3 reasons why Self Storage is great for Small Businesses
by James Agate
Each day, more and more start-ups and small businesses are realising that self storage facilities are perfect for running their businesses. Unlike large, established companies, many entrepreneurs value flexibility and cost savings, which is exactly what self storage offers.
There is no need to sign long-term rental agreements and modern self storage facilities offer round-the-clock security and often 7 day a week access — perfect for entrepreneurs trying to balance their day job with their new business.
Here’s three reasons why self storage could be perfect for your business.
Safely store your stock
The key to any successful business is smart inventory management. Self storage offers entrepreneurs cheap, flexible space that can grow along with their businesses. For example, it’s easy to rent more storage space in the lead up to Christmas to hold all your seasonal stock, then downsize your storage once you’ve sold it all. Unlike a traditional warehouse, you only pay for what you need.
Most storage facilities also take extra steps to protect your inventory, from 24 hour video monitoring, electronic gates, smoke detectors and individual alarms for each storage compartment.
Archiving your documents
Before you upgrade to a larger, more expensive office, think about why you actually need the extra space. Many businesses will find that simply moving some of their old documents into self storage will free up a surprising amount of space.
With some government regulations requiring you hold on to your business records for up to seven years, most small businesses will find that archiving old documents takes up valuable (and expensive) office space. Self storage is perfect for safely archiving all those old documents that are important to keep, but not needed on a daily basis.
Cheap office space
Some of the savviest entrepreneurs have also discovered that self storage can also be used as a place of work. Most facility managers will be happy to let you carry out light production tasks, such as packaging or product assembly.
Several of the larger self storage facilities, such as Big Yellow Self Storage in the UK also offer dedicated office space, complete with phone lines, water and free parking. Not only is this relatively cheap, but it also means you can be right next to your stock – perfect for inviting clients over for a business meeting and a stock tour. This arrangement is perfect for online retailers and wholesalers.
The following is a guest post from Michael Tan who works for Big Yellow Self Storage. For more information, please visit: www.bigyellow.co.uk
