We all know Christmas is when Oxfordshire is at its very best.

The beautiful countryside is transformed by layers of thick frost into a magical wonderland, and local pubs and restaurants serve up warming delights to help you thaw out after a country walk.

Whether you’re new to the county or just looking for somewhere to explore, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite things to do in Oxfordshire at Christmas time, to fill you up with festive cheer ahead of the big day.

Discover Blenheim Illuminated Christmas Lights Trail

As darkness falls the immense grounds of Blenheim Palace are lit up with hundreds of thousands of twinkling Christmas lights. Explore the stunning show and enjoy food and drink at the pop-up Christmas market.

This really is a magical evening out to enjoy with family and friends. Children in particular will be entranced by all the stunning displays. Some of our team go along to this every year, and it’s always a highlight of the festive season.

Visit a Christmas tree farm

Choosing your very own beautiful real tree is one of the most magical parts of Christmas.

The scent of the tree drifting through your home brings the season to life and is often considered one of the very best parts of this time of year.

One of our favourite places to go to choose a tree is The Tree Barn in Watlington. This small, family-run business supplies fantastic Christmas trees and has even won the British Christmas Tree Growers Association competition for the best tree three times. They have provided trees to some of the most illustrious homes in the land, including the one outside 10 Downing Street, so you know the quality is second to none!

He’s behind you!

Christmas isn’t Christmas without a trip to the panto! The Oxford Playhouse is putting on Sleeping Beauty this year, and we can’t wait to see this classic tale brought to life with more jokes and jollity than ever before.

This really is festive fun for all the family, and is likely to prove a seasonal highlight to all the younger members of the audience.

Explore Oxford Christmas market

Oxford Christmas market is back for 2024 with seasonal food, lots of gifts and entertainment for you to enjoy. This is a great place for a spot of last minute Christmas shopping interspersed with plenty of mulled wine and mince pies!

This year’s market takes place on Broad Street from 23^rd November – 5^th January.

Enjoy some festive music

In Oxford, we’re lucky enough to have some fantastic choirs, many of them based in and around the university colleges. Enjoy some truly top notch caroling at one of their fantastic festive concerts, but be aware that tickets often sell out fast so don’t forget to book early!

We hope you enjoy all the wonderful festive delights on offer in Oxfordshire and have a fantastic time getting into the festive spirit!

A recent survey of 1,000 home buyers found moving house is considered the most stressful task in life – ranking higher than having a child and even going through a divorce.

The poll by financial services firm Legal and General discovered almost half (47 per cent) of people experienced increased levels of stress due to moving and over a third (37 per cent) said packing and relocating items was the most dreaded task of a house move.

Most aspects of a stress-free relocation are in the hands of operators where progress sits outside of your control. Where possible, investing in professional, trusted and reliable firms to assist with your move is the key to a smooth process and avoiding a nightmare move.

One of our recent clients, Clare, found this out the hard way when she was let down by her removals team less than 48 hours before she legally had to leave the home she was departing.

With less a day’s notice, ISIS Removals saved the day. Here is Clare’s story.

The problem

Clare had planned her move to her dream property in Oxfordshire well in advance.

After completing a home review, Clare’s removals team allocated two days to boxing her belongings with all items scheduled to be transported on day three when Clare was required to vacate her former home.

It wasn’t long until problems started to arise.

“The team I had booked arrived late and left early on day one,” said Clare. “I had a real sinking feeling seeing how much work still had to be done.

“Only the kitchen had been packed, and there seemed to be an impossible amount of work to complete on the final day I had access to the house before I had to leave.”

Clare’s concerns were confirmed when less than 48 hours before she had to vacate the property, her removals team pulled out of the job, turning this situation into a nightmare move for Clare.

“I felt horrendous, and didn’t sleep a wink,” said Clare. “Because of the time they pulled out, I effectively had 36 hours to secure a removals company to complete the job.

“No one from my initial calls could help, I was frantic.”

How we saved the day

Clare contacted ISIS Removals at 9am on Wednesday morning.

Even with no time for a site visit, a team of removals specialists were at her front door within two hours with a full crew and trucks. The property Clare was leaving was a six bedroom, 4000 cubic foot house, which was a big move for the team to complete in very limited time.

“ISIS Removals totally saved the day,” said Clare. “The time frame they had to work with was so incredibly tight, but they got the job done.

“The team were with me before I knew it and were professional throughout. It put me at ease after a very stressful 24 hours where aspects of my home move which were out of my control went seriously wrong. They even dismantled and reassembled my furniture, which was a huge bonus!

“I couldn’t recommend ISIS Removals enough – they really saved the day and if they can solve the issues I faced they’re capable of everything.”

Quality service

Customer service and satisfaction is our number one priority at ISIS Removals.

And having a friendly and professional team to pack up and move your belongings in an efficient, professional and experienced manner is key to taking the stress out of a home move.

David Niven, Manager of ISIS Removals and Storage, said: “Clare’s story just goes to show how important it is to use a reputable and professional removals company. Opting for the cheapest option to move all your worldly possessions is not a good idea.

