Whether you need a temporary store for your stock or seek to expand your business, you should consider an investment in storage units.

Unlike most real estate assets, real estate developers create storage units for the sole purpose of storing property. 

Types of Storage Units

There are different kinds of storage units based on location or style of operation. 

1. Full-Service Storage Units

This type of storage unit offers users an extensive storage service.

Besides leasing storage spaces to businesses, they also move your items. This arrangement is suitable for storing heavy equipment which does not require frequent use. It is also ideal for companies looking to relocate to new premises.

Most users never need to visit full-service storage facilities.

Also, full-service storage operators enjoy full access to items in store. They provide locks for the storage units and are fully responsible for any losses or damages.

2. Self-Storage Units

Unlike full-service storage units, self-storage units only lease storage spaces. 

Although they might offer transport services, they give users greater control and access to the storage space.

Operators of self-storage facilities do not have free access to the items in-store since users can add their locks.

3. Outdoor Storage Units

Outdoor storage units are usually found in open-air spaces and are neither built up permanent structures.

They rarely provide items with protection against weather elements and are suitable for vehicles and heavy machinery.

Unlike outdoor storage units, indoor storage units are in enclosed structures. These structures are either partitioned into smaller rooms or contain sizeable storage boxes.

Some indoor storage units are accessed directly from the exterior, like garages or warehouses.

4. Climate-controlled Storage Units

If you need to store items with special temperature requirements, climate-controlled storage units are a perfect choice.

However, this type of storage unit costs more than other storage types.

5. Mobile Storage Units

Mobile storage units are an excellent option for businesses looking to expand their operations or change their premises.

Unlike conventional storage units, which are rigid, you can transfer mobile storage units to your business premises. You can have these units on your premises for as long as you find it convenient.



Benefits of Storage Units

With the way storage units work, they provide businesses with a more accessible alternative. The benefits you get to enjoy by getting a storage unit include:

● Convenience

Operating any business out of a cluttered space is no easy feat. While you may resort to quick fixes, storage units offer the easiest way out.

Also, many businesses may be time-bound and need to provide temporary storage for new stock. Hence, storage units save businesses the stress of renting new premises or incurring substantial losses.

● Security

With storage units, businesses need not worry about the safety of their products or equipment.

Besides the strict security measures many storage unit operators put in place, they also provide insurance cover.

● Preservation

You may suffer significant losses trying to store fragile or perishable items on your business premises.

However, special storage units allow you to preserve perishable items in climate-controlled settings.

Ownership Options

You could make use of a storage unit under different ownership options.

1. Lease

As businesses only need storage units temporarily, lease arrangements are the preferred option.

Storage facility owners usually lease storage units monthly. However, quarterly and even yearly leases are never out of the question.

2. Purchase

Although lease arrangements are the more popular choice of ownership, you could also purchase storage units permanently.

You could speak to a real estate agent or find self-storage facilities for sale online.

Purchasing a storage facility is a more cost-effective solution if you make frequent use of storage units. However, there are several legal limitations to the use of storage facilities. These limitations effectively bar you from using them for other purposes besides storage.

Factors to Consider

Although storage units have become quite popular, there are several factors you should consider before choosing a storage unit.

● Size

The storage unit you pick should be large enough to house the items you wish to store. Remember, larger storage spaces cost significantly more. Therefore, it is best to find the smallest size to serve your needs without compromising your comfort.

● Location

Leasing a storage unit a long way off from your business premises will cost you more in the long run.

Also, consider the terrain of the storage unit location to ensure that it is accessible at all times.

● Duration

It would be best to consider how long you might be storing away your product or equipment. 

Although most storage facilities offer pocket-friendly lease rates, there is no point in paying for a storage unit you no longer need.

Leasing a storage unit for the entire storage duration will also save you the bother of renewal fees.

You could also purchase a storage unit if you need to use it frequently.

● Nature of Items

Although many units offer you ample storage space, many items have special storage requirements.

If the items you wish to store are perishable and need special temperature requirements, you would need to get climate-controlled storage units. 

Also, fragile items are safer in indoor storage units. However, you would need to put extra measures in place to protect them from damage.

● Insurance

Although most storage facilities put several security measures in place to protect your interests, you should also check the type of insurance policy they provide. 

This way, you know the extent of cover your items receive and the conditions you need to fulfil to enjoy such insurance cover.

● Services

Most storage facilities offer transport services to help you with moving your items. However, if you need help with some heavy-lifting while transferring your things, you should make sure. 

Also, ensure that storage facilities offer you the type of access you need. While you can access most storage facilities within official working hours, some operators might require you to book an appointment ahead of your arrival.

This limited access might be unsuitable if you need instant access to the items in your storage unit.

Conclusion

Besides the ease and flexibility storage units offer, they are also an effective way to reduce overhead costs. You can find the best cheap self-storage units by looking up reviews online or asking your local agent.