Indoor Storage Vs Outdoor Storage: Which should you use?

There are many reasons why you might be considering using self storage in Dorset. Whether you are moving house or offices, are having a de-clutter, or are looking for somewhere to store your caravan, motorhome, or classic car. But what kind of storage unit should you use, indoor or outdoor?

In this article, we will share some of the differences between each so that you can make an informed decision and get on with the real task at hand…sorting your belongings out.

Outdoor Storage Units

Outdoor storage units are exactly what they say, storage units that are outside. There are two types of outdoor storage; one is usually a shipping container and the other is an outdoor plot like a parking space that is used for motorhome, caravan or classic car storage.

These containers usually have drive-up or walk-up access, meaning that you can drive your car right up to the door of the unit and unload it directly into the storage space. It makes packing (or unpacking) your storage unit quick and easy as it is just a few steps to the next load each time.

This is especially helpful if you are planning to store heavy furniture and items as you won’t have to worry about navigating your way through corridors and hallways with your belongings on a trolley.

Items that can be stored in an outdoor storage unit include

Lawnmower and gardening equipment,
Bicycles,
Canoes or kayaks,
Camping gear,
Christmas decorations,
Garden Furniture,
And more.

At Hogleaze Storage, we currently only offer outdoor motorhome and caravan plots our self storage facility in Dorchester. However, as we expand our facility, container storage might be available in the future, keep an eye out on our Facebook page for further updates.

Things to Consider When Using Outdoor Storage

Outdoor storage units have a few points that should be considered before hiring one.

The container, motorhome, or caravan, is exposed to the weather and elements. If storing a motorhome or caravan in an outdoor unit you may want to consider using a cover to protect it from UV rays, or wet weather.

Most outdoor storage units aren’t temperature-controlled, so if you have items that are susceptible to extreme weather, such as extreme heat, bitter cold, or excessive humidity, this might not be the best option for you.

If you are looking to store something more valuable or sensitive, you might want to consider indoor storage at our Dorchester or Weymouth storage facilities.

Inside Storage Units

Again, an inside storage unit is exactly what it says, a storage unit that is inside a building.

With one of these, you will enter a building to access your belongings, meaning that if you pack your storage unit on a rainy day you will stay dry (mostly… no matter how close you get your car to the entrance, we can’t guarantee you won’t get wet). It also makes it easier when rummaging for that one item that you desperately need in the coming days, as you won’t have to worry about letting rain into your self-storage unit.

Indoor storage units in Dorset are often temperature controlled, making them a suitable place to store items that may be sensitive to the weather and other important belongings.

These storage units can sometimes feel a little more secure than outdoor storage, as the units are in an enclosed building, providing an extra level of protection. At Hogleaze Storage, our buildings are locked, and you will receive your own fob to gain entrance to them. Plus we have CCTV cameras around our Dorchester and Weymouth storage facilities, and our staff do regular inspections of the site to ensure your belongings are being stored safely.

Indoor storage units are suitable for the following items:

Collectibles,
Artwork,
Wine and spirits,
Household appliances,
Family heirlooms,
Photos and photo albums,
Plastic items such as toys,
Electronics,
Clothing,
Upholstered furniture,
Wooden furniture,
Mattresses.

As well as our indoor self storage units in Dorset, Hogleaze Storage also provides undercover caravan, motorhome and classic car storage plots, so you can benefit from the advantages of indoor units while storing your motorhome, caravan, or classic car. These plots are like indoor car parks, where you are allocated a space for your vehicle.

Things to Consider When Using Indoor Storage

Just like outdoor storage units, there are a few things that you should consider before hiring an indoor storage unit.

If you are looking for somewhere with easy access, you might not find this with indoor self storage. Depending on availability, you might end up with a storage unit upstairs, so you will have to wheel or carry belongings to a lift, and no matter where your storage unit is, you won’t be able to drive your car up to the entrance of the unit.

We have trolleys at both our Dorchester and Weymouth storage facilities, to make moving items to and from your car as easy as possible.

Made A Decision?

If you have decided that an indoor storage unit is what you might need to hold your items, we are here to help.

We are members of the Self Storage Association, meaning that we adhere to strict rules and regulations that guide self storage conditions so you can rest assured your belongings are in a safe and secure location.

