Has the time come when your once purposeful office is piled high with boxes and files? Has your workshop become more of a storage place than a work place? Is there no more room for desks or new staff and you feel as if you are working on top of one another? If any of these apply, it’s probably time to expand into storage space.
Here is a list of 10 things to consider when choosing storage for your business.
- Size of space
If your business is expanding, you will require enough space to accommodate further growth. Make sure the space you choose for storage is going to be big enough to organise your stock/files, and still leave room for more. You don’t want the risk of having to move again soon after.
- Location
Firstly, you need to look at available spaces within a close proximity to your current office or work space. If there was something suitable in your current building that would be great. Or perhaps think about finding a space that combines storage and workspace; in some instances, it may be suitable to move the whole business to a new address. Make sure the new space is clean and the building is well-maintained.
- Security
It is imperative that the new storage space has working CCTV, good security, locking gates and working smoke and fire detectors. Make sure all are sound before you move any important business materials in.
- Costs
Make sure the new storage space is within your budget. As well as rental costs, you need to allow for electricity, heating, cleaning and any other additional costs.
- Accessibility
When looking for a property, make sure it meets your logistical needs. Find out about opening times and if you need 24hour access, make sure this is permitted. Also, practically, is there enough space for your vehicles to drive in, load and drive out?
- Extra services
If you hire space from a storage company, make sure they have good reviews and find out about any extra services they may provide; for example, help with moving in and out, van hire, Internet, mailboxes and shelving.
- Online accounts
For ease of management, look for a storage unit that has an online accounting section. This can save time and money, by managing payments and making changes to your account online.
- Check out the space in person before you sign the contract
It’s not just cleanliness, security, accessibility and size you want to check out, but also you want to get a feel for the owners of the storage space you are interested in. Are these the right people to do business with?
- Make payments on time.
If you are late with a payment with some storage firms, you will incur fines daily and may even be evicted. Adopt the managers mind-set and get your online account set up, or set up a standing order.
- Insurance
You will need your contents covered within your storage unit/space. Most landlords or storage companies are not liable if anything were to happen to your storage unit or space.