Top tips for packing your self storage unit

Hiring a self storage unit in Dorset can be a great way to declutter and create a little bit of extra room when you need it. So whether you are having a clear out of your house, clearing out an office, moving house or renovating, self storage is often a useful solution.

But it can be all too easy to just chuck your belongings into the storage unit without too much thought. Right now your mind is on getting the space you need. We get that, but when it comes to finding something you need, or removing your belongings from the storage unit, you might kick yourself that you didn’t put more thought behind how it was all packed in the first place.

If you take a few minutes now to think about packing your self storage unit in an ordered manner, not only will you be able to find and move things easier, but you will also be able to fit more in, so you can make the most of your money and your time.

We have gathered a few tips and tricks to help you pack your storage unit in Dorset in an organised way.

Prepare your belongings

The first step to packing a self storage unit efficiently is to pack up your belongings in the right way. This can make a big difference when it comes to putting everything into a self storage unit. Packing up belongings can seem a bit overwhelming, especially when all you can think about is being efficient. So, here are a few tips to help you with this step.

Gather packing supplies before starting

There is nothing worse than making a really good start at packing only for your flow to get stopped halfway through because you don’t have enough boxes, or tape.

Make sure you have everything you need before you start the process so that you can just get on with it when you’re ready.

You will need the following:

Boxes
Tape (if you are filling lots of boxes, you might also want a tape gun)
Bubble wrap or something to pad boxes with fragile belongings.
Marker pen

While you are on the hunt for all of these supplies, you should also find a padlock (and the key) so that you can lock your self storage unit up. At Hogleaze, we don’t provide padlocks when you hire one of our units, but we have them for sale or you can use one you already have. So make sure you have one ready before moving belongings into your unit.

If you are looking for packing supplies, we offer handy supplies at great prices, available to be purchased at our self storage facility in Weymouth and our self storage units in Dorchester.

Choose the right boxes

Good quality boxes will make packing your belongings and your storage unit easier. If you are going to be using second-hand boxes, then take a minute to check the boxes aren’t damaged, don’t have damp patches or are missing flaps as this can make boxes weaker and can potentially cause damage to your belongings.

If you can, use the same sized boxes, as this will make it easier when it comes to stacking them.

Packing your boxes sensibly

If you are used to packing boxes, then you will know what this means. And even to those who aren’t pro box packers, this might seem obvious… but make sure you pack heavier items at the bottom of the boxes. Put smaller and lighter items at the top. This will help to avoid any damage and will allow for better stability when stacking them. Also ensure to completely fill the boxes or they will crush when stacked.

Don’t forget that you will need to lift the boxes, so it might be a good idea to spread out the heavy things, such as books, across a few different boxes.

Handy tip: if you are storing clothes, then you can use things like tops, and jumpers as extra padding in the boxes.

Categorise belongings before packing them

Don’t just start randomly chucking things into boxes. As easy as this seems, it will turn into complete chaos quickly. Organising items into categories now will save you time later.

The best way we find to do this, is to separate your items by their location and then group similar items together.

Labelling is key

As you pack your boxes, make a list of where everything is going. Then once a box is filled, label the box so that you know what is in it, and where it has come from. This will save you so much time and stress when you are looking for something or are unpacking your self storage unit. When packing your unit, you will need to make sure the labels are still visible when the boxes are stacked.

It is always a good idea to label any boxes that have anything fragile in them. As time goes on, you are likely to forget where you put your fragile belongings, so this is a good way to warn yourself, and anyone else, that something fragile is in that box that is being moved.

Organising your Dorset self storage unit

Now that all your belongings are packed away safely in an organised manner, it is time to pack your self storage unit.

Make a detailed inventory

Before you even lift a box into the storage unit, we recommend you make a detailed inventory of what is going into the storage unit.

This will help you to know what you have, and where it is.. It can also act as proof should anything happen to your storage unit.

If you want to be super organised, you can draw a layout of your unit, and a basic map to highlight where things are going in the self storage unit. This can help you visualise how to pack the unit, which can help take away stress when stacking all those boxes.

Leave a copy of the map in the storage unit with your belongings so that you don’t have to remember to bring it with you each time you visit.

Pack heavier items first

Similar to when packing boxes, you want to put the heavier things at the bottom. These can create sturdy bases to stack other boxes, and will ensure that lighter and smaller boxes aren’t squashed under the weight.

Place these boxes at the back of the unit, against the wall and then work your way into the unit.

Make use of smaller spaces and the height of the unit

Once larger items are in, stuff the smaller spaces and gaps with smaller items and boxes, where possible. To make best use of the space, make sure that items and boxes are packed in tightly.

Where possible, also make sure that you are getting the most out of the height of your storage unit. If you’re storing a sofa, wardrobe or large boxes, store them vertically to make sure the bulkier items are making the most of the space.

Keep frequently needed items at the front

If there is something that you will need to access fairly frequently, such as some sports equipment, then make sure it is at the front of the self storage unit. You don’t want to have to root around all the boxes to find it every time you need it.

If you have drawn a map, you can mark on it where these items are, so that you can put your hands on them as soon as you get to your unit.

Keep an aisle open for easy access

Make your life easier now rather than have to forge a path through your belongings in the future. Stack boxes in a way that allows you to leave little walkways between the boxes. The easier movement is around the unit, the easier it will be to find things when you need them as you won’t need to unpack the unit each time you need to find something

Interested in using our self storage in Dorset?