To learn more about our Weymouth storage facility, give us a call on 01305 830000, or if you are looking for self storage in Dorchester, call us on 01305 889777.

How to organise your motorhome storage space

Wondering how to keep your motorhome organised? Decluttering your motorhome can be key to creating that little bit of extra room for you and your family. So whether you are going on a road trip or just wish for a change in scenery, these quick storage tips are guaranteed to improve your motorhome experience and keep your precious motor tidy throughout the winter season.

Space-saving motorhome storage ideas for the kitchens are

Let’s start with kitchens, the kitchen provides a multitude of opportunities to save space. There are many amazing storage products specially designed for motorhomes to maximise room.

Use drawer separators, they’ll be a massive help in avoiding mixing up all your cutlery. As a plus, nesting bowls can fit double, if not more, the amount of the bowls in the space you would only be able to fit a few. Along with this, foldable, rollable or collapsible kitchenware can be a space saving alternative, providing you with that little bit of extra storage space. Collapsible kettles, pots, pans and foldable drying racks are also available and a great way to have everything you need in the kitchen yet save space. Whilst non-slip matting can be essential in keeping your items in place and will prevent rattling whilst you’re driving.

If you want to take complete advantage of your cupboard space, consider installing under-cupboard shelves. They are usually made of plastic and you can add them under a cupboard, sink, or fridge or any other spots where you can find unused space. Don’t forget about the undersides of your hanging cupboards too! With plastic hooks, even this space can be taken advantage of to hang your kitchen utensils (mugs or pans).

When it comes to organising your motorhome kitchen space, you should only really take the items you know you’ll need. There’s little point in bringing something just for it to take up space! There’s no shame in being prepared, but being overly prepared certainly won’t help you or your motorhome in the long run. Plus, having these space saving items could mean that when your motorhome is in a motorhome storage facility in Dorset, everything is kept neat and tidy, ready for you to go out on another adventure when you are ready.

On the other hand, it’s equally important to also be careful with organiser products and storage containers. Many people can get carried away with their newfound ability to store all sorts of things in their motorhome, under the illusion of an organised space. If you throw everything in a drawer without separating or categorising it, you won’t even know where to look for it!

Space-saving motorhome storage ideas for wardrobes

Finding space for clothes in a cramped wardrobe can be an overwhelming task, but that’s what we are here for. Here’s how to get the most out of your motorhome wardrobe this winter.

Install storage units on the backs of any doors, they’ll come in handy, especially if you lack the space for a shelf. And if you do have room for shelves, perhaps consider hanging organisers with built-in drawers; a great alternative to shelves. Additionally, space saving hangers can be an affordable lifesaver in maximising storage space, serving to fit more clothes inside a wardrobe without creasing and rolling them all up.

Keeping your shoes in one place will also help you save space; a plastic container under your bed or your seating area should suffice, unless you have a shoe organiser inside your wardrobe or cupboard door. This storage space isn’t just great for shoes, as you don’t have to put shoes in it, it also works as a great storage space for gloves, hats, socks, underwear, scarves and any other foldable clothes. Plastic shoe boxes and containers are easy to clean, keeping that pesky mud at bay, whilst fitting almost anywhere.

These are just some of the ideas that you can use to take full advantage of your wardrobe space and organise all your clothes. As with our tips on the kitchen, it is crucially important to only take the clothes you’re certain you’ll wear to ensure you won’t dump your storage and floor space full with unnecessary items. Keeping your motorhome neat and organised when in motorhome storage in Dorset means that it is always ready for your next adventure.

Space saving motorhome storage ideas for bathrooms

Whether you are in a campervan or coach-built motorhome, chances are your bathroom is quite compact, so it’s extra important to use all the space you can in such an enclosed space. From the back of the door to the shower space itself, here are some ingenious solutions for your motorhome storage space dilemma.

Self-adhesive hooks and folders are simple to install and help in fully utilising your wall space, you don’t really even need tools or expert handyman skills to attach them to the wall! Choosing ‘damage free’ types can prevent damage to the plastic coated boards used in motorhomes.

Wall-mounted holders and baskets are a great form of space saving, making the most of your otherwise unused motorhome wall space. Whilst drawer separators help keep your items apart, even if you decide to store a plethora of different accessories in your drawers, you’ll still be able to easily locate them.

