Should you rent a storage unit for your small business? You have a home-based small business—and it's taking over the entire interior space. If you need to seriously declutter, take a look at what you need to know about self-storage.
Why Should You Rent A Self-Storage Unit?
Your basement, crawl space, attic, and home office offer free storage solutions for your small business. Even though cramming boxes, files, and retail products into every usable area of your home makes sense financially, this approach can cause unnecessary stress. Not only will you lose valuable square footage, but in-home business storage can also make it almost impossible to separate your work and personal lives.
Along with these benefits, self-storage units can help you organize your business files, paperwork, or inventory. The extra empty space allows you to create a simple system that keeps your company organized. This makes it easy to find, access, use, and replenish (if you sell a physical product) everything your business needs.
Which Type of Unit Should You Rent?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors. These include what you need to store, how many items you need to store, and how long you need to store everything for your at-home small business. Before you agree to a rental or sign a lease, ask yourself:
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How many items will you need to store now and in the future? Unless you want to move several times, it's important to choose a rental unit that provides enough room for your business to grow.
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What is your budget? Self-storage isn't free. This means you need to assess your business budget and choose a rental that meets your financial needs.
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Will you still store some items at home? Sometimes the overall size of the rental depends on what you need to store and not your total inventory. If you will keep some paperwork or products at home, you can choose a smaller unit.
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Will you need climate controls? Are you a photographer? Do you make and sell leather clothing or wooden furniture? These temperature and humidity-sensitive items require a climate-controlled rental.
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Will your business remain in your home for the foreseeable future? If you answered yes, then you will need a long-term rental. But if you might move your business to an out-of-the-home location, consider a short-term or monthly lease.
If you're still not sure which type of self-storage unit has the most benefits for your small business, talk to a professional. Ask the manager or a staff member at your local storage facility for advice on how to choose, rent, and use a unit.