Stratford-Upon-Avon in the Spotlight!
Here at Beyond Storage, we go the extra mile to care for our customers and always striving to provide the best service for you as much as possible. At our Stratford Upon-Avon location, we have a new reception and canteen area made from storage containers, which is available for all our customers to use. But wait: It doesn’t stop there! We go beyond that extra mile and ensure that all your belongings are protected to the highest satisfaction by having insulated and dehumidified storage containers. So, the next time you’re visiting the countryside, come and pop into Beyond Storage Stratford Upon-Avon and have a cup of tea with us!
We go ‘above’ and beyond with our storage units and have decided to show you a scope of our incredible location in Stratford Upon-Avon. Once home to the legendary William Shakespeare, this beautiful location never fails to impress. We take in the Beyond Storage area with our newest and latest drone video, showcasing the facility and its surrounding landscapes.
We’re Going Home!
The End of The Line for England’s World Cup Shot!
The game that everyone had been waiting for and the moment in the spotlight England had needed has come to a very sad end. It’s been a good run for England with lifted spirits for weeks but, the teams time in the World Cup is now over. After a phenomenal start with Trippier scoring a goal in the first 5 minutes, England fans were screaming to the rooftops of nearly every house and pub in the UK. But the hype didn’t last very long, by extra time Croatia moreless had the win in the bag and then Mario Mandzukic cut England off with his strike in extra time .
Although they didn’t get to bag the World Cup trophy, England has played so well this year they are to be commended for their team work, dedication and persistence in all of their games. Let’s not drown ourselves in sorrow but rather remember all the joyous occasions that England has had and they still have a shot at beating Belgium for third place in this years World Cup.
To enter, please submit a photo of your 'world cup' to"
- Email: Armani@boss-digital.co.uk
- Via our Facebook page
- Via Twitter: #YourWorldCup
- Via Instagram: ##YourWorldCup
England vs Colombia - It's coming home!
It’s coming home! Football is well and truly coming home!
I don’t blame you if you haven’t yet recovered from Tuesday night’s heroic penalty shootout win against Colombia, England’s first ever penalty shootout win at a World Cup!
I’m sure you’re well aware of the rather hopeful memes that have come about from England’s performances at the World Cup so far, and Tuesday night was no exception with many more flooding the internet with England moving one step closer to getting their hands on the trophy.
Here are some of our favourite memes from the night…
"Can you see that, Gareth? That's football. It's coming home."#ENG #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/1e6SOcQctf
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 3, 2018
taxi pls mate
yeah it’s for football
home
ta#ENGCOL pic.twitter.com/8lNKWn30fd— Kierran Fletcher? (@KIERRANNN) July 3, 2018
Look closely...#ENGCOL pic.twitter.com/hrXp3z67Jx
— Emziiee'x (@Emziiee14) July 3, 2018
Made a meme. #ENGCOL #ItsComingHome #FifaWorldCup2018 pic.twitter.com/KaXcXCMDQF
— Alex Carr (@Alex_T_Carr) July 3, 2018
6 Tips to Brighten Your Home & Garden
The World Cup is well underway, the sun is shining and you’re thinking of having some friends and family over for a chilled out evening. But everything in your home is looking a little bit… well, drab, dark and somewhat dull. Do you feel like your home is lacking enthusiasm and excitement in its colours and style? You may be looking around thinking: where on earth do you even begin? Well, we know you don’t want to spend an excessive amount on transforming your home which is why we have come up with a few easy, inexpensive and fun ways to brighten up your home and garden this summer.
In the Home:
Clear out Clutter:
First things first, clear out the mess! Get rid of any unnecessary clutter you may have been hoarding in your home. Think about those newspapers and magazines from 2 months ago you really don’t need anymore - or those ornaments that are looking a bit dusted and dated. This is the time to remove anything that makes your home feel dull and untidy. Clearing out clutter can be very therapeutic because clutter can be seen as a visual noise and when you remove that ‘noise’ you’re left with a peaceful and tranquil feeling - that of being de-cluttered and de-stressed.
Use Bright or Light-Coloured Furniture and Paint:
Now you’ve decluttered your home, you can whip out the paint and change up the furniture to brighter or lighter colours. Whenever possible, it’s best to look for lighter furniture, rather than dark colours. One simple item such as an off-white rug can transform that small area of your home and starts to make your room feel that little bit brighter. Don’t forget the walls, too; painting your walls with colours like cream, sky blue, pale yellow or green can make the room feel larger and more spacious. It also adds a level of cheerfulness, promoting a healthy, positive atmosphere.
