Top tips for storing valuables in a storage unit

At Hogleaze Storage, we see a wide range of items being left in our Dorset storage units. From sentimental pieces to higher worth items like antiques and furniture – we’ve seen it all!

With this in mind, we wanted to provide you with some top tips for storing your valuables.

Label everything and keep a record of it

Regardless of which valuables you are storing, for peace of mind when you come to take it out of your unit, labelling everything is essential. It will allow you to also know what items will be fragile as well, avoiding any breakages along the way!

Before you fill up your storage unit, it’s important to also make an inventory of what is being stored. This way you will have documented every item and won’t have to worry about forgetting where you’ve put it.

Protect those precious antiques

A very common item to be stored at Hogleaze Storage is antiques, as many people don’t want to sell them but just don’t have space in their home anymore.

Fortunately, by storing these valuables in a secure storage unit, you can be rest assured that you won’t have any damp problems, which is a frequent issue people can get when storing antiques in garages, sheds or outhouses.

Antiques come in all shapes and sizes so it’s important you protect them as best as you can:

Use cardboard corners – these are handy for sharp breakable objects such as mirrors or units
Use bubble wrap for smaller items
Cover with sheets or fabric covers to avoid scratches, bumps, bruises and further damage
Box ‘em up!

Keep your storage unit and valuables clean

The last thing you want to do is get your valuables dirty or ruined when moving them from your home into your unit.

Some items, such as books, need to be kept dust free to preserve them, you especially don’t want a case of mould building up on your precious items. A quick dust around your unit every now and then can make a big difference.

Remember: Don’t use harsh chemicals on valuables as this can tarnish them.

Make full use of your storage space

You want to make sure you make use of every inch of your unit whilst still making sure it’s accessible and has been stacked safely to ensure breakables or valuables stay intact.

So whether you have a 25sqft or 150sqft space to play with, think carefully about your storage stacking:

Stack longer items such as mirrors horizontally to avoid them falling over
Stack similar sized items on top of each other
Don’t try a balancing act just to get more in your unit, know when enough is enough
Consider if you will need to access items at the back, make a small galley if your unit is big enough
Use boxes to avoid things falling over
Use the labelling technique we mentioned earlier
Ensure all boxes to be stacked are full, especially when storing books

Check the security of your storage unit

When choosing somewhere to store your valuables, your first thought will probably be ‘are my valuables safe?’ Hogleaze Storage puts the safety of your items first with the following measures:

CCTV cameras
Key fob entry
Surveillance
Alarmed entry
Number plate recognition on entry
Insurance for your goods stored can be arranged

Contact Hogleaze Storage for your storage units

Hopefully, this article has given you some food for thought when it comes to keeping your valuables safe in a storage unit.

For more tips and advice, follow us on Facebook, alternatively, for a free storage unit quote, get in touch with our Dorchester team on 01305 889777 or Weymouth on 01305 830000.

Top tips for reopening your business after lockdown

It’s safe to say that most businesses, large or small, have been affected by lockdown in one way or another. Whether you’ve had to take your business online, work remotely or adjust your business strategy, hopefully, it’s also given you a chance to reflect on what has worked well for your company and plan for the better days ahead.

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.

Redecorate with ease by using a furniture storage unit

With the UK staying in Lockdown 3.0 for a little while longer, you might be thinking about redecorating your home to pass the time. Has spending endless days in your home given you the realisation that it’s probably time for a lick of paint, new carpets or perhaps some bigger renovation jobs?

Whatever your project, large or small, you need to consider how to protect your belongings against dust, paint and maybe even the builders themselves. Read on for our top tips on how to prepare all your belongings for a furniture storage unit.

Pack glassware properly

If you are decorating your kitchen, remember that glassware is easily broken, so safe storage is essential. Moving them to a furniture storage unit, along with other items that may get in the way is best to ensure that they remain in the same condition after the work is complete. The most important rule of storage for these types of items is to do it carefully – these items can be fragile and should be handled and packaged with care.

Do you have a disaster story to share about breakages while decorating or renovating? Maybe you’ve got some additional storage tips? Share them on our Facebook page!