Congratulations… you are now an expert packer!

If you need help in deciding what size unit you require, firstly establish whether you will require access to the stored goods while in storage, then call us and speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable team.

If you are in need of a self storage unit in Dorset, we have a number of units available to hire at our self storage facilities in Weymouth and Dorchester.

For safe, flexible storage give us a call on 01305 830000 for self storage in Weymouth, or
for our self storage facility in Dorchester, call us on 01305 889777.

Alternatively, you can complete the form on our contact us page.

What else is going on at Townhill Farm

Despite no longer being a working dairy farm, Townhill Farm is a busy one with lots going on. So whether you are a customer of Hogleaze storage, past or present, or are just having a browse of our website to learn more about us, we want to share with you what else is going on around our farm.

Littlewood Logs

Not far from our outdoor caravan storage, we have a purpose-built building where we produce top quality firewood.

We sell competitively priced logs which are a range of Sycamore, Ash, and Beech, that are cut and seasoned on our farm for 12 months in that breathable building.

And great news… its free delivery within 10 miles of Dorchester!

You can view the Littlewood Logs website and order online here.

Littlewood Lodge

We also have a private dining / wedding venue close by. After spending 100 years as a shooting hut, we decided it was time for the derelict hut to come down, and a new chapter to start.

In its place now stands a luxury lodge perfect for private dining, intimate weddings or corporate events.

Visit the Littlewood Lodge website here and enquire for your next event.

Dove House and Swallows Cottage

And last but not least, our holiday cottages.

We have 2 gorgeous holiday cottages nestled in our beautiful farmland.

Dove House sleeps 13 in its 7 en-suite bedrooms. With the private pool, a large, enclosed south-facing garden with a patio and barbecue area it is perfect for celebrating any occasion or getting away for a big family holiday.

Swallows is a smaller one floor cottage sleeping 4 people. Its cosy feel makes for a perfect quiet holiday with the family.

You can also rent the two cottages together, accommodating up to 17 people.

If you are interested in renting out our holiday cottages, get in touch with us today.

Interested in our self-storage units?

As you can see, we have a lot going on around our self-storage units.

At our self storage facility, we are pretty full, but if you are interested in storing with us, we can add you to our waiting list. Just give us a call on 01305 830000 for Weymouth or 01305 889777 for Dorchester.

Tips for a Christmas clear out

With Christmas, comes more ‘stuff’! And with all the new presents, decorations and kids toys, it can mean your home ends up at bursting point.

Once the festivities are over and you want to put the house back together, this is a great time to have a good clear out and prepare to store all the items you don’t need day to day.

Our guide will help you make a plan for a proper clear out and what to do with your belongings once you’ve been through them all. A self-storage unit could be the answer to keeping your home clutter free and we’ll give you tips on how best to use it.

Make a plan

Normally when you embark on a mass clear out project, things get worse before they get better. So we suggest you have a bit of a plan in place as to how you’re going to tackle each area so things don’t get too chaotic.

Think about what you want to achieve, for example do you want to clear the spare room so guests can stay, do you need to declutter the kids’ bedrooms of all their old toys to make room for the new ones, or maybe the garage needs a good sort out to fit in the new bikes or to get the car in to avoid it being frosted up each morning.

Get a pad and paper and work out the key jobs and when you plan on doing them – you might want to dedicate a couple of the days between Christmas and new year.

Think about what you’re going to do with the items you either want to bin, send to charity or keep (but don’t need regular access to). If you’re going to bin things, consider where the items will be disposed off eg. the tip (check out the opening times) or you might want to hire a skip or skip bag.

In preparation, we recommend you buy some storage boxes, vacuum pack bags or baskets ready for the clear out.

Room by room

In case you don’t get round to everything you want to do, work on the most important area or room first. That way you will at least feel you’ve achieved the most important objective.

Go in prepared! We suggest you have 3 piles or bags at the ready. Bin, donate and store.

Go through the room in a logical order and if you need approval from anyone on whether to throw or keep items, make sure they’re around to decide, or put them in a different pile.

While you’re having a clear out, take this chance to organise the items that are staying in that room – maybe get a little storage unit for toys in kids rooms, get some under bed drawers for shoes or jumpers, baskets for bedding and towels in the airing cupboard etc.

Clothes storage is always a challenge! We’d recommend only keeping the items you will be wearing for that season in your bedroom. For example, in the autumn, bag up all your summer clothes and consider putting them into storage until you need them again. There’s no point in them taking up valuable space when you won’t need them for 9 months. If you are thinking about doing this, take a read of our last article on how to safely store clothes in a self storage unit.

If you’re looking to put any items in self-storage units, make sure they’re packaged well and that you label any boxes with what’s inside. It’s also worth taking an inventory of what you put in storage so you know what’s in there when you go to collect anything.

Hire a skip or skip bag

If you anticipate having a lot of rubbish or big items to dispose of, it might be best to hire a skip. If you want this during the festive period, it’s probably a good idea to book this in advance. Make sure you fill the skip effectively to get maximum use out of it. You might want to consider sharing a skip with your neighbour if they’re planning on a Christmas sort out too!

Get help!

