Can You Work Out of a Storage Unit?
It can be costly and time-consuming to find a viable space where you can work on your next great idea, especially one that provides a comfortable working environment. Most work spaces have restrictive opening times and claustrophobic clause conditions on what you can and can't do while you use their facilities. Long-term, expensive contracts? No thanks.
Renting office space can also leave you tied into a long, costly lease. But with self storage units, you can stay for as short as a month or as long as you want. Either way, it’s a month-to-month lease.
Can I use storage units for business?
Standard storage units provide plenty of space — so why not use them for day-to-day business operations too? If you've been operating a business out of your home or garage, you know how frustrating that situation can be. Storage facilities offer an effortless way to provide a physical barrier between work and life, which will work wonders for your business and mental health.
Even if you're not a small or medium business owner, a storage unit is a great way to set up your personal office space. You may have roommates or find yourself in a co-living situation (while you save up for a house) and need privacy in your apartment for a proper desk and work computer. Using a self storage facility designed specifically for business purposes is also known as micro-warehousing.
Designed with your comfort and security in mind, micro-warehousing units combine the convenience of secure storage with the necessity for traditional office space, forming a one-of-a-kind workspace for business owners to run and expand their businesses.
Who can work in a storage unit?
Storage units are an excellent setup for startups and e-commerce companies due to the customisation options their warehouse layout offers. These companies can install shelving and racks while setting up office equipment for a low-cost, one-stop business repository store. It's the perfect solution for a business that needs a flexible, short-term deal while improving its business needs. You can even install lights and plug points.
If you run an e-commerce business, micro-warehousing provides the perfect addition to your logistics networks. You can use your micro-warehouse as a hub, where you can work, pack and manage admin from inside the unit.
Some examples of industries that would thrive using micro-warehousing storage units for their business needs:
- Online Retailers
- Content Creators
- Thrift Stores
- Video Producers
- Photography Studios
What are the features of micro-warehousing?
Designed for convenience, micro-warehouses provide a high-quality, fit-for-purpose commercial space to grow your business. With small, secure and flexible warehouses, micro-warehousing offers business clients more adaptable features for their business to work within than standard self storage units.
Small, secure and flexible, these facilities offer several features that differentiate them from your more traditional self storage units. Micro-warehousing is designed for convenience and aims to provide an adaptable commercial space to grow your enterprise.
Micro-warehousing offers:
- Space to comfortably work in
- Lighting and plug points for power*
- Secure connectivity for the internet*
- Safety and security features for peace of mind
- Additional fire prevention enhancements; smoke detectors, hose reels, hydrants and fire extinguishers
- Secluded drive-up access and visitors’ parking*
- Access to onsite forklift, pallet jacks, hand pallet jacks, and trolleys for easy moving around of supplies*
- Entry to centralised common spaces, including bathrooms and a communal kitchen
*These specific features may differ depending on the company and specific facility and will not always be available.
What am I allowed to do in a Stor-Age micro-warehouse?
The security and safety of our clients is always our main concern. Please follow these guidelines to ensure your safety and comfort at all times.
Do:
- Work and plan your space to be optimally comfortable
- Install shelving or garment racks for more secure storage
- Install light office gear such as a laptop, printer and label maker within your space
- Install additional cameras if you feel this is necessary
- Meet suppliers and customers at your unit for business purposes
- Utilise your micro-warehouse for picking, packing and dispatching purposes
Don’t:
- Perform any heavy, medium or light industrial activities, including (but not limited to) manufacturing, production, assembly, or any task requiring an ignition or a water source
- Utilise power tools, including (but not limited to) power saws, drills, grinders and sanders
- Make use of three-phase electrical equipment
- Store prohibited items; alcohol, toxic pollutants or contaminated goods, firearms, munitions or explosives, radioactive material, hazardous goods, living plants or animals, food or perishable goods, cash and securities, illegal goods, and waste
There are many benefits to self storage through micro-warehousing, making it a versatile and functional choice for those looking for additional space to stow unused items or products in transit This makes it ideal for businesses looking to grow.
If you have more questions about what you can do in a storage unit and its benefits, our team at Stor-Age is happy to help! Get in touch with us today, and we'll be glad to answer any questions on the subject.