Turning A Storage Unit Into Your Small Business Space
Small businesses and self-employed people find having an office is a crucial, but expensive, key to making their business successful. If you're just starting out with your new business venture and can't afford to rent an actual office, or if you work from home but need a place to set up your "headquarters," a storage unit, like those at All American Self Storage, could be just what it takes to establish that "real business" feel. Here's what you need to know in order to turn a storage unit into your very own small business headquarters.
Climate control is crucial
The most important part of setting up a business in a storage unit is making sure you have the right unit for your needs. Climate control is a must-have feature, especially if you are using the storage unit to actually store stuff like business records and computer equipment. If you keep stock in your unit, you need to know it isn't going to get damp and moldy before you can sell it.
Growth without major added expense
One of the most attractive things about starting up a business in a storage unit is the flexibility it can provide. Need more or less space? Just add a unit or move to a larger one in the same facility. No expensive moving costs, no long-term commitments, just easy adaptation to meet your changing business needs. Be sure to read the fine print of any facility contract you sign to make sure it will allow you to move to a larger or smaller unit easily, if needed.
Powering your business
Some storage units have electrical outlets, but many don't, so you need to consider this if you're planning to use a storage unit as an office with a computer or other electrical device. Some storage facilities offer units with electrical outlets and even WiFi, though these generally cost more to rent. Still, it is generally much cheaper than renting an actual office space, and it can give you much more room than trying to run your business from your home.
Storage units for selling online
If you don't need any electricity, you still want to make sure you have a light in the unit so you can see to get things done. If you buy items cheaply and resell them online, an inexpensive basic storage unit could be all you need. You can set up a space to prepare and package the items to be mailed, and take them with you when you leave so you can drop them off at the post office. No more tripping over boxes of stock in your home, so you can keep your business from completely taking over your personal space.
Some storage facilities offer on-site management and may be willing to accept deliveries for you, then place them in your storage unit. This allows you to be "out of the office" and still keep your business running smoothly. It's like having your own mini-warehouse, but without the long-term commitment or sky-high costs.
Storing business documents and equipment
Even if you don't plan on physically working from your unit, a storage unit can be a useful tool to help your business grow. Use it to store business documents or equipment that you don't need constant access to, or use it to keep your excess stock. You can still get to these things whenever you need to, but you don't have to worry about finding space for them in your home office.
If you're an entrepreneur or small business owner looking to expand, don't overlook storage facilities as a viable option for your business. You could find that a few square feet could be all you need to make your business a great success.