A lot of small and medium enterprises do not have the luxury of a large workspace, which includes storage rooms for their wares and supplies. Fortunately, top storage facilities have warehouses built specifically for small businesses’ storage needs. They have different sizes of storage units, custom racking for goods, and sorting tables.
But, if you are thinking of renting onsite storage for your business, it’s imperative to take into account a couple of things to ensure that this decision will serve your business’s best advantage.
Firstly, not all storage companies offer the same quality of service and products. And secondly, convenience and safety are vital factors to think about, especially if the storage solution is for a growing business.
With these in mind, you will be able to make the right decisions with regard to choosing the best storage facility and services to use in meeting your operational requirements. But to help you further, here are some of the smartest tips to implement when you want to use a business storage solution.
1. Inspect the facility, the units, and the tools and equipment
Check out the condition of the warehouse, the storage units, and the other pieces of equipment thrown into the service. Make sure that everything is clean and structurally intact.
Keep an eye out for stains because these are indicators of leaks and potential mold growth, which you never want your materials and products exposed to.
2. Inquire and check the storage company’s privacy and security
Go around the property to see if there are security cameras installed and other protective features. It is crucial that the place is well-lit as well.
The facility’s security is an absolute must considering how you will be storing expensive and valuable goods for your business. You want to make sure that you feel safe every time you need to retrieve items in storage, and your possessions are properly protected.
3. Create an inventory of all the items you’re putting in storage
Draw up a checklist of all the items you’re putting in storage. Plus, include crucial details about them, such as temperature considerations, storage instructions, and expiration dates. This is a definite do if you are using the storage solution as a place to keep materials for production and also your products that need to move out fresh.
For example, if you will be storing products from the previous season that you will put on sale soon while they are on-trend, this little info should be included in the written inventory. This way, you can move them out in a timely manner and prevent them from going to waste.
4. Consider insurance
Check if the storage company offers insurance. After all, you will be storing a lot of valuable items that your business needs. It’s essential to provide them with safety coverage in the event of a disaster or other unexpected occurrences that can lead to loss or damage.
Insurance is a great way to protect your investment when situations that you have no control over arise. So, inquire about an insurance policy to cover for the items you need to put in storage.
5. Automate the payment for the storage rental
If you intend to use onsite storage for a long time, you certainly have to stay on top of payments. To make this a breeze, you can choose to automate the payments for it. This way, you can be sure that the rent is always covered even if you forget about it.
Storage companies have different policies about delayed rent. Some can auction off units that have not been paid by renters, just like in the reality TV show, “Storage Wars.” So, do away with this risk through automated rental payment through your bank.
Your small but growing business can undoubtedly benefit from storage solutions designed for commercial use. However, by following the tips shared above, you can have the peace of mind that you are truly doing something smart for your operations.
AUTHOR BIO
Chris Humphrey is the General Manager of Easytruck Moving & Storage. In 2013, the company combined their expertise in professional moving services and storage to create an entirely new approach to the business – and mobile storage was born! Easytruck now operates over 30,000 sq.ft. of air-conditioned facilities in three convenient locations in Dubai and is the only Mobile Storage operator in the UAE.