Take everything apart

Before moving items from each room, take apart everything you can – this includes desks, bookshelves, wardrobes and more. This extra step will make packing up the removal van and furniture storage unit far easier. It will also reduce the likelihood of breaking or scratching anything in the process, and you’ll find that you have much more room in your unit.

Top tip – Put all screws, bolts, and other small items in a labelled food bag, and tape to the furniture piece to which it belongs – you’ll thank us later!

Clean everything thoroughly

The last thing you want to bring into a newly decorated home is dirty / dusty furniture! Protect furniture in storage by ensuring everything is cleaned thoroughly first.

Some tips for cleaning furniture before putting into storage:

With wooden or plastic furniture, use a baby wet wipe to clean visible dust and marks.
Clean fabric items like sofas and seat cushions with a mild fabric cleaner. Check that everything is completely dry before you start packing it up and make sure you vacuum the internal parts that gather items like coins, crumbs and wrappers.
Polish any metal sections with a polishing cloth and metal cleaner. This step will help delay the build-up of tarnish.
Cover larger items with a cloth or old sheet for added protection.

Make the most of your unit

If you decide to use a local furniture storage unit, make sure you protect your items properly. Don’t drag items across the hard floors as this can wear or damage the item. Don’t pack your shelves too high and avoid leaving breakables on the floor. Use proper storage boxes and mark them well, so you know which box is full of sturdy items and which is full of breakables, e.g. boxes with fragile objects should be clearly marked “fragile”. Also, we recommend that you completely fill boxes that store books, so they don’t crush when stacked.

If you’re short on the packaging supplies needed to move your belongings into storage, then we offer handy supplies at great prices. These are available to purchase at both our Dorset storage sites.

Don’t ever try to store food or perishable items.

It may seem obvious but whether you’re storing furniture long term or just for a few months or weeks, never leave anything perishable in your storage unit that may attract vermin, bugs or mould!

Consider a furniture storage unit from Hogleaze Storage

If you’re redecorating your home or having some renovation work done, it makes a lot of sense to put your belongings in furniture self storage.

Our furniture 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.

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 furniture self storage.

Benefits Of Renting A Student Storage Unit

Starting university can be difficult at any time – meeting new friends, getting to grips with new courses and moving away from home. The stress of starting university has been heightened over the past year due to the pandemic, which has brought additional challenges and disruption for students up and down the country. This has, in some cases, meant more upheaval than expected.

One of the biggest issues that students face is what to do with their belongings when moving to and from university, whether that’s between student house moves or during the long holidays. University is meant to be fun and exciting so this is let us help you organise student storage to alleviate any unnecessary stress!

Reasons To Use Student Storage

As a student storage company, the team at Hogleaze Storage have outlined some of the many benefits of storage for students, including:

Travel lighter – Put your items into student storage before you travel home for the holidays so you don’t need to transport all your belongings back and forth. No one needs to cart a toaster up and down the country!
Save time – You won’t have to pack and unpack multiple times. Renting a student storage unit means that you’ll only have to pack and unpack once.
Repurpose a bedroom – Once you have left home for university, it may be that your old bedroom could be repurposed and therefore will require your belongings to be stored with a student storage company.
Store bulky belongings – Your student room is likely to be smaller than you imagined so you may not have space for any large items you want to have nearby such as sports equipment or extra clothes.
Easy access – If you choose a student storage company in a location that is handy for you, you will be able to access your belongings as and when you need them. Whether this is near your university, or close to your home.
Peace of mind your belongings are safe – Instead of leaving your student accommodation with everything in it over the holidays or while you’re on a placement or travelling, you’ll have more peace of mind leaving your belongings in a secure student storage unit, knowing that your belongings will be in the same condition as you left them in.

How Does Student Storage Work?

Student self storage is an option that many people choose, but if you’re new to self storage, you might need some help understanding how it works.

Step 1: Find the right student storage company

Once you have worked out what you won’t need day to day whilst at university or what you’ll need to store when you’re away from your student accommodation, start looking for a student storage company that is conveniently located as well as being accredited and reputable. You may also want to consider things like “when can I access my belongings?”, “will they be safe and secure?” and “what will it cost?”.

