PREPARING TO RETURN FOR THE OFFICE AFTER LOCKDOWN

For many of us, it has been a very long time since we were last in the office. Covid-19 has meant the majority of the UK workforce have turned kitchens, bedrooms and garden buildings into home offices. As restrictions begin to lift and we begin to return to some form of normality, there are a few things to consider when preparing to bring your team back into the office.

Space

As your employees return to the office, some form of social distancing is likely to remain in place and as a result of the pandemic your team are probably going to want a little more distance between them and their colleagues.

The needs for more space between desks could leave you with surplus furniture, of course you won’t want to dispose of the furniture so you will be looking for storage. At Flexible Storage Solutions we offer secure self-storage at our storage facility. Our storage facility is fire and waterproof, has 24/7 CCTV surveillance and on-site staff giving you complete peace of mind that your furniture is safe and secure, ready for whenever you may need it.

Destruction or storage of confidential documents

A return to the office means there will be confidential documents on site once again, it is paramount that documents are stored or disposed of correctly. This is particularly important for those in financial, legal and medical sectors.

At Flexible Storage Solutions we offer a range of options to ensure your documents are handled correctly. We offer a complete confidential waste disposal service that includes a scheduled or ad-hoc collection from your office, secure transfer of your documents for destruction and a certificate of destruction. Our confidential waste disposal service is fully GDPR compliant and all of our staff are vetted and trained to the highest standards. We also offer confidential waste bins with flexible contracts to support the implementation of clean desk policies.

Perhaps you don’t need to dispose of your confidential documents yet and instead need somewhere to securely store them. If this is the case, we recommend utilising our archive storage service which includes collection, indexing and tracking your documents. We also offer a document scanning service that allows instant retrieval and copies of your archived documents, this service uses our secure online file management system to ensure an efficient system for tracking and recording documents.

Safety protocols

As a business owner, you will likely need introduce some new safety protocols for your team, whether it’s a new health and safety assessment or a social distancing policy. You may also wish to implement new first aid and mental health training. There are lots of great places for information and we are always happy to discuss how we can help support your business.

For more information on any of our services please contact us on 0800 652 1117 or use our online contact form.

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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.