Use Mirrors:
The art of reflection can be found in the use of mirrors. Adding mirrors into your home is another great way of opening up the space. As mirrors reflect light, putting them up around light sources allows the light to bounce off the mirror making a small room appear larger. Also, if your walls are painted in a bright colour, mirrors can effectively reflect the colour providing the room with more light.
In the Garden:
Tidy Up:
With the constantly changing weather from wind and rain to summer sunshine, your garden can sometimes be left in a state. As the weather is now getting that much warmer, it’s the perfect opportunity to give your garden a makeover. Throw away those broken plant pots and scraps of blown-in rubbish. Rake up those crispy old leaves left over from autumn and clear up that pile of debris and bricks from last year. A simple tidy up can make your garden feel more inviting and enjoyable.
Water Features and Arts-and-Crafts:
Why not invest in some colourful water features or other arts and crafts for your garden? A water feature can transform your garden, complementing the surrounding plants by adding a touch of sound and light movement. It is also a great feature to welcome wildlife into your gardens such as the variety of birds that would flock to the fountain for a little drink or bath. Similar to how mirrors can reflect light in your home, water can also reflect light on the flowers creating a brighter garden atmosphere. Alternatively, you can get creative with other garden arts and crafts. Try painting rocks in different colours and placing them around your garden; you will notice how bright your garden can look.
Add Colourful Plants and Flowers:
One of the easiest ways to brighten up your garden is by adding in some colourful plants and flowers. There are hundreds of different kinds of flowers with some beautiful colours and scents that when combined can turn your garden into a paradise. As the saying goes; ‘plant lady is the new cat lady’ - so why not use your green fingers and be one with nature by planting some of your favourite flowers. From roses to lavender and sunflowers to hydrangeas, you can easily lighten your garden, creating a warm and welcoming summer invitation.
Why a 'Gap Year' is not just for Students
As summer begins to kick in, many students are thinking of their next steps and where their path will lead them. Work? University? Or how about taking time to find your feet by having a ‘gap year’?
A gap year is a period of time, usually around the length of an academic year, for a student to take a break between school and university or college. However, a gap year has started to become more popular among older adults, proving that it’s not just for students. Many people in their late twenties and even thirties feel that travelling later in life gives them an experience which will help them decide what level they next want to take their career to, and to see and do the things they really want. So we have decided to put together a little information pack on this hot topic about some of the best places to travel to when you want to take a ‘gap year’.
Fiji:
In the heart of the South Pacific is the beautiful and incredible country of Fiji. Blessed with more than 300 tropical islands, it is the perfect place to kick-start your happiness adventure. Fiji is famously known for its white sandy beaches, pristine environment and its soft coral diving. It is the perfect place to make those endless memories you will never want to forget. From secluded beaches to hidden bays there is so much to explore in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
We love adventure and going beyond our comfort zones. By exploring Fiji you get to overstep the mark and unleash your inner adventurous side. Satisfy your adventure hunger by charging down rives in an inflatable raft or along a rugged surface on an off-road buggy. Maybe you want to take it to another extreme and enjoy the breathtaking views as you parasail over the Pacific Ocean? Or take that birds-eye view of the beautiful island as you take a leap of faith out of a plane into an adrenaline pumping free-falling skydiving experience. You can do it all in Fiji.
New Zealand:
The beautiful country of New Zealand is small in size, but one of the most incredible and photogenic places on earth. With a nation of just over 4 million, the friendly people of New Zealand are one of the best things you will remember about this beautiful land. Take a trip to the shores of Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown which is New Zealand’s adventure capital and top go-to destination. Be tempted by bungee jumping, rock climbing, white-water rafting, mountain-biking and so many more adrenaline-fuelled sports.
Or why not visit the Pacific Ring of Fire in Rotorua - the land where the earth speaks? From boiling mud pools, volcanic craters and steaming thermal springs you can get close to the natural forces that New Zealand has to offer. Stop off in Hawke’s Bay in Napier and enjoy some deliciously luxurious gourmet food surrounded by amazing art and architecture.
Thailand:
Thailand is a wondrous kingdom filled with exotic wildlife, phenomenal islands and Buddhist temples. Along with its fascinating history, you can enjoy some new foods and a famous Thai massage. With so much to see and do, from adventurous thrills such as hot air-ballooning to kite-surfing, there is something for everyone no matter your age.
You can visit the nation’s capital of Bangkok. With so much to see and to explore, it is also one of the world’s hottest cities, with temperatures scorching up to 34 degrees in this busy capital. There are lots of day trips and excursions that can be done in Thailand and they can all provide you with a real eye-opening experience.
