A common plight of small business owners is that they work in a small space/office. This limited square footage usually doesn’t leave much room for storing extra equipment, supplies, or inventory. Not to mention seasonal possessions, which have to be put away for the larger part of the year. A great example would be holiday decorations, which restaurants and retail stores use. There are many ways in which properly utilizing self-storage can help a small business grow. And, whatever it is you need to store, there are certain types of small businesses that should use self-storage to ensure that their office/working space is not constantly cluttered.
The biggest benefit is that it keeps certain costs down
One of the most significant benefits a small business owner would have when using a separate self-storage unit is the amount of money it can save. If you do the proper calculations, you quickly realize that it’s much cheaper to rent or buy a smaller commercial space and pay for a separate storage unit than to take the risk of investing in an ample retail space right away.
Let’s go through a short list of the types of small businesses that should use self-storage.
#1 Small contracting businesses
When it comes to working in construction, most contractors don’t have a designated office space. What they must need is a place to keep all of their heavy equipment and materials. A self-storage unit is perfect for this situation in a couple of ways.
Benefits of self-storage for contractors
1. Cost-effective – Self-storage units are usually relatively cheap, as long as you find the right size unit for the right price in terms of what you need; this is a great way to save money while still having a place to keep your work supplies;
2. Easy access – You have the key to this unit. No matter what time of day you need to take something, you’re free to do so. The unit is entirely yours, and you can access it whenever you want;
3. Convenient location – While this does depend on you, as long as you find a facility that is conveniently located for you, you’re setting yourself up for success;
4. Security – This is the most crucial benefit of self-storage if you’re leading a small contracting or construction business. Construction equipment is expensive, and keeping it safe is imperative. Most facilities have several layers of security put in place, from 24/7 guards working all shifts to silent alarms and cameras.
Moving units
Most equipment and supplies used in this type of small business are relatively heavy. When moving all the things into the storage unit, it may be better to hire professional help. This is especially true if you move your business from one unit to another. For example, if you’re in South Point, FL, and you find a new unit with a better price-to-size ratio and want to move your things there, experts can handle this and make it easier for you.
#2 Landscaping businesses
As a landscaper, you probably have many different tools and equipment used for a wide range of jobs. All of these have to be stored carefully. The biggest reason why landscaping is one of the types of small businesses that should use self-storage is that in this job, you don’t always need every type of equipment you have. Having a space to store all of them and then take out what you need for a job when you need it can help keep you a lot more mobile. It’s much better than carrying your tools with you everywhere you go.
#3 Roofers
Unlike the previous two small business types, small roofing companies can benefit the most from short-term self-storage.
For example, if you are hired to do a full roof replacement, you will need a space to store all of the new shingles, tools, adhesives, etc. The sad reality is that the people who are you usually won’t provide you with this much-needed space. So, renting a unit short term from time to time is a great way to stay productive and organized.
#4 Retail stores AND small e-Commerce businesses
Whether you are a retail business with a physical store or work exclusively online, you probably need a space to store extra inventory. Not to mention seasonal decorations that I have to use in a physical store. In general, there are two main ways that this type of small business can benefit from renting self-storage.
Firstly, there’s the aforementioned extra space for things that are not used all the time or excess inventory. And second and more importantly, it can be a space where your items are protected from the elements and conditions that may cause damage to them. It’s simple. If there’s damage, you can’t sell it. If you can’t sell it, you can’t make a profit.
Keep in mind that there are some things you can’t store in a self-storage unit. For example, if you have a clothes store and need extra space for inventory, you should know that you can’t keep furs in units.
#5 Restaurants should use self-storage
If you own a restaurant, a big part of ensuring a good profit is using as much space as possible for the actual dining lobby. Not having to separate an entire area for seasonal decorations, appliances you’re not using at the moment, and small supplies such as tablecloths that you only used for reserved parties can be a lifesaver in this sense. The more square footage you have for dining tables and customers, the bigger your profit potential will be.
To conclude
As you can see, there are many ways you can benefit from self-storage as a small business owner. Remember that units come in all shapes and sizes. You can rent a small locker unit in a secure facility if you need a safe space to store your paperwork. Keep in mind that if yours is one of the small businesses that should use the self-storage that we listed here, and you plan on renting a unit, there are some do’s and don’ts of business storage that you have to get familiar with. These units provide extra space, extra security, and protection of your possessions from damage.