Parking permits in Oxford are an important part of planning a smooth move, yet they are often overlooked until the last minute. When moving home in Oxford, where narrow streets, controlled parking zones, and strict loading restrictions are common, arranging the correct parking permission for a removal vehicle can quickly become one of the most important logistical steps. Without proper planning, something as simple as where the removal van will park can delay the entire moving process.
Creating an outdoor kitchen or sitting room has become immensely popular in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. Post-pandemic, we’re all more grateful than ever for our outdoor spaces, and want to make the most of every moment we can spend in them.
A recent study has found that a beautiful garden can add up to 20% to the value of your property, so if you’re thinking of moving soon, investing in your garden ahead of time is likely to pay dividends.
Below, we explore how to set about designing the perfect outdoor sitting room to enjoy all year round.
Create a sense of flow
Most people choose to position their outdoor sitting room near to their house, which means it’s important to think about creating a feeling of continuity between your indoor and outdoor spaces.
The easiest way to do this is through keeping your colour palette consistent. If the indoor room from which you exit is decorated in shades of pink, for example, be sure to incorporate some pink into your new outdoor space, through your choice of cushions or throws.
Similarly, make sure the outdoor sitting room flows into the rest of your garden through incorporating similar shades of green, and mirroring the flowers from your nearest borders in the colours and textures you choose.
Design an all-weather space
There’s nothing more frustrating than creating a beautiful space which can only be used on a handful of days in any given year. Think carefully about the positioning of your outdoor sitting room to maximise on the shelter provided by existing elements in your garden, such as established trees which will offer shade on hot days, or external walls which can shelter you from the wind.
For protection from rain, consider a pergola or other type of roofed area. Climbing plants such as clematis and roses will quickly make this feel like a natural extension of your garden.
If your garden is overlooked by the neighbours, adding this kind of cover will also give you some much-needed privacy.
Think about lighting
Are you dreaming of twinkling fairy lights artfully hung along shepherd’s crooks? Or do you want to be lit by the soft flicker of flames from your new fire pit? Either way, it’s important to think about lighting when you’re designing your space.
While long summer evenings may not need much in the way of additional lighting, you’ll be pleased to have it when those first warm spring days entice you into the garden, or when you’re enjoying the crisp, cooler nights of autumn.
Also consider the natural light and how it will move across the space. Do you want to start your days with breakfast outside in the sunshine? Then make sure the eastern sky is as visible as possible so you can enjoy the sunrise and early morning warmth in your outdoor sitting room.
Make it a feast for all the senses
When planning a garden, it can be tempting to focus only on how it will look without paying much attention to the other senses. However, it’s important not to do this with your outside sitting room. This is your own personal Eden, which means it needs to be a feast for all your senses, not just your eyes.
Think about creating a glorious scent palate. Highly scented roses sit well with plants such as Nemesia ‘Wisley Vanilla,’ which has a strong vanilla scent. Also consider tubs of highly aromatic herbs such as rosemary, lemon balm or mint, which have stunning flowers in summertime as well as being fantastic for bees and other pollinators.
Finally, be sure to make comfort a priority at every stage. Never buy furniture without first testing it out yourself to make sure it feels as you want it to. Are you looking to lounge, or to sit? Are you going to eat meals with friends in this space, or is it just for you? These thoughts can shape the style of furniture you choose, and the addition of pillows, throws and rugs will make the space look extra welcoming.
Many homeowners and business owners alike are turning to long-term storage to maximise space and cut costs. But what exactly is it? And in what scenarios is it useful?
Keep reading for our ultimate guide to long-term storage to discover its numerous advantages and why it might be the perfect solution for you.
What is long storage?
As the name suggests, it involves placing items you don’t require immediate access to into safe and secure storage facilities. This can include household or office items that are not needed on a day-to-day basis, such as important documents or seasonal equipment, or it could be furniture that no longer fits into your home after downsizing or relocating.
By doing so, you can keep your living or working space clutter-free while ensuring these items are safely stored and readily available when needed.
Why choose long storage?
It can be the ideal solution for several scenarios, which we will explore in more detail below:
House moves and downsizing
Storage is often valuable when moving into a smaller property, providing the perfect solution to declutter when downsizing, all while keeping your valuable belongings safe and secure.
Even if you’re moving to a similar-sized home, long storage can help to maximise space while packing for your move or organising your new home layout the exact way you want, with plenty of room to move around.