You really don’t have to be a student to take a Gap Year and to unleash your inner adventurer. We have taken you round our 3 top choices for a gap year. Enjoy and explore the tranquil surroundings of Fiji, be adventurous in your activities in New Zealand or join in the cultural diversity and exploration of Thailand. Now all that’s left is for you to pack your suitcase and go!
Don’t worry about the personal belongings you leave behind, either, because we at Beyond Storage offer 24/7 security, including CCTV surveillance and fingerprint access at some facilities. All our units are dehumidified and insulated to ensure you have that peace of mind.
It’s time for you to #GoBeyond!
5 Golden Rules to Decluttering your Wardrobe
We are halfway through the year and now with the warmer weather upon us we know you must be digging deep in your clothes cave for all that summer gear. But, here’s the dilemma: your wardrobe is jam-packed with all of those excessive winter clothes you simply don’t need at this time of the year. Frustrated, you frantically pull at everything and a wave of your clothes comes flooding out.
Stop!
It’s so easy to become a clothes hoarder, holding onto something you really like but probably doesn’t fit you any more or something you’ve only worn it once and are likely to not wear again. Let’s not even mention that jumper you got from your mum last Christmas that you want to hide away at the back of your wardrobe. Don’t fret; we are here to help you get out of this nightmare with some easy-peasy wardrobe decluttering tips that’ll prove ultimate time, space and life savers.
Rule #1: Take Everything Out
And we mean everything! Starting from the very bottom, it’s best to take everything out of your wardrobe and start afresh. Lay out all your clothing on your bed (not the bedroom floor in a heap, just in case you want to keep any of it!). Now turn and look in your wardrobe, take a deep breath and enjoy the sight of an empty wardrobe. Would you take a look at all that space? Absolutely phenomenal!
Rule #2: Fill a Bag Challenge
Time for some decluttering fun - how quickly can you fill a black bag for donation? Extra points for the number of black bags, too! Decluttering doesn’t have to be a chore, it can be fun if you challenge yourself and turn it into a game. Filling a bag is a great way to declutter as you can go through all your clothes, try them on and if they simply don’t fit or you don’t like/wear it anymore (but it’s still in good shape) then why not put it in the bag and donate it to your local charity.
Rule #3: Separate your Clothes into Piles
Creating clothing piles can make it easier when you are ready to put your clothes back into your wardrobe. You can have a pile for frequently worn, rarely worn, occasion and formal clothes (to name a few). This makes it easy to organise your wardrobe into sections; for example, have the clothes you wear more frequently at the front or top of your wardrobe and the clothes you wear less frequently (such as those winter jumpers) you can store nearer the back or at the bottom of your wardrobe. Having smaller clothing piles can make the organisation process that little bit easier.
Rule #4: Have a holiday box
Unless you are always jetting off to follow the sun, a holiday box would be one of the best decluttering and organising option to have. Having a box solely dedicated to store all your holiday essentials can be a huge space-saver in your wardrobe. Fill the box with anything you would take on holiday; your swimsuits, kimonos, shorts and even those goggles you think you need but never use. Out of sight, out of mind! Once they’re in the box you can store it at the bottom of your wardrobe - or elsewhere in your bedroom or loft - giving you that added space you need to become a decluttering pro.
Rule #5: Keep everything in sight
You’ve taken everything out of your wardrobe, sorted through them, filled 5 black bags full of clothes you no longer need, and you have your holiday box with all the goodies for your adventure in summer. It’s now time to put all the clothes you are going to keep back into your wardrobe. Golden rule number 5; keep everything in sight. Make sure all your clothes remain visible so you can see where everything is and you’ll stop yourself from falling victim to that same nightmare you had at the start. Not only does keeping all your clothing visible make it easy for you when looking for something to wear, but when you step back and look at what you have accomplished you will notice how neatly organised your wardrobe is, and how easily the door can now close.
There are so many more areas in your house where you can declutter and you can make it fun! You can even get your children involved and turn it into a game of who can declutter the most with a special prize at the end. Whatever way you decide to declutter you can surely make the changes to have a summer you will always remember!
How to create your own Outdoor Cinema in your Garden
Outdoor cinemas have become more popular in recent years - and you can do the exact same thing in the comfort of your back garden this summer. Just picture it: a warm summer night, the sun is starting to set with twilight spreading across the sky. You’re sat comfortably outside with friends, family, maybe your partner, enjoying some drinks, with popcorn rustling, the magic of the silver screen in your back garden. It’d be a great summer treat. By making a movie night in the comfort of your own home you can host a BBQ after-party or watch your favourite flicks on your homemade big screen.