For the answers to all these questions, please read our storage FAQs!

Step 2: Pack your items

Now that you’ve found the right self storage facility, package up your items as safely as you can. At Hogleaze Storage, we can assist with this by providing all the necessary boxes and packaging materials you may need.

Step 3: Deliver your belongings

There is a range of ways to access our facilities such as by car or by organising a van and man service (which we can help with!).

Why Choose Hogleaze Student Storage?

At Hogleaze Storage, we understand the nature of student storage so we have ensured that we are as accommodating as possible. We are committed to providing our customers with the very best storage solution and service, which is why we have gained some fantastic reviews to date!

Have a look at some of the very reasons we believe people choose Hogleaze for their student storage needs.

Flexible contracts – Long and short term storage contracts available with the option to extend at any time.
No deposit required – So you can start storing straight away.
Safe & secure units – Alarmed sites with CCTV for maximum security.
Key fob for entry access – Come and go as you please.
Storage boxes & packing materials – Our onsite shops can provide everything you need for your storage space.
Great location –With easily accessible roads, we are close to many local colleges, universities and schools including:
- Bournemouth University
- Bournemouth and Poole College
- Weymouth College
- Kingston Maurward College
- Yeovil College
- Also any local boarding schools
Range of unit sizes available – You can change the size of the unit if your requirements change.
Affordable storage rates – With units starting from just £33.00 + VAT.

Whether you attend Bournemouth University or you’re down for the holidays, with facilities in Dorchester and Weymouth you’ll be able to choose a location that is convenient for you.

Contact Us Today!

Hogleaze Storage are a proud member of the Self Storage Association UK (SSA UK), providing you with safe, flexible and affordable self storage and student storage solutions.
Sound good? Call our Dorchester office on 01305 889777, Weymouth on 01305 830000, or complete our website form for a FREE, no-obligation quote.

Dorset storage solutions for after the festive season

At this time of year, we all look forward to a long Christmas break to spend quality time with our friends and family. If you’re anything like us, you’ll want your home clutter-free before you introduce new presents and toys into the house, make space for relatives to stay, or host a party!

But once the celebrations are over, and you have to take down the Christmas decorations, you might be looking for an affordable storage solution to help get your home sorted… We’ve found that the New Year is a time for fresh starts, so our article not only gives you tips on how to prepare your home for the festive period but how to restore some normality once it’s all over.

Set a plan and get organised

The best way to get organised before or after the festive period is to start with making a list of the rooms and areas you need to tackle. Plan out when you are going to clear them and think about the logistics of what you’re going to do with all the ‘stuff’ once you’ve got it all out.

We recommend that you create three piles to divide your items into including, ‘bin’, ‘donate’ and ‘keep’:

Bin – What will you do with everything that needs to be ‘binned’? You will need to consider whether you’ll need to hire a skip, skip bag or rubbish removal company if there’s too much for you to take to the tip yourself.
Donate – If you’re creating a pile to be donated to charity, you’ll need to check when they’ll be open during the festive period so you can plan when you can drop the items off. You could even consider reselling your unwanted items on GumTree, Depop, eBay or other online stores to help you earn a little extra cash for the New Year.
Keep – For the items in the ‘keep’ pile, decide on what you really need to keep in your house. If you find that there is lots you want to keep but you don’t need access to on a day-to-day basis, a self storage unit might be the perfect option for you.

Self storage solutions

If you’ve concluded that you really don’t need to keep everything in your home all the time, or simply need to create some temporary extra space, self storage could be an excellent way to keep your belongings safe but out of the way until you need them.

At Hogleaze Storage we have self storage facilities in both Dorchester and Weymouth for items such as:

Christmas decorations and lights
Summer clothes / holiday suitcases
Garden items including hot tubs, garden furniture, toys etc
Boxes you don’t want to throw away
Sports equipment including surfboards, windsurfing gear, paddleboards, bikes etc
Camping equipment
Excess furniture

We even provide boxes, packaging materials and tape etc to help you store your items safely and efficiently!

