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

Littlewood Logs

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

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

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

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

Littlewood Lodge

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

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

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

Dove House and Swallows Cottage

And last but not least, our holiday cottages.

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

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

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

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

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

Interested in our self-storage units?

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

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

If you have visited our self storage facility near Dorchester, you will know that we are based on a farm, one of the tidiest farms you will have ever seen! But you might not know much about its history; where we started Hogleaze Storage was a dairy farm.

So how did we go from a fully functioning dairy farm, to a personal storage facility? In this article we share the history of Hogleaze Storage.

The end of the dairy farm

Hogleaze Storage is located at Town Hill Farm and Hogleaze Farm. Hogleaze Farm used to be a family run dairy farm that produced milk between 1945 and 2000.

Economics was the main reason we stopped milking cows. Without wishing to sound like a despondent farmer, there was a shift in the selling of milk in supermarkets as, knowing that milk is a weekly purchase, they started dropping prices to attract customers into their stores. The price change made it difficult to make a profit in any farm production.

Making the most of our surroundings

With plenty of land and redundant farm buildings, we started to realise just how many caravan and camping sites were close by… but very few places had adequate areas to store the caravans and motorhomes out of season. We had plenty of outdoor space that would be perfect to turn into caravan and motorhome storage space, which is exactly what we did.

Knowing the proximity to Weymouth, we also started thinking about boat storage. We knew that our outdoor space would also be suitable for boat storage, and we knew that people would need places to store their boats over winter when they were used less frequently.

So, we created a specific space for outdoor boat storage and outdoor motorhome and caravan storage.

We also turned to our surroundings when looking for inspiration for our logo. Being surrounded by trees, squirrels were part of that habitat. When we thought about it, having a squirrel as part of our logo made more and more sense because squirrels represent our business… they store their winter food to keep it safe, we store your personal belongings to keep them safe.

As you might have worked out, we kept the farm name Hogleaze when we started our self-storage company. The word has a fascinating background as it literally translates to “pigs in the field”; “hog” being an old fashioned term for pigs, and “leaze” meaning a tract of open ground.

Adding self-storage units

On a trip to Brighton back in 2005 we realised how popular personal self storage was, the further east we drove the more roadside signs advertising self storage appeared. It felt like every other sign was pointing to another self-storage facility.

On top of this realisation, we were receiving quite a lot of enquiries from people looking for self storage units. Our little boat, caravan and motorhome storage facility was being found in the search for personal self storage units. We were constantly getting phone calls asking about our units… but we didn’t have any.

These two things made us realise that there was a market for self storage units. We had an entire farm’s worth of space, so all we needed to do was build the units, with the right permissions of course. Luckily we had a few barns that we were able to convert into storage spaces to get started.

Our first units filled pretty quickly! So, over the years we have built more units across our farm, varying the sizes of the units so that there is the perfect self storage solution for everyone.

Self storage units for everything

With the expansion of our facility at our Dorchester site, came the realisation that there was a need for more than just household storage or furniture storage.

As our storage units are completely empty, we were able to be flexible with what we stored in them and how it was all stored. We started offering storage for business papers, office furniture, sports equipment and even wine!

Expanding to Weymouth

Having noticed that there was no storage facility of size in Weymouth, in 2016 we built self-storage units in Weymouth. We built a modern 3 storey storage facility, with a lift, that has over 250 units of varying sizes, from 25sq ft up to 200sq ft, that can store just about anything in them.

When we expanded to Weymouth, we wanted to make sure that our core values were still at the forefront of our business. It was important that we were able to offer an efficient service and the best pricing. Using a large building on the Granby Industrial Estate meant that we were able to do this. The storage units are easily accessible, and we can provide reassurance of safe keeping as the store is alarmed and managed by David Matthews.

Future for Hogleaze

And we are not stopping there. During 2022, we are building a new classic car storage unit at our Dorchester facility. This will be a 2 storey building designed specifically to hold classic cars. This space will be bigger than the one we currently have, meaning that we will be able to store more classic cars.

In moving the classic cars to this new building, we will create more indoor motorhome and caravan storage spaces. So if you are looking for caravan or motorhome storage, keep an eye out for further news on this development!

Why store with Hogleaze Storage?

In the 22 years we have been running Hogleaze Storage, our priority has always been to provide excellent customer service and a trusted, safe place to leave your belongings. We don’t take our responsibility of looking after your things lightly.

