Whether you manage a new startup or an established company, it’s important to be proactive about overflow in your office, warehouse or other business space. Staying organized can help you concentrate on what’s important by taking clutter out of the equation. Plus, an orderly working area sets a good example for employees, clients or anyone who may visit.
Bulk shipping boxes are just one type of storage that can benefit your business by helping you to keep stock, stay more organized or prepare items for eventual shipping. Here are eight signs that your business could reap some benefits from using a storage unit.
1. You Need More Room
Is your workspace starting to feel a bit too crowded? Maybe you’re running out of workstations for new hires? As you may imagine, the top reason to rent storage space is to free up room. If you run your business from home, it is even more likely that you will begin to feel like the walls are closing in on you. A storage unit can be used to stash everything from extra office supplies to large vehicles or watercraft.
2. Your Current Situation Lacks Security
Security is an important yet often overlooked necessity for businesses. If you’re keeping inventory in an unsecured area, you’re putting your property at risk. Storage units come with an extra level of security that most offices or homes can’t match. For example, most storage facilities have a guard making rounds as well as video cameras that run 24/7.
3. Your Inventory Requires Temperature Control
Some industries require inventory to be kept at certain temperatures. Temperature-controlled storage units are frequently used by businesses that deal with computers, chemicals, cosmetics, food and prescription drugs. Companies that store hard copies of medical and tax records often take advantage of climate-controlled storage to keep papers from potential harm in office rooms that can be too hot. Depending on your storage unit, controlled temperatures can range from -22 degrees Fahrenheit to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Large Equipment Is Taking Up Too Much Space
Does your business use large equipment, but only for part of the year or under certain circumstances? Consider storing this equipment when it’s not in use. Some examples of large equipment, machinery or vehicles that you could park in a storage unit include:
- Farm machinery
- Construction equipment
- Snowplows
- Boats
- Buses
- RVs and camping trailers
5. You’re Always on the Go
If you operate your business from your laptop with no definite office space, where you store your inventory can be a great concern. It’s important to keep everything safe and protected until it’s time to send products out to customers, add new inventory or move products to another location.
Many small business owners keep a storage unit that might double as a production area. It can serve as a space where you can assemble your wares and store them until you’re ready to ship them. You might give employees access to the unit while you’re darting here and there for research or sales meetings.
For example, you could use a storage unit if you’re in business printing on-demand T-shirts, buying and selling used items or manufacturing woodwork and different types of hand-crafted items. Wholesalers of a variety of new products also benefit from the convenience of storing inventory in rented storage units.
6. You Want To Keep Information Safe From Prying Eyes
Of course, you don’t want to think employees or other unauthorized people would look at your private paperwork. However, you may feel more secure if you keep employee files and other confidential paperwork at an off-site location for safekeeping. With a storage unit, both paper files and those saved on flash drives, computers, or other physical means can be safe from all who do not have permission to view them.
7. You Have a Limited Budget
When it comes to operating budgets, some businesses are more limited than others. If your budget does not allow for a large inventory area, off-site storage may be the most economical solution. A storage unit could fit your budget for both short- and long-term use. Many facilities offer month-to-month contracts you can take advantage of until your economic forecast changes.
Since a unit you can rent at most storage locations will likely come with built-in security, you will probably be able to check off multiple boxes. Your items will be safely guarded at less cost to you. The peace of mind you gain with these benefits will help make taking care of other aspects of your business that much easier.
8. Temporary Storage While Relocating Your Business
Is your company suddenly growing faster than anticipated? It’s common for a growing business to need a larger warehouse or office space as it achieves more success. However, it takes time to find a new place and set up a lease. A temporary storage unit can hold inventory as well as office supplies and furniture while you’re scouting for a new location or lining up a moving company to transport your items.
Security and Organization Are Key to a More Smoothly Run Business
Regardless of your type of business, the more organized you are, the more productive you can be. Let your choice in shipping barrels and other storage methods help you to streamline your business so that you can concentrate on strategies for continuing success.
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