However, you might find that self-adhesive hooks and folders may not be durable enough. Sometimes, low-quality adhesive tape or glue loses its properties due to temperature and humidity, so it may be better to spend more in the short run to spend less in the long run.

Furthermore, putting more on the walls of your motorhome bathroom may risk limiting your mobility. Your already cramped and small bathroom space can get too cluttered so using it may be understandably very uncomfortable, so consider how much space you are saving versus how much space you are losing. It’s important to be conscious of how much weight you are putting on the walls too, heavier items can potentially cause damage to walls and fixtures. When putting your motorhome in storage in Dorset, it can be a lot of work to tidy and empty your bathroom. So save time and invest in these space saving products.

Where to store your motorhome and belongings

At Hogleaze Storage, we make caravan and motorhome storage affordable and simple. Whilst you’re not using your motorhome this winter, why not put it in our Dorset motorhome storage facility? If you are interested, give us a call at 01305 889777 or complete this form on our contact us 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.

The Ultimate Guide to a Motorhome Staycation

Summer is here (it took long enough to come around), and with the current travel restrictions that are in place, a staycation (a vacation in your own country) is the most plausible option. But fortunately for us Brits, the UK has so much to offer, and exploring it in the comfort of your motorhome is the best option in our eyes.

There is nothing better than pitching up at one of the stunning sites in Dorset, Devon, Somerset or Cornwall and enjoying a glass of Rosé wines or an ice cold cider underneath your awning whilst admiring the views… ahhh bliss!

If you’re looking for suggestions on where to stay or explore in Dorset, check out our article from last month here.

Benefits of a staycation

I know many of us are longing for an abroad holiday this year, but realistically, we are going to have to wait a little longer. But that’s ok, because any holiday is better than no holiday, right?

There are many benefits to staycation, we have listed some below:

The cost: Abroad holidays are always pricey, so getting from A-B on your staycation makes for a more affordable trip.
No passport needed: As you won’t be passing through any borders, you won’t require a passport, one less thing to worry about.
Zero stress of it being cancelled: With travel restrictions changing all the time, you can’t be 100% sure what’s going to happen right now, so a staycation is stress-free.
You can be as socially distanced as you would like: You’ll be in your own little bubble in your motorhome, so can easily stay away from other personal contact if you would like to.

The Hogleaze Storage guide to a motorhome staycation

So, you’re settled on a staycation and have the date in your diary. Now to do some planning… Here’s our step-by-step guide:

Have a few campsites booked up – with the popularity of caravan and motorhome holidays rising, booking your pitches will save you a lot of stress during your holiday, if you want to be flexible, just book a few so at least you know you have something to head too.
Check over your motorhome – a motorhome checklist is a good thing to have, and don’t leave it until the night before you’re due to head off either. You’ll want to have checked the following:
1. Gas – have you got enough and is it secure?
2. Doors – are they all locked up and prepared for set off?
3. Fridge – is it well stocked and locked ready for driving?
4. Tables – are the tables locked in place so they don’t move around during travel?
5. Step – is the door step in the stowed position?
6. Skylights – are all skylights and windows closed and secured?
7. Loose items – have you checked to see if anything is on the worktops that could roll around or fall over?
8. Tyres – Make sure they’re inflated to the right level & be prepared for a possible flat tyre
Check narrow routes on Google Street View – if you have a particularly long or wide caravan/motorhome, you will want to avoid those pesky narrow lanes that will cause you additional stress, even the best driver in the world can work up a sweat navigating the country lanes of Dorset. Check the map to see if there is an alternative route you can take.
Research the area you’re heading to – Check out if there are any nice events happening, where the good walking spots are, the best beaches or restaurants. If needed you can pre-book things to do.
Check the facilities at the campsite – Do they have wash blocks, washing facilities, children’s activities? Also, make note of the check in and check out time so that you can leave enough time on the day of departure to pack up and hit the road.

Contact Hogleaze Storage for your motorhome storage in Dorset

Based near Dorchester just off the A35 in Dorset, we are perfectly placed to store your motorhome or caravan indoors or outdoors. So whether you are local to our storage site or come to Dorset for your summer holidays, storing with Hogleaze is a great option to keep your pride and joy safe and secure when you’re not using it.

We get pretty full, but if you give us a call we can let you know our current availability and see what we can do. We also have a waiting list if we can’t fit you in right now.

Call Hogleaze Storage for Dorset motorhome storage on 01305 889777 or send us an email via our contact form here.