This doesn’t have to be a solo job! We recommend giving everyone in the household their own jobs. Involve the kids in sorting their own toys and belongings out. You could even consider doing a car boot sale in the new year where they could sell their old toys for some pocket money.

Consider self storage

Using a self-storage unit can be the ideal way to keep your home clutter free. There are so many items we have in our homes that we may only need once or twice a year so why have them taking up valuable space? For example, consider using self-storage for things such as Christmas decorations, seasonal clothes, seasonal sports equipment such as paddleboards, watersports items or skiing kit.

At Hogleaze storage we offer our customers a choice of sizes of self storage units, depending on how much space you need. All of our storage units in Dorchester can be rented on a short-term or long-term basis. We also have self storage in Weymouth for individuals and businesses.

Why choose Hogleaze

At Hogleaze, we fully understand the responsibility we have of looking after your precious belongings. That’s why we have ensured that our self storage units are clean, secure and that we offer some of the most affordable storage solutions in Dorset.

Our security measures include number plate recognition, maximum security cameras, alarms and regular staff inspections.

We offer 24-hour access at our Dorchester site. You will receive a personal key fob that allows you access to your storage at any time.

Offering storage in Weymouth and Dorchester, we are able to provide you with a quote on our units and as we don’t require a deposit, you can start storing today!

To check availability of our self storage units in Dorchester, contact us on 01305 889777, or our self storage units in Weymouth, call 01305 830000.

Alternatively, fill out the form on our contact page and we will get in touch with you.

Tips for storing clothing in our self storage units

It seemed unseasonably warm at the start of November this year, but as we hit the middle of the month the cold weather has set in, and we are all starting to put our woolly hats and jumpers on to wrap up warm.

This change in weather often brings with it a change of wardrobe, with many of us finding space to put our summer clothes away, making room for the winter wear. But why struggle to fit it in any space you can find or go through a harsh clear out? A flexible self storage solution could save you time and energy, allowing you to focus on what really matters.

Below are a few of our tips for keeping clothing in self storage units.

Have a clear out

We know it can be hard, but it is always a good idea to have a clear out when looking for more space.

We have a few rules to follow when going through your clothes.

If you haven’t worn it in over a year, it is likely you won’t wear it again.
If items of clothing are damaged, get rid of them.

It can be painful, but a good clear out will always feel refreshing.

While there is an element of needing to be ruthless when having a clear out, don’t forget that self storage units are always an option. Just in case there is an outfit that is just waiting for another event to be used, think of self storage.

Wash the clothes first

Once you have a pile of clothes that you are going to put into a self storage unit, it is advisable that you make sure your clothes are in good, clean condition before going away. You don’t want to put them away for a few months and then get them out to find they are dirty and need a wash. If you run them through the washing machine & tumble dryer, (it’s essential you don’t store wet or damp clothes or accessories) so you won’t have to worry about needing to wash them when you need them, instead you will be able to wear the outfit.

Another reason to wash your clothes before putting them into self storage units is because deodorants and perfumes can stain clothes over an extended period of time.

Repair any damaged clothes that you are keeping

You also don’t want to get to spring and summer and find the clothes you now need are damaged and need repairing. Save yourself the disappointment and repair any damaged items now. Your future self will thank you.

Store any seasonal accessories

If you are the type of person that has accessories to go with each outfit and each season, then we recommend that you also store these in the self-storage unit. These items can be bulky and take up a lot of storage space when they are not in use.

Rather than leaving them lying around for several months not using them, box them up and put them out of the way in a self storage unit.

An added bonus of doing this is that all your seasonal clothes and the accessories that go with them will be together, so you won’t have a panic that you can’t find those specific shoes, scarf or necklace for this outfit when it comes to wearing it all.

Don’t bother ironing

Don’t waste time ironing items of clothing before putting them into a self storage unit. Your items will need to be folded neatly to go in the box, and over time creases will naturally develop. Spend time packing them up correctly now, and then iron it all when you take it out of storage.

Box up delicate clothing

If you are planning on putting clothing into a self storage unit for a longer period of time, we recommend that you box up clothing instead of vacuum-packing them. This way of storing things can have its advantages, but clothing made of wool and silk don’t do well inside them for extended periods of time.

Use good quality boxes for clothing that will be stored longer than a few weeks. If you need to get hold of some boxes, you can purchase them from us at great prices.

Label boxes

To be honest, we think this is something everyone should do, no matter what they are putting into self storage units. This can be especially handy when storing clothes in a self storage unit, as it will allow you to locate types of clothing easily when you need them. This could save you having to go through all of the boxes to find that pile of shorts or skirts that you packed away.

You can create a labelling system that works for you, whether this is naming each box by season, items or even colours.

If you are really organised, you can set up an inventory list of everything you are putting into storage that identifies all the clothing you’ve packed away. That way you can be confident that you haven’t lost them.

Store them in the right environment

Your clothes should be kept in a dark, cool and dry place. This will prevent any damage happening to them while they are in a self storage unit.

We regularly make sure that our units are sealed and dry, so this isn’t something you need to think about when using Hogleaze self storage solutions.

Hogleaze Storage self storage units

If you follow these tips, putting clothes into a self storage unit will be easy and stress-free and you can be confident that when you go to wear them again, they will be clean and in the best possible condition.

