Jingle Bells, Windy Spells, Summer Stuff Stored Away!

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Oh what fun, it is to hide, all your summer gear all away! Because otherwise – it’s just in the way! Seriously though, it’s that time of year where everyone’s thermostat is working overtime and we’re all just ambling around the place like tired, frozen zombies. Yes, winter is officially upon us and the icy chill that comes with it brings a whole host of changes to your daily life.

You’ll be wearing a lot more clothes, and seeing a lot less daylight, that’s for sure! Another thing we say goodbye to temporarily is our summer stuff. This can mean different things for residential or commercial environments, but the notion remains the same.

Carry on reading to see examples of summer-exclusive items that will need somewhere to hibernate over the coming months.

Summer Garden Furniture

Garden chairs, tables, patio umbrellas and sun loungers are all examples of summer garden furniture. These are great during the warmer months, but often wasted and exposed to the harsh elements during winter. Sheltering from the winter wind and rain is particularly important if you have wooden furniture. This helps to prevent green algae and/or mould from taking hold.

This is also true for commercial properties that may have wooden benches outside, or patches of grass that feature places for people to relax in the sun. Throughout winter it is important to close off such areas for health and safety reasons – as ice can be extremely dangerous.

Barbecue Equipment

Your barbecue equipment is a continuation of the above too. These things don’t last very long during the British winter! Rot, mould and breakages can all occur due to moisture and frozen conditions. If you’re a business owner that likes to treat their employees to a summer BBQ every now and then, you don’t want to waste money replacing your equipment ever year!

You could get yourself a cover, but nothing will protect your stuff better than storing it away safely, away from harm. Plus it makes your garden look a lot less ghastly, removing the snow-covered dome and cooking tools!

Summer Sports Gear

Some sports are best played in the winter, whilst others are most definitely not! Boating, kayaking, sailing and anything else performed on water – you may not fancy this on the wrong side of November! We don’t blame you either! Keep your equipment safe, dry and in one place by locking them up in storage.

Kids Garden Toys and Accessories

We saved one of the most obvious examples until last – children’s stuff! This stuff gets absolutely everywhere! You probably have enough toys inside your house to even contemplate those scattered across your lawn. So why not remove the potential for worry completely and clear the garden of the mess?

Self-storage will ensure your children’s sandpit, paddling pool, pedal cars and whatever else will remain protected and ice-free all winter.

Self-Storage in Norfolk and Suffolk

If you’re looking for extra space to store your summer stuff in the Norfolk or Suffolk areas – we can certainly help with that! From self-storage in the Waveney Valley, to storage facilities in Beccles and Great Yarmouth. We’ve got storage units available in sizes to suit all needs. Get a quote online today or call 01502 679911 to find out more.

Puppy Proofing Your Home and Furniture

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Man’s best friend has lived alongside us for thousands of years and they often become an important part of the family. They help us to work, keep us safe and, perhaps best of all, they entertain us. As wonderful and cute as adult dogs can be, though, they are no comparison to puppies. These little bundles of fun can melt even the hardest of hearts and are such a pleasure to be around.

As adorable and fun as they are, though, puppies can also be a lot of work. They require training if they are to learn how to live around the home whether in Lowestoft or anywhere else and their playfulness can also make them quite destructive.

Until it learns better, a puppy will quite happily chew on a chair leg or anything else within reach. In addition to causing physical damage, they can also put themselves at risk, especially in the presence of chemicals and electrical appliances etc. With this in mind, it is wise to ensure that your home is puppy proof before you bring a new companion home to Bungay or elsewhere in and around Norwich.

Place Chemicals High Up

Cleaning products, in particular, are likely to contain chemicals that can cause a lot of harm to a puppy. Other products such as paints can also be harmful, so you should make sure they are kept well out of reach. Should you have anything in the home that could be harmful, make sure that it is placed high up in a cupboard or similar where it is out of harm’s way. If you aren’t sure whether or not something is dangerous, you should keep it out of the way regardless just to be sure.

Cover and Tidy Cables

To a puppy, a cable would be like a toy that is to be played with, and this often means chewing. This presents an obvious hazard if the cable is connected to the mains power supply and the consequences could be disastrous. When taking on a new puppy, make sure to keep cables well out of the way so they can do no harm. You can buy cable guards that help keep them well covered while also helping to keep them neat and tidy for improved aesthetics.

