29 Jul Commercial Storage Unit Organizing Tips for Small Businesses

If you a run a small business, a secure commercial storage unit can free up space in your property and keep your belongings safe; however, small business storage has another important and often overlooked benefit. If you keep your storage unit organized, it may also help you run your business more efficiently and effectively.

At Valleyview Mini Storage in Kamloops, we rent many different sizes of storage units for businesses of all sizes. We’re also a small business, so we understand the importance of being organized. With that in mind, the following are some tips that will keep your storage space in tip-top shape.

Last In, First Out

You may know that grocers use a system of inventory age management called “FIFO” (First In, First Out), which ensures that older products are sold before they expire. With regard to storage, we recommend “LIFO” (Last In, First Out), because when you move items into storage, you usually fill the unit from back to front. When your storage unit is full, items at the front, nearest the storage unit’s roll-up doors, are the easiest to access. Those things that you’ll frequently access should be stored near the front.

Label Boxes & Bins

Label boxes and bins before you move them to storage. Whether you use printed or store-bought adhesive labels isn’t important. Any label is better than no label. Labels make it much easier to find things in storage.

Keep an Inventory of Items in Storage

If you use inventory software, you may be able to add an inventory of items that are located in storage. Consider a separate inventory table that has a column for the item name, box or item number, description, and the location of the item in storage. If you don’t have inventory software, or can’t add a separate table, feel free to use our simple spreadsheet.

Commercial Storage Inventory Spreadsheet (Excel)

Consider Tall Vertical Shelving

Although it’s perfectly fine to stack boxes on the storage unit floor, you may consider bringing in tall utility shelving so you can maximize vertical space.

Boxes? Yes! But Also, Stackable Storage Containers

We recommend using new boxes because they are stronger and last longer than old ones. Stackable storage containers or bins are also excellent because they are sturdy, durable and more stable when stacked than boxes.

Declutter Your Storage Unit at Least Annually

Over time, your storage unit can become disorganized. Schedule a storage re-organization and decluttering day at least once a year. Doing so will make it easier to find your items in storage and may help you make decisions on what to keep in storage, and what could now be of use in your business.

Rent a Commercial Storage Unit in Kamloops

If you want your Kamloops-based business to be more organized, consider renting at Valleyview Mini Storage. We offer competitively-priced storage units in many different sizes. Our family-owned storage company offers best-in-class storage at competitive prices and features many amenities that are important to commercial storage customers: a climate-controlled building, video monitoring, FOB-key-only access, and 7am to 7pm access, seven days a week.

Receive a free commercial storage rental estimate.