WHY YOU SHOULD SHRED SENSITIVE DOCUMENTS.

Despite living in the age of the Internet, many individuals and businesses still need to store sensitive information in its physical paper form. From tax returns to bank statements, credit card information to sales receipts, confidential paperwork builds up over time. These documents need to be disposed of securely when they are no longer needed.Even if your files have been in storage for years and are no longer accurate or relevant to you or your business, there is still a significant risk of a data breach if they are disposed of improperly. Read on to see why shredding your confidential documents should be a top priority for any responsible person or company.

IT PREVENTS IDENTITY THEFT

As online data security becomes increasingly sophisticated, so too does the appeal of sensitive paper documentation to identity thieves. Any document that contains personal information can be used by criminals to steal your identity, and having such information on paper allows criminals to bypass the complexities of online security systems.Credit card details, telephone numbers and home addresses are all prized by identity thieves, who can easily find this information by rummaging through carelessly disposed of rubbish. However, it is virtually impossible to decipher sensitive files once they have been shredded using high-grade shredders.The average shredder (known as strip-cut shredders) are often not adequate when it comes to confidential documents – only certain types of shredding ensures that the shredded document cannot be reassembled. Alternatively, if you’re not about to go and buy a CIA-ready shredder for your home, you might want to consider using a professional shredding service with industrial-grade shredders and pulverisers.

IT SAVES TIME

One of the most precious things to both individuals and companies alike is time. It often feels like there are not enough hours in the day to complete everything you had intended to do. Why not let someone else take on the burden of responsibility when disposing of your confidential documents?Employing the services of a professional shredding company will save you valuable time, effort and money. This allows you to focus more of your time and resources on the things that really matter, such as the growth and profitability of your company.

IT’S SUSTAINABLE

Shredding your sensitive documents is the best way to dispose of confidential material, but it’s also environmentally friendly. Shredded paperwork is perfect for recycling and can be easily bagged up and disposed of.Many companies offering document-shredding services recycle 100% of the waste they collect, which prevents it from going to landfill and polluting the environment. Such environmental concerns should be a matter of priority for the modern business owner, and implementing sustainable practices will likely reduce the overhead costs of running a business too!

IT’S LEGALLY COMPLIANT

All businesses are duty-bound to keep client information secure by law. Governments all over the world are tightening up regulations regarding information privacy and protection, as well as enforcing strict penalties on any companies that fail to comply with security standards. Perhaps the most notable example is the recent GDPR.Complying with data protection laws will not only prevent any reputation-damaging legal problems, but also give you and your customers’ peace of mind – you can’t put a price on that!

IT SAVES SPACE

Whether your documents are piling up at your home, your office or in a storage facility, any space taken up by useless files is space wasted. It’s inhibitive, impractical and often a terrible eyesore. Free up some room by shredding the unnecessary documents that have been cluttering up your already limited living, working and storage spaces. After all, it’s never too late for a bit of spring cleaning!If you think that you or your company could benefit from a document shredding service that is safe and sustainable, please get in touch with one of our friendly storage consultants for a quote. More information on our various shredding services can also be found 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.