Tidy Up After You

Puppies will play with anything. This means jewellery, remote controls, toys, tools… anything. If it can fit in their mouth, then it is fair game, and they will have no concept of potential hazards. Sharp objects can cause nasty cuts while small objects can cause choking hazards.

Objects can also cause a lot of trouble in ingested where they could cause problems internally. Before bringing a puppy home to Norwich, and whenever there is one in the home, tidy up as much as possible to make sure there’s nothing lying around that could hurt your pup.
Self Storage Norwich Based Services – Worth a Shout!

To a puppy, those expensive chairs that have been in the family for generations will be little more than a chew toy. Small, sharp teeth can do a great deal of damage, so it is best to keep valuable items in a safe place. With this in mind, you might want to consider safe storage options in Norwich or Great Yarmouth for furniture and other items, so they can come to no harm.

All in all, puppy proofing a home is largely a case of common sense. Look around the home and try to put yourself in the shoes of a puppy that wants to bite, chew and eat everything in reach. Keep things out of reach so that the puppy cannot get hold of them and you will be helping to keep your valuables, and your puppy, safe.

Musical Instrument Storage: Advice and Guidance

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If the time has come to have your musical instruments stored away, for whatever reason, then there are a few things to be taken into consideration. It could be that you don’t get to play anymore, or maybe you need temporary storage while you are moving home. Regardless, it is important that your instruments are stored properly.

As you are already likely to be aware, musical instruments can be very expensive, so you would not want any harm coming to them while they are in storage. Even when in what might appear to be a safe place, an instrument can still get damaged if not stored correctly. Follow some straightforward rules, though, and you should experience no problems whatsoever.

Find a Safe Place – Self Storage Norwich

It may be obvious to many, but make sure that your instrument is stored in a place where it is safe from being knocked into. While your instrument may well have a protective case, that does not make it completely safe from harm. There is no safer place than a self storage box or container, with around-the-clock security and a lockable space that only you may access. Self storage Norwich based services are growing in popularity amongst many locals, for many different reasons, including musicians.

Protective Sheets and Casing

If you don’t have a hard case, then you should try to invest in one if you can to help keep your instrument secure. Not only can it help protect your instrument from knocks, it can also help protect against other hazards such as insects and UV rays.

Bear in mind also that while the soft lining of hard cases is intended to provide protection, they can cause harm in the long term. They can allow chemicals to cause damage to instruments, so you should use a protective sheet to helps keep the instrument safe.

Taking Apart

If your instrument is left in one piece for a long time, it could cause unnecessary strain on the individual parts. Joints, in particular, can become damaged through stress, while strings and skins can also cause additional tensions and stretching. Before putting your instrument into storage, separate all parts of the instrument and ensure that each piece is protected individually.

Remove strings and skins and keep those protected when in storage also. If you don’t separate the components then a tight string, for example, could apply enough force on an instrument to cause damage over time. One exception is with pianos as they are designed to be able to withstand the forces over time.

Make sure also that you thoroughly clean the instrument before placing it into storage, and that any potentially harmful cleaning products are completely removed.

Atmospheric Conditions

Damp and mould could cause a great deal of damage to instruments, even if they are in a hard case. Significant changes in temperature can also cause damage as they cause the materials of the instrument to continually expand and contract. Try to ensure that your instrument is located in a place that is dry and that is not exposed to significant fluctuations in temperature and other conditions. Again, a self storage unit will satisfy all those requirements all year round.

Maintenance

Just because your instrument is stored safely away, that does not mean you should just forget about it. From time to time you should take your instrument out of storage and thoroughly inspect it for any type of damage. You should also clean it using any products that will help protect the instrument from decay or fading over time. If you do notice any damage, no matter how small, then consider taking the instrument to an expert to make sure no further harm is done.

Storage Options

One common problem when it comes to storing instruments, especially larger instruments such as pianos and cellos, is space. Fortunately, there are options such as self storage units that will help to overcome the problem. In addition to solving the space issue, self storage units also provide the protection you need to be confident your instruments are safe.

