In this article, we’ll cover expert tips on how to safely store antiques, artwork, and other valuable items so they remain in pristine condition for years to come.

Why Proper Storage Is Essential for Antiques and Valuables:

Antiques, collectibles, and valuable items are often sensitive to environmental factors such as:

• Humidity and Temperature: Fluctuations in humidity and temperature can cause materials like wood, paper, and fabric to warp, crack, or fade over time.
• Pests and Dust: Inadequately stored items may attract pests or accumulate dust, leading to damage or deterioration.
• Physical Damage: Fragile items can be easily damaged if they are stored improperly or if they aren’t adequately protected during handling.

To protect your treasures from these risks, it’s important to choose the right storage environment and packing methods.

1. Use Climate-Controlled Storage for Optimal Conditions

When it comes to storing valuable items, climate-controlled storage is your best option. These units maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level, which is crucial for preserving delicate materials such as:

• Wood: Prevents cracking and warping.
• Paper and Books: Avoids mold growth and disintegration.
• Fabrics: Protects against moisture, which can cause mold, and keeps fibers intact.

At Hogleaze Storage, our climate-controlled units ensure your antiques and valuables are stored in the optimal environment, protecting them from temperature extremes and excess moisture.

2. Carefully Wrap and Protect Each Item

Proper wrapping is essential to prevent scratches, cracks, and other forms of physical damage. Here are some general tips for wrapping antiques and valuables:

• Use Acid-Free Packing Materials: Acid-free tissue paper or bubble wrap should be used to avoid chemical reactions that can cause items to deteriorate. Avoid newspapers, as the ink can transfer to your items.
• Furniture: For antique furniture, disassemble pieces where possible, and wrap each section individually in protective padding. Use blankets or moving pads to cover larger pieces and secure them with tape.
• Artwork: Wrap framed artwork or mirrors in acid-free paper first, followed by bubble wrap for extra cushioning. Place cardboard corners on each side of the frame to prevent the edges from getting damaged.
• Small Items: For smaller items like jewellery, porcelain, or glassware, use individual boxes lined with soft fabric. Fill any empty spaces in the boxes with packing peanuts to prevent movement during transportation.

3. Label Everything Clearly

When dealing with valuable and delicate items, clear labeling is essential. Use a marker to label boxes with the contents and mark them as fragile. This will remind you (or anyone helping with the move) to handle the boxes with care.

For antique collections, consider making an inventory list of the stored items. Take pictures of each item and store them in a folder along with notes on their condition. This not only helps you keep track of what’s in storage, but it also serves as a useful document for insurance purposes.

4. Store Items Off the Ground

Even in the safest storage environments, it’s a good idea to elevate valuable items off the ground. Use shelving units, pallets, or risers to keep your antiques safe from potential hazards such as:

• Moisture: A sudden spill or leak could cause water damage, even in the cleanest storage facilities.
• Physical Damage: Keeping items elevated reduces the risk of accidental kicks or bumps that could damage your valuables.

For large or bulky items like furniture, placing them on risers or wood pallets can add an extra layer of protection.

5. Avoid Overcrowding the Storage Unit

It may be tempting to maximise the space in your storage unit, but overcrowding can lead to accidental damage. Antiques and valuables need space to breathe, and cramming too many items into a confined space increases the risk of items bumping into each other or getting scratched.

When storing large items, such as antique furniture, leave enough room around each piece to allow for air circulation and to make it easier to access the items without causing harm. For smaller items or artwork, consider using shelving units to avoid stacking items directly on top of each other.

6. Regularly Check on Your Items

Even when stored in the best conditions, it’s a good idea to periodically check on your antiques and valuables to ensure everything remains in good condition. When you visit the storage unit, inspect each item for any signs of moisture, mold, or damage. Look out for:

• Signs of deterioration: Warping, cracking, or fading in materials.
• Mold or mildew: Even slight moisture can lead to mold growth, which can destroy delicate fabrics, paper, or wood.
• Pest activity: Check for any signs of pests, such as droppings or nests, to ensure your items are safe.

At Hogleaze Storage, our team ensures a clean and secure environment, but a quick inspection every few months can give you peace of mind.

7. Ensure Proper Insurance Coverage

While choosing a secure storage facility and following best practices can minimise risks, accidents can still happen. To safeguard against unforeseen events, it’s important to have proper insurance coverage for your valuables.Many home insurance policies will cover items in storage, but it’s wise to check your policy details and add any extra coverage needed. Additionally, some storage facilities, like Hogleaze Storage, may offer insurance options specifically tailored for stored valuables.

