PART 1 – INTRODUCTION
Whether you are starting a new venture or operating an established business, you will need space to optimise and maintain a clutter-free office or retail store. However, in land-scarce Singapore, where rents for commercial spaces and warehouses can be in the thousands of dollars, spending such a costly sum for additional storage space to hold your inventory or office equipment can significantly impact your business operations.
That is where a self-storage unit can come in handy! Such services are fast gaining popularity among enterprises in Singapore, offering them a convenient and flexible way to securely store and access their inventory, equipment, and more. No matter your line of work, you will find that self-storage provides a cost-effective and versatile solution to help you run your business more efficiently.
PART 2 – HOW SELF-STORAGE CAN BENEFIT YOUR BUSINESS
2.1. Who Can Benefit From Self-Storage
When we say any business can benefit from renting a self-storage unit, we mean it! The increased efficiency yielded from a proper organisation of inventory can be beneficial to enterprises both large and small. Entrepreneurs can also enjoy peace of mind, knowing that their merchandise is safe while being readily accessible anytime. The following businesses, in particular, may stand to gain the most from this service.
Business #1: E-Commerce
The rise of online shopping platforms like Amazon, Lazada, and Shopee has practically revolutionised how we shop. And e-commerce is not going away anytime soon, given that approximately 73% of Singaporean internet users shop online. Perhaps that explains why many budding entrepreneurs are hopping onto the bandwagon for a slice of the pie.
There is also the added benefit of not having to splurge on an expensive office rental, as the entire business operation can be carried out from the comfort of one’s home. However, you will still require a place for your products and packing supplies.
Self-storage offers a wallet-friendly and convenient alternative to expensive traditional warehousing. Besides having 24/7 access to the storage unit to fulfil orders promptly, you also have the flexibility to scale up or down depending on your needs.
Business #2: Seasonal Businesses
For retailers dabbling in seasonal goods, such as costumes, decorations, and festive products, you will have to renew your storefront displays periodically to showcase new products and promote the latest holiday offerings. However, this can also challenge the capacity of your current storage space, as you need to find sufficient space to stow your burgeoning inventory constantly.
In such instances, a suitable storage rental can alleviate any concerns about overcrowding your storefront, as any excess supply can be kept in this separate site to avoid taking up valuable space at your retail store. This way, you can focus on stocking up on popular items and the latest seasonal promotions to capitalise on new sales. Once supplies run out, you can promptly restock them by accessing your storage unit.
Business #3: Contractors
Whether you are a landscaper or a renovation contractor, you may have noticed that your business is wasting significant time moving essential tools and equipment from one job site to another. There is also the other matter of whether the location is suitable to stow your belongings while safeguarding them from the elements and theft.
Given the timeline of some of these projects, which can last for weeks or months, a short-term storage solution could be what your business needs to ensure your essential gear is kept under tight security and that only your crew has access to them at all times.
Business #4: Event Planners
As an event planner, having convenient access to your inventory at all times is crucial due to the flexible nature of event management. One minute, you could be planning a trade seminar in the afternoon, and the next, you might need to arrange the decorations for a corporate dinner and dance.
Renting a business storage at a convenient location can help you circumvent the various challenges associated with this line of work. With round-the-clock accessibility, you can access your storage unit whenever your work demands. Whether you need to head down early to prep for an upcoming seminar or return your supplies after an event ends late, you have the flexibility to do so.
Stowing your inventory in a separate location also has the added benefit of decluttering your workspace, allowing you to maintain a professional business image when clients visit the office for a meeting. You also do not have to worry about a stray prop lying haphazardly in the office that serves as a potential trip hazard, threatening the safety of your employees.
Business #5: Video Production Companies
Like event planners, video production companies have unpredictable and time-consuming work schedules. The production crew may often be required to shoot multiple scenes during odd hours, necessitating constant access to their equipment to ensure the filming schedule is unaffected.
However, these expensive filmmaking tools are incredibly fragile and take up plenty of storage space. They can be easily damaged without adequate care and storage, rendering them unusable. A storage unit resolves both issues simultaneously, providing video production companies with 24/7 access to a secure, spacious area to stow their equipment.
