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.

Over 650,000 people call Oxfordshire home.

Most are lifetime residents, others have upped sticks from the capital and some choose to stay put after graduating from our county’s world-famous university.

With 5,800 property transactions taking place in the last 12 months, finding that perfect autumnal day out will be on the agenda of families familiar and new to Oxfordshire’s scenic surroundings.

At ISIS Removals & Storage, we’re Oxfordshire through and through. So, we’ve rounded up a few of the best places locally where people of all ages can enjoy the autumn colour.

Whether you’re new to the area, an old hand looking for somewhere to discover, or considering a move to Oxfordshire, read on to discover some of our county’s best autumn beauty spots.

Greys Court Estate

This stunning National Trust property near Henley-on-Thames is a great day out for all the family. Originally built in the 14^th century, the house has some fantastic treasures on display, but this time of year, it’s the grounds that really stand out. Nestled against the Chiltern hills, Greys Court offers panoramic views across the countryside as it slowly turns yellow, orange and red.

After a brisk walk round the beautiful grounds and woodlands of the estate, you’ll be more than ready for a delicious cream tea in the café. Dogs are welcome at the property, and they often host special activities for children so if you’re planning a half term visit, these are worth looking out for.

Harcourt Arboretum

With over 130 acres of woodland, Harcourt Arboretum is a fantastic place to make the most of autumn. It can be very popular on sunny weekends, so we recommend booking tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

The Arboretum is home to lots of interesting species of rare and endangered trees, so it’s a wonderful place to explore for those with an interest in environmentalism and sustainability.

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim is well worth a visit all year round, but autumn there holds a special place in our hearts. Over half term, they host a fantastic Halloween trail brimming with pumpkins and thrilling moments. It’s fantastic fun for both children and adults, and a great way to celebrate spooky season.

The woodlands around Blenheim are particularly beautiful on a cold autumn morning with leaves crunching underfoot and raining down from above. If you get too chilly, they’ve got fantastic cafes and restaurants where you can warm up over something pumpkin spiced.

At ISIS, we think there are a lot of special things about Oxfordshire, but the amazing autumn colour, natural scenery and abundance of fantastic things to do right on the doorstep are definitely some of the very best.

Don’t just take our word for it though – why not come and get to know Oxfordshire for yourself? If you’re planning a move to Oxfordshire, contact us today to get started.

You can call us on 01865 770227 or click for a quote.

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.

Approximately 7 million people visit Oxford every year, and for good reason! Our beautiful city is home to some fantastic spaces which are at their very best in the summer months.

Here at ISIS Removals & Storage, we know this city like the backs of our hands and want everyone to enjoy the best of what Oxfordshire has to offer.

Not sure where to begin? Don’t worry! Keep reading to learn about a few of our favourite ways to make the most of the sunshine.

Explore the university

Summer is the best time to explore the many stunning colleges for which Oxford is famous. With the students away for the break, lots of the colleges open their doors to visitors, as well as hosting some fantastic events within their peaceful quads.

Built in the 13^th century, University Church is particularly popular in the summer time. The panoramic views of the city which you get from climbing the tower is worth all the stairs, we promise!

Relax at Christ Church Meadow

Situated right at the heart of the city, Christ Church Meadow provides a peaceful open space for all to enjoy. Go for a walk or run, read a book under a tree with a picnic, or simply watch the boats pass along the river. However you like to relax, Christ Church Meadow has something for everyone.

Discover Blenheim Palace

Just a short journey from the city, Blenheim Palace is rich in history with exceptional scenery as far as the eye can see, featuring enormous gardens that provide the perfect setting for a variety of outdoor activities.

Built between 1705 and 1722, this English Baroque-style estate has 187 rooms and covers over 2,000 acres. The palace is the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough and acted as a second home to former prime minister, Winston Churchill.

New this summer is the Bridgerton Trail, which lets visitors explore the filming locations used for bringing this iconic Regency drama to life. Why not top it off with afternoon tea looking out over the beautiful gardens?

The palace runs a variety of events and exhibitions throughout the summer, including the annual Nocturne Concerts featuring some of the biggest names in music.

Visit a flower farm

One of the best things about Oxford is that it’s surrounded by green spaces and farms, some of which offer you the chance to go and cut your own flowers in the summertime. We particularly recommend the Chippy Flower Farm, where you can go and create your perfect bouquet from the oceans of gorgeous blooms available in the summer months.

Bringing a little piece of the Cotswolds countryside into your home will make it feel like summer even when you’re indoors.

Are you planning on moving to Oxford? Get in touch with us today to get started. Call us on 01865 770227 or click for a quote.

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