Hogleaze Storage is a safe and secure facility, with alarmed buildings and CCTV cameras across both our Dorchester and Weymouth facilities. Plus our staff complete regular walks around the sites to make sure everything is closed and locked up.

In addition to that, our Dorchester self storage units have key fob entry, and you will get your own personal fob on completion of paperwork.

We are proud members of the Self Storage Association, meaning that we adhere to strict operating principles and regulations.

Our contacts are flexible, as we know that you don’t always want to store your belongings for a long period of time.

To enquire about our self storage solutions you can call our Dorchester facility on 01305 889777 and our Weymouth facility on 01305 830000.

Alternatively you can fill out the form on our contact page.

Top tips for caravan and motorhome storage in winter

With temperatures dropping, most of us are packing our caravans and motorhomes away and starting to focus on getting warm and festive. Although you might not be out and about in your caravans and motorhomes now, it doesn’t change the fact that they can be your pride and joy. This means continuing to look after them while in motorhome or caravan storage so that they are ready to use at the first signs of spring.

There are a few important things that need to be done before your campervan or motorhome goes into hibernation for the winter.

In this article, we share 8 tips to keep your beloved motorhome or caravan in tip top shape, while in caravan or motorhome storage.

Drain the water tank

Whether you are using outdoor storage or undercover storage for your motorhome or caravan, it is important that you drain the internal water system before putting it away for winter. This is because if water is left in the tank, it can freeze and expand. The expansion of the ice is what causes the problems, as it can cause cracks in the pipework meaning the water system will leak when you come to fill it up again in the spring. Not ideal!

Empty the fridge

This one may sound obvious, but make sure that you empty any food and drink from the caravan or motorhome. You don’t want to have to deal with the smell of mouldy food when you go on your first exciting adventure next year! And of course you don’t want to risk attracting rodents to your caravan or motorhome while it is in storage.

We suggest that you prop the fridge door open using the latch while it isn’t on, so that it can be aired while not in use.

Turn off your gas taps

This one also feels a little bit obvious, but we think it is still worth mentioning. It can be easy to forget something when there are so many other things to think about while putting your motorhome or caravan into storage for winter.

To do this you will need to turn your on-board gas supply off at the cylinder in the rear gas locker. Run any remaining gas in the system through the grill, hob or oven, but when doing this make sure that you have windows open and leave them open for a little bit to air out the space and dispel the gas.

You might also need to detach all removable gas cylinders, and we recommend that you store that separately to your caravan, especially if you are putting your caravan or motorhome in outdoor or undercover storage. At Hogleaze Storage it is a requirement to remove all gas bottles and store them in our secure gas storage area.

Finally, turn off interior gas taps.

Remove bedding, clothing and soft furnishing

If you leave any clothing or soft furnishings in your caravan or motorhome while it is in storage they can become musty and sometimes a little damp when not moved for a long period of time.

No matter if you are using outdoor storage or indoor storage for your caravan or motorhome, we recommend that you take all clothing and soft furnishings out and air them for a little bit before putting them away for storage, or back in your wardrobe.

Wash it

When the daffodils spring and the sun starts to warm up, you want to be able to just jump in your caravan or motorhome and drive it straight out of storage to your first destination of the year. You don’t want to waste precious ‘adventure time’ cleaning it.

So take some time, before putting it into caravan or motorhome storage, to give it a good clean. Get your bucket and sponge or pressure washer out to clean the paintwork, alloy wheels, and roof. Try to remove as much dirt and road grime as possible as just a little bit of bird poo can cause paintwork damage that you really don’t want.

At Hogleaze Storage, you will have access to a pressure washer with a mounting platform making cleaning your caravan or motorhome easy.

Once the caravan or motorhome is clean, make sure you dry it thoroughly; you will be especially grateful for this if you are putting a cover on while using caravan or motorhome storage.

Which leads us onto our next tip…

Cover your caravan or motorhome

Caravans or motorhomes that are sat for extended periods of time can accumulate dirt and grim, especially if stored in outdoor storage.

If you are able to, it is recommended that you invest in a bespoke vehicle cover as this will fit your caravan or motorhome perfectly and stop leaf debris, dirt and water streaks from forming on your van’s paintwork.

If you have a solar panel, a cover will also protect that from any potential damage that the elements could cause. Although you will need to remember that a cover will mean the solar panel isn’t being charged while in storage. This will also be the case if you are using undercover storage for motorhomes or caravans but then trickle charging should be available.

If you can’t get a cover, then make sure that you have closed all the blinds or curtains to guard the interior from UV rays.

Charge the battery

If not in regular use, you will need to make sure that the leisure and vehicle batteries are being charged.

If you are planning on using caravan or motorhome storage for a long period of time, we suggest that you place the van on charge using the electric hook-up.

Keeping the leisure battery charged this way will also help to pass a trickle charge to the vehicle battery, keeping both healthy and ready to be used when you want to go out.

If you leave your motorhome or caravan for long periods of time, minor draw on the vehicle and leisure batteries can lead to battery sulphation, which in a lot of cases cannot be reversed.

Consider your tyres

When left for large amounts of time, tyres can get flat spots where they have been sitting in the same place for too long.

If you are planning on putting your caravan or motorhome in storage for a long time, then you should shift the position of the vehicle every so often, so that the pressure isn’t on one spot for all that time.

