Self Storage Tips For SME’s
If you are a small business in St Ives looking for Self Storage St Ives is ideally located for The Storage Hub an Internal Self Storage facility. With CCTV, electronic security access, perimeter security fencing, individual locking units, 24:7 access the facility is perfectly equipped to deal with the additional short term storage requirements.
Information from the Self Storage Association UK showcased some interesting result. Average occupancy of self storage is ~ 280 days, with approximately 40% of units occupied by business users. If you’re running a small business in St Ives how could self storage benefit you.
In this article we look at some typical SME storage uses
- Archive / HMRC Documentation
- Buy & Store – rather than hiring
- Events
- Storing of specialist infrequently used equipment
- Stock – temporary & bulky
- Ebay
- Growth without long term commitment
Storing Invoices & Documentation
All businesses are required to keep invoices and documentation in case of future HMRC audits for at least seven years.
An HMRC audit consists of a tax officer visiting your place of business to undertake a review of your dealings and to ensure that what you have put down on a tax return can be corroborated in person. It will include a full assessment of your business from the property you work in, to your employees and equipment
If you’re involved with the importation and exportation of goods, or are running a small retail business then the chances are that these critical materials could well be clogging up your office.
By using self storage St Ives you can free up a considerable area of working space with self storage for all your paperwork. As long as you use a suitable filing / reference system you don’t have to rely on traditional filing cabinets. By using airtight boxes in which to seal your forms and receipts, protecting them for when you’ll need them most allowing you maximise your storage space. By fitting racking within your internal self storage unit you can maximise the surface area and height. Use labelling on the racking to allow easier identification and location.
Storing musical instruments & band equipment
With Covid restrictions lifted musicians can now get back into playing live music and reforming their bands in preparation for playing live gigs. If you are an established band playing regularly hiring equipment from local sound-systems, which can be quite large and bulky can be expensive.
If you’re involved in this kind of activity then self storage could be extremely useful, allowing you to purchase the equipment and store it for a fraction of the hire cost. Knowing that your equipment is safe and secure and accessible 24:7 so you can pick up before the gig and then return (if you want) rather than leaving it in your van / transport.
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Storing bulky stock / items short term
For many retail businesses there are occasions when you need additional temporary storage space. Examples we have seen include antique traders who often require a temporary for larger pieces of furniture or merchandise. Although items may have a considerable amount of value, you’ll often need to find the right buyer to realise your profit. Self storage is ideal for your business as it allows you to take on extra space as and when you need it, and if you choose the right facility that comes with a high level of security.
At the Storage Hub our security measures mean that you can make sure that your expensive items don’t fall into the wrong hands. This is a great alternative to using an old farm barn. Important we would always recommend that you take out additional insurance if storing valuable items in storage.
Running and Ebay business
The last couple of years with Covid have dramatically impacted the value of all goods sold sold on Ebay , but in the second quarter of 2022 Ebay sellers racked up more than $18.55 billion. It is forecast that Ebay sales and growth will continue as a cheap and viable alternative to the high street.
When you run an eBay business the chances are your stock levels could be subject to extreme fluctuations as you purchase large quantities of items that are at a good price and then slowly put them out to auction on the site in order to preserve a good selling price.
Internal Self storage allows you to cope with the demand elasticity of your chosen sector, and you can even buy special equipment to fit into your unit, such as easy-fit shelving that can be put up and taken down in minutes as you need it.
Self-storage can be a great option for eCommerce businesses that need additional space to store their products. Here are some things to consider when using self-storage for your eCommerce business:
- Location: Choose a storage facility that is conveniently located near your business or your customers to make shipping and receiving easier.
- Size: Make sure the storage unit you choose is the right size for your needs. Consider the size of your products and how many you need to store.
- Security: Look for a storage facility that has good security measures in place, such as surveillance cameras, gated access, and individual unit alarms. This will help ensure the safety of your products.
- Climate control: If your products are sensitive to temperature or humidity, consider choosing a storage unit with climate control to protect them from damage.
- Accessibility: Choose a storage facility that allows you to access your unit easily and at times that work for your business.
- Insurance: Consider getting insurance for your stored products in case of theft or damage.
Overall, using self-storage for your eCommerce business can be a cost-effective and flexible solution for storing your products. Just make sure to choose a reputable storage facility that meets your specific needs.
Storing specialist building equipment and tools
Specialist building equipment and tools have the following attributes. They are typically expensive to purchase, are only needed infrequently and they are extremely keen to be acquired by thieves. Lets look at these 3 points in more detail. If you own the specialist tools, then you can make sure they are well maintained and most importantly available instantly you need them. The issue is that with the wide range of building jobs you potentially don’t need these tools everyday or perhaps for certain parts of the year
So where do you store your specialist equipment and machinery to ensure that it is safe and dr. Internal Self storage is a sensible option here, as you can pay for space as you need it and it will help keep your valuable tools safe and dry. Helping you avoid the issues of keeping them in the yard where they are more likely to get stolen.
Storing Exhibition Stands and promotional items
Business items that are bulky and often only required infrequently is exhibition equipment. From fabric display stands to pop up stands, LED lightboxes, Roller banners, display boards, outdoor displays, promotional flags, leaflet dispensers, promotional counters, i pad stands, inflatable structures through to corporate brochures and leaflets. All these items are expensive, bespoke to your business , are only needed infrequently but need to be stored safely and securely.
If you don’t have the storage space or cubby hole areas to store them on your business site, internal self storage St Ives could provide the perfect solution. Knowing that your items are stored in a safe, dry and secure facility where you will be able to easily access them.
Self-storage can be a great option for storing exhibition stands, as it provides a secure and flexible solution. Here are some things to consider when using self-storage for your exhibition stands:
- Size: Make sure the storage unit you choose is the right size for your exhibition stand components. Consider the size of your stands, panels, graphics, and any other components you need to store.
- Accessibility: Choose a storage facility that allows you to access your unit easily and at times that work for your business. Consider whether you need to access your exhibition stands frequently or infrequently.
- Security: Look for a storage facility that has good security measures in place, such as surveillance cameras, gated access, and individual unit alarms. This will help ensure the safety of your exhibition stands.
- Climate control: If your exhibition stand components are sensitive to temperature or humidity, consider choosing a storage unit with climate control to protect them from damage.
- Transportation: Consider how you will transport your exhibition stands to and from the storage facility. Look for a facility that is conveniently located and easily accessible by road.
- Insurance: Consider getting insurance for your exhibition stand components in case of theft or damage.
Overall, using self-storage for your exhibition stands can be a cost-effective and flexible solution for storing your components in between events. Just make sure to choose a reputable storage facility that meets your specific needs.
If your business is looking to run a conference or event click this link.