Benefits of our Dorset storage facilities

Our Dorchester – Hogleaze Storage and Weymouth – Hogleaze Storage offers you the option for flexible storage solutions, allowing you to book for short and long term, or even extend the length of your term to suit your needs.

We’ll be provided with a unit in a safe and secure facility with features such as number plate recognition, security cameras, alarms and regular staff inspections. Having access to your storage unit is important, so we have ensured this is easy to do with the likes of our key fob entry system and 24/7 access to our Dorchester site.

“I used Hogleaze Storage for many years and found the facility to be safe and secure. My belongings stayed dry; the ambient temperature seemed just right and there was no dampness. Wooden furniture; cardboard boxes and books all survived intact. The staff are also helpful and friendly. I recommend this facility.”

– Peter Lewis, Self Storage Dorchester

Book your unit today!

So there you have it – Your post-Christmas clear up couldn’t be easier with the help of a Dorset storage unit from Hogleaze Storage!

If you’d like a show round of our self storage units or would like to enquire about our availability over the festive period, please contact our friendly team on 01305 889777 for Dorchester storage or 01305 830000 for Weymouth storage.

View our Christmas / New Year opening hours here.

Moving house? How our removals and storage solution can help you

Moving house is an exciting time, but it can also be rather stressful – It’s even frequently cited as one of life’s most stressful events! At Hogleaze Storage, we aim to take some of that stress away with our complete removals and storage solution.

Read on to discover our ‘top tips’ to help you plan your house move, as well as what the team at Hogleaze Storage can offer you.

Top tips for moving house

Having a ‘plan of action’ to the packing and moving process can really help make sure that you’ve got everything covered. We have years of experience of helping our customers move house so we thought we’d share some of tips we’ve learned over the years:

Have a big clear out! – It sounds pretty obvious but you don’t want to pay to move and store items that you don’t need anymore. Take this opportunity to go through your belongings and create ‘bin, donate and keep’ piles.
Start packing early – Being organised during a house move will make the process much easier. Packing away things that you don’t use daily e.g. Christmas decorations, seasonal clothes, keepsakes, etc can get you ahead of the game.
Arrange a storage solution if needed – Introduce the idea of hiring a storage unit to help keep your items safe before, during and after the move. You may not be able to move directly from one property to another, so the need for temporary or long term storage might be essential- the team at Hogleaze Storage can help organise this for you.
Book professional movers – Once you’ve decluttered and you know what you’re taking, the next step is to organise your removals company, to help you transport your items for when the big day comes.
Have a plan for moving day – Don’t go putting all your effort into the pre-moving prep and end up unprepared on the day! Pack some snacks and drinks, have a plan for children and pets, leave time to clean, ensure you’ll have access to essential items (eg. chargers, medicines, money) and make sure you’ve got all your documents and keys in order.

Our ‘all-in-one removals and storage’ solution

At Hogleaze Storage we understand that moving house is a challenging time, but we provide a full service that should make the process a little easier.

Our standard removals and storage solution is available to all DT postcodes, covering local towns and villages such as Dorchester, Weymouth, Bridport, Abbotsbury and Puddletown (along with many more).

How does it work?

Step 1: We provide the packing materials including boxes, bubble wrap, tape and labels
Step 2: Then one of the team will move your belongings into one of our safe & secure units
Step 3: And, when you’re ready, we’ll deliver your stored items to your new address

Hogleaze Storage has partnered with a local removals company to provide Hogleaze customers with a removal, packing and storage solution as a one-stop-shop service. We’ll even sort out the insurance for extra peace of mind.

How much does it cost?

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

Why choose our all-in-one solution

This is the perfect solution for if you want to decorate or renovate your new home without having all your belongings and furniture there. It also gives you the flexibility to move into your new home in stages, as you’ll be able to adjust your storage contract accordingly.

You could also benefit from;

Less pressure on your moving day
Storing some belongings when your house is on the market could help attract buyers who appreciate a more simple, decluttered way of living
The option of a full packing service if you’re pushed for time
Dealing with one provider who will coordinate the move and storage for you

Check out our FAQs section for more information.

Hogleaze Storage is a trusted and certified local removals and storage company with years of experience in the industry.

