In 2022, there has been a surge in people setting up their own businesses, which is great. It provides full flexibility and promotes creativity at the same time.
Suppose you are running a business online and are selling furniture and handmade items. If you’re like most people, you are not going to have storage space in your home to fit everything. So you will likely need to find suitable storage options to house all of your stock, and considering the practicality of using plastic pallets for efficient and organized storage is essential.
But when it comes to putting stock or even home-based possessions into storage, you need to assess the suitability of any unit that you choose. This can be tricky, as there are so many on the market.
So, here are five pointers to ensure that you get the right storage options for your stock.
Photo by Adam Winger.
Security
The first thing you want to inquire about is security, as you want any possessions that you put into storage to be safe. Most storage facilities will operate CCTV cameras, but you will need to ensure that these are manned and monitored 24 hours a day. You will need to check that the cameras have covered more than the main entrance. Some other facilities will have a manned reception or office, so go online and type in ‘find storage locations near me’ with high-security levels.
Related read: Making your (home) office space more creative.
Cost
You don’t want to bankrupt yourself by paying for storage options but be aware that low cost may not always be the better option, especially if this results in worse security. You also need to determine whether the price includes fees or if a deposit is required.
It’s also worth noting that many storage units offer introductory rates, which is perfect for attracting new customers, but you should always check the ongoing price.
Size of the unit(s)
It sounds logical but when you are attending the storage unit, make sure you take a tape measure to double-check the size of the unit you are going to be renting. Consider whether or not you can fit all of the furniture or stock you need in the space without causing damage to it.
Opening hours
There is no point in renting a storage space if you cannot get access to it as and when you need to. Nothing is will be more frustrating than trying to remove stock from a storage unit on the way to work if the storage unit is not open! So, always be sure that you know the opening hours and the procedure for as and when you need access to them outside of business hours.
Location
It may be tempting to opt for a cheaper storage unit based on where it is located. Be aware that you don’t want to be driving miles out of your way to getting access to your stock, and you will need to ensure that the area that the storage unit building is based in is also safe and has low crime rates. You should consider how often you will be using it. If you’re only going to be coming back to the unit every so often, you can branch a bit further out, but if you’re going to be visiting it a lot, you should choose one closer to home that is easily accessible.
