As a small business owner or entrepreneur, finding the right secure storage solution for your inventory or equipment can be quite tasking. However, you are not without options, and two of the most popular are commercial storage units and warehouses.
Each of them has specific advantages and disadvantages so we thought it would be useful to go through each of their respective pros and cons to help you choose the best one for your business.
Pros And Cons Of Commercial Storage Units
Storage units are individual units that can be rented by businesses for the storage of their inventory or equipment. They come in various sizes and be rented both short-term and long-term.
Commercial Storage Units Pros
- Increased space: Storage units provide additional space to store items that you may not have room for in your home or office. Whilst they do not offer as much space as a warehouse, the fact is not every business needs that much space anyway.
- Security: Most storage units are secure and have measures in place to protect your belongings, such as security cameras, electronic gates, keypad security, and even security guards on patrol.
- Convenience: Storage units are usually located in convenient locations, making it easy to access your belongings whenever you need them. Some also have 24/7 access so that you can retrieve items around the clock.
- Flexibility: You can rent a storage unit for a short or long-term period, depending on your needs. This makes them ideal for storing seasonal inventory, such as products that only sell in the winter or summer, for example.
- Cost-effective: Renting a commercial storage unit can be far more cost-effective than upgrading to a larger warehouse to accommodate your storage needs. Flexible rental options also mean you do not pay for storage you do not need.
Commercial Storage Units Cons
- Limited space: Storage units are typically smaller than warehouses and may not be suitable for businesses with large amounts of inventory, office furniture, or oversized equipment.
- Limited Accessibility: Some commercial storage unit facilities may have limited access hours or restrictions on the types of vehicles that can enter the facility, which may make it difficult for businesses to transport their inventory or equipment.
- Limited services: Not all storage unit facilities offer additional services, such as loading and unloading assistance or climate control, which may be important for some businesses.
Pros And Cons Of Warehouses
Warehouses are large, commercial buildings that are designed for the storage and distribution of goods. They are used to both receive goods and for distributing them to factories and retail outlets.
Warehouses Pros
- Large Space: Warehouses offer a larger space than storage units, making them ideal for businesses that require lots of storage space for their inventory. They can also accommodate large items of machinery or commercial equipment
- Customisable: Warehouses can be customized to meet specific needs, such as large shelving or temperature control systems. Their size also makes the range of possible customisations much greater.
- Enhanced Security: Warehouses typically have advanced security systems in place to protect inventory from theft or damage. This is due to extremely high-value goods often being stored in a large warehouse, sometimes running to hundreds of millions of dollars.
Warehouses Cons
- Limited Flexibility: Once you have leased or purchased a warehouse, it can be difficult to change or modify the rental agreement to meet your changing needs. Long-term contracts are likely to be required.
- Location Limitations: Warehouses are often located in specific area types, which may not be convenient for all businesses. Given their size their location can be at the outer limits of cities.
- Compliance: Warehouses must comply with various regulations and standards, which can be complicated and time-consuming to navigate. The vast array of different goods that can be stored in a warehouse will mean strict compliance is expected.