When it comes to finding a place to store the important elements of your small business, you’re typically faced with limited options. Depending on the size of your business right now, you might be getting by with any extra space you’re finding around your home, like a garage, basement or attic storage area.
But as your business grows, so will your need for a more sustainable storage space. Today, we’re laying out all of the pros and cons of warehousing versus self-storage solutions, and helping you decide what’s going to work best to meet your business’s exact needs. Let’s dive in!
Let’s Weigh the Pros and Cons of Using a Warehouse for Business Storage
Depending on how big your business has become, you may be considering a warehouse facility to house your operations and inventory. These spaces tend to provide a large storage capacity in a centralized location for inventory or product management. A warehouse may also include a separate office space so you can use the facility for your whole business operation.
If you do have a large amount of inventory you need to store, there is a potential for cost savings for bulk storage — but even that will come at a cost. Important factors to consider include higher overhead costs such as rent and utilities that you would be responsible for. You may need to also add in the potential for increased transportation costs for products coming in and out of your warehouse space.
Depending on your lease agreement, you typically will be locked into a long-term commitment to the space, regardless of your business’s growth or changing needs. Often, at least a twelve-month lease will be required, if not longer depending on the customizations you’ve requested in the space.
When it comes to investing in warehouse space for your small business, you want to be sure that it fits your exact needs in the moment and in the foreseeable future, because the process of moving in and out of a new space can be an expensive and time-intensive endeavor — and you don’t want to do it more than necessary!
Now, Let’s Talk about the Pros and Cons of Using Self Storage for Business Storage
When it comes to small businesses, we understand that flexibility is the name of the game! This is why self-storage is a great option to consider as your company continues to grow and expand over the next few months or years. Self-storage facilities offer flexible storage space options that can grow or shrink as your needs change.
This is an especially cost-effective solution for those just starting out on their business journey or anyone who deals with seasonal inventory influx. If you start in a smaller unit and find that you need more room, Morningstar Storage will find you the right unit right around the corner!
One of the best parts about self-storage is that they often don’t come with long-term lease obligations — in fact, a lot of places will offer short-term rental options so you can go wherever your business takes you! For example, Morningstar Storage offers flexible lengths of stay with month-to-month leases, minimal paperwork, and no unexpected expenses to give you the freedom your company needs.
Now, depending on which storage property you decide to use, they may be able to customize your unit to meet your needs — things like added electrical outlets to make sure your unit is functional for what you need it for.
Of course, there are some limitations you’ll need to think about. For one, there’s a somewhat limited storage capacity in comparison to warehouse spaces — so your inventory may need to be spread across a few units whereas in a warehouse they would all be in one room.
Another is the location of the facility — much like needing to get things to and from a warehouse, you want to make sure the storage facility is in a convenient location to keep transportation costs lower over time.
→ Morningstar Storage Pro Tip: Did you know that Morningstar Storage offers the use of a free moving truck for up to four hours when you initially move into your unit — and can also be reserved for future use? Check out the full list of our amenities here.
Top Considerations for Business Owners Deciding Where to House Their Small Business
When it all comes down to it, you know your business and its needs best. Take some time to write down all of your storage needs, budget constraints, leasing requirements, and other considerations to weigh the pros and cons of each storage solution. It should be fairly clear which option will work best for your needs right now and in the future.
Don’t waste time and money moving in and out of storage space — instead, find a solution that will grow and adjust as your needs change. Self-storage facilities offer adaptable space options that can expand or contract based on evolving needs, presenting a cost-effective solution, particularly for startups and businesses with inventory-level fluctuations.
Consider Morningstar Storage’s Range of Self-Storage Solutions
Morningstar Storage’s commitment to providing customized storage solutions goes beyond the ordinary, offering features like electrical outlets and temperature control in our storage units. This ensures that your sensitive equipment and inventory are kept in optimal conditions, contributing to the seamless operation of your business.
Whether you’re seeking a flexible month-to-month arrangement or prefer the stability of a 12-month commitment with a temperature-controlled unit, Morningstar Storage has the ideal solution for you. We understand that different businesses have different requirements, and our range of options reflects our dedication to meeting those different needs.
Plus, our 24-hour access, enhanced security features, and the ability for our staff to accept business deliveries and place them in your unit for you will offer the peace of mind necessary to operate the other parts of your small business successfully! Contact us today to schedule a tour of your business’s next space.
