6 Reasons Self Storage Might Be Perfect for Your Small Business

For small businesses, every dollar counts. Large enterprises may rely on warehouses or outsource fulfillment tasks to 3PL (third-party logistics) companies, but small businesses often need a more cost-effective solution for their storage and operational needs. Compared to warehousing, a self-storage unit is almost always more economical, costing as little as $50/month for a small 5’ x 5’ unit, depending on the facility. 

Self storage is also a far more flexible option. Warehousing tends to lock business owners into long-term lease agreements and a fixed space that might be larger than what they need. On the other hand, self-storage units offer month-to-month leasing options and don’t require that you purchase additional commercial space, meaning you only have to pay for the space you need when you need it.

Since self-storage units come in a variety of sizes, from storage lockers and small 5’ x 5’ units to large 10’ x 20’ spaces, you can find a suitable option no matter how big or small your business is. More importantly, self-storage units are modular. As your business grows, your storage needs may change, and self storage lets you scale up (or down) accordingly. Put another way, if your business outgrows its current unit, upgrading to a larger space is typically straightforward and doesn’t require a change in lease terms. You can also easily rent multiple storage units in the same facility. Conversely, if you need to downsize, moving to a smaller unit is equally hassle-free. This scalability is perfect for businesses with seasonal inventory needs or those that are experiencing rapid growth or downsizing. 

How Businesses Can Use Different Storage Units

Small units come in two sizes: 5’ x 5’ or 5’ x 10’. They’re great for:

• Document Storage (archiving important paperwork, tax records and client files)
• Marketing Materials (promotional items like brochures, flyers and event banners)
• Seasonal Decorations (like office Christmas ornaments) 
• Electronic Equipment (spare computers, printers and other small electronics)
• Office Supplies (backup stationery, printer cartridges, etc.)
• Sales Samples (product samples and small display items for sales meetings or trade shows)
• Business Travel Gear (travel-related items like portable booths, presentation stands and trade show materials)

Medium units come in three sizes: 5’ x 15’, 10’ x 10’ and 10’ x 15’. They’re ideal for:

• Spare Office Furniture (extra office chairs, desks and filing cabinets)
• Retail Inventory Overflow (excess stock or seasonal inventory)
• Equipment and Tools (medium-sized equipment, appliances and tools)
• Workshop Materials (supplies for creative businesses, like arts and crafts materials)*
• Photography Equipment (store photography backdrops, lighting equipment and props)

*Note that while you can’t turn a storage unit into a studio, check out this article for tips on how to create space at home for your creative passions.

Large units also come in three sizes: 10’ x 20’, 10’ x 25’ and 10’ x 30’. They can be used for:

• Bulk Inventory Storage (large quantities of extra products)
• Large Equipment and Machinery (large machines and equipment)
• Furniture and Home Decor for Staging (perfect for interior designers or home staging professionals to store furniture and decor)
• Event Planning Supplies (tables, chairs and elaborate decorations)
• Automotive Parts Storage (car storage, car parts, tires and large auto repair tools)**
• Restaurant Overstock (restaurant equipment, excess dining furniture and catering supplies)

**While you can store auto parts in a storage unit, you can’t actually work on cars in a unit.

Security is a top priority for businesses when it comes to storing sensitive documents or valuable inventory and equipment. Unlike storing things in your garage or a peer-to-peer storage network, self-storage facilities recognize this need and typically invest in state-of-the-art security measures. These include 24/7 surveillance cameras, gated access, unit locks and sometimes on-site security personnel. To further reduce the risk of theft or damage, storage facilities offer controlled access, meaning that only authorized individuals (i.e., owners of storage units) can enter the facility and access units.

One of the biggest perks of self storage for businesses is accessibility. Most storage facilities offer extended access hours from early morning to late evening, with some facilities even offering 24/7 access. This allows business owners to retrieve or store items at any time, depending on their schedule. This is especially convenient if your business operates outside of standard 9-to-5 hours or in situations where you might need immediate access to your inventory, tools and materials. 

On top of that, self-storage facilities are often strategically located for ease of access. Many are situated near business districts, major freeways or central areas in the city, making it easier to get to your storage unit and access your belongings.

Beyond the general benefits of self storage, many facilities also offer tailored amenities and support that businesses can take advantage of.

Climate-Controlled Units

Some self-storage facilities offer climate-controlled units, which are essential if you plan on storing temperature-sensitive items. These units maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level, protecting items like electronics, wooden furniture, photographic materials, cosmetics, candles/soaps, paper goods and fabrics/textiles from extreme temperatures and excess moisture.

Drive-Up Access

For businesses that frequently move large items or volumes, units with drive-up access are especially convenient. This feature allows you to drive your car directly up to the unit, making it easy to load and unload goods.

Logistical Support

Certain self-storage facilities provide additional logistical support services, such as accepting deliveries and keeping them secure. If you expect packages and don’t want them sitting on your doorstep (and potentially getting stolen), this can be a critical perk.

Self-storage facilities provide units that can accommodate more than just inventory and supplies. Here are some examples of specialized storage solutions that might be beneficial for your business.

Boat Storage

For businesses that offer boat rental services, secure boat storage is paramount. Self-storage facilities offering this option typically have large spaces, with covered/uncovered and indoor/outdoor options, providing a safe place to store boats during the off-season or when not in use.

Vehicle Storage

Businesses with fleet vehicles, like delivery trucks, mopeds or company cars, can benefit from vehicle storage solutions. These spaces are designed to accommodate vehicles of different sizes (including ATVs, golf carts, jet skis, RVs and more), providing a secure location for parking. Self-storage facilities like SmartStop offer a range of vehicle storage options, including indoor storage for smaller vehicles, covered parking and uncovering parking.

Office Space

Some self-storage facilities offer the added benefit of office space for rent. This can be an ideal solution for small teams or startups looking for an affordable office setting. These spaces often come with essential amenities like wi-fi, electricity and basic office furniture, offering a practical, all-in-one solution for storage and workspace needs.

Ready to explore self storage for your small business? Head to our Storage Unit Locator to find a nearby facility. For more business storage and organization tips, check out our blog.