Optimizing Existing Space
Before we get too deep into the weeds and blast you with everything you might possibly ever want to know about external storage, it's worth considering the reasons that a rapidly scaling business might need to use this sort of service. Part of the reason that these businesses exist in the first place is that they enable us to optimize space without resorting to the need to sell off equipment or belongings that we may need again in the future. When exploring Pakenham mini‑storage solutions, choose one that offers multiple storage tiers, so you can select a cost-effective option that fits your needs, ideal for storing essential but currently surplus stock or equipment without overinvesting. The fact is that by choosing to spend some effort in optimizing your space, you will be in a far better position to bring in new people or modernize your equipment (or simply to clear space for more stock) than you would otherwise be.
Benefits Of External Storage
Although we touched on some of this approach's positives, the advantages of leasing external storage space go beyond simply having more space to organize and update your workplace.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Leasing external storage is often more affordable than relocating or expanding existing facilities. In most cases, you can select an option based on what you're comfortable with paying and/or what features you might require. For instance, if you need a climate-controlled space to store valuable items, you can pay extra. Conversely, if you need a basic unit to place in old office furniture as you modernize your existing office, you can opt for a more affordable option.
- Flexibility: Modern storage solutions come in all shapes and sizes, giving you a huge number of options based on what you need at any given time. It's also usually possible to start small and increase space as you scale up and increase the amount of money you have to reinvest.
- Accessibility: Many storage facilities offer convenient access hours, including weekends, to facilitate the retrieval of stored items. This is particularly useful since most of your mental bandwidth will be needed to help you scale most effectively, and any additional stress that might come from having to jump through hoops to gain access to your belongings can dent your momentum.
- Security: Although not all storage businesses offer secure locations, if you choose well during the selection phase, you should gain some serious peace of mind that anything you stash away will remain where you last left it. Even if your unit is broken into, most will have contents insurance that ought to cover most of the loss.
Types Of External Storage
If you can imagine it, it probably exists. OK, so that might be slightly hyperbolic, but the fact of the matter is that most larger urban areas will contain various types of units that cater to a broad variety of clients and their needs.
Self-Storage Units
Self-storage is the most common option that comes to mind when considering these kinds of businesses. It is fantastic for storing documents, inventory, seasonal items, and equipment. Self-storage is also the most affordable option, so if you're just starting out and don't want to allocate too much of your operational funds away from growing your company, self-storage might be your best bet as you get started.
Warehouse Storage
If you are already a sizeable operation and have lots of inventory that you simply can't fit into your existing premises (or have invested in ready for your expansion plan), you might want to consider warehousing. It's common for enterprises dealing with a lot of stock to lease out warehouse storage to keep things organized and ready to ship as the orders arrive. If you really want to increase your output and get products shifting, you can even combine this option with a 3PL company to arrange everything logistically, freeing you and your team up to focus on bringing in the business.
Mobile Storage Containers
While this option typically costs a premium compared with other alternatives, it can free up an enormous amount of time and resources that could be better used for growth. Some storage companies offer services that deliver a storage container to your business premises, allowing you to fill it up at your own pace. Once it's filled, they will pick up the container or containers and take them back to a dedicated storage facility. This choice is convenient if you only require temporary storage, possibly during a renovation to expand your facilities.
Applications For Businesses
There are plenty of applications for choosing to store your stuff away, but storage units tend to be most useful in specific cases:
- Retail: Any growing retail business can use this additional space to store seasonal items, overflow stock, or even items that are destined to be used as promotional items in their growth marketing campaigns.
- E-Commerce: The internet has massively changed the game when it comes to doing business; for many, it has opened up brand-new ways of doing business. But even though it's possible to set up and expand a fully digital marketplace, it's not always easy for a smaller outfit to store its inventory. By leasing out warehouse space, it's possible to run a much larger e-commerce operation than might otherwise be possible.
- Construction: Although most sole traders will store their equipment at their premises, for anything larger than your average local tradesperson, self-storage can be a great option for storing tools and materials, safe in the knowledge that the storage facility will secure them.
- Offices: Some businesses are legally required to keep physical records of their dealings open for multiple years. As these businesses grow, so too does the amount of paperwork. You can store these documents in dedicated facilities to focus on increasing business, without worrying about where you're going to store all of the documentation.
Downtime also has hidden costs. Time spent troubleshooting or reestablishing lost calls cuts into valuable work hours. A dependable system reduces these risks and supports business continuity in the face of technical problems, emergencies, or high call volumes.
Choosing The Right External Storage
Now that we have thoroughly convinced all growing businesses of the plentiful advantages and disadvantages of choosing to store their stuff externally, it's time to move on to the things you need to consider before taking the first step. Because these services cost money and can take a lot of time to set up and move items over, it's crucial to understand what you need to consider before taking the plunge.
Location
In almost all cases, you really want the facility to be as near your location as possible. This will make life so much easier and avoid taking too much time out of your day (or that of your employees) that could be best used for growth. However, you still need to note that because these facilities require large tracts of land to operate, they tend not to be right in the middle of the city.
Security
It doesn't matter if you only use the space to store old seats before taking them to the local Goodwill; you should always ensure that the storage facility fee includes at least a modicum of security. This means having a physical presence on-site to guard the entire facility and methods for you and your team to enter using keycards or other options to access your units at will.
Climate Control
Select a climate-controlled unit for sensitive items that require temperature and humidity regulation. This is only vital if you plan on storing things that need to be kept clear of moisture.
Accessibility
If you really want to ensure you are getting the most bang for your buck, select facilities that offer 24/7 access and have plenty of space for trucks and other vehicles to pull up to the door of your unit.
Cost
Since you are a growing business, you probably don't have much cash to invest, and that isn't entirely focused on keeping your company moving forward. By doing some research and comparing campaign facilities, you can save money by choosing something that fits your needs without any additional benefits that you might never use.
