Choosing the right business storage can impact a company’s operational efficiency and, as a result, their bottom line. Some business owners rush into storage decisions without adequate planning, resulting in costly mistakes that can impact operations for months or years. This article outlines the mistakes to avoid when booking business storage to save time and money and remove frustration.
1. Underestimating Your Storage Needs
One of the most expensive mistakes businesses make is underestimating storage space requirements, leading to cramped conditions or needing additional units later.
Some entrepreneurs calculate storage needs based on current inventory without considering business growth, seasonal fluctuations, or additional equipment purchases. This creates problems when a business expands and needs more space.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Conduct a thorough inventory of everything you plan to store, including current stock, equipment, documents, and seasonal items. Add 20-30% extra space for business growth over the next 12-18 months. Then create a detailed list with measurements of larger items. Consider organisation needs, such as walkways between items and shelving height clearance.
Our business storage solutions come in various sizes, and our specialists can help calculate the best space based on your business needs and growth projections.
2. Overlooking Location and Accessibility
Location and convenience directly impact business efficiency and operating costs, yet some business owners focus solely on price when choosing storage facilities. Choosing a facility that’s too far from your operations can waste time and increase transportation costs. If you access stored items regularly, a distant location becomes an operational burden, affecting productivity and customer service.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Map out your business operations and identify storage locations that make sense for your workflow. Factor in travel time, fuel costs, and employee time when calculating true storage costs. Look for facilities with access hours matching your business schedule. Ensure the facility’s access policies align with your operational needs.
We provide strategically located facilities in Edgware, Waltham Abbey, Hemel Hempstead, and Welwyn Garden City, for convenient access across the region.
3. Skimping on Security
Security compromises can result in unnecessary business losses that may exceed savings from choosing cheaper, less secure storage options. Some business owners underestimate the value of stored items and the potential impact of theft, vandalism, or damage. Business inventory, equipment, and documents are important financial investments that require comprehensive protection.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Evaluate security features as non-negotiable requirements. Look for facilities with:
- 24/7 surveillance systems and monitoring capabilities
- Individual unit alarms that alert management to unauthorised access
- Controlled access systems with keypad entry and restricted hours
- On-site management presence during business hours
- Well-lit premises with clear sightlines throughout the facility
- Secure perimeter fencing and gated entry points
Calculate the cost of replacing inventory, equipment, or important documents – the price difference between basic and premium security is often negligible compared to potential losses.
4. Ignoring the Fine Print and Hidden Costs
Storage contracts may contain clauses and fees that impact total costs, yet some business owners sign agreements without thoroughly reviewing terms.
Hidden fees for administration, late payments, or early termination can add substantial costs. Some facilities have restrictive policies about what you can store or how you access your unit.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Read the entire contract carefully, paying attention to:
- Fee schedules including administration, late payment, and access charges
- Access restrictions and after-hours policies affecting operations
- Termination clauses and early cancellation penalties
- Insurance requirements and liability coverage expectations
- Policies about business use and commercial activity restrictions
- Delivery acceptance procedures and associated fees
- Equipment access limitations and loading dock availability
Compare total storage costs, including all fees, rather than just advertised monthly rates. Factor in deposits, insurance requirements, and potential penalty fees when calculating your storage budget.
5. Poor Organisation and Inventory Management
Disorganised storage creates inefficiency, increases retrieval time, and can lead to damaged or lost items that impact business operations. Businesses often treat storage units like dumping grounds, throwing items in without proper organisation or inventory tracking. This makes it difficult to locate specific items and can result in damaged goods.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Develop a storage organisation system before moving items into your unit. Create zones for different item types and plan pathways to access the materials you need most often.
Implement an inventory management system that tracks what you have in storage, location, and storage date. Use clear labelling and maintain updated records.
Additionally, use correct storage materials, such as shelving, protective covers, and appropriate boxes. Plan your layout, keeping the most-used items near the front and seasonal items toward the back.
6. Rushing Your Decision
Hasty storage decisions can lead to poor choices, creating long-term problems for business operations and a company’s finances. Time pressure from lease expiration, business expansion, or seasonal demands can push business owners to choose the first available option without careful thought, resulting in facilities that don’t meet needs or offer poor value.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Start your storage search well before you need space. Give yourself time to visit multiple facilities, compare options, and negotiate terms. Create a requirements checklist including space size, location, security features, access hours, and budget constraints. Use this to objectively evaluate each facility.
Visit potential facilities in person to assess their condition, security measures, and professionalism. Take time to negotiate contract terms, especially for long-term storage commitments.
The Self Storage Company: Your Expert Business Storage Partner
Avoiding these common business storage mistakes involves planning, thorough research, and working with experienced storage professionals who understand commercial storage requirements. The Self Storage Company provides transparent pricing, flexible terms, and professional guidance to help you make informed storage decisions.
Contact us to discuss your business storage requirements and learn how we can help you avoid these mistakes while helping you secure the best storage solution.