Business Storage Overview

Self storage is not only an ideal solution for an individual or family; it can also be extremely handy for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re looking to store remotely because you’re expanding too fast, or because you want to cut back on your office and warehousing commitments, you’ll find an answer in self storage. Today, about 30% of self storage use is business-oriented.

In fact, it has proved to be such a successful logistics solution that an increasing number of businesses are reducing their office space to a bare operating minimum, turning to self storage as a small-scale warehouse, distribution service or archive. Anything that isn’t needed on a daily basis can be kept in one place with easy, 24/7 access. In some facilities, business users are even given preferential access to general facilities — an added advantage if you use a storage unit as a distribution point. Stock can be dispatched at short notice and at odd times.

What’s more, as the self storage industry has evolved, so has its range of business services. Sales/account representatives and administrators alike can operate more cost-effectively out of a business-oriented self storage facility. These operate much like the business service centers of hotels, including office facilities, faxes, internet access, coffee, and meeting rooms. Some also offer mail box rentals and shipping materials for sale.

You can find storage facilities that specialize in commercial services (with purpose-built storage units to meet every business need) via StorageFront’s “Refine Search” feature.

Businesses opt for self storage for various reasons. The most common uses for business storage include:

1. Archiving documents, files and paperwork.
2. Freeing up office space by storing items that aren’t needed on a daily basis.
3. Storing office furniture and equipment.
4. Storing stock, either full-time or on a seasonal basis.
5. Storing office equipment and files during a move.
6. As a small-scale distribution center.
7. As a store for excess stock, reps’ sales samples and display or exhibition equipment
8. Storing office supplies, allowing businesses to buy in bulk and gain discounts.

Self storage offers secure, convenient and flexible storage for small and large businesses alike to save money and increase productivity. Here are some of the benefits and reasons why businesses need and use self storage…

Benefits of Self Storage for Business

Costs:

1. You pay month-to-month with no yearly leases required.
2. The rental rate for self storage is competitive with the cost of office space.
3. Office space is better used to generate income than for storage.
4. You can pay for periods in advance to receive a discount.
5. Shelving can be made available (at cost) to make the best use of your storage space.
6. A free delivery acceptance service means you don’t need to employ someone to receive deliveries.

Security:

1. 24 hour security gives you peace of mind.
2. Off-site storage protects your valuable documents in case of fire.
3. You rent your own individual lock up space and you keep the keys.

Convenience:

1. 7 day, extended-hour access to your storage provides great convenience.
2. Drive up roller door spaces makes using storage easy and saves time.
3. Some storage facilities have use of a free office for meetings.
4. Some storage facilities may have packing materials available.

Flexibility:

1. You can store month-to-month with very short notice required to vacate.
2. As your business changes you can alter the amount of storage space you need.
3. Downsizing and up-scaling are easy with self storage.

Business Type:

1. Archive storage
2. Sales team sample and product storage
3. Point-of-sale equipment storage
4. Office relocation furniture storage
5. Trade business storage such as plumbers, builders, plasters
6. Storage of imported and exported goods
7. Small business stock overflow storage
8. Seasonal demand items such as Christmas merchandise
9. Tradeshow storage of banners, display booths and materials
10. Pharmaceutical samples and sales material storage
11. Mobile business equipment storage
12. Home office storage

The advice on this website is provided as a courtesy for informational purposes only. “Storage Tips” are offered as-is and no warranty is expressed or implied. For more information, see StorageFront’s Terms and Conditions.