Why Hogleaze Storage is the Perfect Choice for Your Antiques and Valuables

At Hogleaze Storage, we understand the importance of keeping your treasured items safe. Our secure, climate-controlled storage units provide the ideal environment for preserving antiques and valuable items, protecting them from extreme temperature fluctuations and moisture damage.

With 24/7 CCTV, secure gated access, and a clean, well-maintained facility, you can trust that your belongings are in safe hands.

Preserve Your Treasures with Expert Care

Properly storing antiques and valuable items takes careful planning, but with the right steps, you can ensure your treasures remain safe and undamaged. From using climate-controlled units to packing with care, each step you take will protect your items’ value and condition for the long term. At Hogleaze Storage, we offer the ideal environment for storing your most cherished belongings. Get in touch with our team today to learn more about our secure storage solutions and find the perfect unit for your needs.

Ready to protect your antiques and valuables? Contact Hogleaze Storage today on 01305 889777 to find the ideal storage unit for your treasured items!

The post How to Store Antiques and Valuable Items: Expert Tips for Keeping Your Treasures Safe appeared first on Hogleaze Storage.

The Risks of Improper Winter Storage

Winter can be particularly unforgiving to classic cars, which are often more susceptible to damage than modern vehicles due to their age and unique construction. Exposure to moisture, fluctuating temperatures, and even pests can lead to a host of issues, including:

1. Corrosion and Rust: Winter moisture, combined with salt from the roads, creates a perfect environment for rust and corrosion. Classic cars, with their often less-protected metal components, can quickly deteriorate if left exposed to these conditions. Once rust sets in, it can be challenging and costly to remove, and if not addressed, it can cause severe structural damage.

2. Battery Drain: Cold weather can cause batteries to drain faster, leaving your car inoperable when you finally bring it out of storage. Additionally, if the battery isn’t maintained properly during storage, it may need replacing come spring.

3. Fluid Issues: Fluids such as oil, coolant, and brake fluid can degrade or freeze in low temperatures, leading to potential engine damage or system failures. The seals and hoses in classic cars are often more delicate, and any freeze-thaw cycles can cause them to crack or burst.

4. Interior Damage: Temperature fluctuations can lead to condensation inside the car, which can damage the upholstery, carpets, and interior fittings. Leather seats can crack, wood trims can warp, and mould can become an issue if moisture isn’t properly controlled.5. Pests: Mice and other pests are notorious for finding warm places to nest during the winter, and a classic car can be an inviting home. They can cause significant damage by chewing through wiring, upholstery, and other components.

Why Choose Classic Car Storage at Hogleaze Storage?

Investing in professional classic car storage isn’t just about avoiding these risks; it’s about ensuring your vehicle is kept in the best possible condition, ready to drive or display when the warmer weather returns. Here’s why Hogleaze Storage is the top choice for classic car storage in Dorchester:

1. Insulated Environment: Our storage facility provides a stable, insulated environment, keeping your car at a consistent temperature and humidity level. This is crucial in preventing rust, corrosion, and interior damage caused by condensation or temperature fluctuations.

2. Security and Peace of Mind: Hogleaze Storage is a fully secure facility with 24/7 surveillance, controlled access, and state-of-the-art security systems. You can rest easy knowing that your classic car is protected from theft, vandalism, and any other potential threats.

3. Flexible Storage Options: We understand that every classic car owner has different needs, which is why we offer flexible storage plans. Whether you need storage for just a few months over the winter or year-round protection, we can accommodate your requirements.

4. Award-Winning Service: With numerous awards and accreditations, Hogleaze Storage is recognised for our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Our reputation as a leading storage provider in Dorchester means you’re entrusting your vehicle to a team that truly cares.

Protect Your Investment This Winter

Your classic car is more than just a vehicle; it’s a piece of history, a labour of love, and a significant investment. Proper winter storage is essential to maintaining its condition and value. By choosing Hogleaze Storage, you’re not just storing your car—you’re giving it the care and protection it deserves.

As winter approaches, don’t leave your classic car exposed to the risks of improper storage. Contact Hogleaze Storage today to secure your spot in our classic car storage facility and ensure your vehicle is ready to hit the road or the show circuit in pristine condition when spring arrives.

To enquire about availability please call our friendly team on: 01305 889777.

The post Why Should I Invest in Classic Car Storage Near Me this Winter? appeared first on Hogleaze Storage.

