Self-storage has become, and continues to be a popular option for many people; it is not just a place where you keep items safe, it is a place where businesses grow.

New to Business

You have decided being an entrepreneur is the path you wish to take; brilliant! However, one key reason why only 20% of businesses survive in the first 18 months of starting a business is cost. You will have created a business plan and expect to see profit fairly soon, but if all your money is spent on rent and other costs, you will barely break even. If you rent a storage unit, you can reclaim your VAT if you are VAT registered and you will not have to pay any council tax and business rates.

Also, you are not restricted to long-term lease contracts, so if your business takes a turn for the worse, you only have to give a week’s notice. However, if your business is succeeding, you can rent more storage units easily, and continue to grow.

Seasonal job

Your business may be providing bouncy castles, large paddling pools or Christmas themed goods to customers; these businesses are in high demand during certain months. Instead of cluttering your house, or leasing a building for a year, you can work out of a storage unit. Have a look at an article by the BBC where small firms ran from storage units during the winter months to keep up with demand.

Internet Business

If your business solely relies on the internet, then you understand how you need a perfect background to entice customers to buy your products. If your internet business sells furniture or large items, a storage unit would be a sensible option as your house will not become cluttered, and you have a professional business space to work from. Spaces and Places actually have a customer that sells pre-loved furniture on eBay, have a look at how she designed the space in the storage unit to encourage buyers to purchase her products in our blog.

Call Spaces and Places to talk through which unit would be most beneficial for your business today.

 

If you are renting a storage unit for the first time, read on to learn tips and tricks to get the most out of the storage space you have rented. If you are a current storage user or have rented a storage unit before, these helpful tips will ensure you get maximum use out of your storage space. By following these guidelines, your belongings will be safe, secure and protected.

Tips and Tricks

  • 1. Create a list of everything you are placing in the storage unit.
  • 2. Calculate the number of boxes you will be needing.
  • 3. Purchase boxes, bubble wrap and dust sheets if you are storing furniture.
  • 4. If you are storing fridges or freezers, make sure they are fully defrosted to prevent the storage unit collecting water.
  • 5. If you are storing an oven, clean it before entering the storage unit.
  • 6. If you are storing garden equipment, clean the items to prevent rust and empty the lawnmower tank.
  • 7. Once you have packed your boxes, make sure you write on the side exactly what is inside. This will help you when you return to the storage unit for a specific item.

 

How to Pack Your Storage Space 

  • 1. Place large items at the back of the storage unit.
  • 2. If you are storing mattresses, do not place heavy boxes on top as this will cause the mattress to lose its spring. Instead, store mattresses upright near the back of the unit. Cover the mattress in dust sheets or plastic covers to stop any dust or dirt appearing.
  • 3. When storing boxes, place heavier and compact boxes on the bottom, and lighter boxes on top to prevent movement and damages.
  • 4. If you are storing valuable/ fragile items, cover them in bubble wrap and place on the top of the pile of boxes.
  • 5. If you can disassemble any tables, chairs or shelves, do it! This will allow you to create more space to store other items.
  • 6. Lastly, but most importantly, create a mini walkway. When you re-enter your unit, you can find items you need without having to unload the whole unit. Spaces and Places also advise you to store items you will be needing frequently near the front of the unit.

 

Contact Spaces and Places if you are looking to rent self-storage in Nuneaton, Manchester or Winsford!