Renting a storage unit can help to alleviate the pressures faced by a small business but it needs to be set up correctly from the outset.
Choose the Right Unit Size
Firstly measure your stock at its highest (busiest) point in the year and hire a unit of that size. If the unit is too small then your stock rotation will be hindered and you will slow down your picking. Most self storage sites have a variety of sizes available, so it makes sense to measure up your largest pallets or shelving units prior to your visit.
Organise for Quick Picking
Stock your most frequently used goods along the front of the storage unit and make sure there is a wide aisle down the centre so you can find things quickly. Use labels on all shelves and boxes.
Secure High-Value Tools Properly
Invest in a good quality disc lock to secure your storage unit door. Maintain an itemized list of serial numbers for high value tools and use this list for any insurance claim in the event that the tools are lost or stolen.
Use Flexible Rental Terms
Many businesses using self storage in Dudley are local and want to use short rolling contracts that are ideal for seasonal stock. Keep overheads flexible – that’s the mantra of a lot of guides on managing small business overheads.
If you want Self Storage Dudley, https://www.anchorselfstorage.co.uk/self-storage/dudley/ is a good place to start.
Keep an Accurate Inventory
Set up a simple spreadsheet to record the quantities of stock that are added to and removed from the unit, update it each time you visit the unit and reconcile it on a monthly basis to help with the VAT return.
Good organisation from the day you move in will ensure your storage unit becomes a useful asset to your business rather than just an overflow to an under used cupboard.