Protecting Your Furniture from Sunlight

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It isn’t often we say this, but isn’t this summer a scorcher? We’ve had more than our usual share of BBQs and hot, sunny afternoons in the garden this year; but there are some downsides to all this hot weather! Sunlight can damage your most valuable pieces of furniture, like that expensive antique couch in your lounge or your wooden desk in the study.

So how you can you protect your furniture from the harmful (but delightful) rays of the sun this summer? Stand by – we’ve got a few tips to help you out!

Protect Fabrics from Fading

Your expensive couch or favourite armchair isn’t safe from the harmful effects of sunlight during the summer months, particularly when the British summer is at its height! Although delicate fabrics like linen and silk will fade more quickly than acrylic and polyester, no fabric is 100% safe from the sun’s rays.

Darker and more vibrantly coloured fabrics will fade more quickly while lighter shades will show fading less – something to think about if you’re choosing a couch to situate in-front of a window.

For indoor furniture that sits in a sunny spot (or a conservatory), choosing outdoor fabrics designed to withstand the elements is a good idea.

Prevent Wood Furniture from Discolouration

Depending on what type of wood your furniture is made from, the UV rays of the sun can fade the material or darken it. You can protect your furniture by applying a sealant such as varnish, lacquer or oil/wax. Each sealant works differently, with oil or wax being the quickest and easiest to apply, although you will need to re-apply it regularly.

Water-based varnish, which comes in a range of finishes from matt to gloss, protects well against sunlight and dries quickly. It’s also very durable, making it a popular choice. Lacquer also goes a long way to protect your furniture not only from the sun but also from knocks and bumps. It dries fast for long-lasting protection, but make sure you don’t use it on very soft wood or wood with a coarse grain (such as oak).

Being mindful of your furniture’s exposure to the sun is also helpful. Relocate items during the summer months (if possible) and move pieces (such as lamps and vases) around frequently to distribute the wood’s exposure to sunlight. This prevents dark or faded areas where items have been sitting.

Eliminate Cracked and Faded Leather Furniture

Leather furniture is prone to drying out, cracking and fading under the sun’s intense rays. When sun hits leather for long periods of time it causes the material’s natural oils to evaporate. You can protect your leather couch or armchair by drawing blinds or curtains, positioning it away from windows and conditioning the leather twice a year to protect it. If your leather couch has already faded slightly, using a colour restoring product can help to restore some lustre.

There is one sure-fire way to protect your furniture from this summer’s soaring temperatures and sunny days. By placing your most valuable items in storage until the sun packs its bags again for a long winter, you can ensure your most precious pieces won’t suffer any sun damage.

Whether you’re the proud owner of several pieces of antique furniture or just have some beautiful wooden tables and chairs that you don’t want to become faded in the sunshine, you can contact us at any time to find out more about our secure, low-cost self storage facilities. Your furniture will be completely safe and secure whilst also being protected from humidity and the sun’s damaging UV rays.

Handy Hints to Make Your Moving Day Go Smoothly

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Whether you are moving to Norwich or elsewhere in the country, moving can be a pretty hectic affair. You have packing to be concerned about, making sure everything arrives safely, and then you have to unpack it all again. There is also often a lot of apprehension involved in moving potentially making for a stressful occasion.
With this in mind, it makes sense to prepare yourself as well as you can to help ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. This way, you can not only help prevent problems from arising but also make sure you can deal with them if and when they arise.

Be Prepared for Delays

Things don’t always go just as we want them to. Every now and then there will be a delay, and quite often it will be completely out of our hands. We are often left with nothing to do but wait, no matter how much stuff we might have to do and no matter how frustrating it can be. While we may not always be able to do much about delays, however, we can try to limit their effect by considering the possibility of delays in our planning.

Where possible, and whether moving to Lowestoft or elsewhere, try to plan to arrive earlier than you really need to. Try and make sure that you and others are ready to leave early. If you do get everything done early and there are no delays, it means that you can get the job done and begin relaxing sooner.

Labels

Forgetting which boxes contain what can be a nightmare when it comes to moving. You can be left scrambling through a load of boxes to find what you want, and the box you need will often be the last one you look in. Use labels to clearly mark everything so you know which boxes contain what. Use particular boxes for certain categories so that you know which ones are likely to have what you want. A little time getting prepared beforehand can save you a great deal of time and inconvenience further down the line.

