Storing Employee Documents Securely

In the day to day running of a business, paperwork can quickly pile up. However, as the number of documents in the office grows, it can be harder to find the paperwork that matters. Whilst filing cabinets can help keep the office organised, they can still take up a lot of room. Often, there’s just too much documentation to keep an on-site archive in the office. With rent costs particularly high right now, every foot of office space counts. For this reason, you might want to consider off-site document storage.

Safe and Secure Document Storage

When moving company documents from an office to off-site storage, it’s only natural to have concerns about the safety of the archive. Fortunately, safety and security are two top priorities when it comes to providing a professional self-storage service.

At the likes of Easy Store 24/7, around the clock security measures ensure safe document storage. Storage units are located in a dedicated, self-contained compound. Security fencing borders these compounds, whilst 24-hour CCTV surveillance provides peace of mind. 24-hour floodlighting across our sites also deters intruders. Thanks to these measures, you can be sure that the security of off-site archive storage is enough for your documents.

Additionally, the electronic fob system provides you with peace of mind that the site is well policed. Users of the site can gain entry with the swipe of a fob at the gate. This system controls the entry of vehicles and individuals into the site. Intruders are barred from the compound, whilst legitimate visitors can gain easy access to their archives all hours of the day, every day of the week. The individual locks on each storage unit provide an extra layer of personal security.

Finally, storage in an off-site location may lead to some concern that documents could be damaged by the elements. Document storage needs to be just as safe from the weather as from intruders. Ensure that when you store away important documentation that it is kept in a well-sealed container. Despite our units being as weather-proof as they possibly can be, we advise that you take all the necessary precautions to ensure documents are not damaged.

Declutter Your Office with Easy Store 24/7

With multiple sites across Norwich, Ipswich and Colchester, Easy Store is able to offer safe and secure self-storage to businesses across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. Moving your company archives out of the office and into off-site document storage will provide you with more space in the office, without any cost to safety and security. With the business premises no longer cluttered by archival paperwork, operations can run more smoothly.

Easy Store offer great storage solutions for all kinds of items, from company documents to large vehicles. So, if you’re considering moving paperwork into secure document storage, contact us to book secure archive storage today.

Choosing Self Storage When Moving Home

If you’re looking for self storage in Norwich, you’ve come to the right place. There are many number of reasons why you might need to book a self storage unit. These can range from moving house to security for valuable items. Whatever your requirements, you need to make sure you choose the right storage facility. You need good conditions so that your property won’t deteriorate. You also need first class security, so that you know your property is safe.

For self storage in Norwich, Easy Store offer a simple, secure, 24/7 solution for all types of property. Units are in gated compounds covered by 24 hour CCTV, and there is 24 hour access for customers. Read on to discover more about the advantages of self storage.

The benefits of self storage

Creating space

There are times when the things we own begin to outgrow the homes we live in. You might inherit some furniture that you love, but may not have the space to display it. Over time we can accumulate things we need but don’t use very often. If your house isn’t designed with storage in mind, this can be an issue. If you plan to declutter, think twice before making decisions you may regret. Easy Store offers an alternative solution.

Peace of mind

A lot of people own items of some monetary value. But how confident are you about the security of your home? Would you feel greater peace of mind at night if the items were somewhere else? If your answer to the last question is yes, secure self storage could be the perfect option for you.

Storage for business

In these unusual times, more and more people are working from home. For some that isn’t a problem. But what if you need to store stock or equipment, or other business items you don’t have room for at home? Many companies are buying stock now to avoid potential price rises when we leave the EU. The problem is, where do you store it? Easy Store can provide a convenient and cost-effective solution for self storage in Norwich.