We know that your belongings are precious which is why we have put such high security features in place. Not only do we require each of our storage units to have a padlock on the door when in use, but we also provide you with your own fob to enter the building. You will notice CCTV cameras around the premises, and we also have number plate recognition cameras allowing only our customers to get to their belongings.

To make sure that we were providing the highest standards for self storage and motorhome and caravan storage, we worked hard to be able to become a member of the Self Storage Association and the Caravan Storage Site Owners Association.

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

Sheila Cornwall

Looking for a self storage unit?

If you are looking for a safe place to keep your belongings get in touch with us today. To talk to someone at our Dorchester facility, call 01305 889777 or email info@hogleazestorage.co.uk, or to talk to someone at our Weymouth facility, call 01305 830000 or email info@weymouthselfstorage.co.uk.

Follow us on Facebook to keep updated on the developments of our new classic car storage.

Your classic car is your pride and joy, and you want it to look pristine and run smoothly. Protecting the car when in and out of storage is key. Whether you keep your car on your driveway or in a classic car storage facility, there are steps you should take to ensure you are protecting it correctly.

Read on for tips on how to protect your classic car and how our classic car storage facility could help you.

Consider the type of building you’re storing your classic car in

When putting your car into storage you need to make sure that the space protects the car from weather, extreme temperatures, moisture and of course it needs to be secure.

Storing your car in a single skin brick building is not the best option as it will tend to be damp and will not maintain a constant temperature or be moisture free.

A well-built timber garage or building offers a good amount of protection and limits dampness.

Alternatively, you could use concrete building or outbuilding. These may protect your car from the majority of elements. But concrete buildings can often have a reduced airflow, which can make them great places for mould and mildew to grow. If you are using a concrete building for your classic car storage, it is recommended that you create some air flow throughout the building.

A purpose-built high security insulated building provides very good protection and eliminates dampness. 

Call us on 01305 889777 to find out what type of building our classic car storage facility is.

Outside classic car storage

It is not recommended that you ever store a classic car outside, but if you are choosing to store your classic car outside, there are a few tricks you should do to make sure your car is protected as best as possible.

If it is possible, you should raise your car off the ground a little. This will protect the tyres, wheels and the underneath of your precious car.

Don’t wrap your car up in standard tarpaulin because it won’t offer the right kind of protection and it won’t let the car breathe, which can lead to condensation, mould and mildew.

Cover your classic car when its in storage

No matter what your classic car storage choice is, it is always a good idea to cover your car.

Obviously, a cover will protect your car from far more if you are storing your classic car outside. It is worth investing in a weatherproof cover that fits your car like a glove if you are keeping it outside, as this will provide maximum protection for the car, especially against wind “rub”. The cover will also protect both interior materials and exterior paint from bird droppings and moisture which can affect the paintwork.

A cover also ensures that the paintwork is protected from any direct sunlight, whether it is in an indoor or outdoor classic car storage facility.

If you can’t get a cover to fit your car’s specifications, it is suggested that you get one that is a little bit bigger and then peg it in place, making sure that everything is covered.

Clean, polish and wax your car before it goes into storage

Leaving dirt, salt and moisture on your car could potentially damage the car’s paintwork. You wouldn’t let moisture or dirt damage paintwork while out of storage, so why let it when in storage?

It is so important that the car is completely dry before being put into any sort of classic car storage! If there is any moisture left, there is a chance the car will rust.

Another handy tip is to lubricate any rubber parts if you can. This will stop them perishing while they are in storage for long periods of time.

When using our classic car storage facility, you will have access to a pressure washer, so that you can clean your car after taking it out.

If you would like to know more about the facilities available when storing your classic car with us, email info@hogleazestorage.co.uk, or call 01305 889777.

Open the windows when in any type of classic car storage

It is important to allow for air to circulate around the car. This will prevent any bad smells settling in the car, and it can also ensure mould doesn’t start growing.

Note that leaving a window will mean that mice and other small animals may be able to get in. To avoid this from happening, make sure you only open the windows very slightly and don’t leave any crumbs or dirt in the car that will attract such animals.

Store a convertible with the roof closed, so that it maintains its shape and stops the material from shrinking – don’t be tempted to leave the roof down in the name of ventilation.

Disconnect the battery and regularly check fluid levels

Having a classic car is all fun and games until something goes wrong. So take steps while the car is in storage to minimise the chance of anything going wrong.

It is recommended to keep your classic car on trickle charge so it’s ready to start whenever you want to use it. If not available, it is advised that you disconnect the battery as car batteries leak charge when they aren’t being used. Alternatively, take the car for a short drive or run the engine for 10 minutes every few weeks to charge the battery.

