How To Organise A Self Storage Unit For Business Purposes

Are you using one or more self storage units for storing business items or stock? Find out in this article how to organise all those items efficiently with these easy tips.

Many start-ups and small businesses use cheap self storage for business purposes because of the many benefits: it is secure, clean and much more affordable than office or warehouse spaces. Plus it has none of the lengthy contracts and tie-ins required with offices or warehouse facilities.

One of the best ways to make the most of self storage for any type of business use is to ensure it is well organised so that you can retrieve items you need quickly and easily.

This ensures that every inch of space is used well, and that the unit is easy to use on a regular basis but also that it is easy to swap and change the items stored depending on your different business needs.

This is especially true for seasonal retail businesses that may have certain stock that is only required in the summer or winter months. Or restaurants and cafes that may want to store outdoor furniture over the colder months.

To help you, here are some expert tips which will enable you to organise a self storage unit of any size for business purposes:

Tip #1. Label, Label, Label

Labelling is useful when using self storage units for domestic storage, but it is absolutely vital in business self storage units when you might need to retrieve certain items at short notice.

This is particularly true of small items that are stored in boxes. Anybody entering the unit should be able to easily find an item that is needed. This can be done through effective and clear labelling, as well as by using a detailed inventory.

Both the labels and inventory should be regularly updated to avoid confusion and don’t forget to leave a copy of the inventory in the unit.

Tip #2. Consider Digitising

Some businesses who use off-site storage for the specific reason of storing legal or regulatory paperwork choose to deep archive their documentation in a secure, well labelled unit until the paperwork can be safely and legally destroyed.

It is important to make sure that the storage used to keep the paperwork is dry, and there are extra measures like moisture absorber pouches just to make sure any residual moisture can’t cause mould and rot. Some confidential and medical documents need to be stored in physical paper form for up to 10 years so ensuring they are kept in good condition is part of a business’ regulatory – or even legal – requirement.

In addition, if you can digitise the paperwork and ensure there is a backup copy stored on a server, you will have remote access to it as well as the physical access via the self storage unit. Again up-to-date labelling of archive boxes is of paramount importance.

Tip #3. Protect

If there are office furniture items in the self storage unit like tables and chairs, they need to be protected well to avoid any breakages or damage caused by extremes of temperature or even pests. Ideally, items like these will be stacked safely and lighter items can be placed on top of them.

Any chairs that are fabric covered must never be covered with plastic sheeting as this can cause a build up of condensation beneath the plastic covers which will damage the fabric. Instead use cotton dust sheets that are breathable and will allow moisture to escape.

Better still consider a climate controlled unit if the fabric-covered furniture is expensive to protect it fully. Any other vulnerable items like paperwork or technology should be packaged particularly well, in dry, appropriate packaging that avoids the items degrading over time.

Tip #4. Create An Appropriate Working Space

If the storage space is to be used for working or other daily business uses aside from storing, the space needs to be appropriate for that use. It is not uncommon for e-commerce businesses to store stock in their unit and also use it for packing up items that have been purchased online.

You might want to have a clear area that enables you to sit down comfortably and work, whether this is packing items or some other task. Also leave cleaning equipment in the unit that will enable you to maintain your working space when you come to use it.

Again, consider using climate controlled cheap self storage by Storing as well as spaces with great lighting. These elements are well worth paying extra for if you plan to spend time working in your storage unit.

They mean you will be at a comfortable temperature all year round and with good lighting you will be able to work whatever hours suit you – of course, checking what the access hours are at the storage facility first.

Tip #5. Allow Room To Get Around The Unit

A unit that is being filled completely for a period of time can be filled safely to the brim and then emptied again because the items within it do not need to be accessed. This could be appropriate for your business if the unit is for something like an office move.

However, if the unit is going to be regularly accessed and used, then a walkway needs to be allowed for so that all areas of the unit can be used. This shouldn’t be done whilst compromising safety though, stacking items high so that you can get in between them.

Instead, it could be worth opting for a large unit with more square footage on the floor so that you can stack items to a degree where they are safe and easy to walk past and access.

Will You Choose A Great Business Self Storage Unit Today?

Before you pack a self storage unit it is important to choose the best facility for your business needs. Look for the best value, not the lowest price so that you can trust your business belongings are properly protected in the unit you choose.

Why not start calling some business self storage facilities today to start the process.