Dorchester 01305 889777

Weymouth 01305 830000

The telltale signs that you need a storage unit… ASAP!

Unsure if you need a storage unit in your life, keep putting it off, or don’t think it’s quite ‘necessary’ (trust us, if you’re reading this article, you probably already know you need one). If you need some convincing that a storage unit is the right solution for you, have a read of this article and see if you fit into any of these categories. 

Your garage is bursting at the seams 

Gone are the days when garages are actually used to store your car. In most cases they are now the home of garden tools, outside furniture, your tumble dryer, old paint pots (that you feel totally acquired to keep just in case one day you feel the need to ‘touch up the hallway’), mountains of bikes, kid’s toys, sports equipment and more. 

Whether your garage has some kind of order, or it’s a complete jumble sale, could some of these items be better placed in a storage unit to come back to in the future? 

Your spare room has turned into a dumping ground 

You started with great intentions for your spare room, you’d have a constant stream of visitors staying over, and always keep it tidy and up together (much like a hotel room, with choccys on the pillows). Then one day you cleared out your wardrobe and chucked your unwanted clothes in there, then you bought a new sofa and the old one ended up in the spare room of doom too… a year later it’s full to the brim and uncontrollable. We know the feeling, but you can get back from this! 

You have a big life milestone coming up 

Moving house, starting university, having a baby – these are all occasions that are going to cause a lot of ‘stuff’ to build up in your home, before it gets out of control… store it! 

Whether you are making room for your new arrival and need that extra double bed to be out of sight, out of mind, or you’re downsizing and not sure what you want to keep just yet, this all calls for a flexible storage solution.   

You have plans for redecorating or renovation

Making changes to your home can be a little stressful at the best of times, with tradesmen in and out, dust sheets covering your home and paint brushes filling up the sink, it’s always a little easier to start with a clean slate. 

By putting your large furniture pieces into storage, such as sofas, beds, wardrobes, and TV’s, you’re avoiding breakages and making more space for the renovations to take place.  

Your driveway is looking a bit like a game of Tetris 

You may be surprised to hear that the average number of cars per household in the UK in 2021 is 1.2, and with more houses being built, and less having those huge driveways, off road car parking is looking pretty sparse.  

So, if you’re a bit of a car fanatic, or have recently purchased a caravan or motorhome, you may find it difficult to keep those vehicles parked. Plus, if they’re your pride and joy, you want to keep them scuff and bump free! 

Car storage and caravan/motorhome storage is becoming increasingly popular. With wide bays, inside and outside options, your vehicles will be in safe hands. 

Your business is rapidly expanding

With the end of this pandemic in sight, there has been a huge change for all industries in terms of the way business works, and for many, it’s now just starting to pick up. 

Whether it’s storage for physical stock or you’re looking for document storage, business storage units can free up some space and allow you to look at the bigger picture. Smashing your business goals on the way! 

Did you fit into any of these categories?

If any of this sounds a bit familiar, it’s nothing to be ashamed of, it happens to the best of us. But what you must know is that self storage can and will help you! 

Whether it’s long term or short term, large or small, a clearer home or business is a clearer mind. 

Learn more about our self storage and vehicle storage and get in contact with us for a quote. We get very full (despite having over 400 units) so if you are thinking ahead, you can always book in advance. 

Call us at Dorchester on 01305 889777 or Weymouth on 01305 830000, alternatively, send us an email on info@hogleazestorage.co.uk

How to make moving day less stressful

Did you know that July and August are the most popular months to move house in the UK? And if we’re drilling down to the exact day, it’s the last Friday in August! With this in mind, we thought we would share our top tips to make your moving day a little less stressful, calm and simple as possible. 

As a large storage company in Dorset, we talk to our fair share of homemovers, so we’ve seen house moves of every size, from small 1 bedroom apartments to 5 bedroom mansions.  At the end of the day, your moving day should follow a few simple rules regardless. 

Preparation is key

If you’ve previously moved before, you’ll know that unfortunately moving house in the UK doesn’t always go as planned. But if you can prepare for every eventuality you’ll be putting yourself in the best position. 