“We were so pleased with the service we received during our recent house move, the facilities are amazing and so clean. We loved that we could access our belongings whenever we wanted.”
K Hester – Customer of Hogleaze Storage

Contact us now for more information

With storage locations just off the A35 close to Dorchester, and on the Granby Industrial Estate in Weymouth, Hogleaze Storage offers unrivalled facilities such as differently sized units, easy 24/7 access and high-security features, as well as excellent customer service.

To discuss our removals and storage service, please call our Weymouth storage site on 01305 830000, or email info@weymouthselfstorage.co.uk. For our Dorchester storage 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.

Top tips for long term storage

There are many different scenarios where people may need to store their belongings for a long period. Maybe you have family heirlooms that don’t have a place in your home right now, or you’re going travelling and need a safe place to store some of your possessions while you are away. Whatever your reasons, determining what to do with your ‘stuff’ while you’re away from home for months (or years) can be stressful.

Our Dorset storage experts have created a helpful guide to take some of your worries away. Read on to find out our top tips for long term storage.

1. Decide how much you have to store

From needing to store your caravan or motorhome over the winter months, storing business paperwork to declutter your office, or storing household items during a renovation project, the team at Hogleaze Storage have got your back. There are a wide range of things that you could put into long term storage, so before you take any steps to prepare, you’ll need to decide how much you have to store, and find the right size unit.

We provide a range of unit sizes allowing you to be able to safely store small household items or household furniture in long term storage, just call our Dorchester team on 01305 889777 or our Weymouth team on 01305 830000 to discuss your needs.

2. Clean your items

Before packing up your items for storage and forgetting all about them for a while, you should give everything a good clean. Remove any batteries from remotes, old toys and anything else you can think of and make sure that everything is dry before storing it away. This will ensure that your items don’t go mouldy while they are packed away.

Our Dorset storage units are weatherproof and kept immaculately clean, so as long as there is no moisture in the items to begin with, they are likely to stay in good condition for when you return.

3. Pack away your items safely

To ensure the safekeeping of your possessions, make sure that you pack everything into new, sturdy packing boxes. Use bubble wrap to protect any valuables in the boxes and seal the box with tape so the box is airtight. Avoid using plastic bags as they can not guarantee safe storage of your things, not to mention their impact on the environment!

We suggest that you label your boxes so that you have an idea what is in each box, making it easier to keep organised.
From boxes, to bubble wrap,tape to labels, everything that you need to safely pack away your belongings can be bought through us at either of our storage facilities. If you are unsure what packaging you may need, drop an email to info@hogleazestorage.co.uk or call our Dorchester team on 01305 889777 or our Weymouth Team on 01305 830000 and we’d be happy to offer our advice.

4. Be strategic with your space

If you’ve got lots of things that need to be put away, the thought of getting started can be intimidating. Although it might seem obvious, we advise that you utilise shelves, racks and boxes as much as possible. By doing this you can make the space organised, keep your items easily accessible and ensure that the use of space is maximised. If you are going to stack boxes ensure they are full, or they may collapse when stacked.

You will also find that labelling your boxes will help here, as that will enable you to position everything in a sensible manner (heavy things at the bottom etc.) as well as then making it easier for you to find things at a later date.

Also, consider the order that you pack your storage unit. If there are any items that you’ll want to collect sooner than others, don’t forget to leave them closer to the entrance.

5. Insurance

One final tip would be to purchase storage insurance which will add an extra layer of safety to your possessions. This, of course, is extra and if you are going to be away for an extended period of time.

Consider the best local storage facility

Our storage units are cost-effective, easily accessible and can cater to your long term needs. 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. Unlike some storage companies, we won’t regularly increase your fee the longer you stay, so you’ll know that you’re getting the best deal in the area.

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 branch 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.

Tips for moving into a new office space

The need for business self storage is becoming more prevalent due to more people working from home, redecorating, changing location or downsizing the office space. For many businesses, it has been proven to be more cost-effective to rent a smaller office or work from home and pay to store excess documents, stock or large equipment and furniture.

