RETURNING TO THE OFFICE AFTER LOCKDOWN

2020 has been a time of uncertainty for most. With the shock of the Covid-19 pandemic, nobody was prepared for what the year had in store, let alone business owners.

Although there are no guarantees, all we can hope is that we can start to get back to some kind of normality soon. Most governments have started to re-open their countries and hope to improve the economy by easing the lockdown measures so businesses can start to function as they once did.

We are still being advised to work from home if we can, but that is not always possible for some businesses. Now is the best time to start preparing yourself for returning to the workplace. Before you can do that, there are certain measures you will need to put in place.

Before allowing your staff to return to the office, you will need to make sure it is safe for them and any potential visitors who may attend your premises.

Steps you can take before returning to work

Here is a list of tasks you can carry out to ensure the safety of your employees and customers.

Carry out a full risk assessment and make sure you share this information with your employees to put their minds at rest.
Ensure you have washing facilities readily available to make sure everybody adheres to the local health authority guidelines.
If certain staff can work from home, try to make that possible for them where you can.
Explain social distancing measures and ensure all of your staff follow the procedures.
Advise your employees of the importance of healthy living to boost their immune system.

How can you use self-storage post lockdown?

During the lockdown period, businesses had to close, which no doubt had a huge impact on sales and the movement of stock. When you return to the work premises, it may be beneficial to have a temporary place where you can store your goods.

It may be that you sell a product that is sensitive to harsh elements such as the cold, heat or dust. By choosing to store your products in a secure storage facility, you will be keeping them safe until such time they are needed again. An example of this could be leather items or other delicate materials.

You may also notice an increase in hand sanitisers, cleaning products and PPE that you didn’t have to store before now. By keeping them in a self-storage facility, they will be out of the way but on hand as and when you need them.

Make more room for social distancing

If you have a small workspace, it can be difficult to put social distancing in place. It may be that you have bulky furniture or too many filing cabinets. This poses the risk of your employees accidentally bumping into each other. Now would be time to have a clear out. You don’t have to permanently remove the items, but by storing them in a self-storage facility, they will be on hand ready for when it’s ‘business as usual’!

Keeping secure data secure during and after lockdown

During the pandemic, it is likely you have been working from home. It would be tempting to dispose of commercial waste in your own bins, avoiding cluttering up your home. Not only is this a breach of data protection, but you are also risking the possibility of crimes such as fraud, and you could potentially be faced with fines.

As a business owner, it is your responsibility to prove any confidential waste is destroyed of in a responsible manner, not only yours but your employees who are also working from home.

Offering your employees the option of temporary storage will prevent any possible data protection issues. Confidential waste that is no longer needed could be taken to a secure facility where they provide an archive storage and confidential waste service.

At Flexible Storage Solutions, we can help you get back on track. We offer a reliable and professional self-storage and waste management service.

Should you wish to discuss your requirements in more detail, please don’t hesitate to contact us, and we will be happy to assist.

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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.