“This was a big job, but the team really pulled together and got it all done at short notice. We advise homeowners to always check the quality of the service they’ll be getting before committing to a company.”

If you’re interested in working with a removals company who take care of clients and provide service with a smile, contact us today to find out more about how we can help you.

We’re pleased to announce a new partnership with Oxford-based junior football team, the Summertown Stars Stingrays!

Summertown Stars run over 60 football teams for boys and girls in every age group, from U6s upwards. It’s the county’s largest youth football club and as a company that has long been passionate about community engagement, this is the perfect partnership for us.

As part of our agreement, the U11s team has received new training and playing kits, embossed with our ISIS logo.

Peter Jamieson, Vice Chair at Summertown Stars, was pleased to welcome the ISIS Removals and Storage team onboard as partners.

“It can be too easy to focus on results as being the key driver in what makes sport and wider participation special to people,” said Peter. “In reality, how football brings people together to learn new skills and make new connections is what we love.

“We’re always grateful when any Oxfordshire business recognises this, and we’re pleased to have ISIS Removals onboard as a partner this season. Summertown Stars is a huge operation with a proud history, and we’re continually looking out for new members so encourage any football-mad youngsters based locally to come along.”

David Niven, Manager of ISIS Removals and Storage, is thrilled with this new partnership. He said: “We’re privileged to be in a position to give back to our community, and love the new look of Summertown Stars Stingrays.

“Having been part of the Oxford community for such a long time, this partnership felt like a very natural fit for us. We’re proud to be partnering with the Stingrays and wish them every success this season.”

The squad’s players were happy with their shirts too, and one team member, Thomas, aged 11, said: “I love my new shirt – it looks really cool! I’m proud to be a Stingray and am really enjoying the season so far.”

If you’ve got a young football enthusiast on your hands who might be interested in joining Summertown Stars, email enquiries@summertownstars.org where you will be directed to the right age group and team.

At ISIS, we’re Oxfordshire through and through, which is why we’re all so excited about this new partnership. If you’re planning a move, to Oxfordshire or beyond, then contact us today to find out more about the fantastic range of services we provide.

At Oxfordshire removals company ISIS Removals & Storage, we’re passionate about providing a fantastic service to our clients, and that starts with employing a team of removals experts who love what they do and share our thirst for creating top notch customer experiences. One such removals expert is Jay, who has been part of the team for eight years. Though new to the removals industry when he started with ISIS, he quickly learned the ropes and became one of our most valuable team members.

Keep reading to discover more about Jay’s time with ISIS and why he’s passionate about removals.

Rewarding environment

Jay joined the team in 2016 after being recommended the job by a friend. Having never worked in removals before, Jay worked closely with his colleagues to understand the ins and out of what it takes to make a move successful.

Thanks to the combination of on the job learning and a supportive team, Jay quickly felt at home in his role and is now responsible for delivering seamless moves for our clients all over the UK.

“I love working for ISIS – it’s the best job I’ve ever had,” said Jay. “Getting to work with great colleagues  day in, day out, is brilliant. It makes a real difference to how we work – the happy team atmosphere is a key part of what allows us to serve our clients so well.”

Jay not only works on residential moves, in which he and the team quickly and efficiently move individuals and families, but he also helps plan and execute large-scale office moves for corporate clients.

“There are so many things I love about working in removals, especially having the opportunity to work at some amazing houses and businesses. You never know what you’re going to find when you go along to pack up a house or business.

“One particularly memorable move for me was when we turned up to a house only to discover multiple F1 cars in the garage! It turned out the house belonged to F1 superstar Frank Williams, who I even got to meet and who I have long admired, as I’m a total petrol head.”

 Removals experts: a team you can rely on

Not every move is straightforward. At times, clients need to have heavy or awkward objects moved into challenging spaces, either up rickety stairs or through narrow passages.

In instances such as this, it’s hugely important to have a removals company in place who are used to working with each other round the clock.

“My colleagues at ISIS are a team I can rely on,” Jay explained. “We’re always looking out for each other and we’re experienced in communicating as a team, seeing us through even tricky moves with no problem.”

 Adventures abroad

As well as UK moves, ISIS can also assist with moves to Europe and beyond thanks to our network of removals experts. Sometimes though, the easiest and most cost effective way of moving someone is simply to drive the van ourselves.

Jay reminisced: “The most memorable trip I ever got to go on was when a client was moving away from the UK, and I had the chance to drive a removals van all the way across France to sunny Montpellier. That was a very special experience.”

“I can honestly say that the whole ISIS team take a huge amount of pride in what we do and in providing every single customer with fantastic service,” Jay added.

“It’s particularly special when clients choose to come back to us move after move, or recommend us to friends, because that’s how we know we’ve done a great job and left a lasting positive impression.”

If you’re looking to move and would like to work with an Oxfordshire removals company who provide a fantastic customer experience, take pride in our work and know Oxfordshire like the backs of our hands, then give the ISIS team a call today and find out more about how our removals experts can help you.