You could also consider getting wheel covers as they will prevent UV and weather damage.

Where to store your caravan or motorhome

At Hogleaze Storage we make caravan and motorhome storage affordable and simple.

Security of your vehicle is our priority, whether in outdoor storage or undercover storage. We have 24/7 security with CCTV cameras in place and automatic number plate registration (ANPR).

With undercover storage you will be given your own fob to open the alarmed roller doors with 24/7 access to your caravan or motorhome.

You will also have access to a pressure washer with mounting platform, so that you can wash your motorhome or caravan, including the roof, before going into storage. We also have a grey/blackwater discharge point and a waste skip, so that you can thoroughly clear out your caravan or motorhome.

Of course getting your caravan ready for winter storage can be a fair amount of work, so we have a drinking water refill point and on-site toilets.

Based just outside of Dorchester, we are perfectly located for caravan storage, with easy access to the world heritage coastline just off the A35 and A37.

If you are interested in our motorhome or caravan storage, get in touch with us by calling 01305 889777 or completing the form on our contact us page.

Tips for protecting and storing your garden furniture over autumn and winter

It is time to face the fact that after a gorgeous summer, we are heading into autumn… fast. So we are guessing that you are starting to think about where you are going to store all of your garden furniture.

The likelihood is that you are also thinking about how to keep your furniture safe and protected over the coming months so that it will all be fresh as a daisy and ready to use next year.

In this article, we have put together a few of our top tips for protecting your garden furniture over autumn and winter.

Storing wooden furniture

Wooden furniture is a good place for lichen and fungal spores to gather over the summer period. So, it is a good idea to give it a good scrub with a stiff brush and hot, soapy water before you put it into any storage.

Make sure that you allow it to dry properly before it goes into your garage, shed or storage unit. If it isn’t dry before you pack it all away, the lack of decent ventilation might cause it to rot or gather mould.

If you are leaving the wooden furniture outside, you should make sure that any legs aren’t on the ground, so that they don’t soak up any moisture from the floor.

If you are struggling to find an appropriate place to store your wooden furniture, why not store it in one of our storage units? Here they will be safe from the outdoor elements, so you don’t have to worry about moisture finding its way to your furniture and rotting it.

Storing plastic furniture

If your plastic furniture isn’t kept dry and somewhere with good air circulation, there is a risk that it will discolour while in storage.

As you should with wooden furniture, make sure you clean the furniture with hot, soapy water. However, with plastic furniture you should use a soft cloth rather than a stiff brush. You will also need to make sure that you dry it thoroughly before you put it into storage.

If you have found a stain that has occurred over summer, you can use neat bleach to get it back to its original whiteness – you may want to try this on a hidden area first though.

When you are putting your plastic furniture in storage you want to be considerate as to where you put it and how you stack it. Sometimes legs can be unsteady and a little flexible so make sure that they are put somewhere where they won’t be knocked constantly.

Storing rattan or wicker furniture

Furniture that is made up of wicker or rattan can be difficult to clean because of the weave. You can remove dust by using your vacuum and then you can use hot, soapy water to give it a good clean. Use a toothbrush to really get into all the nooks and crannies. Alternatively, you can give it a blast with a high pressure washer.

We should probably mention that you want to remove all of the cushions and any blankets before doing all of this!

Wicker garden furniture should always be kept indoors when it isn’t being used. And varnishing it before you put it into storage will prolong its life.

If your furniture is made out of synthetic rattan then it is designed to withstand the winter weather. However, there are a few steps that you should take to prevent it from getting damaged and keeping it in tip top condition.

Cover it with a PVC sheet or get some fitted furniture covers if you are leaving it outdoors during the colder months. If you don’t want to leave your wicker furniture outside but have run out of room in your garage or shed, you can store it at one of our self-storage facilities. We have a range of unit sizes, so finding a unit to fit all of your furniture safely, won’t be a problem.

We also have lifts and trollies at both of our facilities, so getting your garden furniture into your storage unit couldn’t be easier.

Storing iron furniture

Iron is at risk of rust when in storage. So, once you have cleaned the furniture with hot soapy water and a cleaning rag or cloth, it is a good idea that you check for any rust spots that might be beginning to blossom on the furniture. It probably goes without saying, but if you do find any rust, then remove it. You can remove any rust with rust removal products from any DIY shop, or you can try soaking it in white vinegar which can be applied with a soft rag and rub it in with aluminium foil.

Once you have got rid of the rust with the white vinegar, give it another rinse clean and allow it to dry completely before putting it away for the autumn and winter.

General tips for storing garden furniture

Weatherproof storage

If you are keeping your garden furniture in a shed, it is a good idea to check that the roof is waterproof and will keep out any rain, snow and ice that is likely to occur over the winter months. If you find that your roof isn’t weatherproof, you can store your furniture with us at Hogleaze Storage. Our units are completely sealed meaning that your garden furniture will be protected from the elements over the winter months. We also have a range of unit sizes, so that you can hire the perfect unit for what you need to store.

Storing fabrics

If you have fabric cushions to go on your garden furniture, it’s a good idea to store these indoors rather than in an external storage space like a shed. You don’t want mice and other creatures getting too comfy in your nice cushions! If you are storing your garden furniture in a self storage unit, you can store any fabric and cushions with the rest of the furniture. Hogleaze Storage is a secure facility and we make sure there are no animals around our units.

