Whether you’re an entrepreneur with big ideas, or a small business needing to keep costs down during challenging economic times, you’re probably in need of a space to use to run your business.  The good news is that you don’t have to rely on pay through the nose to get that space. In fact, you can completely skip the cost of an office in the city, or a big warehouse for stock, because there is a more affordable, flexible, convenient option available – self storage.

Why Use Self Storage For Business?

Running a business out of a self storage unit is the perfect option for any business who wants space without many of the downsides that come with official offices or warehouses. It comes in any size that you need, from a gym locker to a football field. You’re also often able to enjoy the flexibility of changing the units when you need to. If you have a large order coming in you can use a bigger unit, and then the next month switch to a smaller unit when that stock is gone and perhaps you’re starting a period where sales are less. There are no growing pains with affordable self storage – it’s all totally flexible so that you can switch and change as you need to.

Affordable, No Lengthy Contracts

Self storage for business in London is incredibly cheap compared to the cost of an office rental, or a warehouse rental. The costs are highly competitive, so you can benefit from the savings, which is so helpful at a time when the economy is so up and down, and everyone is struggling with the impact of high bills. If the cost of the unit is too much, the contracts are often not as lengthy as you get with a warehouse or an office. This means that you can usually end your contract with little notice, so you’re free from the worry of paying another year’s worth of business space when, perhaps, you don’t even know how the business will do in the next month.

Extra Benefits For Businesses

Another key reason that businesses choose to run their operations out of a London self storage unit is the vast amount of benefits that can come with this kind of contract. You might meet other business people who you can make connections with, socialise with and perhaps even do business with. You can enjoy renting or using (facility dependent) different lifting equipment and other useful items to help make your daily business activities easier. Many self storage receptions will also take deliveries for you around the clock, so if you can’t be at the facility you don’t have to worry about who is going to take your delivery for you. There may also be extra benefits like a postal service, packaging to buy, connections with local businesses and pickup and drop off services.

Security To Rival Any Other Location

The security at self storage facilities is second to none because they know they are in the business of keeping your belongings safe. You do have to have insurance, of course, but you can feel assured that a lot has gone into securing your things well. Expect security efforts such as:

  • Floodlights/ security lighting
  • 24/7 reception
  • Security guards
  • Various lock types and lock points
  • Reinforced doors
  • Well maintained buildings
  • Gating and fences
  • Security cameras

The facility will make every effort to ensure that your things are as safe as possible, so that you can trust your business belongings remain in the same condition you left them.

Key Benefits Of Running A Business From Self Storage At A Glance:

  • More affordable than warehouses/ offices
  • Flexible contracts
  • Storage unit size flexibility
  • Potential for extra business services
  • High level security
  • Climate control

What To Look For When Choosing A Self Storage Unit For Your Business

When you look for a self storage unit to run your business from there are lots of things to consider. Most importantly, it should be the right price because even though it is less expensive than a warehouse or an office, ultimately, it still has to be affordable for your business. In addition to being good value for money at the right price, you should also look out for:

  • Good security levels
  • Signs the facility is well maintained
  • Friendly staff
  • Flexible contracts
  • Transparent contract details
  • The right location
  • Good business facilities
  • Ability to access the unit when you need to

Because this service will be such a large part of your business, it is important that it is right. For that reason, it makes sense to perhaps visit a few facilities and get an idea of what is available nearby. It isn’t a quick decision to make because the benefits are so plentiful, and if things aren’t right, the consequences could be inconvenient or worse.

Q & A’s

For even more information, here are some of the most common questions and answers related to using a self storage unit for business:

Q – Can You Get WIFI At A Self Storage Unit?

A – It depends on the facility. Some offer WIFI and even have other helpful business services you can use a bit like an office, like printers.

Q – Do You Have To Pay Business Rates For Self Storage?

A – More often than not, business rates are for the self storage facility to pay and not individual businesses. In fact, self storage units are often tax deductible so you can claim VAT back on your self storage payments, too.

Q – How Much Is Self Storage?

A – It depends on the facility as they all vary, but on average the units tend to be around £23 pounds per square foot, per year. It can be even less, though, and there are often 50% off deals to be enjoyed for the first few months for short term/ first time users.

Q – Can I Actually Work From The Unit, Like An Office?

A – It depends on the facility rules, but many allow you to do this.

Why Not Enquire With Your Local Self Storage Facility About Business Storage?

If you would like to run your business out of a self storage unit for more convenience, cost-savings and flexibility, why not reach out to your local self storage units today? They will be able to give you a quote and talk you through all their extra benefits for businesses, and any specific rules and regulations they have. It could be the way that your business operates and grows without the need to get tied into strict contracts, or pay high amounts that choke your bottom line.