Self storage and moving house

Research has shown that moving to a new home is one of the most stressful events you will experience. When making a move, items such as beds, washers and tables & chairs are obviously essential. But you may decide that some items are no longer needed. Placing this ‘clutter’ in secure storage will allow you to make that decision later rather than during the move. Packing for the move will be much easier. And you can organise your new home without having to negotiate boxes of stuff you won’t immediately use. You may want to unpack slowly, working your way around room by room. That’s going to be far harder if every room is full. There may be some renovating or decorating to do. Boxes full of pictures and ornaments won’t help. Decluttering your home before putting it on the market could also help you to sell it.

Easy Store offers the perfect self storage solution, from small domestic items to large vehicles. Contact us to book a secure unit in Norwich.

How To Store Your Motorcycle Safely

When winter approaches and the conditions become less conducive for riding, it becomes necessary to look at options for motorcycle storage. Keeping your motorcycle safely stored away means more than just throwing a cover over it for the winter. You will want to make sure that your motorcycle remains in pristine condition, ready for the warmer months. Your motorcycle is a valuable investment and taking steps to maintain it will ensure it continues to perform well in the long term. We recommend the steps below for proper motorcycle storage during the winter.

Steps For Proper Motorcycle Storage

To maintain your motorcycle before it goes into storage, we recommend that you do the following:

• Thoroughly clean off any dirt or debris from your motorcycle. Your motorcycle will not be going anywhere for a while, so now is the perfect time to get it looking its best. In addition, any dirt or stains can become harder to remove and may corrode the surface if left through the winter.

• Change the oil and replace the filter. Old, used oil can corrode the engine over the winter months Plus, fresh oil will allow you to get back on the road as soon as Spring arrives.

• Lubricate any moving parts with a light coat of oil. This will help protect your motorcycle from rust caused by a build-up of moisture.

• Fill up your tank and add a fuel stabiliser. A full tank will ensure no moisture can get in and damage the internal walls. The fuel stabiliser will make sure the fuel remains good quality throughout the winter.

• Remove the battery and attach it to a trickle charger. Even when not in use, your battery will lose charge. So, removing it and attaching it to a trickle charger will ensure a small, steady supply of power throughout winter.

• Check your tyres and use a stand. Making sure your tyres are at the correct pressure will help them retain their shape throughout the winter. In addition, placing your motorcycle on a stand will prevent the risk of tyre wear or flat spotting.

• Check and replace all break/clutch fluid if needed. Check your coolant system and apply anti-freeze, to protect your motorcycle from water getting in and freezing.

• Use a breathable cover for your motorcycle. Avoid using plastic as this traps moisture inside, leading to mould and corrosion.

Why Easy Store is perfect for motorcycle storage

Having prepared your motorcycle for winter storage, you may find you do not have adequate storage facilities at home. At Easy Store 24/7 we offer safe and secure storage solutions at various locations around Colchester, Ipswich and Norwich. Our storage units will keep your motorcycle away from damaging elements like sunlight and snow, and with 24/7 access you can perform maintenance whenever you need. All units are fully secured with 24-hour surveillance and are available at cost-effective rates.

For more details visit our list of motorcycle storage locations available. Contact Easy Store 24/7 today for the best motorcycle storage solutions.

Hand Sanitiser Available at all sites

Easy Store 24/7 is taking Coronavirus seriously. The safety of our customers is of paramount concern. We are putting hand sanitiser dispensers at each of our sites, and these will be ready to use within a few days. They will be displayed prominently at the gates. We encourage all our customers to use these dispensers when they enter and leave our premises, for their safety and for that of their fellow Easy Store customers.

How can hand sanitiser help?

Hand sanitiser gels help contain the threat of Coronavirus – and other nasties – by killing any germs and infectious bacteria that may be taking a ride on our hands. As our hands are almost always the part of our body which interacts with our physical surroundings the most, on handles, switches, doors and practically everything besides, we need to keep them as clean as we can.

Currently, alcohol-based sanitiser is accepted as the most effective means of killing bacteria and germs on your hands; these often contain hydrogen peroxide, which provides additional virus-defeating efficacy. alcohol-free sanitisers do exist , their effectiveness is less certain. We provide a high-alcohol sanitiser at our sites.

