With remote working now being commonplace, spending money on an office can seem redundant. However, sometimes having your own office away from home and your personal space can give you a much-needed change of scenery. As a business owner, you can decide on what kind of office you want. It may seem strange to use a storage unit as an office, but it has its advantages.
In this guide, we will cover everything from legal considerations, to how to set up an office, as well as the pros and cons of doing it.
Let's jump into it!
Is it legal to have an office in a storage facility?
Yes, it certainly can be, but it's usually down to the facility or local council whether you can or not.
Self-storage units are typically meant for storing personal items, business inventory, or other equipment – not for use as a business location. With this in mind, you'll want to make sure your chosen storage facility will allow you to use a self-storage unit for an office.
You'll need to check with your local self-storage facility. Most storage companies have a list of rules on their websites, so make sure you read these thoroughly before deciding on a facility.
It's also likely that you can't legally register your self-storage unit as a business address. To circumvent this, you could instead register your home address as your business, but still use your storage unit as your office.
To summarize, you can use a storage unit for an office, but you will have to first check the storage facilities rules, and local regulations to see if you're allowed.
Using a self-storage unit for business operations
If you aren't looking for an office, and instead are just looking to use it for business operations such as packing orders, then that's something HOLD can offer. If you're an online seller and need more space to store your products, using a unit could be the perfect place to store excess stock, ready for packing and shipping.
You can also have deliveries sent straight to your unit, and we will sort them for you. Just remember that the unit can't be registered as your business address.
Is a storage unit be practical for office space?
Now that we know that you could use self-storage for an office, we need to consider the practical considerations. It may seem like a self-storage unit is the perfect solution to your office problems, but there are several key factors to still consider.
As storage units are designed for storing items, not for human occupancy, you'll be presented with a few challenges:
- Size and layout – Storage units come in a range of sizes. Make sure your chosen size is suitable for your business needs. You'll need space for a desk, chair, filing cabinets and more. Measure the size of everything you'll bring to help determine what size unit is best. You should consider getting one with extra space so that it doesn't feel too cramped.
- Accessibility – A storage facility with 24/7 access is ideal so that you can access your supplies and important documents at any time.
- Security –CCTV and 24/7 security are offered by most storage facilities nowadays. However, you should keep in mind that most security measures in place are designed more towards protecting your belongings rather than standard business security.
- Connectivity – As storage units aren't typically for business purposes, many units aren't outfitted to be as such. This means that outlets and internet connectivity won't necessarily be available. You'll have to check with your facility first and see if their self-storage units will have the amenities you need to run an office from one of their units. HOLD Self-Storage has units that can be used for meetings and offers Wifi to help business operations go smoothly.
- Comfort – Some online sellers may just use the space to store their stock, maybe with label printers too, but they won't be there all day. As an office, however, you'll be looking at staying there for 8 hours or so. A storage unit may not have proper ventilation, windows, lighting, or AC, making it not the most comfortable place to work. If these things are important to you, see if the storage facility offers these options.
- Clients – If you're going to have customers in your office, then an office inside a self-storage unit may not look good for your business.
What are the pros and cons of utilising storage units as office space?
Before you make a decision, you should weigh the pros and cons.
Pros
- Cost-effective – Compared to traditional office rentals, storage units are an affordable option. For a small business or a solo entrepreneur, this can be a big advantage.
- Storage – Whether it's sports gear or seasonal clothing, you can use a storage unit to store items and products, instead of keeping them at your house.
- Flexibility – Flexible rental terms mean that you can keep a storage unit as a temporary office and stop at any time without any long-term commitments.
Cons
- Lack of amenities – Storage units lack the basic amenities of a typical office, such as internet, electricity, restrooms, and proper lighting.
- Comfort and health concerns – Poor ventilation, temperature control, and lighting can make working in a storage unit uncomfortable and even unhealthy.
- Limited access – Some facilities don't offer 24/7 access. This can make business access complicated, and disrupt the flow of your business.
Conclusion
While you can use a storage unit as an office, this may not be the best idea. Storage units aren't the best environment or the most convenient place for an office. If you're expecting to have clients come to your office, this may also reflect poorly. A small business can easily be run from a home office, where you can be assured to have 24/7 access, as well as amenities.
That being said, if you can find a storage unit that offers the amenities you will need, whilst also being a pleasant place to work, there is no reason to not give it a try. If it doesn't work out, you can easily stop renting it.
HOLD self-storage can offer you premier business space
Looking for office space in London? HOLD Self Storage is here to help! We have the very best units that can be used to pack and process orders or store your stock. We even have units that can hold meetings, along with amenities like Wifi. Our Kings Cross facility offers climate-secure units, top-notch security, and flexible rental options to suit your needs.
Contact us today for a free quote to learn more about our services.
Frequently asked questions
Can you run a business from a self-storage unit?
Yes, you can. Running a business from a unit is a good way to free up space at home while also saving money from having to rent an actual office.
Can I work in a self-storage unit?
Yes. While some storage facilities won't allow it, you can use a storage unit as a place to work if the facility allows it.
What is the minimum storage term?
The minimum storage term is 1 month.
What notice do I have to give on my storage unit?
We require one month's notice; unused rent and deposit are refunded upon checkout.
Am I charged weekly, monthly or annually?
We bill monthly, but also take pre-payment for longer stays, which can unlock a discount.