Where to visit with your Caravan in Dorset this summer

With the staycation proving more popular than ever due to the current circumstances, Dorset is set to see record numbers of visitors this summer. It’s not hard to see why this county is so desirable, with its beautiful beaches, historic coastline and family friendly attractions. And what better way to visit Dorset than in your caravan?

People choosing to go camping in the UK for their holiday this year has skyrocketed, with last year being one of the most popular years for camping holidays in the UK.

At Hogleaze Storage, providers of caravan storage facilities in Dorchester, we are big fans of the county we call home and in this article we will be giving away some ‘tips from the locals’ on where to visit with your caravan in Dorset this summer.

Choosing the right campsite for your caravan

There are over 100 campsites to choose from in Dorset so there should be something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a family friendly campsite that offers facilities for children such as a play area or swimming pool, or a site that is a bit quieter and aimed at those looking for a relaxing break, Dorset has it all.

Think about the location of the campsite – do you want to be walking distance from the beach, or in the countryside for lovely walks. Think about where you’ll want to visit when you’re here and pick a campsite that is situated in a good spot to travel from.

Trawling through lots of campsite websites can take hours, so consider using some websites that will do the work for you. Put in your ideal location and dates and they’ll find available sites.

Have a look at sites such as: www.visit-dorset.com, www.pitchup.com, www.coolcamping.com, www.campsites.co.uk, www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk.

Family friendly places to visit

Dorset has a plethora of family friendly places to visit, maybe one of the most obvious being it’s glorious beaches…here are a few of our favourites:

Bournemouth
Sandbanks
Studland Bay
Charmouth & Lyme Regis beaches, ideal for fossil hunting!
Weymouth
Swanage

You could even look at booking a beach hut for your stay!

If you’re looking to entertain the children at an attraction, have a look at these ideas:

There are also a number of country parks that are free to visit, including Moors Valley Country Park, Avon Heath Country Park, Durlston Country Park, Upton Country Park and Borough Gardens Dorchester.

If you’re unlucky enough to get some wet weather during your stay, there are plenty of indoor swimming pools and soft play centres for you to go to.

Favourite Dorset walking spots

Dorset is a beautiful county that offers miles and miles of stunning walking spots. Country or coastal walks are ideal to do on your caravaning holiday, especially if you’ve brought your furry friend with you. The Jurassic Coast is world famous for its scenery of Old Harry’s Rock, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door.

Other locations such as Badbury Rings is an area of great historical interest, with evidence of Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman occupation. You may also want to get a boat from Poole Quay over to Brownsea Island for lovely walks and a chance to spot the rare red squirrels.

Check out other areas such as Corfe Castle, Cerne Abbas Giant and Gold Hill at Shaftesbury. You can also access Hampshire’s famous New Forest National Park.

Have a look here for some walking route ideas: https://www.visit-dorset.com/things-to-do/activities/walking/walking-routes

Secret spots!

Us Dorset residents have our own favourite little secret spots, so we thought we’d share a few with you, shhh…

Tyneham Village – Ghost village of Tyneham for a snapshot of life before WWII
Chapman’s Pool – A pretty little hidden cove nestled in the Isle of Purbeck
Kimmeridge Bay – Special area of conservation and boasts the best rock pooling and safest snorkelling site in Dorset!
Moreton Ford – Great for paddling, take your nets to catch the little fish.
Mudeford Quay – Ideal for crabbing!
Blue Pool – A stunning nature reserve with beautiful picnic spots and views.

If you’re staying near Wimborne, you must check out Barford Farm Ice Cream Gardens.

Tips for new caravanners

Now that you’ve got a plan of what to do and where to visit while you’re staying in your caravan in Dorset this summer, you need to make sure your caravan is ‘set to go’ and that you set up your caravan correctly when you get to the campsite. Here are a few of our top tips, especially for new caravanners.

Check your caravan thoroughly a few weeks before you go away – you don’t want a last minute issue such as a dead battery, flat tyre, empty gas bottles or the fridge isn’t working!
Create a packing list – you can keep this to hand for every time you’re packing away.
Make sure you know how to get to the campsite – check out your route to make sure you’re not going to hit any narrow country roads that prove challenging to navigate a caravan through.
Set up your caravan correctly on the pitch – there is a lot to tick off: unhitching, levelling, connecting water and electricity, adjusting steadies, etc. Make sure you have everything covered and take it slowly.
Think about becoming members of the Camping & Caravanning Club who offer discounts on all of their campsites.
Make sure your caravan is insured and registered on the CRis when you buy it.