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:

Set a timeframe and move date.
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.
Establish your budget and sign off-procedure for expenditure.
Sort out the utilities for the new office and plan on cancelling them for the old premises.
Make a list of what furniture and equipment you will need / not need at the new office.
Organise key documents and label all your boxes.
Book your packing / removal company and storage facility.
Sort out what will happen on move day and who are the team of helpers.
Decide who will be responsible for setting up the new office, furniture, IT equipment etc.
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.

Types of Self Storage | Units, caravan & more…

Self storage solutions are essential for anyone looking to declutter their home or office, move house or downsize, or even to safely store away their campervan or classic car when they’re not in use. Additionally, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic many people including students are suddenly finding themselves needing to return home to study and work. In some cases, this has created an additional need for a short-term storage solution.

In any of these situations, it’s necessary to find a type of storage that is affordable, secure, easily accessible and the correct size for your individual needs. In this article, we take a look at the different types of self storage available, reveal why self storage may be the best solution for you, and breakdown the options available to you at Hogleaze Storage.

What types of self-storage are available?

There are many types of storage solutions available, each of which offers different benefits depending on what you are looking to store. Here we discuss the four most common types of self storage used today.

Containers

Container storage units such as shipping containers are usually found on large plots with security fencing around them. The space inside the shipping container itself is typically 150 square feet (in comparison, our largest self storage unit is 190 square feet). Whilst cheaper than some storage options, external containers are exposed to seasonal extremes of temperature and may be vulnerable to damp. Items such as paper, cardboard boxes, soft furnishings and precious memorabilia may not withstand these kinds of conditions. Any requirement to sort your goods will have to be done outside, so hope for dry weather!

Lockups

Lockups are privately owned garages that are sub-let to individuals or businesses looking for additional storage space. They are often located on housing estates and are typically smaller than other storage options, often in the region of 124 square feet. Whilst lockups are generally accessible 24/7, there is often no additional security other than the padlock on the outside. This puts your items at a higher risk of theft and also exposes them to possible fire or flood damage from the surrounding built-up area.

Furniture Depositories

Some furniture removal companies offer storage as an additional service for people moving abroad or into rental accommodation for example. Typically, the amount of space will be plentiful, however accessing your belongings whenever you want may prove to be difficult or even impossible and you may end up being charged every time you want to visit your stored items.

Self storage units

Most people who store business or personal belongings need to retrieve their possessions regularly, and this is where self storage units are great. Conveniently located, self storage companies offer their clients a variety of options when it comes to visiting their sites. Whether it’s 7 days a week or 24/7 like our Dorchester site, rest assured that you can get your belongings at a time convenient to you. The added extra is that unlike other storage methods, self-storage companies usually have several layers of security too!

Why self storage units are the best choice…

We may be biased, but we think self storage is the best all-round solution for storage and we’ve got a CaSSOA Gold Award to prove it! Here are just some of the reasons why you should choose Hogleaze self storage:

Security

When it comes to keeping your personal belongings, business documents or vehicles safe, the security provisions in place at our self storage units are unparalleled. At Hogleaze, as well as being fully secure, our storage units are overseen by an on-site team. This means that not only is our focus on personal service, but your items are even more protected. On-site CCTV and licence plate recognition give extra layers of security.

Accessibility

Hogleaze has two self storage sites; one in Dorchester and one in Weymouth. Both sites are easily accessible but are also self-contained away from other houses or buildings. This means there is little to no risk of fire or flood damage from surrounding suburban areas. We offer access to your units 24/7 with a key fob at our Dorchester site and 7 days a week at our Weymouth site.

Choice

We have a wide choice of plots to suit both individuals and businesses including:

Vehicle storage (interior and exterior) at our Dorchester site – the ideal solution for storing your caravan, motorhome, vintage car or boats.
Domestic storage – the size of our domestic storage units range from 25 square ft floor area up to 190 square ft floor area. So, whether you’re looking to store just a few items or furniture from your entire house; we can help you find your perfect storage solution.
Business storage – our storage units are perfect for storing office documents, files and excess stock you wish to keep off-site but in a safe and easily accessible location.