Let’s break down the essentials for finding top-notch storage solutions, who will most benefit, and the best time to consider using these facilities.

Where Can You Find the Best Home Storage Facilities?

Top-tier home storage facilities should always provide top-level security, easy access for customers, and friendly support. Hogleaze Storage leaps ahead here. Located in Dorset, we offer first-rate security features and a customer service team that treats your treasures as if they were our own. We blend security technology with vigilant personnel, making sure your items are always guarded and giving you peace of mind. 

Who Can Benefit from Home Storage Facilities?

A storage unit isn’t just a space – it provides a variety of benefits for several situations:

• For those on the move: If you’re relocating, home storage gives you a temporary spot to keep your stuff safe between moves.
• For the space savers: Maybe you’re not moving, but your home feels crowded. Store the excess with us and enjoy the breathing space.
• For collectors: Your collection is growing, and your house isn’t. Our storage units can be homes for your growing treasures.
• For world travellers: Taking a long trip? Keep your things in our storage facilities until you return, worry-free.

Anyone facing changes in their living space can find solace and practical aid with a reliable storage partner like Hogleaze.

When Is the Right Time to Invest in Home Storage Facilities?

Choosing when to get a storage unit can really make life smoother:

• When life changes – Like moving to a new house, needing a stop-gap solution gives you time and avoids chaos.
• During a home redo – Renovating? Protect your furniture and other items from dust and damage by keeping them with us short-term.
• When family grows – Perhaps you need more room because the family is getting bigger. Use a storage unit to keep things organised.
• Whenever your daily life demands flexibility and extra space, that’s your cue to consider home storage services.

With Hogleaze Storage, you’re not just finding a space; you’re gaining a trustworthy partner to protect what’s important to you. We’re here to ensure that whether you’re storing a family heirloom or a classic car, our services match your passion for keeping these items safe. From one enthusiast to another, we suggest giving Hogleaze a try – it’s a decision you’ll be glad you made.

To enquire about availability or to book a tour of the facility, please call our friendly team on: 01305 889777.

The post The Best Home Storage Facilities for Your Needs appeared first on Hogleaze Storage.

At Hogleaze Storage, we’ve found business self storage units to be a very popular option with local companies, and have seen this side of our business grow rapidly over the last few years. Read on to see the types of businesses we work with, and the advantages of business storage solutions.

Firstly, why would a business need self storage?

There are many reasons that local companies cross the Hogleaze Storage entrance gates, just a few of which include:

• Allowing for more space in their office / business premises
• Storing business furniture or stock during a renovation or move
• Holding seasonal stock
• Storing documents that need to be kept, but aren’t needed day-to-day

Do you think that business self storage could be useful for your organisation? Why not contact us to discuss your requirements. We have a wide range of storage unit sizes and flexible hire periods to suit most business needs.

Who is business self storage suited for?

The answer is… Almost any business! However here are just a few examples of our past and present business self storage clients:

Restaurants

The hospitality industry is extremely fast-paced, so the last thing a restaurant owner needs is to be tripping over excess stock or furniture. Here’s where business storage becomes worth its weight in gold.  A few reasons restaurants choose to store with us include:

• Storing extra tables and chairs (particularly when social distancing needed to be implemented between tables). 
• Not yet having a business premises firmed up so needing to store all the essentials somewhere safe.
• Storing long-life food in a clean/ dry premise. 
• Even wine storage!

Offices

Office moves and renovations mean that all of a sudden you have a lot of furniture with nowhere to call home. A business storage unit offers you a short or long term solution. 

We also find document storage very popular, especially in the case of certain data that needs to be kept for a number of years but that doesn’t need to take up important space in your office. Storing in a purpose-built facility such as Hogleaze Storage also ensures that these documents are protected from the elements, with all of our units being kept clean and secure. 

Local retailers

Whatever a shop sells, there’s going to be a likelihood of needing extra space for stock. This might be because certain items are seasonal (such as summer garden furniture or Christmas items), or simply because you’d prefer to never be caught short of stock. 

Examples of retailers that could benefit from a business storage unit include:

• Sports equipment stores – our units are ideal for kayaks, paddleboards and surfboards.
• Hardware stores – think bulky building equipment, DIY tools, aggregates and more.
• Furniture stores – many of our units can hold houses-worth of belongings, so tables, beds, drawers and more will easily fit.

Contact our business storage experts

Think that you could benefit from business stock storage? Get in touch today for a no obligation quote. We have various sized business storage units in our Weymouth self storage and Dorchester self storage facilities.