2.2. Compelling Reasons To Rent A Self-Storage Unit For Your Business
Even if your business does not fall into any of the categories shared above, your enterprise can still benefit greatly from having a storage unit. In fact, more and more companies are finding it advantageous to turn to this storage solution to augment their storefront or office space. If you are still on the fence about this decision, perhaps these reasons can compel you to change your mind.
Reason #1: Security And Safety
For some, renting business storage may seem like an additional expense when it may be more prudent to stow crucial work items in the workspace. However, you have to consider that your workspace is finite. The last thing you want is a messy office that conveys an unprofessional image to clients or poses a safety hazard to employees. Moreover, self-storage facilities tend to be safer and more secure, as they feature state-of-the-art security systems to ensure maximum security and provide customers with peace-of-mind protection.
Reason #2: Convenient Access To Your Inventory
As an entrepreneur, you will want access to your inventory when it is most convenient for you and when the need arises. With 24/7 access, self-storage offers just that, allowing you to dictate when you want to retrieve your items, even during off-peak hours.
Moreover, various storage facilities in Singapore, including Work+Store, are designed to provide customers easy access to their amenities, with wide driveways and walkways to enable easy transport of bulky items to and from your storage space. That helps to reduce the hassle and time spent moving things around, increasing efficiency, ensuring personal safety, and lowering the risk of damage to the items stored.
Reason #3: Cost-Effective Solution To Declutter Your Business
Has your current workspace reached its storage threshold? Rather than incur a large sum of money relocating to a more spacious location, self-storage offers a cost-effective solution to expand your storage space without worrying about the hassle and disruption that can come from relocation.
Moreover, you need not concern yourself with long-term lease commitments and additional utility bills when you rent a storage unit. With flexible lease terms, you can utilise this extra storage space for the length of time you need and easily extend the lease based on your future requirements, allowing you to plan for seasonal events and changes without committing to an extended contract.
Reason #4: Temporary Storage Solution
Self-storage is not just for storing your inventory. It can also serve as a storage solution during a period of transition for your business. Whether you have plans to remodel your office or relocate to a bigger workspace, a storage unit can offer temporary storage space to stow your essential equipment and furniture, making it a real lifesaver.
PART 3 – SELECTING YOUR IDEAL BUSINESS STORAGE SOLUTION
3.1. Top Factors To Consider When Choosing Business Storage
After reading about the compelling reasons for self-storage, you must be wondering how you can choose the ideal business storage. We recommend doing your research and taking the time to consider the following factors carefully to ensure you make an informed decision for your company.
Factor #1: Storage Unit Size
Choosing the ideal storage unit size is not as straightforward as it seems. You would want to leave extra space to accommodate future additions. However, you also do not want to pay for a large storage unit and utilise only a fraction of the available space. Likewise, renting a unit that is too small only to have to transfer your belongings to a bigger unit can be a hassle. To avoid unnecessary expenses and stress, it is essential to make a list of all the items you plan to stow and their sizes beforehand to ensure everything will fit into your desired unit size.
You may also wish to consider your storage needs to help you figure out what unit size works best for you. For instance, a smaller storage unit may suffice if you only need to visit occasionally, as you can optimise storage space by cramming as much as possible into the available space. However, a larger unit may be more suitable if you need to access your belongings regularly, as you will have more room to move around after your possessions are placed inside.
Factor #2: The Location Of The Facility
The location of the storage facility is also another essential consideration if you plan to access your storage unit frequently. You would want a place close to your home or workplace easily accessible by multiple public transportation. After all, you will want to avoid the hassle and cost of going out of your way to store or retrieve an item.
Factor #3: Security Level
Having paid to stow your belongings in a storage space rental, you will expect your possessions to remain secure from theft, damage, and other potential security risks. So, when choosing a suitable self-storage facility, always seek one that possesses robust security measures, such as CCTV surveillance and secure access control systems, to ensure your inventory remains safe and sound.