Find a Babysitter

Kids tend to get bored easily, while moving can also be a tiring experience for all involved. This can lead to restless or grouchy kids, which is the last thing you need when you have so much to get done. Where possible, try and arrange for a babysitter so the kids are cared for while the work is being done. An ideal solution would be to have them stay with family or friends so that they are out from under your feet altogether.

Refreshments

Moving can be hard work, making us thirsty and hungry. It can be difficult to concentrate when we are feeling tired, so some refreshments may help to get the job done faster. Some cold drinks will always help to keep us feeling invigorated, and some fruit and snacks will help keep the hunger pains away. Remember also to keep a kettle, mugs, sugar, tea bags and coffee where they are easily accessed. There’s nothing quite like a well-deserved cuppa after a long journey on th

Keeping Your Fragile Valuables Safe When Moving

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Moving home can really be quite a headache with so many different things to plan. Transportation needs to be arranged and people hired for extra muscle. The kids will likely need a babysitter and you might also need to book some time off work. Among the most important things of all, though, is making sure that your personal belongings arrive at their destination in one piece.
With fragile items often involved, this can be a lot harder than it might first appear. Follow some straight-forward tips, though, and you are well on your way to having everything arrive intact, whether your destination is Beccles or anywhere else.

Hire a Trustworthy Removal Company

A professional and trustworthy removal company in The Waveney Valley or anywhere else will have the experience and know-how to get your items to their destination in one piece. They will be able to give advice on how everything should be prepared, and they will also have the equipment to make sure the job gets done right.
Another very important factor is that the removal staff take due care in moving your possessions and treat them as though they are their own. Try to do it on the cheap with a company that does not have a good reputation and you could end up paying out a lot more overall.

Protective Wrapping

Even the best of suspension systems won’t make for a completely smooth ride on the roads. Boxes are also likely to be bumped into when carried and the occasional slip is bound to happen at some point. One way to help prevent these bumps and knocks from causing damage is to wrap the items in a protective wrapping. Something like bubble-wrap is ideal for helping to absorb the impact, leaving the fragile goods inside unharmed.
If you can’t get hold of any bubble-wrap then you probably already have an excellent alternative somewhere in your home: Newspaper. Crumpled up newspaper is excellent at creating padding for delicate items when moving. It is also very cheap and readily available.

Reliable Storage

Ideally, we will be able to just pack everything up and move it to the new home in one go. Life doesn’t always work out as easily as we want it to, though, and you might need to find some temporary storage for your furniture and other items. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available where temporary storage is concerned. Just make sure you use a reputable service and you can be confident that your items will be safe from theft and damage.
Lots of Labels

Knowing what’s inside particular boxes can be extremely useful when it comes to keeping things safe. If a certain item contains fragile items, clearly label it as such. This will let people know to be extra careful when handling it, and also not to stack other items on top. It also makes things a lot more convenient because you will spend less time lookin

The Best Packing Materials That Keep Your Valuables Safe

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It’s inevitable that items will be knocked and bumped into when moving. With so many boxes around and people coming in and out, it is almost inevitable that minor collisions will happen from time to time. The good news, though, is that removals still tend to go smoothly with little or no damage being caused even to fragile items. This is largely down to being able to pack items in a way that keeps them safe from damage. Using the right materials will make a big difference when it comes to packing, whether you are in Great Yarmouth or any other part of the county.

Bubble Wrap

Many of us have spent some time blissfully popping away at the bubbles on bubble wrap. As enjoyable as that may be, however, bubble wrap does also have other uses. When it comes to packing for moving home, it is perfect for protecting fragile items from damage. It can be wrapped individually around items for maximum protection and is one of the most effective packing materials there is. It should also be fairly easy to buy, whether you are in Bungay or anywhere else in the country.

Polystyrene

Polystyrene comes available in a huge range of shapes and sizes. It makes an ideal packing material as it creates a protective barrier that can help absorb impact. It also helps to fill gaps in boxes to help ensure the items inside are kept firmly in place, preventing damage caused by items knocking into each other. It is readily available and very affordable.

