Businesses have also found their way to self-storage. In Europe, an average of 32 percent of all available self-storage space was rented by companies in 2020. In Belgium and the Netherlands, this figure hovers around 25 percent (source: FEDESSA 2020 Industry Report). A recent survey in the United Kingdom shows that more than 80 percent of companies using self-storage have a maximum of 10 employees (source: SSA UK 2021 Industry Report).
Retailers are the largest group of companies that rent self-storage (source: SSA UK 2021 Industry Report). After all, their commercial premises often only have limited storage space. The space in the shop is primarily used for displaying products, not for storage. Year after year, however, the e-commerce sector is growing. The corona pandemic has accelerated this evolution even further. Where some companies use a dual model – a physical shop with an online web shop – there are more and more start-ups that focus exclusively on sales via the Internet. Commercial premises are no longer necessary.
Retailers and web shops still need storage space for their products. For these companies, self-storage is a much cheaper and more flexible alternative than renting a warehouse, for example. Self-storage allows these companies to flexibly rent the surface they really need.
Moreover, it allows them to anticipate peaks and troughs. In the busiest period of the year when there is more stock (for example during the Christmas period or in the summer holidays), it is easy to upscale to a larger storage unit.
Although society is becoming increasingly digitized, documents from the past often remain in paper form and possibly have to be stored for a certain time (often up to 7 years). To keep your office orderly, you can choose to rent a self-storage unit to safely store accounts, files and other confidential documents.
Just under 10 percent of businesses that rent self-storage units are in the construction industry (source: SSA UK 2021 Industry Report). Small independents and even SMEs make good use of self-storage to store their tools and building materials. they choose a self-storage facility where they can pick up their tools in the morning and drop them off in the evening. This way, their tools remain in good condition, are safely stored and they avoid their home (or car) becoming a second construction site.
For sales representatives who are often on the road, a strategically located self-storage unit can be a huge asset. Promotional material and samples are not taken home, but are stored in their storage unit. Keeping work and private life separate and avoid having to drive back and forth from home to their customers because they forgot that one flyer or that one sample.
Organise your business more efficiently with self-storage. Choose for space and order in your business or office and avoid that your own home serves as a warehouse or archive. Only pay for storage space that your business actually needs and benefit from the flexibility in size of storage units and rental periods and accessibility.
Looking for a self-storage unit tailored to your business? Then compare self-storage providers in your area on Book Your Box. Made your choice? Then reserve your storage unit online immediately at the best price and without extra costs!
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