As well as some of the advantages mentioned above, by choosing Hogleaze Storage you also benefit from:

• Easy access to your unit with convenient opening hours 
• Secure premises
• Your own personal key fob (Dorchester only)
• CCTV monitoring and licence plate recognition technology for added security
• Competitive pricing
• Access to trolleys, lifts and even boxes and packing materials.

If the above sounds good, please feel free to call us at Dorchester on 01305 889777 and at Weymouth on 01305 830000.

The post Local companies that use our business storage units in Dorset appeared first on Hogleaze Storage.

With an end in sight and some sort of normality coming back soon, we wanted to provide you with some helpful tips on reopening your business once lockdown has ended. 

Keep in mind your customers

Whilst you will be keen to get back to the ‘normal’ that we were used to over a year ago, many individuals may be apprehensive, and you must keep that in mind. 

If you own a physical shop for example, don’t neglect your online presence, as this is what you’ve likely been working hard on over the last 12 months. Some people may not be ready to head out straight away, and it may be slow going whilst people adapt to the changes. 

Have COVID-19 practices in place 

Something you may not have considered pre-covid was the various ways you can make your clients or customers’ lives a little easier when they interact with you. Some of these include: 

• Offering contactless payment options 
• Making bookings online easy (or click and collect options) 
• Having dedicated spaces set out to continue social distancing when necessary
• Provide hand sanitiser at the front door and around your premises
• Place screens in front of tills 
• Asking customers and employees to wear masks 
• More regular cleaning and disinfecting 
• Limit the number of people who come in at one time (let’s be honest, we’ve all enjoyed the slightly emptier shops!) 

Hopefully, you had these in place during the period you were open last year, so it shouldn’t be too hard to refresh everything again.

Don’t neglect your employees

It’s not just your customers you need to think about when reopening your business after lockdown. Some of your employees may have been remote working for over a year now and whether they’ve loved it or loathed it, they might not be aware of the big changes that have happened.

• Make sure you make them feel safe in the workplace (such as the use of hand sanitiser, larger spaces between desks and screens) 
• Consider flexible working hours if possible
• Stagger the return of your employees 
• Offer remote working to those that want it 
• Provide PPE and cleaning equipment
• Allow extra ventilation (it should be getting warmer soon, so you can swing open those windows) 

Get organised 

Whilst it’s important you have everything ready to re-open, you may find that this brings you extra physical stock that you are struggling to keep tidy and organised. 

Consider hiring a business storage unit whilst you get your ducks in a row… this will allow you to:

Keep on top of paperwork and documents – Hiring a business storage unit is a much safer and secure way of keeping everything organised. 

Store excess stock – With the likelihood of everyone flooding to the shops after the lockdown, you will want to be prepared. Keeping extra stock in a business storage unit allows you to come back and forth when you need it, rather than having to re-order and await lengthy delivery times. 

Be cost effective – Maybe the lockdown has prompted you to solely go online and operate from home and it’s working for you. Well, if that’s the case, save the cost of an office to hold your business equipment and opt for a business storage unit. With various sizes available, it doesn’t need to cost lots of money. 

Plan for the future 

One thing that the last year has taught us all is that we never know what’s around the corner, but if you can have a plan in place for your business’s future you’ll be able to establish some goals. 

Whether this is to expand your physical location, be more savvy online or ramp up your productivity, having a strategy in place is a good place to start. 

Follow Hogleaze Storage for more tips 

We hope that this article on reopening your business after lockdown will help you. We work with many local businesses in and around Dorchester and Weymouth that require business storage for one reason or another. 

Keep an eye on our Facebook for more news, tips, and advice or if you are interested in hiring a business storage unit, get in touch today for a free quote. Call us at Dorchester 01305 889777 or Weymouth on 01305 830000. 

The post Top tips for reopening your business after lockdown appeared first on Hogleaze Storage.

In fact, a study by Employment Hero shows that a whopping 55% of people would look for another job if the remote working option was taken away! 

With this in mind, the team at Hogleaze Storage are here to help you work out how to create a home office. Whether this is something you’ve been planning to do for a while but you’re still sitting on your sofa getting a sore neck, or you’ve only recently been introduced to the ‘WFH’ life, Hogleaze Storage has got your back.  