Newspaper

Newspaper is a godsend when it comes to moving day. Not only can it be used to wrap items to prevent scratches, but it can also be scrunched up and used as a packing material. When scrunched up, it helps to create a protective barrier that can absorb the shock of minor impacts. It can also be used as packing that will fill gaps and prevent items from moving around too much inside boxes. Perhaps best of all, it is also very cheap and very accessible. You could even ask your neighbours for their old newspapers before they throw them out.

Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard boxes are a must-have when you are moving. Putting things in cardboard boxes allows you to pack them in properly for protection. It also allows you to keep things organised, which is important when there is so much going in. It can be surprising just how quickly you can fill boxes, so make sure that you get plenty in. A good place to get cheap, or even free, cardboard boxes can be local shops and supermarkets.
Furniture Covers

With so much happening, it can be easy for furniture and other items to get dirty. A simple cover will help to keep them clean during moving, meaning you don’t have a lot of cleaning to do later. Furniture covers can also help protect against scratches and other similar damage. Old sheets and other fabrics may be perfect for the job, while you could also buy purpose made covers if you wish to.

Things to Look Out for When Looking at Storage Options

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If you need to find a place to keep your belongings for a short while, then you should find something with little difficulty. If you are lucky enough, you may even be able to ask a friend or family member if they have spare room. Failing that, there are plenty of companies offering the service in Halesworth and elsewhere throughout the country. While there are plenty of services available, there are certain things you should look out for when choosing.

Security

Security is a very obvious concern when it comes to storage facilities. You want your belongings to be safe from damage and theft, and this means facilities that keep out unwanted intruders. Any security company should be able to provide facilities that are safe from intruders. Not only should the building itself be secure, but your particular storage space should also be secure. You should make sure to ask just how secure locks and doors are. Also, inquire about additional security measures such as whether or not security guards are on premises.

Fire Protection

Even the smallest of fires can spread quickly if left unchecked and all of your belongings could potentially be destroyed in just a matter of minutes. Check to make sure that any storage company you are using is following fire protection facilities as they should be. Are fire barriers in place? Are sprinklers installed? Are smoke alarms in operation? Bear in mind also that storing chemicals, even batteries, can also lead to fires so be sure to be mindful of what you choose to store yourself.

Reputation

Bear in mind that no matter how secure a facility may be, you are still entrusting them with your belongings. Before choosing a company in Loddon or anywhere else, have a look into their reputation to see whether or not they can be trusted. If a company has been around for a long time and has a lot of good reviews, then the chances are that you can leave your belongings safely with them. Make sure also not to let anybody know about any particularly valuable items you may be storing as it would only likely make you a target.

Insurance

Even the best equipped and most trustworthy storage company can encounter unexpected problems. Nobody can offer an absolute 100% guarantee that your belongings are completely safe. With this in mind, you should check to see how you are insured should something happen to your property. Insurance companies will be reluctant to ensure businesses that don’t offer adequate protection. This means that if a company doesn’t have insurance, then they might not be meeting requirements that ensure the safety of your property.

CCTV

CCTV not only helps to identify people that have broken into premises but also deters break-ins from happening at all. Thieves don’t want to be caught and are likely to keep clear of any property that has cameras present. The cameras should be clearly visible to ensure they are a deterrent and should cover all entrances and exits.

Storage Checker: How Much Do You Need?

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If you’re moving to a new house, you might find yourself downsizing, moving to a bigger home or even having a serious declutter before the move. They say moving can be one of the most stressful things you’ll ever do, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Often you can minimise the stress by ensuring you’re organised well in advance of moving day – and organising your packing is a great place to start!

If you’re downsizing or decluttering but there are some things you simply can’t bear to get rid of, self-storage is a great option. You can store all the furniture or boxes you don’t have space for – great if you’re renting a house in Norwich for a short period of time or need to store some furniture until you can sell other pieces and make space.

How Much Stuff Do You Have?

We all underestimate how much stuff we have and it’s only when moving day rolls around that we realise exactly how much clutter we have accumulated. If you’re planning on placing items in self-storage, you’ll want to know how much space you’ll need and what it’s going to cost you, so you can work out if it’s an affordable option.