Here are some further tips and things to check from the Camping & Caravanning Club.

Storing your caravan or motorhome after the camping season

A lot of people have the problem of caravan storage. If you don’t have the space at home or would rather your caravan or motorhome was stored safely, consider a specialist caravan storage facility such as Hogleaze Storage. 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.

Offering competitive storage rates and benefits such as:

Onsite extras such as a pressure washer, grey/blackwater discharge point and waste skip, drinking water refill point and on-site toilets
Numerous security features
24/7 access to your individual plot
Generous sized vehicle plots
Excellent customer service (check out our Facebook reviews!)

Our popular caravan storage in Dorset gets booked up early so don’t delay contacting us. Call our friendly team on 01305 889777 or fill in our contact form on the website.

Everything you need to know about our outdoor storage facilities

With the UK still under some restrictions as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, you might have had to postpone certain summer plans, which may include a family caravan trip or getting your boat back on the water. If that’s the case, an affordable, local storage facility might be the answer to freeing up some space.

At Hogleaze Storage in Dorchester, we provide our customers with outdoor storage to safely and securely store boats, caravans, jet skis, motorhomes etc, when they are not in use.

The outdoor storage plots are located on our Dorchester storage site, which is conveniently located just off Roman Road at Town Hill near the A35.

For all the answers to your outdoor storage questions, keep reading.

What can be stored in an outdoor storage plot?

Typically, our storage plots outside are used for safely storing vehicles that don’t need protection from the elements. With over 260 outdoor storage plots available, we often see a real mix of vehicles being stored, so we offer the following services;

Motorhome storage
Caravan storage
Boat storage
Trailer storage
Jet skis
Cars

We’ll always try to accommodate all your storage needs. If you have an item or vehicle that you would like to place in an outdoor storage plot, but you’re not sure whether we accept it, please phone our friendly team on 01305 889777 to discuss your requirements.

Why should you choose an outdoor storage plot?

There are many benefits to renting an outdoor storage plot with us, but a few include;

The convenience of flexible drop off and picks up. With your own personal access code, you’ll be able to come and go as you please to pick up one vehicle and leave the other in the plot.
We benefit from being located next to the A35 which makes it easy to collect your vehicle and be on your way.
We offer excellent customer service, whether you have a quick question about extending your outdoor storage or need to pay a bill, our team will always be a phone call away.

Looking for a different storage solution? Learn more about the different types of storage units and plots we have available in our article >>

Will my items be safe in an outdoor storage plot?

Security is paramount to us. Whether we are looking after your boat whilst you are on holiday, or you’re looking for a place to store your caravan when it’s not in use, you can rest assured that everything will be kept in safe hands at Hogleaze Storage.

Security features at our Dorchester outdoor storage facility include:

CCTV
Number plate recognition
Locked barrier entrances
Daily staff inspections
Raised earth banks so that no vehicles can be seen from the road

Can I store more than one vehicle at a time?

Yes, of course you can rent multiple outdoor storage plots at one time, but please note that you can only store one vehicle per plot.

What contract options do you offer?

Although most of our customers store their vehicles and possessions with us year-round, we offer storage contracts from a minimum of one month. Don’t forget, no deposit is required, so start storing today!

Can I extend my storage contract?

Need to stay longer than expected? We understand that not everything can go as smoothly as you were hoping. Have no fear, you can easily extend your storage contract by phoning a member of our team on 01305 889777, but just try to give us as much notice as possible!

How much is outdoor storage with Hogleaze?

We work out your outdoor storage fee based on the size of the vehicle and the length of time you are leaving your vehicle with us. Our outdoor storage plots start from just £57.50 + VAT per calendar month.

How do I get started?

If this sounds like the perfect storage solution for you, get in touch with a member of our team by phoning 01305 889777, fill out a contact form or email info@hogleazestorage.co.uk.

After finding storage for your requirements, we’ll be able to supply you with a free ‘no obligation to commit’ quote. What are you waiting for? Contact Hogleaze storage today!

You can also find us on Facebook and send us a message here >>

Why is it important to store your classic car at a registered Dorset storage facility?

