The pros and cons of Small Business Storage

Choosing the right small business storage solutions can significantly impact your company's efficiency, scalability, and profitability. A good business storage unit will be more than a way to meet your space requirements, it’s also a way to allow your business to grow without anchoring it down to long-term costs.

Whether you're managing seasonal stock fluctuations or preparing for rapid expansion, understanding the pros and cons of different storage options can help you make informed decisions.

Small businesses know that the only constant is change. This means that your company might be growing in ways you didn’t anticipate, or it might be time to adapt or pivot and make space for the growth you envision. Small business storage solutions provide the flexibility to adapt as needed.

However, not all small business storage units are created equal. While they offer numerous benefits, there are also potential drawbacks to consider. Below, we explore the pros and cons of renting business storage space to determine whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages for your company.

Pros of Small Business Storage Units

Seasonal needs:

Many businesses experience seasonal fluctuations in inventory. A small business storage unit allows you to store seasonal stock efficiently.

Clothing companies, for instance, need a place to store their winter stock in the summer months, while outdoor service providers need different equipment depending on the weather. Seasonal storage allows you additional flexibility as your business grows and contracts with the seasons. 

Cost-effective expansion:

It might be too costly to jump from your start-up premises to a larger warehousing solution, which is why business storage space is the most affordable middle-man for businesses looking to scale up without breaking the bank.

If you’re outgrowing your space, consider one of U Can Store’s business storage solutions for a long-term close collaborative partnership. Our storage space and offices are safe and clean, upholding a high standard of professionalism that reflects in your business. 

Scalability:

When it comes to business storage solutions, it’s important to factor in your business’s potential and make accommodations for future growth. And, when contemplating how small businesses might expand it’s important to carefully evaluate your space requirements, for both operational and storage needs. 

For instance, you might not need to jump to a bigger (and more costly) office or shop space just yet, but maybe you need a little more breathing room. Renting storage space allows you to test the waters without committing to an expensive space you might not be able to afford every month as you grow. 

Enhanced security and peace of mind:

Storing stock at home or in a garage increases the risk of theft. Our business storage spaces provide  24/7 security with armed and emergency response. We also have electric fences surrounding our facilities, meaning you have complete peace of mind that your business, stock and everything else stored at our secured storage facilities will be safe and sound - just as you left them. 

Customer success story: Learn how U Can Store partnered with Plumbers on Call to optimise their storage facilities.

Cons of Small Business Storage Units

Additional overheads:

While small business storage solutions are cost-effective compared to larger spaces, they do come with added costs. However, strategic storage management can help.

By decluttering your workspace, you can reduce office overwhelm and boost your team’s productivity. 

Moreover, by assessing the terms of a rental contract, you can make sure that the cost of your storage unit best serves your business. Consider the contract’s duration and any potential hidden fees. Is your service provider upfront with you?

Distance between your office & storage unit

You need a business storage solution that best suits your business’s activities, which means that location is key. But time is money, so even if your storage unit is conveniently located and close to your operational headquarters, you’ll always need to factor in additional trips to secure the item/s you need, when you need them.

The Verdict: Is Small Business Storage Worth It?

For businesses experiencing growth, the benefits of small business storage solutions far outweigh the downsides. Increased flexibility, improved security, and cost-effective expansion make business storage space a valuable asset.

U Can Store wants you to feel supported with all the solutions you need for your business to thrive. Knowing when and how to utilise your business storage space could be the winning ticket to success.

Read our blog on the four benefits of storage space for your small business.  

Need a bespoke business storage solution for your growing company’s unique needs? Book a consultation with one of U Can Store's storage experts today.