Home >> Businesses >> Run a Business Out of Your Self Storage
Some small business owners seeking to save money by downsizing or become more professional and attract
customers somewhere other than their garage or backyard storage unit have discovered that they can run
their business directly from their self storage unit. This idea saves money and can
be an excellent idea for those just starting out with their small business, but it is ill-advised for
those running a computer business. Unless the mini storage is a climate-controlled unit, the unit will
become extremely hot or cold (depending on the time of year) and computers, computer parts, and sensitive
equipment can be damaged, sometimes beyond repair. To replace damaged valuables, small business owners
must then spend valuable earnings, an expense that could be avoided with proper foresight. Another important
consideration when dealing with any self storage facility is security. People who run a business from mini
storage facilities can become prime targets for thieves, especially in first or second generation self
storage facilities where security is not as tight anyway. Always check security measures beforehand to
see if your valuables will be safe, and check with management to see if additional security is optional
or allowed.
Do All Mini Storages All You To Run A Business?
On the other hand, not all mini storage facilities allow people to run their business from the unit itself.
As before mentioned, security is a major concern, and some facilities ban the running of a
business directly from the unit for this reason alone. While other concerns can be factors (such as
adequate parking for customers or risks to other units), security is usually the primary reason for
not allowing businesses to be run from a unit. To find out if local mini storages allow customers to
run their business from the unit, it is best to check with a manager first. Most managers are open to
visitor questions and comments, but some require an appointment ahead of time. This is especially true
for managers of large facilities or those that manage several stores in a local area. Prepare ahead by
calling for information that can be gathered over the phone or to make an appointment with the proper
person at a time and place convenient for everyone.
Some Self Storages Offer Specialized Store Fronts
Those that do allow businesses to be run directly from a unit may offer amenities such as
specialized store fronts, additional parking for small business customers, better access
to the unit, and more. However, the price for these units may be slightly higher, and often there is a
waiting list for these units in large metropolitan areas. In general, more businesses that are first
generation self storages are open to this idea than the newer self storages, so it may take some shopping
to find one that allows units to be used for running a business. Unless security is well established
for the facility, do not attempt to store a large amount of valuables in your business unit. Some self
storages allow those running a business from their unit to rent the adjacent unit as well, in order to
break up the amount of valuables stored in one unit. This is usually a better alternative than storing
excess valuables in your garage, even though the cost is somewhat higher.
Running A Business From Your Self Storage Unit Is A Smart Choice
Running a store from your self storage can be a less expensive alternative to renting or leasing a small
store, and is definitely more professional than running one from your garage or backyard storage area.
While technologically advanced business equipment should probably be kept elsewhere, manufactured products
are a great option for small businesses run from mini storages. This option is ideal for those operating
a mail order or auction website business, unless the equipment is very costly or especially sensitive to
extreme temperatures (especially if the unit is not climate controlled). Want even more info? You may also
wish to check out our article about
self storage and your business.
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