How do I use it?

Hand sanitiser can provide a useful and effective alternative in those specific environments when traditional hand-washing facilities are unavailable. Our Easy Store 24/7 sites are a great example of this. By simply sanitising your hands before gaining access to our compounds, you cab ensure that our premises – and your container – remain safe to use. To use our system correctly, simply pump a small amount of sanitiser from the available dispensers and rub between your hands. Try to ensure that the sanitiser covers the entire surface of your hands, and gets in between the fingers!

The Benefits of Outdoor Self Storage

Whether you’re in the middle of a house move or need somewhere to keep tools and equipment, there are many reasons why you might need to find self-storage in Ipswich. Whether you need indoor or outdoor storage, depends on what you intend to store, however outdoor storage can offer a more cost-effective, convenient option. Here are the main benefits of choosing outdoor storage over indoor storage.

Outdoor self storage is budget-friendly

Often, indoor storage sites charge access fees which can make storing your items more expensive. Easy Store offers self storage in Ipswich for a set weekly cost, so whatever you have to store, you can easily stick to a monthly budget.

Our 40ft storage units are £35 per week (excluding VAT). Meanwhile, our smaller 20ft units are £25 per week (excluding VAT). Be realistic about the amount you have to store. Hiring a larger unit which you won’t fill will cost you more, so make sure you are only paying for the storage you need.

You’d be surprised how much you can fit into one of our units. If you can’t decide which one works for you, make an inventory of the items you need to store. From this, we will be able to recommend the best option based on how much you have.

Our self-storage in Ipswich is easy to access

Typically you can only access an indoor storage unit during set opening hours. This can be inconvenient if you need more flexibility. For example, if you’re storing work equipment or tools, you may want access to your kit outside normal business hours.

You can access our self-storage facility in Ipswich 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Round-the-clock access can be handy if you’re moving home too. You can drop off boxes or furniture whenever is convenient, and move your belongings into your new property at a time that suits you.

Outdoor self-storage is secure

Alternative outdoor storage facilities such as a garage or garden shed, can leave your items vulnerable to theft or damage. At Easy Store, our steel units are secure and safe, and will protect your belongings from both unwanted visitors and the elements.

Our Ipswich units are located within a gated compound, and access is via an electronic gate operated by a swipe key. Each unit is individually locked, and floodlights ensure you can safely visit your unit after dark. For added peace of mind, 24-hour CCTV surveillance is in place, so you know your possessions are in safe hands with Easy Store.

Outdoor self-storage is versatile

With corridors and stairs to contend with, indoor storage sites can be tricky to access with bulky or awkward items. You can drive right up to our outdoor storage units, and the double doors open wide to make it easier to fill or empty your unit. Outdoor storage is also suitable for vehicles, so if you have a classic car or motorcycle and need a secure home for your pride and joy, we can help.

Whatever you need to keep safe, get in touch with our team today to find out more about our storage options or to book secure self storage in Ipswich.

Top 5 Things to Consider When Choosing Self Storage

Don’t be daunted when choosing self storage in Colchester. Here are five tips to help you.

Indoor or Outdoor Storage

It’s important to choose the right storage for your valuables so that they don’t deteriorate. There are two different types of storage: indoor and outdoor. A good rule of thumb is if you wouldn’t store the things in your garage at home you probably need to look for an indoor facility. This is particularly the case with documents or books. If you are storing large items, perhaps a classic car or motorcycle or maybe tools and equipment you use for work, an outdoor unit is probably the best option.

Outdoor units are usually much cheaper to rent per sq ft than indoor units and there is unlikely to be an access charge like there sometimes is with indoor storage. Whether you opt for indoor or outdoor self storage in Colchester, Easy Store can meet your requirements.

Capacity

Capacity is the main factor people think about when selecting storage. You want your stored items to fit comfortably into the storage unit you hire, but, as you pay for your storage in square meters, you don’t want to be paying for space you aren’t using. The best approach is to make an inventory of what you want to store and then share that with the team at Easy Store. We will assess your item list and tell you how much and what type of storage space you need.

