THE NEED FOR ARCHIVE STORAGE WHEN WORKING FROM HOME

With the pandemic still clutching the world, many businesses have been forced to ask their employees to work from home. By working from home, many business owners and employees alike may have this false understanding that GDPR rules don't apply to them any more. The truth is, you couldn't be more wrong. If anything, this is where business's, small or large, should be extremely cautious on how they handle information, especially documents containing personal details.

With employees quickly adapting to their new-found working environment, it's easy to get lazy or complacent with how you handle any form of work related document. In the comfort of your own home, it's not uncommon for people to put documents in a compromising location. We're all guilty of leaving documents on the side where an unsuspecting loved-one may consider it rubbish and accidentally throw it away. For obvious reasons, this is a big problem.

Any organisation with a strong management team will have their own adequate approach to handling data for the best possible protection. However, if no clear rules have laid out then its absolutely imperative for employees to take it upon themselves to do the right thing. After all, if the worst were to happen, it would leave you at risk of losing your job or receiving necessary punishment.

With this is mind, we think it's important that every business consider the option of collecting employees work related documents for archived storage. It goes without saying that archive storage has a multitude of benefits. So how will this benefit businesses working from home?

Why is it important for businesses to consider doing this?

For us, that's an obvious answer. With every one of your employees working from home, it's almost impossible to see the extent of personal documentation printed. For all you know, some of your employees may have taken older documentation home with them before the lockdown ensued. Depending on your line of work, it may be incredibly important to retain this information for future reference. The only way to protect your

customers and yourselves is to ask all employees to gather and store any work related documentation for the anticipated return to office.

You can't leave anything to chance!

Every company out there wants to be seen as employee and customer friendly. The best way to achieve this is by being completely open, honest & transparent. It's simply not good enough to trust every individual to be handling critical information correctly in their place of comfort. You should never leave anything to chance, especially when its actually for the broader benefit of everyone involved. Given how many months have passed, archive storage is undoubtedly the smartest choice to make.

What's the best plan of action?

As lockdown measures slowly lift across the country, your companies handling of GDPR should have been outlined months ago. If you're still uncertain on the best way to tackle what could be a mammoth task for you, we can only suggest the following:

Ask all employees to gather any and all written or printed work related documentation
Have a dedicated individual to collect these documents from all employees
Store these documents in individually named & dated binders, folders or wallets
Request a quote or call us for an understanding on costs and time frames

If there's any uncertainty regarding the need for this documentation in the future, we would still recommend Archived storage as the choice to make. For more information on archiving documents and the full list of benefits, please visit here

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Using Self Storage in Chelmsford or Aveley During Life Changes

By James Coxon • August 15, 2025

Discover why our storage facilities in Aveley and Chelmsford are great options for when you are going through life changes like moving home.

Indoor Storage vs Container Storage: What’s the Difference?

By James Coxon • August 3, 2025

When it comes to finding extra space for your belongings, storage units are a reliable and flexible solution, whether you're moving house, renovating, running a business, or simply need to clear a bit of room at home. There are a few different types of storage to choose from, depending on your needs. But one of the first choices you'll come across is whether to go for indoor storage or container storage. You might have seen both options online and wondered what the difference actually is. Do you really need climate control? Is one more secure than the other? And which one offers better value? Let’s take a closer look at how the two compare and why container storage often comes out on top. What is Indoor Storage? Indoor storage units are based inside a large warehouse or purpose-built facility. You usually access them through a main reception or loading bay, then navigate your way through internal corridors (sometimes using lifts or trolleys) to get to your unit. These kinds of facilities are sometimes climate-controlled and can be a good option for anyone storing delicate or temperature-sensitive items, like vintage furniture, valuable artwork, or sensitive electronics that need extra care. They tend to offer a wide range of unit sizes, and security is usually high, with PIN codes, alarms and staff on-site. The trade-off? You’ll often pay more for the added features, and access isn’t always as quick or easy as you might like — especially if you’re trying to move larger items in a hurry or during busy hours. What is Container Storage? Container storage takes a simpler, more practical approach. The units are steel containers set in a secure, outdoor storage location, the same kind you might see on construction sites or at docks, but ours have only ever been used for personal or business storage. The biggest benefit? You can drive straight up to the door of your unit. No trolleys. No tight corridors. No lifts. Whether you’re loading a sofa or unloading stock for your business, the ease of access is a game-changer. Container storage units are also fully weatherproof and incredibly secure. At Flexible Storage, we use CCTV-monitored sites with PIN-coded gates, and all units are lockable with heavy-duty padlocks. Many of our customers also appreciate the extended opening hours or 24/7 access we provide, especially for tradespeople, business owners, or anyone with a busy schedule. How Do You Choose? It all depends on what you’re storing and how you plan to use your space. If you're storing particularly delicate or valuable items, like antiques or anything sensitive to temperature or humidity , some people may consider indoor units. That said, don’t discount container storage; many customers safely store a wide range of items with no issues. It really comes down to what feels right for you. But for most everyday storage needs like furniture, tools, excess stock, seasonal equipment, or items in between moves, container storage is more than up to the task. It’s easier to access, more cost-effective, and gives you plenty of space without the added frills (or fees) of an indoor facility. Why We Offer Container Storage Only We’ve focused entirely on container storage because we believe it gives our customers the best balance of value, convenience, and security. We’ve helped homeowners during renovations, supported students moving between terms, and provided local businesses with extra stock space — all through reliable, easy-to-access container units. You don’t need a fancy building or high-tech climate control to keep your items safe. You just need something that’s clean, dry, secure, and easy to get to. That’s exactly what we offer. If you’re not sure how much space you’ll need, check out our Unit Size Guide or speak to a member of the team; we’re always happy to help. You can also pop by one of our sites in Aveley , Grays , or Chelmsford to take a look at the units in person. When comparing indoor storage and container storage, it’s easy to get caught up in the bells and whistles. But sometimes the most straightforward option is also the most effective, but of course, not all container sites are the same. Flexible storage goes the extra mile. We operate clean, tarmacked or concrete yards. They all have monitored CCTV & lights. They all have PIN-coded gate access. If you want secure, no-fuss storage with the freedom to come and go when it suits you, container storage could be exactly what you need. Get in touch with us today to book a unit or ask us any questions; we’ll help you find the right solution, at the right size, for the right price.