Furthermore, storage can offer a solution in the event of any emergencies including any unexpected changes in your moving date.
Storing seasonal items
Looking to regain your loft space from the overhaul of Christmas decorations? Or perhaps you have a set of summer furniture you’re struggling to fit in your house? Then this could be the answer for you. Why keep clutter all year round when you can simply deposit and withdraw it when seasons come and go!
Office reshuffling
Storage isn’t just for downsizing homes, it’s also a cost-effective solution for businesses relocating to smaller offices. With the rise of hybrid working and hot-desking, companies can securely store valuable office items and reduce rental costs. Additionally, businesses can store exhibition materials like trade show booths and brochure stands, which are only used occasionally, freeing up space for home-based self-employed owners.
Unmatched security
Storage provides a safe and secure solution for valuable belongings, with security systems far more advanced than those in the average home. Units are guarded with 24-hour surveillance and utilise the latest technology to ensure their facilities are impenetrable and your most valuable items are in safe hands.
Why choose ISIS Removals & Storage?
Are you looking to store your valuable items? Here at ISIS Removals & Storage, we pride ourselves in our storage expertise, offering convenient, cost-effective, and most importantly, stress-free storage solutions for your household or office items.
Our clean, organised facilities allow for easy navigation. Our state-of-the-art inventory management systems allow our team to navigate and retrieve your items with ease.
We store items in our extra-dry purpose-built storage containers which can securely hold any of your belongings from furniture to fine art in perfect condition.
You’ll also have peace of mind knowing that your treasured items will be safe in our fireproof storage warehouse, guarded by 24-hour CCTV surveillance and security patrolling.
Start your plan today by getting in touch with one of our experts.
We can all remember a time when we were lucky enough to enjoy really fantastic customer service, just as we’ve all experienced poor service we’d rather forget. According to recent Salesforce research, 80% of people agree that customer service is just as important as the service on offer.
Getting the keys to your dream home is an exciting moment, but the moving process is often seen as one of the most stressful things we go through in life. At ISIS Removals, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional, reliable customer service, which takes the stress out of our customers’ moves and leaves them settled in their new home with a smile on their faces.
Our commitment to customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do, with a friendly and fully-trained team ready to ensure your move is as simple and smooth as possible.
Movers you can trust
When people are coming into your home to pack and move your treasured possessions, it’s essential that you feel they are people you can trust. Our team have years of experience in the moving business and know their work inside out.
When our team enters your home, you can expect a friendly and professional demeanour along with total respect for your privacy.
Honesty and upfront communication characterise our relationships with our customers right from the first time they contact us, which is why by the time moving day comes round, you’ll be confident you’ve got a team you can rely on.
We’ll also be there for you in the event of any unexpected hiccups. Delay in your moving date? Or perhaps you need last-minute storage due to a change in your schedule? We’ve got you covered!
First-class service with a smile
At ISIS Removals, going the extra mile is part of our culture. We pride ourselves on delivering unparalleled customer service by offering continuous support and an extra pair of hands where you need them.
We know that moving house is about much more than simply transporting belongings from point A to point B. Moving can often go along with challenging and time-consuming life events, such as preparing for a new job, or moving your children to a new school.
We understand the demands of your busy schedule, and the support which we provide will free up your time to focus on these more important tasks. We can handle your packing as part of our service, and we’re always happy to reassemble your furniture free of charge.
Our fully-trained staff are experienced in handling delicate items, ensuring they arrive safely at your new home.
Oxfordshire experts
We’ve carried out moves across the Oxfordshire area for nearly 20 years and know the roads and neighbourhoods like the backs of our hands.
If you’re new to Oxfordshire, let us help you settle in and explore. Our team are always happy to share our top tips on navigating public transport options for your daily commute, suggest routes to avoid congested traffic, and highlight local shops, restaurants, parks, and attractions that we think you might love. Our goal is to ensure you feel at home in your new area right from the start.
Are you planning your next move? Perhaps you’re moving for the first time? Get in touch with us today to get started. Call us on 01865 770227 or click for a quote.
Oxford is a city that combines the ancient with the modern to create one vibrant, eclectic and beautiful place, so it’s easy to understand why the ISIS team loves living and working here.
Aptly named ‘The City of Dreaming Spires’, Oxford’s architecture and history make it one of the most interesting places to explore.
