Your business needs more room, and you need it yesterday.
Sure, you could go online right now and rent a self storage unit for your business in less than five minutes, but isn’t it a better idea to spend an extra half-hour to consider what your unique needs are—and get a space that’s going to solve your problems without creating any new ones? After all, the space you want for storing commercial inventory might differ from that of office furniture.
What to Consider When Choosing a Commercial Storage Unit
From climate control to accessibility and security features, there’s a lot to think about, and you want a storage solution that covers all the bases. Here’s what every businessperson should keep in mind before renting a commercial storage unit.
Location, Location, Location
The price of a business self storage unit can vary quite a bit depending on where it’s located. That doesn’t mean, however, that you’ll want to drive an hour to pick up a box just to save a few bucks (time is money!). By the same token, if you’re storing supplies you know you won’t need for six months, there’s no sense in renting business storage space in the middle of Manhattan.
Take a few minutes and think about how you plan to use your new storage unit, then choose a location that works for you.
Business Never Stops
When you own a small business (or a big one, for that matter), your day doesn’t start or stop at any certain time. You’ll want to make sure that the self storage company you choose operates during convenient hours.
If you need a few boxes at 9 a.m. on a Sunday morning, for example, you’ll want to be able to get to them easily, which brings us to our next point. . . .
Easy Unit Access
When you drive up to your self storage unit on a dark winter evening, the last thing you need is a hassle—or to be fumbling around with a flashlight.
Here’s what you do want: a clean and well-lit space, wide doorways, hand carts, dollies to make the job easier, and loading bays that offer easy access.
Flexibility and Freedom
Why pay for what you don’t need? Find a storage unit for your business that offers month-to-month leases without locking you into a long-term contract.
Although that sounds straightforward, be on the lookout for facilities that sneak in cancellation fees. Who has the time or disposable income for that?
A Watchful Eye Over Your Belongings
You may think it’s a given that all self storage facilities have 24-hour video surveillance, but that’s not always the case, so be sure to ask.
Along the same lines, you’ll want to pay attention to locks. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to find a video on YouTube showing how to pick a combination padlock. The solution? A heavy-duty disc lock designed to be impossible to pick, smash with a hammer, or remove with a bolt cutter. Don’t have all the packing and storage supplies you need? We’ve got you covered.
How Much Storage Space Do I Need?
Storage units start at about 20 square feet and can be as large as 300 square feet or more.
Depending on how you plan to use the space, you may want to factor in wiggle room. If you plan to store items you know you won’t touch for six months, go ahead and pack the space as tight as you can. If you think you’ll be taking things in and out of storage, you’ll want to leave a small walkway through the middle of the unit. Check out our storage unit size guide if you’re uncertain how much storage room you need for your business.
Keeping It Cool (or Warm)
If you’ll be storing climate-sensitive items, this is definitely something you should look for in a self storage space for your business. Such items include electronics, artwork, photographs, antiques, books, clothing, and appliances. Items made of glass, leather, metal, or plastic also benefit from climate control.
Commercial Self Storage for Your Business at StorageMart
Whether there’s a surplus of inventory consuming your office space or bulky items you need to clear out of the way, at StorageMart, you can have all the room you want. We pride ourselves on providing secure, affordable self storage that is available to rent on a month-to-month basis.
When you need a commercial storage unit, we have what it takes to give you not just more space but also peace of mind. Find a facility near you or your business, and reserve storage online today!
Updated February 20, 2020