At Wilkins Specialist Storage, based in Reading, Berkshire, we understand that no two storage requirements are the same. From antique heirlooms to enormous event props, we’ve safely stored a remarkable range of items for businesses, charities, and private clients alike.
Our secure, purpose-built storage facilities and expert team allow us to offer bespoke commercial storage solutions for even the most unusual requests. If it’s inanimate (or even a little leafy), we’ve probably stored it!
Here are three of the most unusual items we’ve proudly stored at Wilkins over the years.
Life-Sized Wooden Elephants Storage for a Charity Auction
When four giant wooden elephants, complete with calves, arrived at our warehouse storage facility in Reading, they were a sight to behold. These magnificent sculptures were hand-built in India using river-based water reeds, crafted using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
The elephants were created for a charity auction to raise funds for clean water access in India and were shipped internationally to the UK in 40-ft shipping containers. Once they arrived in Felixstowe, they were transported to Berkshire to our secure storage facility, where our team of storage specialists carefully unloaded them using specialist equipment to protect their delicate wooden cleaving.
For several months, these striking sculptures remained at our warehouse facility under our care until auction day. It was a privilege to support a cause with such meaningful impact, and we’re proud to have been part of their journey.
Old Olympic Oar Storage to Preserve History
We’ve been storing important artifacts for years in a mission to help preserve history. These 100-year-old olympic rowing oars are another example of weird and wonderful items that Wilkins Storage has had the joy of housing in our warehouse facility. These unique Olympic oars dating back to the early 1900s—a piece of rowing history from one of the earliest modern Olympic Games.
As a storage company based in Berkshire, and serving the surrounding areas, we’ve worked closely with businesses in Henley, home of the world-famous regatta. Our prime locations close to the M40/M4/M25/M3 and main transport links, means we’re uniquely placed to support local rowing clubs, athletes, and collectors with secure and climate-sensitive oar storage.
Each oar is wrapped in breathable 5-ply art wrap, featuring an acid-free inner layer to prevent corrosion and damage from humidity or UV exposure. Thanks to our specialist packing techniques and dedicated warehouse storage environment, these heritage pieces are preserved in pristine condition.
International Shipment & Storage of a Portable Ice Rink
When Ozone Ice Rink needed to store a full-sized portable training rink, we were ready to meet the challenge. Originally constructed in Germany, the rink comprised almost 50 components—including a massive 10-tonne chiller.
Using our fleet of specialist vehicles, including a 40-tonne truck with mounted crane and a 3-tonne forklift, we transported, internationally shipped and unloaded the rink safely into our state of the art warehouse facility in Reading.
We stored the item for 12 months, over the course of which our extensively trained and knowledgeable team of storage specialists worked closely with the client to plan the installation.
Due to space limitations at the final site, we coordinated staggered deliveries to multiple locations and returned to complete the second phase of setup two weeks later. This project required precision, adaptability, and teamwork—qualities we bring to every bespoke storage request.
Why Choose Wilkins for your Specialist Storage?
At Wilkins, we believe no item is too unusual, large, or delicate to store. Our state-of-the-art 100,000 sq. ft. facility (with an additional 100,000 sq. ft. of yard space) is secured by over 50 CCTV cameras, advanced fire alarms, and a direct line to emergency services. Every staff member is fully employed and enhanced DBS checked, so you can trust us with your most valued items.
Whether you need:
- Specialist art wrap and packing materials
- Climate-controlled storage
- Heavy-lifting and logistics coordination
- Short- or long-term storage with flexible space
—we’ve got you covered.
Looking to store something special?
From giant wooden elephants to century-old Olympic memorabilia and portable ice rinks, we’ve stored it all. So whether you’re a business, charity, or private collector, our team is ready to design a tailored storage solution for you.
📞 Get in touch with Wilkins Specialist Storage today to discuss your unique storage needs.