Extras

Hogleaze Storage is a proud member of the Self Storage Association UK (SSA UK) and as such, we exercise best practice and adhere to industry standards when it comes to storing our customers’ belongings.

As well as the benefits listed above, both our self storage sites offer the following:

Key fob entry access
Trolleys to make moving your belongings easy
CCTV & number plate recognition cameras for security
Storage boxes available on site
Insurance cover for stored goods
Contracts as short as one month
Discounted rates when storing for more than 6 months

Hogleaze Storage is a family-run business, and we strive to make our customers feel happy and valued. Simple things like ensuring we’re always at the end of the telephone and delivering on the promises we make; these are the foundations that we have built our established business on for the past 20 years. So, if you’re looking for reliable Dorset storage solutions at an affordable rate then you’ve come to the right place.

If you require help with your business, vehicle or domestic storage or you find you need more space the longer you work from home, contact Hogleaze Storage today to find out how we can help you. Our storage units come in different sizes, from as little as £33 per month, and we offer a zero deposit policy at both our Dorchester and Weymouth sites. See our price list for more details*.

Keep up-to-date with all our Coronavirus news on our Facebook and Twitter pages!

*Rates quoted are corrected as of 14.04.2020. However, please note prices are subject to change with prior notification. To check rates or make a booking please call 01305 889777.

Get your documents in order… Why choose document storage units in 2020?

In a world striving to be paperless, businesses are only too aware of the amount of paperwork that is still required to operate. Whether it’s accounting documents, physical records, or even stock, Hogleaze Storage solutions can provide a business storage unit perfect for archiving all business assets. Leading the way with document self storage facilities, Hogleaze Storage ensures that businesses in Dorchester and Weymouth keep offices and warehouses as paperless as possible

In this article, we explain the steps you can take to get your paperwork in order…

Step 1 – Know what you need to keep

With all the legislation around GDPR that came in last year, do you even know what details of your customers or clients you are meant to keep? A lot of this information is likely to be stored on a computer, but here are some documents you may need to keep hold of:

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
Company Records such as corporation tax self-assessment and accounting records must be retained for 6 years
Documents containing information that refers to a staff member should be kept for 20 years.

Step 2 – Ditch some of your documents and recycle

You may not realise it, but you probably have a lot of paperwork that can simply be recycled or destroyed if it contains sensitive information. Do you really need those ticked off to-do lists from 2019 that are piling up on your desk?

Once you’ve got rid of the unnecessary paperwork, you can start to work out if you have enough space to store it yourself, or if you need to look into renting a document storage unit.

Step 3 – Get your documents organised

So you’ve established what’s important and have come to the realisation that you simply don’t have space in your office, this is where we come in!

Get yourself some large archive boxes and start to organise your paperwork into piles which you can label with the year it relates to or the type of documents that are within the box.

Step 4 – Arrange your document storage

Once you’ve got all your ducks in a row, we can help you to arrange the best unit size for your archive boxes. Our document storage unit sizes range from 20 sq ft up to 200 sq ft, so we will be able to meet your needs.

Step 5 – Get a quote for your storage unit

We appreciate how many outgoings you will have as a business. If important paperwork and documents have taken over the staff room, or a hallway that is lined with archived files is commonplace then you will want to make sure you get the best value for money. Fear not… we price all our units competitively.

Whether temporary or long-term, Hogleaze Storage are leading by example compared with other document storage companies. Offering flexible access times at both our Weymouth and Dorchester sites, the well-kept and spacious business storage units boast onsite parking so that you can transport your business assets with convenience and ease door to door.

Hogleaze Storage has found by helping businesses free up space, companies have benefited from efficiently managing information growth, experienced increases in stock, staff and asset capacity and have even enabled quick recovery at point of disaster. By organising document storage so that it is outside of the workplace, the whole business can benefit from the additional space.

To get you started, you can view our storage costs here >>

Contact Hogleaze Storage today

If you have an unloved office corner stocked high with documents and paperwork, or if you have had to resort to boxes under desks, free up your office space by speaking to Hogleaze about document storage units today. For even more information, be sure to check out our article about why you should choose Hogleaze Storage here >>

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