Businesses of all types, size and maturity are benefiting by using self storage facilities. When businesses are faces with expansion, they often find themselves limited by lack of appropriate space, availability of land, zoning regulations, proximity to customers and access. Leasing storage space can provide easy access and convenient "office hours" with no appointment necessary. It also can help businesses expand market share.
Business Storage Uses
Almost any material and equipment utilized by a business
can be stored and organized for use in a self storage facility.
Some common uses of storage units include to store: office files,
drop shipments, excess inventory, manufacturers' samples, hospital/legal
records, mobile equipment, retailers' seasonal decorations, theatrical
scenery, campaign materials, merchandise and supplies, and general
business raw materials.
Self Storage is a convenient, safe and cost effective way for businesses to expand operations and maintain a competitive edge.
Selecting A Storage Space
Ask the storage consultant to help you choose a space
that fits your needs because rental of a storage space is determined
by the total size of the items being stored. An efficiently packed
small space will cost less than a larger space. If you frequently
use the space, a larger space, well organized (racks and file
boxes), may be more convenient.
Storage Space Rental Agreement
For your protection, a storage facility provides
a written agreement. Read it thoroughly and ask the storage consultant
to answer your questions. Make note of your payment date to see
if the agreement covers prorated rental periods. Also, find out
how and when your security deposit is refunded or forfeited upon
termination of the agreement. If you change your address or phone
number, be sure to notify the storage facility in writing.
Insure Your Goods In Storage
The goods you place in self storage spaces are the
sole responsibility of your business. Goods, are not insured
by the storage facility. Check with your company's insurance
provider to see if your coverage already has a provision for
items stored outside your facility - you may already be covered.
If not, your storage consultant may be able to give you the names
of insurers who provide low-cost insurance coverage for your
goods. Ask your storage consultant for a brochure on self storage
insurance.
Prohibited Storage Goods
Common sense and state
laws determine what may be stored. Your company alone controls
access to your storage space. Never store live animals, perishables,
liquids, explosives, flammable liquids and fuels, toxic materials,
or other items that need a controlled environment. Disconnect
the battery cables to your equipment. Check with the facility
manager regarding their policy on storing gas tanks full or empty.
HELPFUL STORAGE TIPS
INSPECT YOUR STORAGE SPACE.
The space
should be clean with a door in good working order.
DETERMINE THE PACKING ACCESSORIES YOU NEED:
Paper,
bubble-wrap, tape, rope, drop clothes, polyurethane sheeting,
furniture covers, pallets, skids, file boxes, and storage cartons.
Some of these items may be purchased in our showroom in the office.
FILL CONTAINERS TO CAPACITY:
Partially
full or bulging cartons may tip or collapse. Protect your fragile
goods with packing and place them near the top of your storage
space.
LABEL BOXES.
Keep a list of labeled
boxes at your office for easy reference when you need to locate
your goods.