Your classic car is likely to be your pride and joy, but for many, it’s not feasible for it to be used as your main car, as daily life, long journeys and the English weather can really take its toll. This is when a Dorset storage facility will come to good use.

If looked after well, your classic car is an excellent investment, and whether you are looking to make money in many years to come, or it is purely for you and your family’s enjoyment, you’ll want to take plenty of care of your classic car.

Where’s the best place to store my classic car near me?

Whilst we don’t want to wish away what we have left of the summer, the autumn and winter months are the most common times to store your vehicle.

Some opt to store their classic car in a garage at home, and whilst this can be a good option, it won’t always provide the right environment over winter. The wet weather can cause it to become damp if precautions aren’t taken, it will also take up a lot of space that may be needed for other belongings.

In this instance, an indoor Dorset storage unit is your best course of action. If you choose the right facility, you can rest assured that your classic car will be kept safe and secure from the elements at all times.

Choosing classic car storage near me

You don’t necessarily want to opt for the first vehicle storage site you find, you need to choose one that specialises in classic car storage near me to make sure that they have certain precautions in place, such as:

Insulated full enclosed buildings – to ensure that your car is protected from the harsh elements. We have insulated buildings, so you can rest assured that your vehicle won’t get damp or moldy.
Plenty of space – we know keeping your car in pristine condition is essential, so our plots are marked out with plenty of space around the whole car, giving you the space to open the doors and boot without bumping anyone else’s car.
Security features – 24hr security cameras, number plate recognition, state of the art entry system and staff on duty means your car will always be in safe hands.
Ease of access – with your handy key fob you can come and go as you please.
Plus, if you need to take your classic car out for the day, just leave your other car in your plot, keeping that one safe whilst you’re gone too!

Fortunately, Hogleaze Storage provides all the above benefits and more, just ask one of our team for more information or for your quote.

Book your classic car plot at Hogleaze Storage

Booking your plot with Hogleaze Storage is easy, simply pop us an email or give us a call on 01305 889777, and we’ll take a few details from you in order to create a bespoke quote, based on length of time required and the number of plots needed.

When you’re ready, just bring your car to our facility, complete your contract and we’ll provide you with your key fob.

Keep on top of the latest news from our Dorset storage facility by visiting our Facebook page. Get in contact today >>

How do caravan and motorhome storage facilities receive their CaSSOA accreditation?

When choosing a motorhome storage facility, there are many points that should be on your criteria checklist before you commit to leaving your motorhome in the hands of a business. You may have heard of the CaSSOA accreditation… In this article, we cover what this is, why it’s important and some pointers to look out for.

What does CaSSOA stand for?

CaSSOA stands for the Caravan Storage Site Owners Association, it’s a bit of a mouthful, but essentially is the governing body for owners looking for secure and safe storage for their caravan or motorhome.

Is there just one level of accreditation?

No, CaSSOA accredits motorhome and caravan storage sites on 3 levels; bronze, silver and gold.

How do businesses receive their CaSSOA caravan storage accreditation?

There are very strict criteria that each CaSSOA caravan storage site must go through before receiving their accreditation. An independent surveyor will visit the site and will award points for each element, which includes some of the following:

Perimeter protection – are certain safeguards put in place around the facility to ensure the protection of the overall facility?
Access control – how easy is it to access the facility?
CCTV, surveillance & alarms – is a high level of surveillance in place across the site and how is this monitored?
Site admin and on-site services – this may cover booking systems and the availability of people on site.
Fire safety – CaSSOA will always check whether a fire risk assessment has taken place, see if there are smoke alarms fitted in indoor facilities and if they are tested/monitored regularly.

Businesses with a higher amount of points will receive a better level (bronze, silver or gold). You can read more about CaSSOA’s point system here.

Should I consider a motorhome storage facility if they don’t hold this accreditation?

As a CaSSOA caravan storage site, we would say you should only use a CaSSOA site… ask yourself, why haven’t they got their award? It’s likely that something will have been compromised, such as security or safety.

Don’t forget, the accreditation only lasts 5 years, so check that it’s in-date before booking your motorhome storage.

How will I benefit from choosing a CaSSOA caravan storage site?

Aside from the peace of mind of knowing your motorhome is being looked after by an accredited site, you can also potentially benefit from a lower insurance premium on your motorhome, as insurance providers sometimes take into account where it’s stored.

