Types of Small Businesses Using Self Storage

If you’re like most small business owners, you don’t have square footage to spare in your work-space to store extra equipment, inventory, or supplies. A business storage unit may be the right solution for you.

Keep Costs Down

Maybe you’re part of a startup company that is still in the process of finding the perfect location for your storefront. More often than not, it’s less expensive to lease a smaller retail space and pay for an offsite storage unit than it is to pay for a larger retail space.

Are you expanding your business and have you outgrown your current office space? Are you a high-profile company and you want to keep a new project under wraps? Need to store equipment and supplies during your off season? Store with a commercial facility and keep your overhead costs low.

On-Site Trailers vs Commercial Storage Units

Construction and other professional industries commonly use mobile trailers as a means of commercial storage, transporting them to different job sites as needed. Take these factors into consideration when deciding to use a trailer or to rent commercial storage space for your small business.

Mobile Trailers

• A trailer rental is typically more expensive than a storage unit monthly rental.
• Delivery fees, you must pay additional fees, such as for  delivery, when you rent a trailer.
• Zoning laws may not allow the use of on-site trailers in all areas, or there may simply not be enough space at a job site.
• Climate control is an additional fee.
• Trailers are vulnerable to break-ins and theft.

Commercial Storage Units

• Storage facilities offer full security with pass code-access gates and video surveillance.
• On-site property managers are able to supervise security.
• The fee for a fully climate-controlled storage space is included in the monthly rent.
• No delivery fees when changing job sites.
• Commercial storage unit monthly rental fees are  less expensive than mobile trailers.

Industry-Specific Benefits of Commercial Storage

Commercial storage is a perfect solution for so many industries. Beyond construction industries, many retail businesses need affordable, secure storage space as well.

Construction

With construction, many subcontractors don’t have an office at all but still need space to store all of their equipment. As a general contractor, you may need to store lumber, sheet-rock, and other supplies. Easy-access loading docks are perfect for moving large, heavy items in-and-out, as you need them. A self-storage unit is just what you need to keep vital supplies in a cost-effective manner that is also easily accessible, conveniently located, and securely locked up.

Landscaping

Landscapers have multiple tools and equipment which need to be stored carefully. They should be accessible at all times for quick loading and unloading when moving from job to job. A commercial storage unit enables you to remain mobile, taking only what you need for each specific job (as opposed to hauling all your tools with you everywhere).

Roofing

Professional roofers have many supplies that need to be organized: power tools, tiles, shingles, adhesive, etc. A commercial storage unit is ideal for the short or long term storage of roofing tools and supplies.

Contract Painters

Businesses that offer professional painting services can benefit from a space to store paint sprayers, air compressors, and as an organizational space. However, it is important to be aware of items you can’t store in a storage unit.

Retail & eCommerce

Retail businesses with brick and mortar storefronts and online-only sales alike need extra storage space. Display fixtures, additional inventory, and trade show booth supplies are large items that need to be carefully stored in a space where they can be protected from conditions that may cause damage.

Restaurants & Catering

Devoting as much square footage as possible to your dining lobby is important to maximize profits as a restaurant owner. Large appliances, tables and chairs for large banquet and event use, and special occasion decor.

Many catering businesses only have a commercial kitchen space they work out of to keep overhead costs down. Caterers need additional space to store all of their supplies and equipment such as baskets, table decor, linens, chafing dishes, china, and glassware. Loading docks at commercial storage facilities provide easy transport of speed racks and carts used by culinary professionals.

General Commercial Use

There are many general uses for commercial storage space that can benefit small businesses. Files with business and legal documents need to be saved, but they can take up a lot of space. A storage unit is protected from extreme temperatures and can be easily accessed if needed.

Storage units are available in many sizes. If you only need to store files of paperwork you may need a mini storage space. Or, you may be in need of a sizable area for machinery and other large equipment.

Commercial storage is the perfect solution to lower your overhead costs. Think of your storage space as an extension of your small business.