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Warehouse Vs. Self-Storage: Choosing a Storage Solution for Your Small Business

By kara johnson

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Table of Contents
  1. Business Warehouse Storage
  2. Commercial Storage Units
  3. Should I Rent a Business Storage Unit or Get a Warehouse?
  4. Rent Commercial Storage With MyPlace Self-Storage

Starting and running your own small business comes with many challenges, from marketing your products to building a book of business to managing finances. One difficulty of owning a small business that’s often overlooked is finding storage for excess inventory and other supplies you need to keep your business running smoothly.

With the help of commercial storage from MyPlace, you won’t have to sacrifice space in your home for your business’s products or materials. Your business’s storage space can also make keeping inventory and business materials organized easier, allowing you to streamline your operations.

When storing excess items for your small business, you have a few options, namely warehouses and storage units. Throughout this blog, we’ll break down the benefits and drawbacks of warehouse storage and storage units so you can choose the best option for your business.

Business Warehouse Storage

Workers in safety gear in a warehouse full of cardboard boxes

A popular option for business storage is renting or buying a warehouse for storing extra inventory and fulfilling orders. This option is usually best for a business that needs a lot of storage space, as most warehouses offer a lot of square footage.

Pros of Warehouse Storage

Choosing a warehouse for your business’s storage needs comes with some benefits, such as:

  • Typically, a large amount of space
  • Can accommodate a packing and fulfillment center and/or employee workspace
  • Allows you to keep your business out of your home
  • May allow you to conduct business out of the warehouse space
  • Opportunity to own rather than rent your warehouse storage space

Cons of Warehouse Storage

While there are undoubtedly benefits to renting or buying a warehouse space for your small business, there are also potential drawbacks, including:

  • Cost. If you’re just getting your business up and running, it may not be the best idea to rent or purchase a warehouse. These large buildings are typically very costly, especially when the rates per square foot are high.
  • Additional expenses. Unlike a commercial self-storage unit, renting a warehouse means there are additional expenses you’re responsible for, such as electricity, heating, and even plumbing.
  • Zoning and permit restrictions. Based on the local government, you may run into difficulties getting the permits needed to run your business, not to mention this process can be complicated and time-consuming.
  • Availability. Warehouse storage isn’t always readily available, especially in more rural areas. If you’re looking for warehouse storage, you may run into some competition trying to land the perfect space for your business.
  • Leasing terms. Similar to renting an apartment or house, once you sign a lease, you’re locked into that warehouse space for the entire term. If you’re able to break the lease, the fee is likely very costly.

Commercial Storage Units

A row of storage units with red doors.

A common alternative to renting an entire warehouse is renting a business storage unit, where you can store inventory, records, and more. This option is ideal for those who are still building their business and don’t yet have a need for a big, costly warehouse.

Pros of Business Storage Units

Commercial storage units, such as those from MyPlace storage facilities, can be a great tool for organizing your business’s operations and inventory. Some additional commercial storage pros include:

  • No additional overhead beyond monthly rent
  • Flexible, month-to-month leasing
  • Several convenient facility locations
  • On-site security measures at no additional cost
  • Reliable climate-controlled storage available
  • Helps you separate work and home

Cons of Business Storage Units

While there are many advantages to renting a commercial storage unit for your business, sometimes a business storage unit isn’t enough. If you need a space where you can store your items and work simultaneously, a business storage unit may not be for you. Other downsides to a commercial storage unit include:

  • Space. Business storage unit sizes can get pretty large, but if you need space larger than a 10×30 unit can provide, you might need to opt for a commercial warehouse.
  • Storage restrictions. You can’t store perishable items, toxic materials, or flammable items in a storage unit, but warehouses can be outfitted to store these types of items—although it will likely be more costly to keep harmful chemicals on the property.
  • Ownership. While you have the option to rent or own a commercial warehouse, you can only rent a commercial storage unit.
  • Usage. Many storage facilities prohibit you from working out of a storage unit or using it as a retail space. If you’re looking for a retail space, you’re better off speaking to a commercial real estate agent.

Should I Rent a Business Storage Unit or Get a Warehouse?

When choosing a storage solution for your business, you’ll want to consider a few factors, such as what size, amenities, and features you’ll need. Get an understanding of what size storage solution you need by taking inventory of the items that need to be stored. Browse available commercial storage units at MyPlace and use our size guide to determine which size storage unit you’ll need and if available storage units will suit your needs.

Consider what amenities are vital in your commercial storage space. MyPlace offers climate-controlled storage units, loading docks and drive-up storage options, and vehicle storage. Warehouses can often offer a space large enough for conducting business and more opportunities for customization, especially when you opt to buy and own the warehouse space.

By aligning your business’s needs with your commercial storage solution, you’ll find a great fit for your business. Before renting a storage unit or acquiring a warehouse space, make sure you coordinate budget and storage as you make your decision.