Keep a folder of all the house moving documents

Moving house comes with a lot of paperwork – from solicitors, estate agents and mortgage companies.  Keep everything in one folder (ideally with sections for each!) so it’s all easily accessible for when you need it.  Keep it at the ready on moving day in case you need any of it.

Start packing early

Realistically, you don’t want to wait until the exchange of contracts to start packing up your possessions, especially if you’re packing up 20 years worth of belongings. We know some people say it’s tempting fate by starting early, but it will make moving week much easier. 

Label everything

And we mean everything, from the box of fancy dress clothes that have been in the loft, to your special china that no one actually uses, labelling your boxes saves tons of time. 

We recommend writing on each box: Room | Items | Fragile / Not Fragile 

Pull in the cavalry

Firstly, we would suggest you get your children (and/or pets) looked after for the day if possible, keeping them occupied is then one less thing you need to worry about. 

Next up, get a few close family members or friends to help with the move, simply moving boxes in and out can be pretty exhausting if you don’t have support.  They can also help with cleaning duties at both properties.

Top tip: Ask the buyers, or the estate agent to leave a little list behind with some key information, such as when bin day is, what keys are for what door, how the heating or alarm works etc. This will make everything much more manageable for you. 

Create an essentials box 

The last thing you want to happen is that you get your keys to your new home, start moving in and then realise some items you NEED are just nowhere to be seen. Create a moving day essentials box, we’d recommend the following: 

  • Toilet roll 
  • Tea / Coffee / milk and a few mugs 
  • Chargers
  • Biscuits and snacks 
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Change of clothes 

Top tip: Take a photo of the back of your TV unit and wifi box, there are so many cables that you may not know where each one goes when you get to your new home. 

Try not to do too much

As long as you’re out of your old home, and have done a triple check (don’t forget the loft) of that house, take your time to move into your new one. 

Try to enjoy the process as much as possible, crank up the party tunes, pop open the bubbles and once you’re done for the day, find your local takeaway and relax… don’t forget the hard part is done now, you’ve got your keys you can celebrate! 

Book help if you need it

Not everyone is in the position to move their belongings straight into their new home, or maybe you want to buy new furniture but haven’t arranged for your old beds and sofas to be sold yet.  You may also decide to re carpet or paint before you move everything in – it’s far easier without all the furniture in.

Having a storage unit ready to move some of your possessions into can just take a weight off your shoulders. 

At Hogleaze Storage we work with a local moving company, so we can pick up your stuff, and bring it here without having to burden you whatsoever. 

Get in touch with Hogleaze Storage 

Hopefully, this article has eased your mind a little bit about the prospect of moving house soon. If you are looking for a storage unit, we have storage facilities in Weymouth and Dorchester. Give us a call on 01305 889777 (Dorchester) or 01305 830000 (Weymouth). 

Follow us on Facebook for more top tips about moving house!

Top tips for storing valuables in a storage unit

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

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

Label everything and keep a record of it 

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

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

Protect those precious antiques

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

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

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

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

Keep your storage unit and valuables clean

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

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

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

Make full use of your storage space 

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

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

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

Check the security of your storage unit

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

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

Contact Hogleaze Storage for your storage units

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

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

Our Top Tips on How to Create a Home Office

It’s no surprise that now more than ever, most people you talk to will be doing some kind of working from home, whether that’s to homeschool the children, part time or full time to keep out of the office. For many businesses, there are plans to make this a more permanent fixture as stats are showing that those who work from home tend to be more productive.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  1. Declutter the space

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

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

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

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

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

  1. Buy a new organisation system  

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

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

  1. Get yourself some (home) office plants… 

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

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

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

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

Contact Hogleaze Storage today for storage for businesses 

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

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

Redecorate with ease by using a furniture storage unit

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

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

Pack glassware properly

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

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

Take everything apart

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

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

Clean everything thoroughly

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

Some tips for cleaning furniture before putting into storage:

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

Make the most of your unit

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

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

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

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

Consider a furniture storage unit from Hogleaze Storage 

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

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

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

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

Benefits Of Renting A Student Storage Unit

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

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

Reasons To Use Student Storage 

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

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

How Does Student Storage Work?

