Running your own business is an exhilarating feeling, especially when you’re just starting out. Everything is finally coming together as you gather what you need to either offer a service or begin producing products. However, many entrepreneurs quickly find that the things they require take up more space than they thought they’d need.
Suddenly, the spare room is filled with boxes. Navigating through the living room requires navigating a tenuously-stacked maze of inventory. The good news is that a self-storage unit neatly solves the problem and returns your house back to its original purpose: a living space where you can relax and unwind.
Self-Storage: A Solution to Inventory Storage
Part of the appeal of self-storage units for home-based businesses is that the size of the unit can be customized to the space you need, instead of trying to cram everything into whatever space you have. In fact, there are self-storage units the size of small lockers, for those who really just need an extra closet or two.
Having a dedicated space for your inventory makes it easier to organize and locate items when you need them. It comes in especially handy if you need to store orders somewhere before shipping, instead of risking losing one in the hustle and bustle of your household.
How to Organize Your Secure Storage Unit
When it comes to self-storage use for business purposes, there is one key secret that you should take with you: get some good, sturdy shelving units. A self-storage unit is, on its own, a secure, climate-controlled environment, but with a few shelving units, you can transform it into a miniature warehouse.
Make sure you leave plenty of space in the front of your unit for easy access and try to fill up the back and sides of the unit first (again, shelving will make this task easy and neat). As you continue to fill your unit, consider how you will navigate through it. Plan for walkways, and assess whether you’ll need to access both sides of your shelving, or just one.
You’ll also want to consider what you use most often. Items for long-term storage can be relegated to the back of the unit, while things you require on a weekly or daily basis should be kept closer to the front. This will help keep your visits both quick and productive.
Finding a Secure Storage Facility
Since your self-storage unit will be an essential part of how you operate, you’ll want to make sure that the facility you choose is properly outfitted to protect your items. Minimally, you’ll want to ask if the facility is gated, or if a passcode is required for entry. This will ensure that access is limited only to customers of the facility, rather than to the general public.
You’ll also want to ask how individual units are protected. Don’t be afraid to call around and ask plenty of questions. After all, this is an investment, and you want to be confident in your choice. Here are some sample questions to get you started:
- Do units come with a lock, or will you need to provide your own?
- Are the units protected by video surveillance?
- Will there be a staff member on duty?
- If units can be accessed via drive-up, how are they protected from access by passersby?
- Are the storage units climate-controlled to protect the items inside?
Alliston Self-Storage: Customizable Units for Every Need
At Alliston, we provide over 1,000 different units in 120 different sizes, and if we don’t have the size of unit you need, we can create it. Customers enjoy access every day of the week, and the units are protected by 24/7 surveillance. We’re here to help make your life easier, and our staff is ready to answer any questions you may have about our storage facilities.
For more information on our secure storage facility and customizable self-storage units, give us a call at (705) 435-3131 or contact us online.