FIRE AT TWINWOODS BUSINESS PARK PROVIDES ANOTHER SELF STORAGE WAKEUP CALL

Companies at Twinwoods Business Park are currently assessing the damage done by a devastating fire that broke out during the afternoon of November 1st.The blaze started in a polystyrene factory on the Milton Ernest business estate and took over 60 fire-fighters from four counties to get the flames under control.The fire rapidly spread to two nearby buildings, sending huge plumes of thick, black smoke into the Bedford sky that could be seen for miles around. The fire even forced workers in the area to flee the business park and local roads were closed.While the exact cause of the fire is still unknown, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue have since played down the likelihood of foul play:“We do not believe the fire has been started deliberately and will now be carrying out further investigations, working both with the insurers and the companies affected,” commented Andy Draper, group commander at Bedford fire service.

Fire protection lessons to be learned

While it’s fortunate that nobody was hurt during the inferno, the total cost of damage to property and goods is yet to be realised. One group of people that will be assessing their losses will be customers of Storing.com whose storage facility was one of the other two buildings to succumb to the flames at Twinwoods Business Park.In a situation reminiscent of the colossal fire at Shurgard’s Croydon storage depot that saw hundreds of stored belongings go up in smoke, this Storing.com blaze highlights the importance of using a storage facility that truly prioritises the safety of its customer’s stored items.

How can you protect your storage items from fire damage?

Avoid warehouse-style storage facilities – the lack of partitions and strong airflow means that fires can spread much easier in open-plan buildings. While most storage facilities prohibit dangerous substances such as flammable liquids, there’s no way to comprehensively check every single item. As such, just one customer’s dangerous or flammable storage item may result in the destruction of all goods in the facility, as they’re all essentially stored in the same room.
Choose a storage facility that uses fireproof storage containers – steel containers will protect their contents from an external fire whilst also ‘containing’ any fires that may start within them. While storage containers do not guarantee complete protection, they significantly slow down the spread of a fire and give emergency services the precious time they need to get the blaze under control.
Get self storage insurance – while there are some key precautions that you can take to minimise the risk of fire, it’s impossible to reduce the risk completely. It’s therefore very advisable to cover your stored goods with self storage insurance. The vast majority of household insurance policies will not cover your storage items so you’ll need to opt for storage-specific cover. This will protect your belongings from fire, water or any other damage. (Get a self storage insurance quote for your items today.)

A self storage facility you can trust

At Flexible Storage, we store all of our customers’ items in individual 2mm thick steel storage containers that are both water and fireproof. From fireproof file storage to 24 hour CCTV surveillance, we put the safety of your belongings first. Get in touch with one of our team today to discuss your secure storage options further and even receive a tailored quote.

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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.