Secure storage

This one might seem a bit obvious but we still want to mention it.

Make sure that your shed or garage is secure. You never know, an opportunist burglar might pass your garage and take a chance. However, they are likely to be put off when they see a lock in place.

If you are unsure about the safety of your shed or garage, it might be an idea to place your garden furniture in a self storage facility. At Hogleaze Storage we have several security features so that you can rest assured that your belongings are safe with us. From CCTV cameras around the sites, to alarmed buildings and fob entry, we work hard to ensure the safety of your belongings.

Store with us today

There is a lot of information in this article, so we hope you have found it useful.

If you think storing your garden furniture in a self storage unit might be a good idea this winter, give our Dorchester facility a call on 01305 889777, or contact our Weymouth team on 01305 830000.

Tips for moving out of your parents

Moving out of your parents into your own space is a pretty big milestone, whether you are starting university and are moving into halls of residence, or have found the perfect place to truly find your independence and spread your wings.

Leaving the parent’s house is a big deal, and there is a lot to think about. So to make things a little easier for you, we have pulled together this helpful guide full of tips to make the whole experience as stress free as possible.

We should state that we are assuming that you have already done the hard bit and found somewhere to live …. unfortunately, we can’t help you with that!

Give yourself time to pack

Leaving packing till the last minute will make the whole thing very stressful.

You should have a bit of time between securing your own place and actually moving there, so use this time wisely. Make a list of everything that you will need in your new home. Think about what you have got and what you haven’t got? Then you can plan where you are going to get everything and when.

Once you have this sorted you can start to plan where you will start with packing; which room will you start with, what items?

By giving yourself time to pack, you will be allowing yourself time to be organised which will help the process of packing, moving and unpacking go smoothly.

Go through your belongings

Before you really start packing everything up, it is a good idea to go through your belongings and get rid of anything you don’t want (or don’t need!).

You might not have quite as much space in your new place, so it is important that you think about what you will really need in the space, and what might just get in the way.

Your parents might agree to keep a few things for you, maybe they will store some childhood treasures in their loft for now, but asking them to keep your lifesize Captain America cardboard cutout might be pushing it.

Try to be ruthless with what you do and don’t need, and remember things that you no longer need don’t have to go in the bin. Recycle, sell, gift or donate them; this is easy enough to do these days with platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree.

In the moments that you are struggling with this, just remember that this exercise will mean that you have less to load and unload when you actually come to move out. Future you will be thankful.

If there are a few things that you would like to keep that your parents are saying no to, self storage might be a solution. Hogleaze Storage has a variety of unit sizes for you to choose from to store any of your belongings. Our smallest unit is just 25sq ft, this is the size of a walk-in cupboard and is perfect for small loads of personal items.

Collect cardboard boxes and packing material

Obviously you will need something to pack in, and if you are organised with this you don’t have to spend a fortune on it.

Quite often apps that look to recycle everything and anything, such as Trash Nothing, will have ready made or flat pack boxes going for free to anyone who has a use for them. Scope out these apps to try and get your hands on what you need.

Alternatively, ask friends and family if they have any boxes lying around that were going into the recycling. That Hello Fresh box makes for a great storage box!

Don’t forget that there are eco-friendly alternatives to bubble wrap and other materials, so if you are wanting to keep your carbon footprint low on this move, do some research into that. We find that using your clothing, towels and tea towels work well to keep things safe when being moved around.

Pack your boxes sensibly

Packing seems like a big task…but just take it one box at a time, before you know it you will have packed everything up.

Make sure that you use the right boxes, put heavy things into smaller boxes so that you don’t fill a box up and then find that it is too heavy to move (we have been there so learn from our mistake).

When packing heavy things, put them at the bottom of the box and place anything lighter at the top. This is also a handy trick when packing up a truck or car on moving day too.

Make the most of the box and don’t leave any empty spaces. Fill in any gaps with clothing, towels or packing paper, the tighter packed a box is, the less likely any damage will occur.

Finally, make sure that boxes are closed properly and securely. Use a couple of pieces of tape to close the bottom and top seams. Then use what is called the ‘Movers Technique’ and wrap tape all the way around the box’s top and bottom edges, focusing on where stress is being put on the box from the contents inside.

Label your boxes

It is ideal if you don’t mix items from different rooms in one box because that means that you will be able to take each box into their designated room when you get to your new place.

Which brings us to our next point, make sure you label your boxes clearly so that whoever is helping you with your move will know where to put the box.

This is a massive tip to moving efficiently. You don’t really want to waste energy just dumping boxes in one place only to have to move them again later to unpack them in the right area. Label the boxes as you pack, and they are more likely to be put in the right area in your new home.

Top tip: We’d suggest labelling both the top and the side of the box (so you can see the writing from either angle) with the room it needs to go in and a brief overview of the contents, problem solved!

Arrange transport ahead of moving day

Take some time in the build up to moving day to think about how you are going to get things from your parents house to your new space.

Will you need to hire a van? Or can it be done by using your own cars?

If you are thinking about using a van to move anything into storage, we have a fully managed removal and storage service that can help. We can pick up your belongings and bring them to our storage facility, where we can then keep them safe for as long as you need and when you are ready to take them out of storage, we can deliver them back to you.

