Dorchester 01305 889777

Weymouth 01305 830000

History of self storage

The history of self storage… how it’s changed in 20 years

This year, Hogleaze Storage is celebrating a huge milestone… we’ve now been in the storage business for 20 years! Whilst we’ve seen many changes over this time, we thought we would look at the history of self storage as a whole and see how much it’s changed since 2000. 

Self storage two decades ago

Did you know that self storage only arrived in the UK in the 1980s following a boom in the USA? Whilst this was 40 years ago, it didn’t really become popular here until the early 2000s. Data released by the SSA (Self Storage Association) showed that the average length of stay increased from an average period of 22 weeks in 2007 to 38 weeks in 2010 and has continued to increase ever since!

An interesting article from the BBC back in 2011 explains some more of these industry changes and the history of self storage, you can read this here >> 

When the idea of self storage came to the UK all that time ago, it was very much a place to store possessions of a higher value that people couldn’t part with. Nowadays, this isn’t the case as some people even use the units to store the junk they’ve been hoarding or to hold business stock. 

The self storage industry in 2020

You may be surprised to hear, but the SSA estimated that in 2019 the self storage industry was worth a whopping £720 million, covering approximately 45.6 million sq ft. That’s a lot of space being filled up with the nation’s belongings!

As we buy more stuff and acquire less space, it’s no surprise that many of us turn to self storage units to avoid our homes looking like warehouses. The industry really is only just kicking off and we don’t expect it to slow down anytime soon.

As we expect more modern, personalised services in day to day life in 2020, the same has been required from self storage where more modern technology is now utilised. You’ll now notice that self storage companies are starting to become much smarter when it comes to the technology within their self storage compounds. Gone are the days when you can only visit during strict opening hours… 24/7 access is almost a given with most larger self storage sites (something you can find available at our Dorchester storage site).

Security is also of high importance as it becomes more intuitive and automated to ensure that your belongings are kept safe at all times. This may include high tech CCTV, key fob access and number plate recognition.  

The future of the industry

With more and more self storage businesses popping up all over the place, it will be commonplace for the majority of people to use them at some point in their life. Whether this is for a house move, business relocation or just a spring clean. But how is the industry going to keep evolving? 

We’ve noticed a real trend of people storing with us for longer periods of time, consumers no longer just need a one-off storage solution but somewhere they can return to time and time again. This also means the storage units are being used for different purposes, with some people basically running their business from their unit instead of a home office. A great place to keep stock and archive important documents. We can’t wait to see what types of items become storage trends in the next 5 years. 

There has also been a huge uplift since we started out in 2000 of people using our online contact form to get a quote as opposed to picking up the phone. Everything is now done online, so expect some exciting changes coming soon to how you book your unit. Whilst we still love to chat with our customers, we know that everyday life gets in the way and sometimes you just need things done with the click of a button. 

Need Dorset self storage? 

Whilst there is an estimated 1,582 self storage sites in the UK, we hope that our convenient locations in Weymouth and Dorchester and the knowledge that you’ll receive a 5-star service when storing with us will make Hogleaze top of your list when choosing self storage in Dorset. 

Read some of customer reviews here >>

If you need more information about what we can offer, check out these recent blogs… 

We hope you found this article on the history of self storage interesting… Ready to start storing? With no deposit required, you can get started almost immediately. Get in contact with Dorchester for self storage and vehicle storage on 01305 889777 or Weymouth on 01305 830000

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