As a rough guide, if you’re decluttering a small apartment and placing most items of furniture into storage, you might need a transit van and 75-feet of storage space, whereas for storing the contents of a large house, a lorry and 125-feet of storage space will probably suit your needs best.

Of course, it depends exactly what you’re storing too! If it’s just a couch and a couple of boxes, you’ll need less space than somebody who is putting the contents of their three-bedroom house into storage while they go travelling!

The Benefits of Self Storage

You might wonder why self storage in the Waveney Valley is a good idea when you could just declutter and get rid of stuff. If you’re going travelling or moving somewhere for a short period of time, storing your furniture and belongings means you’ll settle into your new home more quickly once you get back.

Self storage has a number of benefits, the main one being that your stuff is accessible 24/7 as you have your own key. It’s more secure than just leaving your stuff in an empty house too, as 24-hour security, intruder alarms and CCTV will keep your belongings safe. We also provide comprehensive insurance for each storage unit, so you don’t need to worry about your most valuable items of furniture.

Can You Afford Self Storage?

With our handy space estimator you can figure out how much storage you need and get a quote to make sure it’s affordable for you. Self storage in the Great Yarmouth area costs less than you might think and you’ll save money in the long run as your furniture will be safe and waiting for you whenever you no longer need to keep it in storage. If you need to find out more about our self storage or get a quotation for your storage needs, then just get in touch with us today.

Check Out Our Space Estimator

Our estimator lets you check how much storage you may need for anything from a few boxes to the contents of a large house. Of course, everybody has a different amount of stuff, so this is just a rough estimate as to how much storage you’ll actually need, but it will allow you to get an idea of the amount you’ll need and the cost.

Important Things to Organise Before Moving to a New House

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People will tell you that moving house is one of the most stressful things you can do, but it doesn’t have to be that way! Whilst it’s certainly true that there are lots of different things to organise before your move, planning ahead can help you to keep your cool and make it to your new house alive!

From preparing for the move to packing your furniture and possessions and connecting your utilities, we’re here to make life easier with our handy list of things to organise before moving to a new house.

Perfect Your Packing

Don’t fall into the trap of leaving all your packing until the last minute – nothing is guaranteed to cause more stress! It’s best to start well in advance of your moving date by packing up the rooms you use the least, such as a guest room.

If you’re selling your home and don’t want cluttered boxes of belongings lying around when viewings are taking place, you can always take advantage of a self-storage unit, such as the ones available here at Waveney Self Storage. With 24-hour security and CCTV, your furniture and belongings will be in safe hands!

Label Your Boxes

Having a labelling system in place helps to make life easier for both you and the removal company. By giving each room a colour and marking boxes with coloured pens, the removal team will know which boxes go in which room – and you’ll be able to find things more easily in your new home too.

It’s best to have an ‘essentials’ box which holds everything you’ll need for the first day or two in your new home – stuff like a kettle, toaster, mugs, tea and coffee and anything you need for the kids or pets. Don’t forget to label boxes containing breakable items as ‘fragile’ so that the removal company knows to take extra care!

Choose the Right Removal Service

Rather than wondering whether you need a Transit van or a Luton to accommodate all your belongings, it’s best to leave your removal to the experts. Whether you have just a few boxes of things or the contents of an entire four-bedroom house to move; our family-run removals service can help you move locally in The Waveney Valley, Lowestoft and the surrounding areas.

Our reliable team can help with loading and unloading; so all you need to do is show up with the keys to your new property and let us do all the heavy lifting!

Stay on Top of Paperwork

Make sure you don’t forget about all the admin associated with moving. It pays to make a list of utilities such as electric, gas and broadband. Get in touch with your providers well in advance of your moving date to see if your services can be switched on the day. Don’t forget to change your address with the council tax, your employer and other services like your bank.

Stay Calm!

One of the best ways to avoid moving day stress is to be prepared. Leaving the kids and pets with a friend or family member whilst you focus on the move is also a good idea, as you can pick them up or arrange for them to be dropped off once you’re settling in.

Now you’re well on the way to being organised for your move sit back, pour yourself a cuppa and give Waveney Self Storage a call. We’ll provide you with a reliable removals service or self-storage to ensure your move goes smoothly.