The storage facilities are amazing!
Mr Evans, vehicle storage customer of Hogleaze Storage

Does Hogleaze Storage hold a CaSSOA accreditation?

Yes, we are very proud to hold a gold CaSSOA accreditation, which means we have been awarded the highest level by the organisation.

We were re-awarded the CaSSOA gold award in 2019 which you’ll see in pride of place in our main office.

A few reasons why people choose motorhome storage Dorset with Hogleaze Storage include:

Hogleaze Storage receive the CaSSOA gold award

Easy access to your dedicated motorhome plot with indoor and outdoor plots available using your handy key fob.
Customers can leave their other vehicle in their plot, whilst away in their motorhome.
24-hour high-security features including CCTV surveillance and number plate recognition.
A friendly team dedicated to your storage needs.
Competitive rates giving you the best value for storage of your motorhome all year round.

Book CaSSOA caravan and motorhome storage Dorset today

Booking motorhome storage is easy with Hogleaze Storage, simply fill in the form on the right outlining your storage requirements, and one of our team will be in touch with a quote. Our quotes are based on the length of time and size of the storage plot needed.

We recently wrote a blog post about choosing caravan storage and whether it’s better to pick a caravan site or dedicated storage facility, have a read here >>

Get in contact today to book your CaSSOA caravan and motorhome storage plot by calling us on 01305 889777 or filling in our form online. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for the latest news and storage offers and deals.

Should I use caravan sites with storage or a caravan storage facility?

Like many caravan and motorhome owners, during the spring and summer months, caravans are used more often for quick weekend breaks and longer touring holidays. However, as the shorter days and colder months draw in, caravan trips become much less frequent and many owners will be looking for a more long term storage option. Some opt for a caravan site with storage, whilst others will look for a specialist caravan storage facility.

With space at home being valuable, and insurance prices on the rise for owners keeping their caravan or motorhome at home, in this article we’ve outlined the pros and cons of different storage solutions to help make your decision easier.

Which option is more safe & secure?

You will likely find that due to caravan sites not specialising in the storage of caravans, this is going to be a sideline for them. This isn’t necessarily always a negative thing, but if you are leaving your caravan with them for a long period of time, you will want to ensure that security precautions are taken all year round.

As a minimum, any motorhome or caravan storage facility should have the following in place, all of which Hogleaze Storage do:

24/7 security cameras
Regular staff inspections
CaSSOA Gold Award
24/7 access
Alarm system

In many cases, you may also notice that caravan sites with storage will only provide outdoor storage options, with little or no undercover plots. Indoor caravan storage options will protect your caravan from the elements, and increase the security of it too.

In addition, you should also consider the location as a factor in the security of your caravan, if you are leaving your caravan at a busy site, this may be more prone to attracting thieves or vandalism. Our storage facility is based in a rural location off the A35 near Dorchester, allowing great access from the main routes into Devon, Somerset and the west country.

Will your chosen storage option provide the facilities you need?

In addition to keeping your caravan safe and secure, many specialist motorhome & caravan storage facilities, such as Hogleaze Storage will also provide you with additional facilities within your fee, such as:

Pressure washer
Airline
Gas storage
Greywater emptying point

These extra facilities are important to consider when choosing your storage option, as when you come to pick up your caravan for your next trip, you will want to be sure that you have everything you need to get straight back on the road, making it a stress-free experience for you and your family.

Check their awards and accreditations

Any caravan site with some extra land could label themselves as a caravan storage facility, however, it’s the awards and accreditations that should provide you with trust in their facility.

Take a look at their website to see if you can spot the CaSSOA approved logo before making any booking.

Don’t forget, accredited sites will be tiered at 3 levels, with bronze being entry-level and security not being a priority.

Hogleaze Storage has been awarded the gold award by CaSSOA, which means we have met the highest standard of security for caravan storage available.

You can learn more about CaSSOA here.

Let’s talk about costs…

For many caravan owners, the cost will play a big part in the decision process to choosing a storage option. When weighing up the costs, you will also want to take into consideration the following:

Length of agreement – does the site only offer long term storage?
Access to your caravan – can you come and go as you please?
Security – as mentioned above, does it have all the security features in place that will give you peace of mind?