There are a few essentials that you’ll need in order to recreate the magic of cinema in your garden. So we’ve come up with a mini-guide to creating your own outdoor cinema.
The Kit
First and foremost, you’ll need to choose the movie! Thanks to modern streaming services, you can easily play the movie of your choice through Netflix or Amazon Prime. But having a decent projector is vital; you still want quality sound and picture without any problems while watching. If you do your research, you can definitely find a good-quality projector online without breaking the bank! You may also want to consider connecting your speakers to the laptop/tablet for good sound and placing under the screen. They can also be attached to your laptop or tablet in order to stream the film onto the screen, so you can sit back and enjoy.
The Screen
The easiest way to create your homemade big screen is to peg a white sheet along your washing line. But be sure to weigh it down so it doesn’t start to flutter in every gentle breeze during the movie. You can also secure a sheet along a wooden fence, so it’s kept in place with a solid background to it. If this doesn’t work, you can always get blackout lining to put up, or hire a screen if money is no object.
The Setting
Whether you have a tiny garden or a massive backyard, you can still make it inviting; just bring all your home comforts outside! Your blankets, bean-bags, cushions, deck chairs - even your duvet would make a lovely and comfortable element to the outdoor cinema experience. But make sure it’s in a sheltered area if it gets windy.
The Grub
A vital element to an outdoor cinema or any movie showcase is the food. Whether you opt for traditional popcorn and some fizzy pop, or fancy a picnic with some prosecco cocktails to enjoy: whatever your preference, it’s your party and you can have what you want. If the night starts to get chilly, you can enjoy some hot chocolate and marshmallows whilst watching to warm you up! Or why not host a pizza party?
The Little Touches
Adding little touches can make the experience homely, intimate and magical. By adding fairy lights, bunting or glass lanterns around the screen or where you and your guests are seated, you can make your garden into a magical wonderland. You can even have your guests give little tickets to add a touch of old-school or VIP to the home event. There are so many little extras to your home outdoor cinema, you can choose which ones work best for you to enjoy for that intimate and magical summer evening.
5 Simple Tips for a Better Bedtime
The Better Sleep Council has coined the month of May as ‘Better Sleep Month’. Seeing that sleep is widely important for an improved quality of life, the Better Sleep Council has invested decades into its research and initiatives to educate and spread awareness to improve sleep quality internationally. The BSC’s mission is to educate people on the link between sleep and health, including the role of our sleep environments. If you have ever Googled a bedtime discomfort or even a dream, you’ll be sure to find endless articles that tell you the consequences of sleeping poorly or not enough. What we do hear far less about are the simple steps that can present big positive changes. It’s no longer a secret that a lack of sleep can have countless impacts on your physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. But how can we proactively improve our sleep?
If the cornerstones to good health include sleep, nutrition, and exercise; of the three, sleep is usually the easiest to change and positively impact. Better sleep is possible, and here are five mindful steps for not only a Better Sleep Month but an overall more restful life:
1. Busy Belly:
A full stomach keeps your body working when it should be sleeping. Don’t eat or drink too much right before bedtime. Cutting out food (especially the wrong kind of food) in the hours immediately before you go to bed is pretty simple to do, with a bit of discipline. This small change can lead to big gains. Although alcohol makes us drowsy and may help you fall asleep, once its ingredients wear off it can actually shorten your nights, leaving you wide awake earlier than usual.
2. Restful Routines:
As cliché as this may sound, creating a bedtime routine will pay back major dividends between the sheets. Parenting and psychology experts rave about this fact for children, although the same applies to any age group. It is inherently human to thrive from familiar and consistent routines. If you make bedtime habitual, you'll have more control of your sleep/wake cycles than you would have ever imagined possible. In that last hour before you turn in for the night, find a patterned routine that promotes rest and the onset of sleep. Consider things like reading or bathing - anything that uniquely helps to shut off the mind and slow down the body. If you revisit these routines at approximately the same time each night, you will begin to know when it’s time for sleep.
3. Time-Sensitive Tiredness:
Going to bed at approximately the same time every night and waking up at approximately the same time every morning will lead to a much more restful and productive life. Of course, this one can seem impossible, but also remember that life is flexible. You can still have some late nights, vacations away, early mornings and unfamiliar sleep situations. What's important is to remain mindful and take the attempt to get to bed within a 2-3 hour range to prevent overtiredness or restless nights down the road. Once you master this tip, you may never need another alarm clock again!