Rent Commercial Storage With MyPlace Self-Storage

MyPlace’s commercial storage units can help you optimize your business and keep inventory from invading your home. Whether you need to store extra tax records, furniture, or overstock, you’ll enjoy our many convenient storage amenities. We can also accommodate company vehicle storage with covered and uncovered parking options.

Rent a storage solution for your business today. Start by finding a MyPlace location with commercial storage units near you. Then select the storage unit or vehicle storage size you need and follow the online steps. If you need more assistance or have further questions, feel free to explore our FAQ page or fill out a contact form, and our staff will get back to you as soon as possible!

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Size Guide

Small Storage Units
image Small Storage Units 5x5 1

5' x 5'

Equivalent to a standard walk-in closet.

image Small Storage Units 5x10 1

5' x 10'

Equivalent to a large shed.

Medium Storage Units
Image Medium Storage Units 10x10 1

10' x 10'

Equivalent to half of a standard garage and good for a one-bedroom apartment.

Image Medium Storage Units 10x15 1

10' x 15

Equivalent to a large bedroom and good for a small house.

Large Storage Units
Image Large Storage Units 10x20 1

10' x 20'

Equivalent to a small garage and good for a mid-size house.

Image Large Storage Units 10x30 1

10' x 30'

Equivalent to a large garage and good for a large house.

Vehicle Storage Units
Image Vehicle Storage Units parking covered 1

Covered Parking

Varying vehicle storage sizes can accommodate cars, boats, and RVs.

5' x 5'

This storage unit is small but mighty! Our 5x5, 25-square-foot spaces are about the size of a walk-in closet and great for holding household clutter, small furniture, and seasonal items.

Ideal for storing:
  • Boxes of offseason clothing and old toys
  • Small furniture or appliances
  • Seasonal decor or equipment such as garden tools and camping gear
  • Office supplies and business records and files

5' x 10'

This storage unit size is popular because it’s so versatile and functional. Our 5x10, 50-square-foot spaces are about the size of a large shed and great for holding various items from a small apartment or all the furnishings of a bedroom or office.

Ideal for storing:
  • Mattress sets, dressers, and coffee tables
  • Artwork, musical instruments, and mid-size electronics
  • Seasonal decor or equipment such as garden tools, skis, and camping gear
  • Business supplies, records, or inventory

10' x 10'

This storage unit is not too big, not too small, but just right for bulky furniture or equipment. Our 10x10, 100-square-foot spaces are about the size of half of a standard garage and can fit the contents of a one-bedroom home.

Ideal for storing:
  • Household furniture such as sofas, tables, dressers, mattress sets, and coffee or bedside tables
  • Electronics and musical instruments
  • Seasonal decor or equipment such as garden tools, bicycles, skis, and camping gear
  • Office equipment such as desks, chairs, and shelves

10' x 15'

Another popular choice, this storage unit is great for small families or households. Our 10x15, 150-square-foot spaces are about the size of a large bedroom and can fit the contents of a two-bedroom home.

Ideal for storing:
  • Bulky household furniture such as sofas, dining tables, dressers, bedroom sets, and bookcases
  • Major appliances such as washers, dryers, and refrigerators
  • Outdoor equipment such as grills, bicycles, skis, and camping gear
  • Commercial inventory and office equipment such as desks, chairs, and shelves

10' x 20'

If you’re in between moves, staging your home for selling, or planning a big remodel, this storage unit might be the one for you. Our 10x20, 200-square-foot spaces are about the size of a small garage and can fit the contents of a three- or four-bedroom home.

Ideal for storing:
  • Bulky household furniture such as sectional sofas, dining tables, mattress sets, dressers, and entertainment centers
  • Major appliances such as washers, dryers, and refrigerators
  • Large musical instruments or equipment such as pianos and TVs
  • Outdoor equipment such as lawnmowers, grills, bicycles, skis, and camping gear
  • Commercial inventory and office equipment such as desks, chairs, and shelves

10' x 30'

This storage unit is about the size of a large garage for those seeking a major space solution. Our 10x30, 300-square-foot spaces offer enough room to fit the contents of a four- or five-bedroom home.

Ideal for storing:
  • Items that aren’t easily boxed up
  • Large household furniture such as sectional sofas, entertainment centers, and mattress and dining sets
  • Major appliances such as washers, dryers, and refrigerators
  • Outdoor equipment such as lawnmowers, grills, bicycles, and canoes or small boats
  • Commercial inventory and office equipment such as desks, chairs, and shelves

Covered Parking

Parking spaces and covered vehicle storage for your car, boat, or RV can keep your ride from consuming valuable space in your garage, all while shielding it from the elements—like sunshine, rain, or hail. Some of our covered parking units even include electricity, too. Find and contact a self storage facility near you for location-specific car storage availability.

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