Wondering if it’s possible to run your business from a storage unit? The answer is a resounding YES. Whether you’re a fledgling entrepreneur, run an e-commerce business or own a traditional brick-and-mortar store, a self storage unit is a perfectly feasible option for your business needs.
There are many compelling reasons to go the self storage route for your business. Why invest a large chunk of capital into extra office space that demands continuous upkeep and monthly utility fees? Or commit to a long-term lease that might not accommodate your business’ growth further down the line? Self storage facilities offer a range of units on flexible terms that will adapt with your business’ needs.
We’ve got a long list of reasons why self storage is a viable option for all kinds of businesses.
Why Choose Self Storage?
Housing your business in a self storage unit gives you access to various convenient services and benefits — the best part is that these are all centralised to your chosen facility. Here are some compelling reasons to make the move:
Cost-Effectiveness
Storage units are typically more affordable than traditional commercial spaces. If you’re looking for a more cost-effective space, it’s time to make the move! Rent your unit and say goodbye to the stress of council fees and overhead costs. Your chosen facility will also take care of tasks such as landscaping, repairs, and property maintenance. This option gives you the freedom to focus on business operations instead of worrying about the resources and time needed to manage a physical space.
At Storage World, growing businesses can even benefit from discounts on long-term rentals. Who could turn down such a great business bargain?
Flexibility
Most storage facilities provide a wide range of unit sizes, from compact lockers to warehousing solutions. This allows you to choose the perfect unit size for your business operations without having to pay extra for any unneeded space. With the option of short-term, flexible contracts, you can upsize and downsize according to your business’ needs — often at little to no cost. This scalability will aid your business’ growth, as you’re not tied down to strict, long-term leases that typically come with traditional commercial rentals.
Security
Storage facilities have state-of-the-art security measures to protect all stored items. These can include on-site security personnel, CCTV surveillance, privileged access, perimeter fencing, and individual unit locks. When you choose self storage, you know that you’re choosing the safest option for your stock, business equipment, office supplies, and private documents. Most often, you’ll also have the option of insuring your items at your chosen storage facility.
If you go for an alternative workspace solution that’s equally as affordable, there’s a good chance you could end up in a less-than-safe location. When you’re carrying out day-to-day operations in your office or workspace unit, you can rest assured that your personal safety is in good hands.
On-Site Benefits
Any decent self storage facility will offer more than just space to store your belongings. In addition to great facilities, customer service, and security, a variety of perks on premises make self storage an attractive option to any business. Storage World offers an exhaustive list of premium benefits to our clients. Amongst these are WiFi (an essential if there ever was one!), free customer parking, clean bathroom and kitchen facilities, secure document storage, packaging supplies from our on-site Box Shop, reliable removals, and man and van services. It can be a hassle (and a costly one) to access these services and resources from a commercial site, so go ahead and choose the stress-free route with self storage.
Warehousing Solution
If your business deals with physical products, running it from a storage facility will allow you to be as hands-on as possible. Storage units primarily exist to store and organise items — so why not keep your inventory close by and easily accessible? Storage facilities are most often in convenient locations, so even if you aren’t planning to set up a permanent office space in your unit, having your stock nearby and available on a day-to-day basis can streamline your business. No need to go back and forth with traditional warehouses, which often have to balance tons of other clients and their stock; you’ll have complete control and access to this warehousing space.
What To Consider Before Choosing a Unit for Business
If you’re ready to reap the benefits of using a storage unit for your business, consider the following factors first:
Facility Operating Standards
Each facility has different operating standards designed to protect you, your belongings, other clients, and the facility staff. There are certain rules that can be found in every storage facility, like forbidding flammables and illicit substances, while others are specific to the storage company you choose. Make sure to fully familiarise yourself with your chosen facility’s rules and operating standards, so that you don’t end up breaching your leasing contract. It is important to know what you can store and when you can access your things, as well as the stipulated cancellation policy and notice period.
Choosing The Right Unit Size
Choosing the right storage unit depends on the nature and size of your business. If you’re a freelancer who wants better work–life balance, you might just need an affordable office space, whereas if you’re an online retailer with physical products, you’ll need to consider a bigger unit. Don’t fret over the size too much, as most storage facilities allow you to upsize or downsize your unit at short notice.
If you want a good idea of what size space you should choose, check out our online size guide.
Insurance
Although self storage facilities have robust security measures, break-ins and theft are still possible. Your items could also be vulnerable in the event of riots, fires, natural disasters, and other unforeseen events. That’s why it’s best to make sure your stored items are insured. Some facilities will even have mandatory minimum coverage. Find out if your chosen facility requires insurance, and if they’re partnered with registered insurance providers who can offer discounted rates.
Find a Storage Unit for Your Business in Manchester
If you’re a business owner in Greater Manchester, Storage World offers a diverse range of business services, making it the top choice for start-ups and booming enterprises seeking secure storage facilities. We offer a range of modern office spaces, meeting rooms, workrooms, and micro warehousing spaces, catering for all your business operations under one convenient roof.
With modern facilities, state-of-the-art security, flexible lease agreements, and a ton of additional services, Storage World is perfect for running your business. We have three conveniently located facilities in Manchester, Middleton, and Hale & Wilmslow. Contact our friendly team today to find out more or get a quick online quote.
