The use of self storage is a traditionally popular option for office based businesses that simply don’t have enough room to home all of their items onsite. Rather than move to a larger property; businesses prefer to hire some space where they can store infrequently used items, such as old files. Although it is not perhaps as convenient as moving to a larger property, it is certainly more cost effective. However, office based companies aren’t the only ones that can benefit from utilising self storage facilities and there is an increasing trend for other types of businesses to make use of it.
In the trade
The nature of the various trades means that businesses accumulate a large collection of tools and equipment. As the business expands into new areas and specialises in certain techniques the number of required items grows further. Initially business owners may be able to make do by storing items in the garage at home. However, this solution will often become unmanageable in the long term. Whilst some may take the risk of storing items in their work van overnight; most are wary of being a victim of theft. Local self storage can offer the opportunity to keep tools and equipment both safe and close to hand. It is also ideal for storing items that are only used every once in a while.
Sport based businesses
In addition to the trades there are even less conventional businesses making use of self storage facilities. However, in many cases they are actually running their business from storage facilities as opposed to simply using it to keep items at. There are examples of several gyms that work in such a fashion. Although they can’t offer the luxury that many commercial gyms provide; they do offer great value for money and plenty of parking spaces. There is even one Mixed Martial Arts gym based in Reading complete with its own 15ft training cage.
Artistic flair
Our final example of businesses that are taking advantage of low cost self storage facilities focuses on creating a space for artists to use. A great example of such an instance is converting a storage unit into a recording studio, which is fully soundproofed. Likewise fashion designers are seeing storage facilities as a great way of hiring a decent sized space that they need to work in a creative and effective manner.
The ability to expand or reduce the amount of storage space with minimal fuss is a great advantage to all of the types of businesses that we have discussed and provides real flexibility. When you consider the cheap rental costs, 24 hour access and parking space available; there really is no downside to such an arrangement.
Martin Barnes owns his own retail business and utilises self storage to keep his excess stock alongside his son’s equipment from his plastering company.