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

Step 1: Find the right student storage company

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

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

Step 2: Pack your items

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

Step 3:  Deliver your belongings

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

Why Choose Hogleaze Student Storage?

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

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

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

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

Contact Us Today! 

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

Reasons to rent a short term storage unit

Are you looking for some extra space for your belongings? Whether you are decluttering your home, moving business premises, having family stay or looking to start your own business, short term storage units can be the ideal solution. 

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

Moving house / business premises

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

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

Home renovations

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

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

Seasonal equipment

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

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

Student storage

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

Learn more about our dedicated student storage units.

Starting a business

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

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

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

Let Hogleaze Storage help!

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

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

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

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

Dorset storage solutions for after the festive season

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

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

Set a plan and get organised

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

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

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

Self storage solutions

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

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

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

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

Benefits of our Dorset storage facilities

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

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

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

– Peter Lewis, Self Storage Dorchester 

Book your unit today! 

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

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

View our Christmas / New Year opening hours here.

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

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

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

Top tips for moving house

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

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

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

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

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

How does it work?

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

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

How much does it cost?

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

Why choose our all-in-one solution

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

You could also benefit from;

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

Check out our FAQs section for more information.

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

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

Contact us now for more information

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

To discuss our removals and storage service, please call our Weymouth storage site on 01305 830000, or email info@weymouthselfstorage.co.uk. For our Dorchester storage site, please call us on 01305 889777 or email info@hogleazestorage.co.uk.

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

Top tips for long term storage

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

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

1. Decide how much you have to store

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


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

2. Clean your items

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

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

3. Pack away your items safely

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

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

4. Be strategic with your space 

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

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

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

5. Insurance

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

Consider the best local storage facility 

Our storage units are cost-effective, easily accessible and can cater to your long term needs. We don’t have a maximum length of stay, meaning that you can continue storing your possessions for as long as you like, and be confident that your belongings are in safe hands. Unlike some storage companies, we won’t regularly increase your fee the longer you stay, so you’ll know that you’re getting the best deal in the area.

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

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

Excellent Security and Beautiful Views

I very much appreciate the security (and, by the way, the beautiful

scenery) surrounding Hogleaze.

Claire Gross Dorchester Self Storage
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Hogleaze provides excellent facilities and service

We are emailing you to inform you that we have sold our motorhome and will no longer require the pitch. Should we buy another van, we will of course come back if you have availability.

You provide excellent facilities and service.

Ken and Cordie Tett Dorchester caravan Vehicle Storage
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Really impressed with the service & customer-focused attention

I was really impressed with the service and customer-focused attention I received dealing with you both. Prompt replies to my enquiries and professional standards throughout mean that my first thoughts on needing storage will be towards Hogleaze. Also, as I mentioned when meeting you, my work involves motor homes, camper vans and the occasional ‘shed’ and I have and will continue to recommend you. I took several of your cards for this purpose!

Unfortunately, our house move failed as the buyers pulled out on Christmas Eve (nice) so I’ve put my MX5 back in our double garage but I was happy knowing it was safe and snug at yours!

Guy Henville Dorchester Self Storage
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Fantastic value, easy and secure.

Fantastic value, easy and secure. Would not hesitate to use again if needed.

Alex Davies Weymouth Self Storage
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Having stored motorhomes at Hogleaze over a number of years…

Having stored motorhomes at Hogleaze over a number of years I have seen great improvements made to the facilities. It is a really good storage area offering very secure facilities for whatever your storage needs.
Jan Hankin Dorchester Self Storage
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My second time of using Hogleaze for storage.

My second time of using Hogleaze for storage. Friendly, accommodating and efficient. Easy access and secure. Everything you need. Thank you.

Richard Allen Dorchester Self Storage
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Very pleased with Hogleaze Storage. 