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 18^th 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.

At ISIS Removals & Storage, we appreciate how challenging it can be trying to coordinate an office relocation on top of an already busy work schedule.

That’s why we provide a bespoke service which is tailored to the needs of each individual client, designed to make office relocation easy.

Keep reading to discover why ISIS is the right partner for your next move.

Onsite assessments & clear quotes

The first step for making your office relocation easy is for the ISIS team to get to know you and your needs. After talking everything through and considering issues such as health and safety, access limitations, and parking, we’ll provide a free, detailed quote, with every expenditure clearly outlined, and no hidden fees to come further down the line.

If you choose to move forward with the booking, an ISIS Move Manager will then be assigned who will keep you up to date every step of the way and act as your main point of contact.

Communication & coordination

Your Move Manager will be in regular contact with you in the time leading up to and following your move to make sure we’re on the same page.

We recommend getting in touch with your suppliers and clients as early as possible to let them know you’re moving, especially if there will be any brief disruptions to the service you provide. Coordinating with them and us will make your office move seamless and ensure you keep your customers happy.

Planning & packing

Many people find the packing process to be the most stressful part of moving office, but ISIS can take this entirely off your hands. Our team are experts at packing quickly and skilfully, ensuring that everything you need to work effectively arrives at its new home in perfect condition.

We’ll set up the new office exactly to your specification, meaning you can pick up exactly where you left off!

Anytime moves

Does the thought of leaving your old office on Friday afternoon and arriving at your new one on Monday morning with everything ready to go sound too good to be true? Not with ISIS!

We offer weekend moves to minimise the disruption to you and your colleagues and make moving office truly stress-free.

If you’d like to learn more about how ISIS can make your Oxfordshire office relocation a breeze, get in touch with us today.

For media information please contact Miranda Chambers at https://www.fortitudecommunications.com/ via mc@fortitudecommunications.com

Many people consider moving house to be one of the most stressful life events to navigate. Whilst it can be exciting, all the packing and logistical challenges can quickly make the whole experience feel overwhelming. However, with the right planning and expert advice, moving can become stress-free.

From careful packing to creating the ultimate survival checklist, there are plenty of helpful tricks that can help keep your moving day on track and remove some of this stress.

We asked our team for their recommendations on how to make your next house move simple and stress free. Keep reading to find out their top tips.

1. Perfect planning

It may sound obvious, but one of the best ways to remove some of the stress of your move is by making a simple schedule and then sticking to it.

Start by booking your moving date well in advance, and then make a step-by-step plan of when you need to get everything done, be that sorting through those boxes in the attic, packing up your unused winter wardrobe, or tackling the ‘messy drawer’.

Try dedicating a day or two to each room, leaving the kitchen and bathroom for last as these contain the things you’re likely to need right up to the last moment.

Don’t forget to contact all your utility suppliers 48 hours before you move out to notify them of your new address so you can get things up and running in your new home as quickly as possible.

2. Bin the clutter

As you go through each room, try to be strategic by throwing away all the things you never use/no longer need.

We recommend using the 3 R’s to help you decide what to do with your unwanted items:

• Reduce: only buy essentials until you move – remember, you can just as easily put in that order once you’re in your new house.
• Reuse where possible rather than replacing in the run up to moving day.
• Recycle anything you no longer need and where appropriate take it to a charity shop

3. Packing for success

We can’t stress enough how important it is to leave yourself plenty of time for packing. There’s nothing worse than arriving at your new home with all your belongings in a jumble because all your packing was done in a last-minute rush.

A room plan and clearly labelled boxes will help your removals team load the van in the best possible way, as well as making it much easier for both you and them to sort boxes into the correct rooms in your new home.

We also find that taking photos of your belongings before disassembling them can be really handy for more complicated items.

Does packing still sound like a pain? Then why not work with a removals company who’ll do it for you!

4. Make a moving survival checklist

To ensure you have quick and instant access to any moving day essentials, we recommend creating a moving survival checklist.

Think about what you’ll want the second you get into your new home, be it food, bedding or toiletries, and put all these things together in a distinctive, easily identifiable bag or box.

Keeping these essentials to hand will help you hit the ground running in your new house.

5. Consider using storage

Using storage can come in very handy at times, particularly, when you need extra space to refurbish your new home, or when you’re downsizing and you simply don’t have room for all your furniture. It is also ideal for an emergency situation, such as if there are delays on a moving date.

Investing in a high quality storage solution will ensure your valuable items are safe and secure at all times, no matter the move.

So why choose ISIS for your move?

At ISIS Removals and Storage, we take pride in delivering a high-quality, reliable, and stress-free service.

We’ll help you plan out your moving journey by sending over one of our experienced moving specialists to create a personalised step-by-step moving plan, so you can relocate with confidence.

Booking your move with us is the best way to ensure your valuable items have a safe journey to their new home.

We’ll cover the packing to take the weight off your shoulders and give you the confidence that your possessions will be handled with care. Planning a move? Get in touch with us today to get started. Call us on 01865 770227 or click for a quote.