And keep an eye on the car’s fluid levels because switching the car on when there are low fluid levels could cause catastrophic damage to the engine… not what you want when you were looking forward to getting out in the sun for a nice peaceful drive.

Another issue can be the use of E10 fuel in an incompatible car, as it will still run, but seals, plastics and metals may be damaged over longer periods as a result of bioethanol’s corrosive properties. It is a hygroscopic, which means it absorbs water from the atmosphere, leading to condensation in fuel tanks if the car remains unused for long periods of time.

At our classic car storage facility, you will have 24 hour access to your car, allowing you to make these checks at a time that suits your routine. You will also have access to electric sockets, enabling you to trickle-charge the battery, should you choose to.

Make sure it is in a secure location

It doesn’t bear thinking about someone else being able to get their hands on your prized possession. So don’t risk it. Make sure the car is being stored in a safe place. Put extra padlocks on doors and make sure that the locations aren’t easy to break into.

When you drop your car off at our classic car storage facility, you will get your own key fob to our fully enclosed, insulated and alarmed buildings.

Our facilities also have automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) and strategically placed security cameras (CCTV), allowing us to know who is accessing the site. So you can rest knowing that your classic car is safe in our hands.

Use our classic car storage facility

We make the storage of classic cars simple and easy. We have 250 individually marked, generously sized plots available at our Dorchester storage facility.

We are currently constructing a purpose-built classic car storage building that will be ready before the autumn, so contact us now to reserve a plot in time for next winter.

Give us a call on 01305 889777 or email us at info@hogleazestorage.co.uk to find out about our classic car storage availability.

Following a busy Christmas, is your house now cluttered with every plastic toy under the sun? A drum kit from ‘Santa’? Or tons of new reading material for your little bookworm? If you answered yes to any of these questions, chances are you run a busy family home.

With 2022 in full swing, we thought we would give you some New Year encouragement so that you can keep your home clean (most of the time) and your mind sane this year! Read on for our top family storage tips…

Start with the big New Year clear out…

Do you have a toy box in every room of the house? When was the last time the toys at the bottom of them were actually played with? It’s time to get rid… or start a toy rotation, a great way to ensure that your children don’t get bored of the toys they have and it opens up some space for their new toys too.

It may be more productive to do this job in peace, or you could try to get your children involved. Be warned though, they will probably try to argue that they play with every toy in the house!

It’s not just the toys that deserve some culling, when was the last time you sorted their wardrobes out?

Honestly, once you’ve done this you will feel much better for it!

Find a home for some unwanted toys

Now you’ve categorized your kids belongings into ‘keep’ and ‘go’, you need to find a new home for the toys. Here are some of our top tips:

• Take them to a charity shop – throughout the Covid 19 pandemic many charity shops stopped accepting donations due to the risk involved, however, most charity shops now have new processes in place to accept donations, so head on over to your local!
• Visit a toy library – a quick Google will tell you where you can find your nearest toy library, it’s a great way for the toys to receive some new love!
• Give to a friend or family member expecting a new addition
• Sell your secondhand toys and clothes – use apps like Depop or Vinted
• Hide them away in the loft – if you’re planning on having more children and don’t want to get rid of toys, store them away in the loft.

Top tip: Vacuum packing clothes saves even more space!

Create more ‘at home’ storage areas

Like everyone, the space in our home is valuable and a clutter-free home = a clutter-free mind, so if you’re sparse of space, be inventive!

• Wall storage – By removing some of your decorative shelves, you can replace them with some new wall storage units; you can find some really aesthetically pleasing ones nowadays so have a browse online and see what you can find.
• Bed storage – if you are currently housing a zero storage bed you’re missing a trick. There are many good value storage beds available on the market with nifty secret compartments and sections.
• Seating storage – swap out your standard dining chairs for bench seating which allows for storage underneath.

Hire a storage unit

If you have exhausted all your options in your home and you quite literally have no space left, then why not opt for a storage unit at Hogleaze Storage? Units start from 25 sqft right up to 150 + sqft so you definitely won’t be short of space then!

When packing your storage unit, we would advise that you follow a few of our tips:

• Box everything
• Label well
• Start at the back with the items you are unlikely to need to access
• Store upwards too (just ensure nothing will topple!)
• Create a mini alleyway in the middle of your unit so you can access everything

Take some time for yourself

Running the home isn’t easy and can sometimes feel neverending and monotonous, especially if you spend a lot of time at home.