Very pleased with Hogleaze Storage. Clean, bright and modern storage with easy access at any time. Trolleys provided for moving your items. Very reasonable costs.
Bronwen James Dorchester Self Storage
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Found the facility to be safe and secure

I used Hogleaze Storage for many years and found the facility to be safe and secure. My belongings stayed dry; the ambient temperature seemed just right and there was no dampness. Wooden furniture; cardboard boxes and books all survived intact. The staff are also helpful and friendly. I recommend this facility.
Peter Lewis Dorchester Self Storage
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Thank you for your excellent service as I made use of your storage unit 215.

Thank you for your excellent service as I made use of your storage unit 215.

Having never used self storage before your help was much appreciated. I would certainly use your facility again when there is a need. I would also recommend your company to others.

Bob Malone Dorchester Self Storage
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Excellent facilities.

Excellent facilities. Gave us exactly what we were looking for.

Peter Bachrach Dorchester Self Storage
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Very secure.

We used Hogleaze Storage for nearly 1 year excellent faculties and all storage units very secure and high standard. Staff always friendly and happy to help. Would highly recommend them!

Claire Beaumont Self Storage
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Absolutely brilliant service from Hogleaze Storage.

Absolutely brilliant service from Hogleaze Storage. Really good rates, clean and light building with easy access. Can’t rate them highly enough. Thanks Hogleaze Storage!

‎Rob Hodgkinson‎ Self Storage
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I really like the facility and I am very impressed with the setup you have.

It was lovely to meet you last Friday and finally get the Caravan in to secure storage. I really like the facility and I am very impressed with the setup you have. I received your welcome letter yesterday and have set up the standing order for the 1st July and then to continue at the begin of each month thereafter.

Thank you once again.

Kirston Dorchester caravan Vehicle Storage
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I would recommend Hogleaze Storage to anyone thinking of storing their possessions

It has been a most enjoyable experience entrusting Hogleaze Storage Ltd with my furniture, household and personal possessions, since August 2012.

It was good to meet Shelley, her helpful and friendly demeanor, nothing was too much – she even brought along bolt cutters in case I could not open the padlock on the shutter doors. She was happy to show Gentleman Removals and myself the way.

The service has been excellent throughout the seven years, with up-to-date monthly invoices and security information – thoughtful and caring – all my possessions including the ones I did not know I had stored in the unit, were intact and working.

I would recommend Hogleaze Storage Ltd to anyone thinking of storing their household, office and personal possessions, whether short or long-term. The location is worth a visit on its own, the site is safe and secure, clean and accessible 24/7.

Simon Dorchester Self Storage
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Amazing!

The storage facilities are amazing!

Mr Evans caravan Vehicle Storage
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Using Hogleaze again

We are very pleased with the service and will be using Hogleaze again at some point!

Mr Stein Self Storage
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Delighted!

I have been delighted with the facilities provided and I’m sure I’ll be using Hogleaze again!

Mr Walsh Self Storage
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Excellent storage facilities

Hogleaze has excellent storage facilities which are also impressive both from a security and cleanliness point of view

Ms Maskall caravan Vehicle Storage
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A great experience

I have had a great experience with Hogleaze’s storage services and would recommend to anyone

Mr Huxford Self Storage
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A pleasure

It’s been a pleasure using your great facilities

Mr Beaumont Self Storage
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Recommended secure storage

I would recommend you to any people looking for secure strorage

Mr Graff Self Storage
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Thank you

I would like to thank you for the good service we have received whilst storing our caravan with you

Mr Bosley caravan Vehicle Storage
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Enjoyed the services

We have enjoyed the services at your storage facility and will hopefully be returning to you again in the future

Mr and Mrs Marsden Self Storage
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Find Us

Dorchester

Hogleaze Storage
Town Hill Farm
Town Hill
Winterbourne Abbas
Dorchester
Dorset
DT2 9ET

phone 01305 889777

Weymouth

Hogleaze Self Storage
12 Cambridge Road
Granby Industrial Estate
Weymouth
Dorset
DT4 9TJ

phone 01305 830000

Areas we cover

  • Dorchester
  • Bridport
  • Weymouth
  • Bridport