Budget

Considering your budget is a crucial step in renting storage space. A good tip is to agree to a contract with a fixed monthly payment. It’s important to consider not just the initial outlay but the ongoing cost of storage and whether there are any additional charges. You need to be certain that you will have the funds to cover the costs for as long as you need the storage. If you are looking for self storage in Colchester that matches your budget, we can help; we have lots of experience providing storage for customers at a price they can afford.

Security

The better the security at the facility you choose for self storage, the surer you will be that your goods are safe. Knowing your belongings are secure will bring you peace of mind. Having that assurance is important, so always visit the self storage facility before you book a secure unit in Colchester. You should look for surveillance cameras that operate 24/7; lockable access; door entry codes; fire protection and adequate insurance cover. These are all key factors when choosing self storage.

Location

Location is important because you don’t want to spend time and money travelling to the storage facility. If you are looking for self storage in Colchester, you will want a site that is both easy to get to and allows access around the clock. We are conveniently located in the town centre, and you can access your stored items 24/7.

We provide internal storage for documents and other sensitive materials besides having outside storage for larger items such as furniture or motorcycles. To find out more about your options for Self Storage Colchester, please do not hesitate to contact us.

How Your Business Can Prepare: Brexit & Self-Storage

With the UK having finally gone through with leaving the EU at the end of January, there’s still a very large amount of uncertainty surrounding it. Media attention on the subject has certainly diminished, however, problems surrounding Brexit are only likely to compound in the months to come.

While the deadline for leaving was set for January 31st, the actual negotiations, trade deals and everything else surrounding this are still taking place, and are expected to go on for the next year. The UK will be heading into uncharted economic territory, with massive potential effect on many businesses. For those reliant on product stock from the EU, the current result is a nightmare of frantic buying and a sudden burst of international commerce to ensure that they can hold on for as long as possible, weathering out the economic storm until things settle down, new suppliers have been contacted, and so forth.

This presents a problem of its own – Storing it all.

According to the UK Warehousing Association, in a statement released in July 2019 amidst the early panic of leaving the EU, UK warehouses are running at very close to full capacity, with little prospect of more space becoming available in the short term. This is still the case, with the longer, more drawn-out trade process still ongoing.

Even for businesses with their own dedicated storage and space, the strain is a problem, and the need for a more reliable and flexible solution persists.

Which businesses are most likely to be affected?

Ultimately, any businesses from SMEs to larger enterprise businesses that rely on any stock not just coming from Europe, but also being routed through Europe for shipment. Even if your stock comes from further out, the likelihood of shipment and delivery being held up throughout Europe and entering the UK is dramatically higher.

This is made worse, again, by the uncertainty of the next few months. While we’ve already left the EU on paper, the real negotiations and long-term effects are still to be decided and are still as in the air as before the leave deadline was passed.

With all of this in mind, larger enterprise businesses are more likely to have their own storage solutions and warehouse capabilities, with smaller, more local businesses do not have the liberty of owning.

For businesses in East Anglia that fit this criteria, of reliability of goods throughout Europe or with supply chains running through Europe from further afield, Easy Store 24/7 is perfectly positioned to assist you. With easy-access locations in Colchester, Norwich, and Ipswich, we operate perfectly for your all-access requirements. Contact us on 0800 4370811 and discuss your situation with us, and we’ll happily arrange a solution for you and assist your business however possible.

Update on Covid-19

Easy Store 24/7 is part of the Saint Vincent Holdings group of companies. The Group Coronavirus policy has been updated by the Chairman and is as follows:

Dear Customer,

I can confirm that our Group of Companies will not be curtailing our activities due to the Coronavirus. Over the coming weeks, we will be providing the best possible service we can. There will be a light at the end of this period of darkness, and together, all businesses must move forward towards it.

Peter Colby, Chairman, Saint Vincent Holdings