Using self storage to manage business inventory? With the right business storage features and an organized inventory management system, you can keep your business operations running smoothly. Learn more about how to manage your business inventory in self storage below!

• Business Storage Features for Inventory Management
• Tips for Managing Business Inventory in Self Storage

Business Storage Features for Inventory Management

When keeping business inventory in a self storage unit, you need features and amenities that make inventory management easier. Below are some of the most popular amenities available for business storage needs.

Secure Storage

No matter the type of inventory you’re planning to store, it’s important to know that your items are secure! At Extra Space Storage, we equip our storage facilities with a number of advanced security measures, including electronic gate access, video surveillance, individually-alarmed units, on-site resident managers, and more. Not only do these security features help protect your inventory, but they provide you with peace of mind, too.

Warehouse Storage

If your business plans to grow, you’ll probably need room for more inventory. That’s where renting a warehouse storage space at Extra Space Storage can be beneficial. These units are available in sizes starting around 400 square feet going up to larger than 1,000 square feet. Locations that offer warehouse space often have other convenient amenities like loading docks and bays as well.

Deliveries Accepted

At many Extra Space Storage locations, we offer delivery acceptance, which makes commercial storage more convenient for businesses. With this self storage amenity, you can have packages and inventory delivered right to the storage facility, meaning you won’t have packages left out in the open where they’re vulnerable.

Climate-Controlled Storage

When storing delicate or sensitive inventory that can be easily damaged by extreme heat or cold, we recommend renting a climate-controlled storage unit. These units at Extra Space Storage typically maintain temperatures between 55 and 80 degrees to help protect your stored inventory.

Drive-Up Access

Drive-up storage at Extra Space Storage allows you to pull a business vehicle or moving truck right up to a storage space for convenient unloading and loading. This can save you tons of time and effort in transporting and storing your business inventory since you’ll be able to move items directly in and out.

Extended Access or 24/7 Access

As a business owner, you don’t want to work around someone else’s schedule. You should be able to get to your inventory whenever you need it. Extra Space Storage offers extended access hours from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. at many self storage locations to accommodate busy schedules. Some locations even offer 24-hour access, which allows you to visit your business storage unit when it’s convenient for you.

Tips for Managing Business Inventory in Self Storage

Keeping commercial inventory in storage is one thing. Utilizing smart organization tactics and inventory systems is another. Below, we’ve shared some ways you can better manage your inventory in self storage.

Take Stock of Items

Before moving your business inventory into a storage unit, go through everything. Create a checklist or spreadsheet with items organized by product category. Note how many items you have, what containers they’re in, whether they’re fragile. You should also which products are your top sellers. This will help you get a better idea of what inventory you currently have, which can be helpful for choosing the right storage unit size and knowing what orders you need to refill on a regular basis.

Strategize Your Layout

When organizing your storage unit, it’s a good idea to come up with a floor plan to streamline your business inventory management. Strategically grouping similar items together and dedicating sections of your unit to specific product categories can help you find items faster. For example, maybe you place bestsellers toward the front of your unit for easier access and keep off-market seasonal items toward the back. You might also add shelving to clear floors and take advantage of underutilized vertical storage space. Whatever system you come up with, make sure to keep an inventory map of your unit so you know where items are.

Opt for Sturdy Containers with Labels

While many products will ship in cardboard boxes, you might consider moving business inventory into sturdier containers, especially if your inventory will be kept in storage long term. Over time, cardboard can develop mold and mildew when exposed to too much moisture, which can damage products. Utilizing clear plastic bins is highly recommended for not only protecting inventory, but also for making it easier to find items. In addition, you should have some kind of labeling system to make finding inventory simpler. Many businesses utilize stock-keeping units (SKU) numbers on containers and shelves to track products more efficiently.

Use Inventory Management Software

An inventory management software is a worthwhile investment for any business that sells products. Not only does it allow you to quickly identify inventory that needs to be restocked, but it can also help you improve your expenditure by reducing unnecessary or duplicate orders. In addition, many inventory management systems include integration with e-commerce product listings, shipping label creation, product history data, and more.

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Looking for affordable and secure small business storage? Extra Space Storage offers self storage solutions for businesses across the U.S. Find cheap business storage units near you!