Can you run a business from a self-storage unit?

If you're a sole trader, freelancer or small business owner you may be ready to move out of your spare room and into a professional workspace.

But offices can be expensive, and co-working spaces may not work for your business needs.

However, don't panic. There's another way to secure commercial space for your business without the overheads and contracts associated with traditional office space, which could offer you even more benefits.

In short, the answer to the age-old question "can I run a business from a self-storage unit?" is a resounding: yes!

Many different kinds of businesses have already discovered the plentiful benefits of taking out a self-storage unit as a business base. So let's explore those in more detail.

What are the benefits of using self-storage as a business base?

Firstly, you have the actual storage space itself. This can be used to hold stock, paperwork, equipment, printers, raw materials - whatever it is that's currently cluttering up your kitchen table.

Secondly, look for a storage facility which offers dedicated workstations, kitchens and breakout areas where you can get to work in a motivational environment that helps you achieve that rare work-life balance.

Another benefit of using self-storage as a business base is flexibility. With Store First, you only pay for the space you need and use, so there's no deposit to take out a storage unit, and notice period required to vacate. Easy in, easy out.

Cost is a huge factor when it comes to businesses finding their own premises. Unlike offices, co-working spaces and shared working facilities, using self-storage to run your business is extremely cost-effective, so it's easy to incorporate into your monthly outgoings without any sleepless nights worrying about rent.

Self-storage customers at Store First can also make the most of added extras like free WiFi, on-site parking and printing.

Customers have free 24-hour access, so you can work whenever suits you best.

Plus, running your business from a self-storage centre means you have a dedicated and professional work address, so there's no need to give out your home address to clients and suppliers.

What's more, Store First staff will happily accept your deliveries and store them safely when you're not around, ensuring a consistent presence for your business, even if you're out on the road.

What kinds of businesses use self-storage?

Across our 15 self-storage facilities, we have a host of different businesses using self-storage units. Sales reps for companies like Monster Energy, Avon and L'Oreal have storage units for the stock, and they love to use our facilities to catch up on work (and pop in for a coffee while they're out on the road).

eBay and Depop businesses selling clothing regularly take out self-storage units to accommodate all of their stock, with many upgrading to larger units as demand grows. Upsizing your unit is easy and can be done at any time.  So whether it's a fancy dress or vintage clothing, there's plenty of space to store your products and work hard on growing your empire.

Many of our business customers make their own products, from art and jewellery to gin and pickles! Having their own dedicated space to store goods comes in extremely handy. Plus, visiting our storage centres gives them a form of routine and personal interaction that's sometimes missing when you work for yourself - especially if you'd previously been used to a busy office environment. 

How to start using business self-storage

Hopefully, we've given you some inspiration about how self-storage could work for your business. 

Self-storage is a fantastic solution, whether you're just starting out or need some extra space to allow your business to thrive. Our business customers vary, so our services are suitable for a huge range of companies of all sizes and needs.

We'd love to speak to you to find out more about what you do, so please find your nearest location and get in touch with the team there to see how we could help your business to grow.