The Complete Guide to Self Storage for Businesses

Self storage isn’t just about space — it’s also about strategy. Here are just some of the benefits that make self storage a smart investment that can adapt to the unique demands of any business.

Additional Space for Inventory, Equipment and Documents

Whether it’s extra stock/SKUs, backup office supplies, manufacturing tools, tax records or client files, self storage is an efficient way to free up valuable office, retail or home space. By moving lesser-used items offsite, you can maintain an uncluttered workspace while keeping essentials easily accessible.

Storage for Displays and Promotional Materials

For businesses with occasional needs — e.g., booth/conference displays, signage or promotional materials like brochures and flyers — a storage unit is a great place to store bulky items without wasting year-round space. Before a new conference or campaign begins, simply head to your storage unit to grab what you need.

Scalability for Business Growth

As businesses grow, so do their storage needs. Self storage offers an easy way to expand (or contract) space requirements without committing to larger offices or warehouses. With month-to-month rental agreements and no long-term contracts, you can pretty seamlessly adjust the size of your storage unit during periods of rapid growth or fluctuating demand.

State-of-the-Art Security

When it comes to valuable inventory, sensitive equipment or confidential documents, security is a top priority. For your peace of mind, many self-storage facilities offer robust security features, including 24/7 surveillance cameras, gated access and individual unit locks. Some even have alarmed units or on-site security personnel.

Accessibility and Convenience

Some storage facilities offer 24/7 access options or extended daily business hours, allowing you to grab items on your own schedule. This is especially helpful if you run a business that requires flexibility (like a catering company) or need to pick up equipment and supplies at odd hours.

Office Space and Additional Services

Some storage facilities offer office spaces for businesses needing a workspace without the full commitment of an office lease. These spaces include basic office amenities like electricity, individual locks and windows — and are located in same building as the storage units, making it easy to pop in and out of your unit(s).

Tax Deduction

As long as you’re using self storage in the normal course of business (i.e., for any of the reasons we’ve listed above) and not for personal use, the cost of your unit is completely tax deductible.*

*This is general advice based on Publication 535 – Business Expense provided by the IRS. Please consult a tax professional if you’re not sure whether or not you qualify for a deduction or if you have any questions.

Not all storage units are the same. To choose the right one, you need to think about the types of items you plan to store, which can guide decisions on features like climate control and access.

If your business handles temperature-sensitive items like electronics, pharmaceuticals, photographs, furniture or archival documents, you’ll want to rent a climate-controlled unit. Climate-controlled units regulate the temperature and humidity levels, protecting anything that might be damaged from extreme heat, cold or moisture. It’s especially important if your business is in an area with a fluctuating climate.

You should also consider the unit’s accessibility. If you plan on frequently accessing inventory or supplies, look for facilities that offer flexible access hours. Picking a facility that’s close to your office or home can also cut down on travel time, especially if you need to make multiple trips back and forth. Keep in mind that once you find a facility, the specific unit you pick can also make a difference — drive-up units or ground-floor locations can make it easier (and safer) to load and unload items compared to a third- or fourth-floor unit.

In addition to storage units, you may also need a parking spot. Businesses like landscaping companies and delivery services that rely on cars often save costs by renting a parking space at a storage facility. You can choose from covered spaces to indoor units and large outdoor lots that can accommodate everything from small vans to oversized work trucks. Parking spaces benefit from the most important security features you’d get by renting a unit, including round-the-clock surveillance and gated entry.

Maximizing the efficiency of your storage unit is key to getting the most value from it. Here are some suggestions for businesses looking to get the most out of self storage. 

Increase Storage Capacity With Industrial Shelving

One of the best ways to make the space functional is by investing in industrial shelving, which can significantly expand your storage capacity by making use of vertical space. Arrange shelving units to create easy access paths and consider adjustable shelving for flexibility as your inventory changes. Sturdy shelving also keeps your unit organized and prevents stacking hazards, making retrieval faster and safer.

Organize Items by Demand Cycle

Efficient storage relies on easy accessibility. To minimize the time spent searching for inventory you frequently need, focus on the layout. Place high-demand items near the front of the unit, keeping seasonal or infrequently used items toward the back. Rotate these items and reorganize your unit as the seasons change or as you introduce/discontinue product lines.

Implement Inventory Management Tools

Tracking inventory in a storage unit is easy with barcodes, labels or an inventory management app. Use labeled bins and color-coded tags to organize by item type and create a simple digital or physical inventory list. If your business has multiple team members, using shared inventory tools keeps everyone up-to-date on stock levels and locations. Head into your storage unit regularly to update your inventory.

Using a FIFO System for Products

For businesses storing goods with expiration dates (e.g., makeup and skincare), make sure you’re abiding by the First In, First Out (FIFO) system. This means arranging items so that older stock is used before newer stock. We recommend labeling shelves with rotation dates to make this process even more seamless.

Battery-Operated Lighting

One thing to keep in mind is that many storage units do not include electricity, so it’s worth investing in battery-powered or rechargeable flashlights, portable lanterns and battery-powered lighting fixtures, especially if you plan on spending extended periods of time organizing your storage unit. We recommend using Eneloop batteries, which are rechargeable, have a long storage life and can withstand heat and cold. 

Setting up a business storage unit starts with a clear plan. Use this high-level checklist to make sure you’re not missing any important steps or details.

Identify Your Storage Needs

• Determine what items you’ll store and their requirements (e.g., climate control, space constraints, etc.).

Find a Facility Near You

• Use the Storage Locator to find facilities in your area.
• Confirm accessibility hours, amenities and unit and/or office space availability.

Choose the Right Unit Type

• Select a unit with climate control for temperature- and moisture-sensitive items.
• Ask about outdoor covered and uncovered parking spaces, if needed.

Organize for Efficiency

• Plan the layout with industrial shelving, bins and clear access paths.
• Set up eneloop-battery-powered lights.
• Create a storage map so you can easily find where things are.
• Place frequently accessed items at the front; store seasonal or low-demand items in the back.

Implement an Inventory System

• Create an inventory list and label items by type or demand cycle.
• Use barcodes, color-coded tags or inventory management apps for easy tracking.

Establish Stock Management Strategies

• Set up a First In, First Out (FIFO) rotation.
• Label shelves with expiration or rotation dates to reduce waste.

Regularly Clean and Reorganize Your Unit

• Establish quarterly cleaning and reorganizing sessions to evaluate what you have in storage.
• Upgrade or downsize your unit based on your needs.

Looking for more ways to maximize your business storage unit? Head to the SmartStop blog.