Where to go when you need additional space

Moving can be a bit fiddly, and sometimes it can be hard to find a home for everything straight away. Whether you created a pile of things before you move that you need to find a new home for, or you get to your new space to realise you have a little too much stuff at the moment, a self-storage solution is just what you need.

If you are looking for indoor storage local to Dorchester or Weymouth then get in touch with us to discuss your needs. We are very flexible and won’t tie you into a long contract, meaning we can store your belongings for a short period of time or for the long term.

Call us on 01305 830000 to chat with our Weymouth team, or call 01305 889777 to chat with our Dorchester team.

Sports Equipment Storage at Hogleaze Storage in Weymouth

Whether you head to the slopes for a season of skiing, or to the water for a summer of windsurfing, paddle boarding or kayaking, you are likely to have a lot of equipment to go with your passion.

But where do you keep it when you’re not using it? In the hallway, under your bed or even clogging up the garage? Equipment can take up space, which can be frustrating when you’re not using it regularly. In this article we want to share why sports equipment storage can be a good idea, and how Hogleaze Storage can help you.

Benefits of self storage for your sports equipment

Saves space

We think this one is pretty obvious, but it really is a massive benefit. By hiring a self storage unit you can put all the paraphernalia that comes with having a hobby away in a place that won’t reduce the amount of space you have in your home.

It means that you can keep your household storage for household objects, and keep rooms, hallways and garages decluttered.

Keeping it all together

More often than not, sports equipment does not just mean one bit of kit. There are normally additional accessories that you use. If you are trying to keep it all at home, you might need to spread out where you are storing it all, fitting it in any nook or cranny you can find in order to store it out of the way until you will next need it.

But with a sports equipment self storage unit you can keep it all together in one place. So when you come to use it all again, you won’t have to spend an hour searching for the other set of ores, or gloves or whatever it might be that goes missing.

We have a range of unit sizes available at our Weymouth storage facility, from 16 sq ft. up to 200 sq ft, so you can find the perfect storage unit to hold all of your sports equipment in one place.

Protection

Sports equipment can be expensive, so you’ll probably want to keep it safe from any damage. Hiring a self storage unit for your sporting gear or camping equipment can keep it clean and damp free.

If you are storing bikes, a storage unit could help protect the chains from rust and seized up gears.

Our Weymouth storage facility also has a number of key security features on site. From security cameras which record everything going on around the site, to regular staff inspections and alarmed buildings, so you can rest assured that your sports kit is safe with us.

Easily accessible

The last thing you want to happen is to decide you are going to go out and surf only to find you can’t actually get to your kit for one reason or another.

Having a dedicated self storage unit for sports equipment will mean you can always have easy access to your equipment. A dedicated space also means that you can organise it how you want to, and more efficiently so that you don’t need to rummage through boxes to figure out which box has all your equipment in.

Our Weymouth facility is open 7 days a week, so you can grab your gear whenever you feel like it.

Why choose sports equipment storage with Hogleaze Storage?

We understand the responsibility we have in looking after your possessions, whether that be your skiing equipment or wetsuits and body boards for fun family beach days. Therefore we have strong security measures in place around our Weymouth site.

You can find out more about our security features here >>

We also have flexible contracts meaning that you can store with us when it makes sense for you and your hobby. You don’t have to be paying for a storage unit when it isn’t being used.

We wouldn’t want you to miss an opportunity to let loose and use your gear. At our Weymouth storage facility, you provide a padlock to lock up your storage unit, so that you can access your unit without relying on anyone else within opening hours.

We have plenty of unit sizes so that you don’t have to pay for a unit that you will only be using half of. Whether you just need somewhere to store your bike or you have a whole camping set up that needs storing, we have the perfect unit for you.

Interested in our storage for sports equipment?

If you are looking for somewhere to store your sports equipment why not get in touch with our Weymouth facility by giving us a call on 01305 830000. Alternatively, you can email us on info@weymouthselfstorage.co.uk.

Don’t forget… our storage facility can store almost anything you may need to put into self storage. From household furniture to business documents and stock. Get in touch with us to learn more.

Our new Dorchester storage building: everything you need to know

If you have visited our Dorchester facility recently, or are following our Facebook page, you will have seen that we have an exciting new project being worked on. So what is going on? With such high demand for our classic car storage and undercover caravan storage, we thought it was about time we did something about it.

So, we have decided to turn an old, unused barn into a newer and bigger classic car storage building.

Knocking down the old barn

This isn’t going to be a simple case of converting the existing barn into a classic car storage. As the old barn wasn’t a completely enclosed building, it wouldn’t have provided much protection to your beloved cars. So the first step was to completely demolish the old building.

We had to take the roof off and then dismantle the metal structure. Of course when we say “we”, we don’t really mean “we” because we aren’t actually doing any of the manual labour; we have builders doing the whole lot.

Roof off and structure down — Structure starting to be taken apart

A pile of rubble

A month in and all that was remaining of the old building was a pile of rubble. We had a concrete crusher to grind it all up and then it was time to clear up the mess.

At the time of writing this, everything has been cleared away and we are now at the point where we can start digging the foundations of the new building. The exciting stuff starts here!