1. Establish where in your house your home office will be 

This is a really important first step, you need to consider the following: 

• Is it a busy part of the house? – Will you get the peace and quiet you need? 
• Are there too many distractions? – If you’re setting up your home office in the lounge for example, will you be tempted to switch on daytime TV? 
• Is there plenty of natural light? – If you can avoid it, you don’t want to be stuck in a room with very little natural light or ventilation. Especially when spring and summer arrive, a bit of sunlight and fresh air can do wonders for your mental health whilst working from home.  

Don’t forget, you will likely be spending 8 hours a day in that one spot… so you need it to be right. Once you’ve decided your new office space, make sure everyone in the home knows it too… You don’t want your kids putting all their homework over your newly acquired desk space!

2. Declutter the space

A clean desk is a clear mind… right? Whether you have a 1m x 1m space to call your home office or a whole room, you’ll more likely work much more productively if you declutter some of that unnecessary furniture or rubbish.

If you’re repurposing a spare room as your new office then you will probably have lots of ‘stuff’ that you don’t need in there… This is where Hogleaze Storage comes in! 

With business storage spaces from as small as 20 sq ft you can utilise them to hold extra beds you may not need at the moment, sofas that will be replaced by desks or wardrobes that will be substituted for filing systems. 

Alternatively, if your business has had to close due to COVID-19 and you’ve suddenly had to move everything online, you may have a lot of stock that needs moving around. With storage sites in both Weymouth and Dorchester, we look after many local businesses in this way too! 

All of a sudden, once you’ve stored your bits and bobs in one of our storage units, you’ll have one less thing to worry about and can easily get motivated to complete your work.

3. Buy a new organisation system  

As well as your office space looking super organised and ‘Pinterest-ready’, your new organisation system can help you to separate work and home life, and get that right balance that everyone is looking for right now. Whether you treat yourself to some new stationery, boxes or go all out with new filing systems you’ll feel much better for it!

If paperwork and to-do lists are just left on the side in full view you won’t be able to get work out of your head! 

4. Get yourself some (home) office plants… 

Ok, so this may not seem like a priority but honestly, a bit of greenery can do a world of good! Many studies have shown that house plants can make you feel more relaxed, reduce stress and anxiety and make you more productive. Plus, indoor plants actually make for cleaner air! It’s all quite scientific but believe us when we say plants help in more ways than you may think! 

5. See if you can get some extra pennies in your pocket 

Lastly, did you know that the government is offering tax relief for employees that are having to work from home? You can find out more about this here >> https://www.gov.uk/tax-relief-for-employees/working-at-home 

It’s also worth checking with your employer as to whether they offer any scheme for home workers to cover certain costs such as phone bills, electricity and heating. You may also be able to reimburse you for new furniture costs such as office chairs and desks if they’re required (this way you’ll have extra money to put towards your business storage unit!) 

Contact Hogleaze Storage today for storage for businesses 

Hopefully this article has inspired you about how to create a home office, we would be happy to help you! If you’re looking for document or business storage solutions get in touch today for your self storage quote. We offer a range of units to suit your needs both short and long term. Don’t worry, we won’t tie you into long term contracts, so once it’s time to get back in the office, you can get your spare room back to normal again. 

Learn more about storage for businesses here and call us at Dorchester on 01305 889777 or Weymouth on 01305 830000. For more top tips follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post Our Top Tips on How to Create a Home Office appeared first on Hogleaze Storage.

There are many benefits of renting self storage units and the biggest one is getting some extra space! This guide highlights the most popular reasons why people rent short term storage solutions, as well as how the expert team at Hogleaze Storage can help. 

Moving house / business premises

Moving into a new home or office can always seem like a huge task, with lots of things to consider. Having a short term storage unit allows you to make the transition easier and more seamless. By renting a self storage unit, you can take your time packing and unpacking your belongings, thus relieving you from stress and pressure of having to move fast.

Even better, Hogleaze Storage offers an all in one removal and storage solution as a one-stop-shop service for your home or business move!

Home renovations

Renovating your home is an exciting time, but it can also be quite stressful. Whether you’re replacing flooring or painting the walls, you’ll need to remove all your furniture so you’ve got a clear space to work in. If you don’t have the extra space to store your furniture for that time, where would you put it? That’s where short term storage comes in! Simply store your things in an affordable, secure, short term storage unit, and bring them back when the renovations are complete.

Learn more about our house storage, or furniture storage solutions.

Seasonal equipment

Patio furniture, lawnmowers, and other garden tools are only really required during the summer months. The same could be said for your Christmas decorations, which are only used for a limited time throughout the year. Instead of storing your seasonal items and equipment in the garage, loft or backyard, why not use a self storage unit? You won’t have to worry about metal components rusting or corroding, and you don’t have to take up more space on your property or in your house!

