Business Storage: Do's & Don'ts of Using a Storage Unit

Running a business—especially a small or expanding one—means the very likely possibility of running out of space. Whether you have equipment you're not using, boxes of documents, or extra furniture, there are a lot of things that won't fit in a basement or unused option. It's time to find a better solution for your storage woes.

Maybe it's time to try renting a storage unit! With a variety of unit sizes available, as well as climate-controlled options, it's easy to find exactly what you need. But you need to follow basic best practices to make sure everything is organized, safe, and easily accessible. See some of our do's and don'ts for using a storage unit for business storage.

The Do's: 

1. Do Choose the Right Unit:

• Assess your needs. Before you rent a storage unit, make an inventory of everything you plan to keep in the space. Measure any larger pieces of furniture or equipment ahead of time to have an idea of how much space you'll need to store each item. This will make it easier to choose a unit size.
• Consider a climate-controlled storage unit. If you're storing delicate items like antiques, documents, or electronics, a climate-controlled unit will protect them from fluctuating temperatures and humidity damage.

2. Do Organize and Label Everything:

• Create an inventory list. List everything you'll put in the unit, with thorough descriptions (including photos if necessary) and a note of where in the unit you'll be keeping each item. This will make it easier to find what you need in your unit when you need it.
• Use clear labels. Make sure all of your boxes and containers have clear labels in accessible places. Choose a consistent labeling scheme and label several sides of the box for simple access.

3. Do Use High-Quality Packing Materials:

• Buy durable boxes. Protect your belongings with strong, premium packaging. Steer clear of reusing boxes unless they're made of sturdy cardboard or plastic that you know will hold up.
• Pad your containers. Wrap breakables in bubble wrap or packing paper to guard against damage. Pad the inside of the box with extra material to stop your fragile items from shifting and rattling during transit.

4. Do Use Pallets and Shelves:

• Install shelves in your storage unit. to make the most of the vertical space. This will help you make the most of your unit’s vertical space, allows easy access to everything, and help keep you organized.
• Stack furniture and boxes on pallets. By raising things off the floor, you increase air circulation and protect the contents of your unit from possible flooding.

5. Do Prioritize Accessibility:

• Plan for easy access. If you have objects you know you'll be needing to access often, put these close to the front of the unit. Anything else can be kept towards the rear.
• Leave aisles. Make sure your unit's paths are clear so that you can quickly reach anything. This way, you won't have to shift several boxes out of the way any time you need to grab something.

The Don'ts:

1. Don't Crowd the Unit:

• Avoid stacking too high. Effective use of your storage unit's space is vital! Don't create a pile of boxes or furniture, which can create a precarious stack that risks damage to your items if it collapses. Piles and crowds also make it harder to reach what you need, when you need it. Make sure that the door of the unit opens and closes effortlessly without any obstruction.

2. Don’t Store Prohibited Items:

• Check restrictions. Most storage facilities have lists of forbidden items including perishable goods, toxic chemicals, and combustible materials. Before you store, contact the facility you plan to use and learn these limits.
• Secure valuable items elsewhere. Though storage facilities are usually safe, think about keeping very precious or irreplaceable objects in a secure, hidden space in your home.

3. Don’t Forget Security Measures:

• Use a strong lock. Invest in a premium, weather-resistant lock for your storage unit. We advise disc locks or cylinder locks.
• Check facility security. Make that the storage facility has on-site management, gated access, and surveillance cameras.

4. Don't Forget Insurance:

Check what's available. Find out whether your storage facility has insurance choices so you won't overlook this when renting a unit. If the facility doesn't offer an insurance policy, consider including a rider to your company insurance coverage to cover off-site storage.

Record your valuables. Photographs of high value items and notes of distinguishing qualities/value can be beneficial for insurance claims.

5. Don't Neglect Maintenance:

Regularly check your unit. Periodically visit your storage unit to look for problems such damage, leaks, or bugs. Address any problems as soon as you possibly can.

Keep your unit clean. Maintaining cleanliness in your storage unit helps to avoid damage from dust and mold.

In terms of space management and structure, a storage unit can be any business' best friend. Following these do's and don'ts will help you to guarantee that your goods are kept effectively and safely, while being readily available anytime you need them. Effective storage management helps to provide better business operations and peace of mind, thereby enabling you to concentrate on what really counts: expanding your company.