Can You Run a Business from a Self-Storage Unit?

It can be tough to get a new business off the ground, and commercial rent can be pretty expensive when you’re just starting out. With self-storage units being as affordable as they are, it might seem like a great idea to use one as your place of business. But is it even possible?

The answer depends on what you mean by “run your business.” Specifically, you are not allowed to operate a business from a self-storage unit—for example, you cannot have customers come to your unit and buy goods. 

You can, however, use a self-storage unit to support your business' needs and growth. Here are some ideas on how you can use self-storage to help your business succeed.

Keep Inventory and Supplies

Self-storage offers a great way to store inventory, supplies and stock. If you are launching a fashion line for example, then you already know that fabric, notions and clothing racks can take up a lot of space, especially if you are in an NYC micro-apartment.

Fortunately, a climate-controlled self-storage unit can hold all your bolts of fabric and keep them safe until inspiration strikes.

You can even use a larger unit as a workroom, where you can set up a table, work on your creations and not have to worry about moving everything to go to sleep. (Napping in your self-storage unit is strongly discouraged, though, and living there is out of the question.)

Just don’t store flammables or food-stuffs—it's not a good idea to store such things in a storage unit, and they probably aren’t allowed anyway.

Store Off-Season Equipment

Do you offer snow removal in the winter and lawn care in the summer? Are you living your best life operating a carnival game of chance in the summer? Do you run summer camps, fishing tours or skiing excursions?

If you operate any kind of seasonal business, using self-storage in the off-season can be more economical, convenient and secure than renting commercial space or stuffing your garage to the brim. So tuck in the snow shovels, crown and anchor game and fishing poles and wait for the seasons to change.

Create Room to Grow

A self-storage unit gives you room to grow your business. Supplies, stock, inventory, equipment and documents can all take up valuable space that could be put to better use. For instance, why use your spare room to store merchandise when you could use it to work on creating new products instead?

So if you are outgrowing your original space, but still haven’t quite expanded enough to get a larger premises, self-storage can take some of the pressure off.

Why Choose Storage Post?

There are plenty of self-storage companies out there, so why should you choose Storage Post for your small business needs?

Safety and Security

Storage Post has 24/7/365 security cameras, motion-activated lighting, and many locations also require a personal digital access code. All those features give you added peace of mind for your business inventory, equipment and supplies for a lower cost than hiring a security guard (and less risk than leaving things in your car, apartment or garage).

Plus, the cost of the self-storage unit can be written off as a business expense when tax season rolls around. You can even add further peace of mind with self-storage unit insurance to protect your items from the unexpected.

Flexible and Convenient Locations

Many Storage Post locations provide 24-hour access, so if inspiration strikes in the wee small hours of the morning, you can easily get the supplies you need. Plus, our many convenient locations make it easy for you to store your business goods near your business or your home.

Many of our locations also allow you to have shipments delivered straight to the facility, and they will hold it for you for 48 hours. In other words, you won't have to sit around all day waiting to sign for an incoming package.

Storage Post has many convenient locations, as well as expert staff who can help you maximize your storage needs at a reasonable cost.

Contact us today to learn more!