Factor #4: Budget And Cost
Sticking to a budget is essential, especially for businesses that are starting out. When inquiring about the type of self-storage unit you need, pay attention to the cost quoted by the service provider. Remember to request a detailed breakdown of the fee to ensure there are no hidden costs or conditions. The last thing you want after signing the contract is to encounter any unpleasant surprises down the line.
Factor #5: Additional Features And Amenities
When choosing a storage unit, many business owners prioritise the size they need and its cost but often neglect to consider other features and amenities that they may require. Factoring this consideration into your decision-making can help you narrow your options and find a storage facility that fits your needs.
For example, at Work+Store, we offer various amenities catered to our e-commerce customers, helping them take their business to the next level. Our storage facilities are equipped with packing stations to provide users with a conducive space to pack their orders more efficiently, letting them avoid the hassle of moving their inventory to a separate location.
Once the merchandise is packed, users can conveniently drop their parcels at our last-mile stations for pick-up and delivery, streamlining their business operations while ensuring their orders reach customers on time and in excellent condition.
In addition, we provide live streaming solutions to allow users to conveniently tap into this revenue stream and showcase their products and services. With their inventory readily accessible in the same building, e-commerce entrepreneurs can conveniently relocate their products to our photo studio for marketing purposes, resulting in increased exposure and revenue. So, if you are a budding e-commerce enterprise, Work+Store may be the ideal self-storage service provider to meet your business needs.
Learn More: 5 Features You Should Not Overlook When Choosing A Storage Facility In Singapore
Factor #6: Client Reviews And Testimonials
If you are still having a challenging time paring down your options, consider checking what other users have to say about your preferred storage providers. Reading online reviews and testimonials can help you paint a clearer picture of what to expect from the service provider’s services and facilities.
3.2. Best Tips For Organising & Optimising Your Storage Space For Business
After finding a suitable storage space for your business, you will want to maximise the space available to ensure you can fit everything into your storage unit, from your product stock and equipment to spare furniture. To help you get started, keep these tips in mind to ensure you make the most of your storage space while remaining organised.
Tip #1: Implement An Organised System
Haphazardly storing your inventory wherever it fits may appear convenient at first. However, over time, you may find it increasingly challenging to locate what you need quickly and accurately, wasting time and effort. Instead, it is wise to plan things out in advance and organise your items within the storage space based on movement and relevance.
Imagine yourself browsing a supermarket or a retail store. You would want to have the products you regularly purchase and use near the front to avoid having to walk the entire length of the store. This same principle should apply to your inventory storage. It is more efficient to stow seasonal and popular goods in easily accessible areas. Meanwhile, off-season items can be placed further back in less accessed sections of the storage unit.
Tip #2: Utilise The Vertical Space
If you are running out of horizontal space, perhaps it is time to think vertically. Installing shelving and racking can help maximise the use of vertical space in your storage unit, creating more room for storing items. They are an excellent way to add storage space without taking up valuable room.
Tip #3: Use A Combination Of Static And Mobile Storage
You do not have to keep things static when storing your inventory. Take advantage of both fixed shelves and mobile racks to maximise the use of space in your storage unit. The former can store items you do not need to access frequently. Meanwhile, the latter can be moved around to create more room when needed. This way, you can make the most of the available space while keeping things organised and easy to find.
Tip #4: Label4 Your Items
Remember to label all your belongings before placing them in storage. This way, you can quickly identify what is inside your bins and shelves. Feel free to be creative with the labels to separate the different contents you stowed within your storage unit, allowing you to differentiate them better.
PART 4 – CONCLUSION
Now that you have a better understanding of how business storage can be a game-changer for your company, it is time to take action! It all starts with selecting the ideal self-storage facility. So, if you are searching for suitable and cheap storage near you, look no further than Work+Store.
As a leading storage company in Singapore, we have a wide range of storage options and sizes available for rent. Our facilities are located across Singapore, so you are sure to find one that is most convenient for you. Contact us to find out more about our current storage space promotions and request a free quotation today!