Taking some time for yourself is as important as keeping the house in order and gives you a break too.

Organise and clear our your own ‘stuff’ too

Now you’ve spent all this time clearing out your kids’ toys, have you actually looked at your own cupboards? The likelihood is that you’ve been hoarding a few things around your home that, quite frankly, don’t need to stick around into 2022. Whether it’s an extra wardrobe full of clothes you haven’t worn in 5 years, or that Peloton bike you bought as an impulse lockdown purchase that has been collecting dust for almost 2 years… be brutal!

Put a tidying rota in place

This may sound a little OTT but we’re not saying it needs to be stuck to the fridge or pinned to the wall. It can even happen just by changing your mindset around tidying. A little bit each day rather than saving up your chores for a single day after a week can stop that overwhelming feeling.

Teach your little ones the importance of helping out

It shouldn’t all fall on your shoulders and getting your kids involved can be enjoyable if they don’t see it as so much of a chore, it’s also important they know why clearing and tidying is necessary. Make it into a game or competitive challenge and reward them afterwards… we found a handy article here that may help.

Get in contact with Hogleaze Storage

Hopefully, this article has inspired you to get your home in order during the next couple of months, but if you are opting for a storage unit in Dorchester or Weymouth we would be happy to discuss our prices and availability.

You can call us on 01305 889777 for Dorchester storage or on 01305 830000 for Weymouth storage, alternatively email us on info@hogleazestorage.co.uk.

Christmas is right around the corner, and after last year’s disappointment it seems fair to say that we all want it to be extra special this year. 

We want the Christmas tree (a real one obviously) to be up and the decks to be hung around the house as soon as possible. But all this decorating can make the house feel a little crowded. And we don’t even want to think about how chaotic it can feel once all those presents are opened and the guests have arrived. 

So why not do a little decluttering now and let Hogleaze Storage help you out this festive period. 

Create an away from home wine cellar with our wine storage

The kitchen is crammed with all that delicious festive food. So, where do you store the Christmas drinks? 

You may not have a dedicated wine cellar in the house, but why not use one of our units for wine storage, and have an away from home, festive period wine cellar. 

Your alcohol will be safe in our Dorchester self storage units or our Weymouth self storage units,  thanks to our exceptional security features, and consistent temperatures. 

Our Dorchester site is open 24/7 meaning you can pop over to pick up another bottle, or two, whenever you like. 

Where is the Christmas tree going to go?

A big question asked in most homes is “where are we going to put the christmas tree?”

It can’t go there because the coffee table is in the way, or the footstool, or the pile of the kids toys. Sometimes a little bit of rearranging is necessary, but even then things don’t always fit.

Our Dorset storage units might be the perfect answer. Our small storage units go up to 25 Sq Ft and would be great to store the coffee table, or a few of those toys that probably won’t get a look in once the christmas presents have been unwrapped.

Alternatively, if you are looking to store a slightly larger piece of furniture, so that your christmas tree can take pride of place, we have larger furniture storage units, which can go up to 190 Sq Ft at both our Dorchester and Weymouth storage facilities.

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 cost.

Bronwen James | Dorchester | Self Storage

Get that spare room guest ready

We know, it is so easy to just think “oh this can just go in the spare room while I figure out what to do with it”. Then we forget about it and before we know it the room is filled with random things and there is no chance that anyone can sleep on the bed.

Maybe it is time to go through all of those things, on the other hand there are far more important things to get sorted before Christmas.

Our medium self storage units are suitable for storing a wide range of your belongings, whether that be sports equipment left over from the active summer you have had, or your holiday wardrobe that is yet to be put away.

Interested in getting organised with us?

Our Dorchester self storage site and Weymouth self storage site could be the simple answer to help you have your extra special Christmas.

Our small and medium size self storage units are a great solution to temporarily store furniture that has been replaced by the Christmas tree, or clutter that has been hiding in that spare room.

For Weymouth self-storage call our Weymouth team on 01305 830000, and for Dorchester self storage call our Dorchester team on 01305 889777. If you are wanting vehicle storage, please call our Dorchester branch on 01305 889777.

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 would recommend this facility.

Peter Lewis | Dorchester | Self storage

Have you seen some of our other articles?

Christmas definitely means that summer is over, so why not check out our article on packing away your summer belongings.

This time of year can really make us reflect on how much stuff we have in our homes, read our article on the telltale signs that you need a storage unit to find out if one of our self storage units could help you.