From a university which pre-dates the Aztec empire, to the streams of new restaurants, shops and pop-ups, no matter how long you have lived in Oxford, there is always something new to discover.
As an Oxford-based removals company, we love having the chance to introduce newcomers to our city. Keep reading to discover what our team like the most about the city.
The history
Oxford is a city overflowing with history, some of it well-known, some of it less so. Many people are familiar with the story of the Churchills and the building of Blenheim Palace, and with the many stunning sites which make up the university. However, have you ever heard of the Oxford martyrs? This group of protestant heretics was burned at the stake in 1555 for their religious beliefs, and you can visit their memorial at the south end of St Giles’.
How about the siege of Oxford in the 1640s? King Charles based himself at Christ Church, one of Oxford’s most famous colleges, while the Parliamentarians sieged Royalist Oxford.
Or what about Oxford prison? This Norman building began life as a castle, before being transformed into a place of brutal punishment. Some fascinating inmates were housed there over the centuries, such as infamous 18th century murderess Mary Blandy, executed for murdering her father, and still said to haunt the prison to this day.
The water
The river that flows through and around the city is where we get our name from so of course they deserve an honourable mention in our favourite things about Oxford. To locals, the section of The Thames that flows through the city is known as the Isis – after the Egyptian goddess.
Punting is one of Oxford’s greatest traditions and a firm favourite with locals and visitors to the city in the summer months. We would recommend hiring a punt from Magdalen Bridge Boathouse to get the best view of the city’s iconic architecture.
The water is for more than just punting or training for the boat race though. It’s lined with fantastic restaurants and bars, such as The Perch at Binsey and The Trout at Wolvercote. There are also some stunning walks which follow the meandering waterways from the city.
The beauty
One of the best things about living in a city as old as Oxford is that you never know what’s around each corner. You can be in a buzzing, modern shopping area, turn a corner, and feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.
As well as the beauty of the city itself, there are many stunning villages nearby. The rolling hills of the Cotswolds are just a stone’s throw away from the city with their own array of lovely boutiques, charming local pubs and peaceful countryside walks.
For the cinephiles among you, Oxford and the surrounding villages have been used in countless films and television programmes, and much fun can be had exploring the locations from your favourites, such as Harry Potter, Downton Abbey and, of course, Morse.
The people
One of our favourite parts of working in removals in and around Oxford is the range of people we get to meet. We get to know our customers well over the course of planning and executing their move, which means we know Oxford folk to be a fun and fascinating bunch.
Don’t just take our word for it though – why not come and visit and get to know them yourself?
Planning a move to Oxford? Get in touch with us today to get started. Call us on 01865 770227 or click for a quote.
There is nothing like a cat to complete a cosy home scenario.Effortlessly pursuing a life of leisure cats will find the best sunspots or heating zones and make them theirs. Despite their flexibility, nonchalance, and effortless meditation, they are not best pleased when unexpected change comes out of the blue.Plus, for a territorial animal moving into a whole new environment poses challenges to cats accustomed to doing their general rounds.We suggest following these guidelines to ensure your cat has a smooth transition and re-integration on the other side.
Small businesses are important parts of the local economy. By creating small nexuses of financial independence, they encourage broader prosperity in the wider economy.Entrepreneurs thrive through the small business model, and so does innovation.Regionally based, they provide local jobs and generate community in the local landscape. In other words, they are essential for a prosperous and healthy town.When local businesses create connections with each other, these benefits are increased. Therefore, by encouraging potential connections within local businesses in Oxford, community prosperity and local relationality are strengthened.
For anyone lucky enough to get accepted by Oxford University, you’ll have the summer to prepare for the beginning of term excitedly. A massive achievement you should be proud of, and the excitement will build the closer moving day. You’ll need to consider some pragmatic things, one being how to transport your possessions to Halls of Residence or other shared living houses.
Most students need to be mindful of the cost and preserve their student loan to last several months. That’s why it’s essential to understand your budget and plan accordingly around it. An affordable relocation is necessary, but you shouldn’t have to compromise on service. By working with Isis Removals, you’ll get the best of both, and we’ll go into more detail on booking a budget-friendly relocation.
THE brand new, state of the art Tolworth depot for The Master Removers Group was all-singing, all-dancing recently when it was chosen by country-pop duo Ward Thomas as the backdrop to their latest music video.
The duo’s connections come via their father Anthony and his company of 40 years, Ward Thomas Removals – which was the founding brand of The Master Removers Group (MRG).
