Owning your own business is an incredible amount of work and can be very expensive, especially if you are just starting out. One of the number one priorities for many small business owners is cutting costs wherever possible.
Many people only think of self storage as strictly for personal use, but it is also a convenient, cost effective storage solution for small business owners. Whatever your situation may be, if you’re like most, you don’t have a lot of extra space around your home or office for storage. If you’re in need of extra space, a self-storage unit is a great storage option.
There are many different ways a business can benefit from using a self storage unit. It can be used to store all of your excess inventory, a place to keep all of your important files and paperwork or supplies if you run a construction business and don’t feel safe leaving them at a job site.
When you’re looking for a storage facility to help with your small business storage needs, security should be at the top of your list. Storing your office supplies in a self-storage unit can give you peace of mind as they can often be more safe and secure than if they were stored at your office; whether that’s in your home or in an office building.
Most self storage facilities view security as being extremely important. Look for a storage facility that has cameras and coded gate entry. At Riel Park RV & Self Storage, we are fully fenced with security cameras, great lighting, unique gate coded access and nightly security patrols.
Find a facility that gives you lots of storage options. Riel Park RV & Self Storage has a wide range of storage unit sizes as well as drive-up storage units and climate-controlled storage units. It is important to choose the right type and size of storage unit for your business storage needs.
Drive-up access units are very convenient for loading and unloading as you can pull right up to the door of the unit.
Climate-controlled units offer extra protection if storing more sensitive or valuable items that you won’t need to worry about as the temperature changes.
Commercial storage units are perfect for storing your excess inventory. Instead of keeping everything at your home or office where they will create a cramped and unorganized work area, you could keep them at an easily accessible separate space. This will make it easier to keep everything organized, and make your office space a cleaner, more stress-free environment.
When renting a storage unit, make sure to get the right size for your needs. Especially when it comes to running your own business, every penny can count. You don’t want to spend extra money on a unit that is too big, but also, you want to make sure the unit is big enough so you can organize it to find everything easily and have an isle down the middle for easy access. Overfilling your unit can result in damaged or lost items and inventory.
Initially, you may get a storage unit to hold all of your excess inventory. Later on, as your business grows or changes, the way you use your unit can change as well. It can be used to store office equipment in case of emergency or store all of your important documents.
You will always want to make sure that whatever you put in your storage unit; it is covered by insurance. If the storage facility you choose to store at has their own insurance that they require you to get, make sure that it covers the needs of your business. If you can provide your own insurance, make sure you call your insurance company and get your storage unit added to your policy and its contents are covered.
Every facility has different rules on what you can and cannot do in your unit. Depending on your business, you may need to occasionally meet customers at your unit or operate machinery inside. Make sure to discuss everything you plan to do with or inside your unit with one of the facilities representatives before you rent a unit. Make sure the company you choose fits your needs.
At Riel Park RV & Self Storage we are happy to answer any of your storage questions. Give one of our storage rental experts a call at 780-459-6435.