Looking for a place to store your decorations after Christmas? Discover our tips for Dorset storage after the festive period.

Student storage

Being a student should be all fun and excitement (with a bit of work thrown in, of course). The last thing you’ll want is to waste too much time finding a suitable storage solution for all your belongings for when you need to come home during the holidays. Not to worry, Hogleaze Storage is on hand with practical and secure short term storage units that are perfect for those at university. We offer small and large storage units, along with flexible contracts and timeframes to suit your busy schedules.

Learn more about our dedicated student storage units.

Starting a business

Have you decided to leap into entrepreneurship? Perhaps you’re finally making that good idea you had a reality. Often, new businesses take up more space than the owner predicted, especially if they are stock-based. You’ll soon have boxes of inventory, tools, and documents that need a new home. Unless your home office is equipped to handle this amount of inventory, renting a short term business storage unit could bring some relief. 

It’ll buy you some time if you’re looking at moving into a real office that has the space to accommodate your growth.

Want to learn more about our business storage options? Our business storage FAQs should have all the answers you’re looking for!

Let Hogleaze Storage help!

Our short term storage units are cost-effective, easily accessible and can cater to your needs, whatever they may be! We don’t have a maximum length of stay, meaning that you can continue storing your possessions for as long as you like and be confident that your belongings are in safe hands. 

Self storage costs are from as little as £33.00 + VAT per month.

Get in contact with our storage experts to book your Dorset storage. Just call our Weymouth facility on 01305 830000 or email info@weymouthselfstorage.co.uk. Alternatively, you can contact our Dorchester storage team on 01305 889777 or info@hogleazestorage.co.uk. 

And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for more tips and tricks on self storage.

The post Reasons to rent a short term storage unit appeared first on Hogleaze Storage.

Moving offices can be a particularly stressful time with the upheaval for staff, possible downtime and the logistics of moving everything from one place to another. You may also be moving to smaller premises and you’re not sure how everything will fit! 

Using a storage facility during an office move ensures that your goods are in safe hands and by keeping them out of the way, it lessens the risk of damage. Read on for all the ways that a business storage unit from Hogleaze Storage can help. 

Planning & budgeting for your office move

Office relocations can start out exciting but the panic can soon set in when you have to plan the move and the logistical challenges this can cause. Having a central list of what needs to be done can provide some structure to the move.

Here are some tips and things to consider:

1. Set a timeframe and move date.
2. Ensure your employees are aware of what the plan is and consider offering them a visit to the new premises so they know what to expect.
3. Establish your budget and sign off-procedure for expenditure.
4. Sort out the utilities for the new office and plan on cancelling them for the old premises.
5. Make a list of what furniture and equipment you will need / not need at the new office.
6. Organise key documents and label all your boxes.
7. Book your packing / removal company and storage facility.
8. Sort out what will happen on move day and who are the team of helpers.
9. Decide who will be responsible for setting up the new office, furniture, IT equipment etc.
10. Have a plan B in case the move doesn’t go quite as expected!

What is the best size storage space to go for?

This will depend on what you want to store. At Hogleaze Storage, we can help advise you with this as we have years of experience with business self storage. 

If you end up needing a bigger or smaller space than you’ve booked, we would be happy to accommodate and move you to a more appropriately sized unit. 

At Hogleaze Storage we offer various sizes of business self storage units ranging:

• From 25 square ft floor area (225 cu.ft.)
• Up to 190 square ft floor area (1520 cu.ft.)

What can you store in your business storage unit?

If you’re a business doing an office relocation, you’re likely to need a space to store general items including office furniture, IT equipment, documents, kitchen items etc. 

There are many uses for the business storage facilities we offer that suit numerous types of businesses including:

• Retailers – Store excess stock or use it as a base for shipping your items.
• Tradesmen – Store large tools and machinery that you don’t use on a day to day basis.
• Hospitality / event businesses – Store tables, chairs, linen etc used for large functions.
• Removal firms – Utilise the facilities for temporary storage for moves that can’t be completed in a single day.
• Sports club organisers – Rent a storage unit in a central location to store your sports equipment.
• Document storage & archiving – Keep all important documents safe, secure and out of the way. Are you aware HMRC makes it a legal requirement for UK companies to keep their financial records for at least six years?

Along with all the above uses, it’s said that having a clutter-free workplace provides a happier and more productive space for employees, as well as creating a nicer impression for visitors to your premises.

