Five Ways a Storage Unit Can Help Your Small Business
#Business Storage
5 Ways Self Storage Can Help Your Small Business Save Money and Space
Growing a small business is exciting until your space starts working against you. Whether you’re running out of room for inventory, drowning in office clutter, or paying for more square footage than you need, self storage offers a flexible, affordable fix. Here are five ways a self storage unit can help your small business run smarter and more efficiently.
1. Maximize Your Usable Business Space
As a small-business owner, you always need to look for ways to grow without wasting money. Renting office or storefront space can be expensive, and moving equipment, supplies, and inventory can make finding larger spaces a challenge. Self storage can help you use more of the space you already have.
For storefronts, you can convert stockroom space into an expanded showroom or other functional customer-facing area by moving some stock into an affordable storage unit. For offices, you can convert space used for storing records or extra furniture into more workspace by moving them off-site into a storage unit.
2. Save Money on Commercial Space
Large offices and storefronts are expensive but can feel necessary for a growing company. However, you may be spending money for space you don’t need, depending on how fast your company is growing. Immediately upgrading to a larger office can also be an issue if your need for space decreases over time, leaving you with plenty of empty room and not enough staff or equipment to use it.
Self storage units are much cheaper than a new office space while still giving you room to grow. You also get the added benefit of upgrading to a larger or smaller unit as your needs change with a month-to-month lease, so you’ll only pay for the space you need.
3. Reduce Clutter and Boost Workplace Productivity
Clutter is a major distraction and a major source of workplace stress. If you’ve ever tried to work in a chaotic space, you know how hard it is to focus and relax. By renting a self storage unit, you can reduce clutter in your office or storefront and boost productivity and comfort.
A tidy workspace helps you find what you need faster, makes a better impression on customers, and gives your team room to move and think. It can also improve safety by keeping walkways, exits, and work areas clear. Moving low-use items off-site keeps your most valuable square footage focused on the work that pays the bills.
Common Business Items That Work Well in Storage
- Archived documents and records. Old invoices, tax filings, contracts, and personnel files
- Excess inventory. Overstock, seasonal merchandise, and back stock
- Seasonal items. Holiday displays, décor, and event supplies
- Marketing materials. Trade show booths, banners, signage, and promotional giveaways
- Office furniture and equipment. Extra desks, chairs, filing cabinets, and retired electronics
- Tools and supplies. Equipment used for occasional jobs or specific projects
- Samples and display models. Items you rotate in and out of your showroom
What Not To Store
Check your facility’s rules before you pack. Most storage facilities prohibit:
- Hazardous, flammable, or explosive materials
- Perishable food or live plants
- Illegal items
- Anything with a strong odor that could attract pests
4. Added Flexibility
Self storage units tend to have more built-in flexibility than office buildings or storefronts. At most storage facilities, you can upgrade to a larger unit if your space needs increase without much hassle. This gives you plenty of extra room to store your company’s merchandise, supplies, inventory, and more, and lets you grow or downsize your storage space at your discretion. This is especially beneficial for service-based or online companies that don’t use traditional storefronts or offices, as it allows you to get your equipment or stock out of your home without breaking the bank by utilizing a full building.
5. Centralize Your Supply Storage for Faster Access
For contractors, home service-based companies, and e-commerce businesses, having one central location to store all your supplies and stock is a huge advantage. You can free up space at home while keeping convenient access to what you need. If you find the right storage facility, you can store tools and equipment closer to your service area than your home, allowing you and your team to serve the community more efficiently.
Find Self Storage Units for Your Small Business at Acorn Mini Storage®
If you’re looking for self storage for your company, Acorn Mini Storage® has the affordable space you need to grow. To get started, find one of our facilities near you—rent online or in person to claim your space today!