set customized watering schedules. You won’t ever have to worry about having a dead yard any more.

 

14. Drink Up.

A little bar can actually be a great new asset for your outdoor area, especially if you love to host summer parties.

 

15. Fence Maintenance.

A nice fence is always the right backdrop of a beautiful yard. Consider spending some of your time cleaning and fixing it and you’ll get the best complement for an astonishing backyard.

The post 15 Ways to Have the Perfect Summer Backyard appeared first on Whatstorage.

Source: https://whatstorage.co.uk/15-ways-to-have-the-perfect-summer-backyard/