4. Tired Temperatures:
It’s an age-old debate - is it better to have your bedroom hot or cold at night? Should we sleep with the air-conditioner on all night or just quickly cool down the room before bed? Temperatures over 24°C (71°F) are likely to cause restlessness, while a cold room of about 12°C (53°F) will make it difficult to drop off. Make sure your bedroom is set up to be the perfect sleep environment.
5. Easy, Breezy Essentials:
This is likely the easiest tip to implement - although it could involve some expense. Your bedroom essentials play a huge part in terms of comfort which in turn can greatly improve sleep quality. Consider bedding that breathes (crisp sheets) and be sure to wash and replace them regularly. Bedding collects allergens and dust that can complicate your breathing and sneezing while you doze. Invest in a supportive pillow that you can also easily wash. If your mattress is overworn, lumpy and no longer flat to the eye, it may be time for an upgrade - consider a foam mattress. These inventive beds offer unparalleled support and stay cooler; less heat retention will lead to easier sleep.
How Houseplants can brighten up your home
Houseplants have seen a recent surge in popularity. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colours and smells to suit your tastes and home decor too! However, they’re not just a pretty decoration to keep around the house. Houseplants can provide you with many physical and mental benefits. Naturally, the physical benefits go hand-in-hand with the psychological ones to give you all-around goodness and health. So whether or not you know your African daisies from your philodendron, just keeping them around the home can do you the world of good!
They Clean and Purify the Air
Plants remove carbon dioxide from the air and replenish it with oxygen, improving the indoor air quality. Research has linked anxiety and depression to higher levels of toxins in households, so having plants around is good news if you live in a congested city or in areas that have high levels of air pollution. Plants also act as natural humidifiers, which means they regulate internal conditions and can help soothe dry coughs, sore throats and dry skin.
They Reduce Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are a part of everyday life. Whether they be little daily stresses or chronic long-term stresses, we all experience some level of stress on a day-to-day basis. Whilst there are many things we can do to manage our mental health, plants and flowers can help to restore some calm into our lives. It’s been proven is research that when oxygen levels increase, anxiety levels reduce. As mentioned earlier, plants produce oxygen and clear away airborne toxins. This can help clear your head so you feel less stressed about certain situations, even if it is merely a short-term fix.
They Improve your Concentration and Productivity
Plants are a great addition to a home office! Studies have shown the at offices with plants increase brain activity and creativity as they offer visual stimulation. Plants with different colours can also have an effect on your mind; red is associated with concentration while blue supports creativity and free-thinking.
Take Care of your Plants and they’ll Take Care of You
Caring for your plant through watering and pruning them can be highly therapeutic. Taking care of your flowery friends can foster feelings of empowerment and boost confidence. You don’t have to have greenfingers to maintain your plants; taking care of plants requires a certain amount of mindfulness, but most pot plants are forgiving even if you forget to tend to them for a couple of days! They can be easy to take care of and nurture, so you still feel good for looking after them.
So if you’re feeling like having your own hanging garden in your living room, or having a potted-purifier petunia in your home office, you may need to trim down your clutter to make room for them. By decluttering and organising your unwanted possessions away at one of our storage units, you can free up space for your new green guests in your home.
We'll Show You Ours, if You Show Us Yours: #YourWorldCup
Would you like to win £1000 this World Cup?
Of course you do! So let us know what’s in Your Cup.
The World Cup is here and it's in full swing on a TV screen near you! Whether you're at home, at the pub or if you’re adventurous enough to be in a stadium in Russia, the World Cup is always a time for lifted spirits.
In celebration of the World Cup, we are turning to you, to see what the World Cup means to you! Now, we know that football isn’t everyone's cup of tea, so we’re focusing on different kinds of cups this summer. We want to know what Your World Cup truly is!
Whether it’s a glass of wine, a pint of beer, cool latte art or - the ultimate symbol of home- a nice cuppa, send us your pics for a chance to win up to 30% off storage solutions and up to £1000!
ENTER NOW
It’s simple, all you have to do is these 3 simple steps
- Take a photo of the drink you’re enjoying and send it in using the form here!
- Follow us on Instagram
- Like our page on Facebook
Why not get creative with it? Tag us in a snap of you enjoying a drink with your pet! You can even show us what’s in your cup whilst on holiday or simply enjoying what you’re drinking at home. Either way, join us and show us what’s in #YourWorldCup! Take a look at some of the incredible entries we have had so far...