Have more questions that need answering? Phone our team on 01305 830000 for Weymouth or 01305 889777 for Dorchester. Alternatively, check out our blog Business Self Storage FAQ’s

Tips on packing and organising your storage space

You want things to be as easy as possible once you move into your new office, so ensuring you have stored the items in an organised manner is key. At Hogleaze Storage, we can provide you with all of the boxes, tapes and bubble wrap to help you pack things safely and in a logical way.

It’s important to label any boxes for easy access as it will help to identify the items you may need to access while it’s in storage. It’s a good idea to create a master contents list, and plan an organised layout for your storage unit. We’re also able to provide shelving to stack boxes if you require it. 

Packing & removal service

Did you know that Hogleaze Storage provides an all-one removals and storage solution? 

It can be a stressful time for even the most organised person, but by choosing an all-in-one service we can take everything out of your hands and provide a fully managed removals and storage solution in just a few quick steps.

At Hogleaze Storage, we can provide the packing materials, sort your insurance and move your belongings into one of our safe and secure business storage units. When you’re ready, we’ll deliver your stored items to your new address.  

With prices starting from just £395 (subject to T&Cs), you can rest assured that all your removal and storage needs will be met in a timely and cost-effective manner.

What to look for in a storage facility

Easy access to your unit: We will provide you with a key fob that allows you to access your unit whenever you please during our flexible opening times. For those storing their items at our Dorchester site, that means you can access your unit 24/7, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!  Our Weymouth self storage site is open 9:00am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday and 9:00am – 1:00pm Saturday and Sunday, which still allows for plenty of freedom to access your possessions. 

Security: At Hogleaze Storage we have alarmed sites with CCTV for maximum security, fob entry access, number plate recognition and insurance cover for stored goods.

Get in touch to book your business storage unit

To view any of our available units or to get your hands on a free quote, please call our Weymouth site on 01305 830000, or email info@weymouthselfstorage.co.uk. For our Dorchester site, please call us on 01305 889777 or email info@hogleazestorage.co.uk.

Alternatively, visit our contact page and fill in the form and one of our team will be in touch.

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As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve seen an increase in demand and usage of our business self storage units in Dorchester and Weymouth.

If you are in need of business storage, read on to find answers to some of our most Frequently Asked Questions related to business storage. Alternatively, contact our team for prices and to arrange a tour of our self storage facilities in Dorchester and Weymouth. Call our Dorchester team on 01305 889777 or our Weymouth team on 01305 830000.

To skip to the FAQs you are most interested in, please click the appropriate link below:

• What size are our business self storage units?
• What can you store in a business self storage unit?
• Will your business documents or stock be safe?
• How do you access your business storage unit?
• Do we supply storage and packaging materials?
• How much is business self storage with Hogleaze Storage?

What size are our business self storage units?

We offer indoor business self storage units in a wide range of sizes, starting from smaller cupboard size units with 25 square ft floor areas, right through to large units with a floor area of up to 190 square ft. No matter what size unit you are after, each unit has plenty of storage space.

What can you store in a business storage unit?

Due to the secure nature of our storage units, they are suitable for storing many different types of business equipment. This may include:

• Spare non-perishable stock
• Business documents
• Office furniture
• Exhibition stands
• Seasonal products / equipment

For more ideas, read our article; 5 Uses of Business Storage for SMEs.

Will my business documents, items or stock be safe?

Whatever you place in storage with us, you can be assured the items will be secure and protected. This is because our business self storage units in Dorchester and Weymouth benefit from state-of-the-art security installations such as:

• 24/7 CCTV
• Alarm system
• Access to your unit using a key fob at our Dorchester site

Our indoor business storage units are also damp-proofed and insulated, clean and secure, giving your valuables complete protection from the elements.

How do I access my business self storage unit?

Your business unit can be easily accessed at times that are convenient to you. We will provide you with a key fob that allows you to access your unit whenever you please during our flexible opening times.

At our Dorchester self storage site, that means you can access your unit 24/7, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!.

Our Weymouth self storage site is open 9:00am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday and 9:00am – 1:00pm Saturday and Sunday.

Do we supply storage and packaging materials?

To help make moving and storing your business items, surplus stock and documents easier, we can supply packaging materials, boxes and tape. You’re also more than welcome to borrow any of our trolleys on site and off course we have lifts to make the process even easier.

If transporting your goods to us is a challenge, we can also offer you discounted van hire rates thanks to our partnership with a local moving company.