Taking all of this into account, caravan sites with storage in Dorset generally work out at between £15 and £25 per week depending on the site you choose, whilst storage with Hogleaze starts from £57 per month.

Ready to book your caravan storage with Hogleaze Storage?

From the ease of access, using your own personal key fob to our CaSSOA gold accredited site, and with over 250 plots available to store your caravan, we hope this article has given you an insight into choosing the storage that’s right for you.

In addition to all those benefits, our facility also offers:

Number plate recognition
Earth banks and locked barrier entrances
Pick up and drop off service from local pitches

If you would like a free quote, get in touch with our team by calling our Dorchester caravan storage facility on 01305 889777 or send us an email via our contact form here.

Attending the Sherborne Classic Car Show? Book classic car storage with Hogleaze Storage

With over 2000 cars due to be on display at this year’s Sherborne Classic Car Show, this event should not be missed if you’re a fan of classic cars. From the pre-1985 high-performance cars to rally cars, Aston Martins and Lamborghinis, it pretty much has all the bases covered.

Read on for key information about the show and how we can assist with storing your car before or after the event.

When and where is the Sherborne Classic Car Show?

As the name suggests, the car show will take place in Sherborne, which is a small market town in North-West Dorset, with the exact location being within the grounds of the stunning Sherborne Castle, a 16th-century Tudor mansion. The show is just a 1-day event taking place on Sunday 21st July 2019.

With its breathtaking gardens and heaps of history, the castle is visited by many thousands of visitors every year and is the perfect backdrop for this well-renowned car show that is now in its 16th year!

What should I expect to see at the show?

Aside from the rows of stunning classic cars, the show has plenty of other attractions and activities to occupy the whole family during the course of the day.

Auctions

If you’re looking to own a classic car for the first time or add to your existing collection, auctions will be running throughout the day in which hundreds of buyers will be ready to put their bids in before the fall of the hammer.

Top tip! If you are planning to take part in the auction, get there early! Gates open at 09:30 so this will give you the best chance of finding and bidding on the car you want to get your hands on!

Tradestands and autojumbles

If you’re not looking for a new investment, then you can simply enjoy the day browsing through the many trade stands and huge onsite autojumble.

Attractions and artisan treats

If that’s not enough, there are also plenty of additional attractions to enjoy, including live music and a craft fair, plus, a children’s area for families with younger children. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to eating at the show, with many choices located at the food village.

Learn more about the Sherborne Classic Car Show and how to buy tickets here.

In need of classic car storage for the event?

With our specialist, award-winning vehicle storage facility just 30 minutes drive from the Sherborne Classic Car Show, Hogleaze Storage is the perfect place to store your classic, prestige or sports car.

Why Hogleaze Storage?

Our discreet, rural location just outside of Dorchester benefits from over 250 individually marked, generously sized plots.

The indoor, insulated facility where you place your classic car is maintained to the highest standard all year round.

Our storage options are flexible to suit your needs

Whether you are traveling down the week before the show to holiday in Dorset or need car storage for your vehicle for a longer period, we are available for your classic car storage needs all year round, 365 days a year!

Our classic car storage is safe and secure

The security of your classic car is paramount to us, which is why we have many security features in place. Our classic car storage facility benefits from:

Monitored alarm system and security cameras – using the highest of security technology, our alarms and security cameras are keeping a close eye on your car all day long.
Key fob system – our electronic key fob system allows you to have 24/7 access to your classic car.
Number plate recognition – we can always keep track of when your vehicle arrives and leaves our facility for extra security.

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

You can come and go as you please…

As mentioned above, with our key fob system there are no strict rules on when you can pop in to pick up or drop off your classic car.

On your first visit to Hogleaze Storage, a member of our team will meet with you to explain how it works and how to use your key fob to access your plot. Following your first visit, you will then have the flexibility to visit our facility as you please.

With various options, both long and short stay plots available, you can choose the storage option that suits you.

Get in touch with Hogleaze Storage today to book your plot

From the effortlessly cool Jaguar E-Type to a 1960’s Maserati, we’ve seen our fair share of classic cars and understand how important they are to you, so not only will you receive the best quality of care when you leave your classic car with us, but we also offer affordability, competitive prices when it comes to classic car storage.

To book your classic car storage get in touch with our team for a ‘no obligation to commit’ quote today.

Visit our contact page here or call us on 01305 889777.