Renting secure storage spaces for your business, like this one from www.brilliancestorage.com.au – can be a great solution if you need more space to store equipment, inventory, or extra office furniture. However, renting a storage unit alone may not be enough to be of help if you do not effectively maximise the space available, organise it properly, and from the outset, ensure that the storage you are renting is suitable for your business needs.
To ensure you get not just those three points correct but take further steps to get the most out of your business’s commercial storage unit, in this blog post, we are going to outline ten tips you can follow to achieve these.
Tip #1 – Choose the Right Size Storage Unit
Choosing the right size storage unit is crucial because, if you select a unit that is too small, you won’t have enough space to move around or add more items later. Conversely, if you rent a storage unit that is too large, you will be paying for storage space that you do not need.
The best way to choose the right size unit is to create an inventory list of everything you plan to store and select a unit size based on that. The staff at the storage facility you plan to rent from will be more than willing to advise you on storage unit size selection.
Tip #2 – Protect Your Inventory
While your items are in storage or being transported there, it is important to protect them from damage. Make sure to use appropriate bubble wrap or packing paper to protect fragile items and items of high value. If you are storing items that are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, it is best to invest in a climate-controlled unit.
Tip #3 – Pack Strategically
Once you have selected the right unit size and packing materials, it is time to pack your items. Packing strategically can help you fit more into your storage space. Use sturdy boxes that are all the same size so that they can be stacked easily. Also, label all of your boxes so that you can find items quickly later.
Tip #4 – Consider The Available Security Features
Security is an essential factor when renting a storage unit. As such, choose a facility that offers security features such as surveillance cameras, gated access, and individual unit alarms. This will give you peace of mind knowing that what you store there is safe and secure.
Tip #5 – Think Carefully About Placement
When placing your items in your storage unit, be strategic with your placement. Store items that you may need to access frequently towards the front of the unit. Additionally, group items by category or type to make it easier to find specific items later.
Tip #6 – Utilise Vertical Space
Utilising vertical space is an essential technique when it comes to maximising your storage unit. Consider investing in shelving units or even stacking shelves on top of one another to create more storage space. You can also use hooks and hanging racks to store items on the walls or ceilings.
Tip #7 – Create A Pathway
While adding items to your storage unit, ensure that you keep a pathway through the middle. This will make it easier to access your inventory and add or remove items later. It is also an important safety precaution as it helps prevent any employee who enters from tripping over items that are cluttering the floor of your storage unit.
Tip #8 – Create A Map Of Your Storage Unit
Both for your benefit and the benefit of anyone who accesses it, it is best practice to create a map of your storage unit. You can make it as basic or as detailed as you wish but it should at least indicate where groups of similar items are located.
Tip #9 – Limit Who Can Access Your Storage Unit
It is a good idea to limit the number of people within your business who can access your storage unit to only essential personnel. By doing so you reduce the chances of your storage becoming disorganised, items going missing, or them being damaged.
Tip #10 – Visit Regularly
Even if you do not need to access your inventory in storage often, it is a good idea to visit your storage unit regularly and check everything. This will allow you to inspect your stock and make sure that everything is in good condition. It will also give you the chance to reorganise and rearrange items if necessary.