Does it feel like the walls are closing in around your desk? Could your business do with more space but you can’t afford to move offices right now?
If this sounds familiar you may be considering self-storage. But if you are still trying to weigh up the pros and cons – this should help.
Pro: It gives you the space you need without having to get rid of items that you want
Self-storage comes in a wide range of sizes – you could rent one as small as 15sq ft, which is about the size of a red telephone box – if you only need a bit more space. However, you could also go as big as 300sq ft – about the size of a triple household garage – if you need to store a large amount that perhaps includes desks and chairs. You can also add to or reduce the size as and when you need to; ideal to coincide with adding and taking away items when you can.
Con: Your items aren’t to hand the second you need them
Let’s say you put your office fans in the storage unit over winter because it is cold enough and they take up a significant amount of space. As summer creeps up on us and temperatures start to rise, you may find that you could really do with having them to hand one day. It is a pain that you can’t just turn them on straight away but it would have been more of a pain to have them taking up precious space over the last few months. Plus, they also aren’t a million miles away and are available at any time, any day– it will just mean a short drive down the road to pick them up – so you will be able to cool down before you know it.
Pro: There are extra services that will be beneficial to your business
Did you know that self-storage could offer more than just space to businesses?
This can include somewhere secure to have your mail delivered, the installation of electricity and lighting if you need it and even parking spaces for your vehicles.
Con: It is an extra expense
It will be an extra expense, so you will want to think carefully about whether you really need it or not. There is no point paying for space that you don’t actually need. That being said, if you are in desperate need of it, it is far cheaper than office space…
Pro: You don’t need to pay for office space…
Did you know London is the second most expensive city in the world when it comes to renting office space? In the capital it costs around £52.50 per square foot every month. This is a huge expense – especially if your business is in the early stages. But did you also know that some people run their whole business from self-storage?
If this is possible for you, or it means you can rent a smaller office, then financially it is definitely worth it.
The pros definitely out way the cons, don’t they? If you have been considering self-storage then it is more than likely you do actually need it. Perhaps now is the time to commit. You might just find that ultimately you are better off financially, plus your employees will be far more motivated once the office is free of clutter.