How much is business storage with Hogleaze Storage?

Hire rates vary due to the size of the business self storage unit required and the length of the hire period. However, we pride ourselves in offering prices that are very competitive, with storage costs starting from as little as £37.00+VAT per calendar month.

To view any of our available units, get the answers to more FAQs, or for a free quote, please call our Weymouth site on 01305 830000 or our Dorchester site on 01305 889777. Alternatively, visit our contact page and fill in the form.

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Let’s look at the facts…

According to FSB, 99.9% of UK businesses are classed as SME (small to medium enterprises), the total business population grew by a staggering 200,000 (3.5%) between 2018 and 2019. Unsurprisingly, with a growth in the number of UK businesses, the evolution of space-saving office alternatives such as hot-desking, flexible working and co-working spaces has evolved.

But what does this mean for all your work belongings and paperwork? Cloud storage solutions provide an online alternative for some document storage issues but did you know there are certain documents that need to be kept in their original paper format? For example:

• VAT receipts and paperwork need to be held for 6 years
• PAYE records should be kept for 3 years
• Inland Revenue and taxation documents need to be kept for 6 years

Failure to produce certain documents within a set timeframe may be punishable by charges or a tax penalty for negligence. HMRC, for example, will fine £3,000 pounds and remove an individual from the position of Company Director if they are found to be negligent with documents.

So, what can business owners do?

Ensuring you comply with accounting or recording standards is important for small business owners, especially if you don’t have the luxury of an in-house accountant. So, what can you do? The solution is simple: consider an off-site document storage solution. Below we uncover the 5 ways in which small business self storage can not only save you time and money but how Hogleaze Storage can help deliver peace of mind for business owners.

1. Security

Keeping your business documents on-site, in a locked filing cabinet, not only leaves you at risk should there be a fire, theft or flood but what about human error? Offices often have several employees who access business documents at any given time, meaning that misplaced papers are an inevitable occurrence.

If you have private client or customer data stored in your records, choosing to store your documents at a storage unit with secure access may give not only you, as a business owner, but your clients and customers peace of mind.

2. Space Saving

As well as making your workplace look chaotic, filing cabinets and storage units take up valuable office space. With space in high demand, you can utilise every square foot of your office or home office and store bulky boxes of paperwork in a reliable document storage unit.

We understand that business storage is not a ‘one size fits all’ predicament and that’s why at Hogleaze Storage we have a range of different sized business storage units available to fit your particular needs and budget.

Maintaining a clear physical space also allows you to concentrate on your time and objectives more efficiently. Read our article on the benefits of becoming a minimalist.

3. Accessibility

Are you finding it hard to locate 2019’s tax papers? Perhaps you have an in-house or unexpected audit and need to provide documentation at the drop of a hat? Keeping business documents in a secure business self storage unit not only covers you against business risks and costly legislation, but it allows business owners to access and locate their documents efficiently.

It’s important to have access to your records at a moments notice and so, as well as providing 24/7 access to our units at Dorchester and flexible access at Weymouth, Hogleaze offer:

• Key fob entry access

• Trolleys to make moving your goods easy

• No need to book an appointment, just drop in during our business hours to speak with a member of our team

Are you looking for ways to get your documents in order? Read our article on storage ideas for 2020.

4. Efficiency

Filing, sorting and locating paperwork not only takes up valuable company time but it’s also a drain on resources when you need to employ staff to manage those documents.

Storing your business documents off-site allows your staff to perform their actual job rather than constantly filing or searching for documents. For extra efficiency, Hogleaze Storage offers storage racks which allow you to make the best use of the space and access your documents and boxes much more easily as they are not stacked on top of each other.

5. Compliance

We are all faced with an ever-increasing volume of records, including emails and traditional paper documents. Legislation and regulation covering records management is so complex and far-reaching that compliance can become a major challenge.

Business storage units are an indispensable solution for minimising business risks and non-compliance when it comes to the destruction of information before the end of its legally required retention period.

Is business storage the solution for you?

To sum up, business self storage can not only save you time, money and energy but also give peace of mind that you are legally covered and compliant with UK regulations and legislation. As specialists in document storage, Hogleaze offers the best quality and affordability in Dorset.

To find out how Hogleaze Storage can help with your business storage needs today, please call our helpful and friendly team on 01305 830000 (Weymouth) or 01305 889777 (Dorchester), or fill in our online form. We are now offering zero deposits at both our Dorchester and Weymouth sites.

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