Clearing up of the rubble — Clearing of the rubble

If you want to be kept updated on the development of this project, head over to our Facebook page and give us a follow.

What’s to come?

As we mentioned at the beginning of this article this building will be a new classic car storage facility. The plan is for it to be a two storey building that will hold around 90 classic cars.

Not only will this building provide a lot more car spaces, it will be fully insulated to provide ideal conditions for your precious cars. There will be ramp access to the second floor, making it easy for everyone to access, no matter which floor your classic car is being stored on.

The plan is to store all the classic cars in the new building, and if space allows to also provide additional undercover storage for motorhomes and caravans.

Security at Hogleaze Storage

We don’t take storing your cars, caravans or motorhomes lightly; we know how important these can be to you so we do everything we can to make sure they will be safe with us.

There is a barrier at the site entrance to prevent any unauthorised entry. The entrance is also monitored by CCTV & ANPR (Automatic number plate recognition). Entrance to the buildings is by individual fob, meaning that only those with a fob can enter the buildings.

We also have security cameras around the sites which capture what is going on.

Find out more about our security features >>

“Immaculately clean storage, easy access and still very secure. Friendly and helpful staff.”
– Sheila Cornwell

Looking for classic car storage?

If you are currently looking for classic car, or undercover caravan or motorhome storage get in touch with our Dorchester office today by calling 01305 889777 or complete our contact form.

Check out some more of our helpful articles

We have a few articles that we think might be helpful if you are currently storing, or are considering storing your classic car, caravan or motorhome with us.

Tips on how to protect your classic car >>

Where to visit with your Caravan in Dorset this summer >>

And if you are looking for a little bit of light reading, why not check out the History of Hogleaze Storage.

Understanding storage sizes at Hogleaze Storage

Picture this, you have a list of things that you want to put into storage; you know exactly what you want to move out of the house, or office, and you know how you will move it all. You just need to find a storage space big enough… but how do you know which unit size will be right?

Lucky for you, we have created this guide to our unit sizes, so whether you are looking to store a few household belongings to declutter the house, or are looking for a place to file some excess business stock or paperwork, you can easily work out which unit size you need.

25 square feet

The smallest storage unit size we have at Hogleaze Storage is 25 square feet. They are roughly the size of a walk-in cupboard and can hold up to around 40 boxes. They are perfect for storing smaller personal or business items. Sometimes even smaller units are available.

Due to the units being small, these can be perfect for storing things that you need infrequent access to, but are looking to store for longer periods of time.

What to store in these units:

Books
Seasonal decorations
Seasonal clothing
Smaller sports equipment
Small to medium sized boxes
Documents

50 square feet

The next storage unit size up is a 50 square foot unit, which is about a third the size of a standard garage. They can store around 100 boxes making them great for storing a room’s worth of small furniture.

Great for storing:

Camping gear
Gardening equipment
Business documents
Kitchen appliances

75 Square feet

Our medium storage units start off at 70 square feet. This size is a good size if you are looking at storing furniture from a 2 bedroom home during a move.

The units are big enough to hold some bigger items of household furniture, or a medium sized office if you are refurbishing your offices and are looking for somewhere to store your office furniture while you are redecorating. And they can hold around 150 boxes.

These are great for storing:

Nursery furniture
Larger sports equipment
Self employed trades work equipment

100 Square feet

If you are looking for something that is bigger than 75 square feet but you don’t need much more space, then our 100 square foot unit will be your best option. This is the size of a typical bedroom and can store up to 200 boxes.

You can store:

Garden furniture
General house clearance
Wardrobes and bed frames

150 Square feet

These are the largest storage unit sizes that we generally have available. This is enough space to hold the equivalent of contents from a 3 bedroom house and is the size of a single car garage. These are perfect for holding contents while you move house, as there is enough space to store larger appliances as well as around 250 boxes.

This storage unit size can hold:

Large sofas and armchairs
Large dining room tables and multiple chairs
Large dressers and bureaus
American style refrigerators
Outdoor furniture
Retail inventory
Construction materials

Store a single box

If you are a business and have a single or several boxes that are cluttering up your office, you can store them with us in our managed storage unit. Simply pay per box that you store with us, drop the box off to us at our office and let us look after your documents.

If you would like to learn more about this service, get in touch with our Dorchester office by calling 01305 889777.

Why store with Hogleaze Storage?

At Hogleaze Storage, we know that the decision to put your precious belongings into storage isn’t taken lightly. So we make sure that your possessions are as safe as possible and have put many security features in place.

Safety features we have across our sites are:

Fully enclosed and alarmed buildings
Key fob entry
Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR)
Security cameras
Regular Staff inspections

We are also a member of Self Storage Association UK, meaning that our facilities meet a set UK standard. When signing a contract with us, we will also help set up self storage insurance so that you are covered from any issues that are out of our control.

“Hogleaze has excellent storage facilities which are also impressive both from a security and cleanliness point of view.”
Ms Maskall

Know what storage unit size you need?

Hopefully you now have an idea of which storage unit size you will need to store your belongings with us. To book a storage unit with us get in touch with our team at your local facility. Call our Dorchester facility on 01305 889777 or by emailing info@hogleazestorage.co.uk, or to talk to someone at our Weymouth facility by calling 01305 830000 or emailing info@weymouthselfstorage.co.uk.