Storage units as a workshop or workspace: The do’s and don’ts
Are you feeling crowded, grinding at work in a tiny office chair in your overcrowded apartment? Or maybe your business is quickly scaling, and your materials have scaled with it. It’s time, my friend, to do yourself a favor and get a storage unit to facilitate your work (and free up your space at home).
But can you really use a self-storage space for your workspace? Here’s the breakdown: do’s, don’ts, and best practices.
What is a self-storage unit usually used for?
Self-storage units are there for you in any phase of life. They are defined as small rooms that vary in size and shape and often come with amenities such as auto-heating and cooling, indoor lighting, and security.
Self-storage units are self-serve and are typically rented via a contract between the storage business and the renter (you!). Contracts may vary in terms and duration and may have different regulations around accessibility, availability, and storage use. Common reasons people might choose to rent a storage unit include:
- Using a temporary storage unit to facilitate a move
- Renting a unit for a home renovation
- Storing seasonal vehicles like boats and motorcycles
- Storing items while going to school abroad
- When you just have too many things at home
And, when you need more storage for your business. Let’s dive into what that looks like.
Work from home (WFH)? More like work from my self-storage unit (WFMSSU)
Let’s address the elephant in the storage unit. Can you legally use your rental as a workspace or a workshop? The answer is that it depends.
While living full-time in a storage unit is illegal, you can spend significant amounts of time there working on your business. Every storage company will have different terms and conditions, but it’s a general rule to abide by the business hours, not permanently alter your unit, and not disturb other renters.
Some of the benefits of working within a storage unit include:
- Cost-effectiveness: Traditional commercial office spaces are pricey, but storage units are cheaper and offer flexible rental terms and more sizing options.
- High security: Security should be non-negotiable when it comes to where you work. Many people opt to work out of a storage unit, as it’s secure, often only accessible to renters, and monitored 24/7.
- Flexible operations: If you use a self-storage unit as a workshop or workspace, there’s less financial risk and legal overhead to consider. It’s a simple solution: get in, do your work, and get out on your own terms.
Let’s look at the do’s
Listen, we’re not going to tell you how to run your business. You’ve got that covered. So when it comes to the do’s for using a self-storage unit for your business, it’s pretty simple.
Do double-check that your facility can approve your unit for business
Keep the storage facility looped in about what you want to use your unit for and what kind of business you’ll be conducting within it. Some activities may be prohibited within your storage unit.
Do keep it organized
Make your space your own, and keep it clean! Now that you have space to work with, a clean workspace is a happy one. We swear.
Do keep it respectful
You’re not the only one in your storage facility. There are other renters in the neighboring units and storage facility staff trying to do their jobs. Keep noise and other disruptions to a minimum.
Do ask questions
It’s especially important to be well-versed in storage unit rules and etiquette if you’re spending a lot of time in yours. Ask as many questions as possible about what you can and can’t do at your location.
Be aware of the don’ts!
Using a storage unit for work is simple and flexible, but there’s still a bit of a learning curve when getting started. Here’s what you should avoid doing to keep everyone happy and productive.
Don’t make any permanent alterations to your unit
You cannot install permanent fixtures, such as additional lighting or electrical outlets, in your storage unit. Things like shelving should also be temporary. Anything you do to your storage unit should be completely reversible without damage.
Don’t operate machinery, power tools, or power equipment
You cannot operate heavy machinery in your unit, and installing phones and desktop computers is also typically prohibited.
Don’t allow customers to flow in and out of your unit
Your storage unit is yours and yours alone. You can store your materials in your storage unit, but you cannot facilitate transactions and other operations as if it were a brick-and-mortar shop.
When in doubt, check your rental contract
At the end of the day, the concrete do’s and don’ts will depend on the facility you use and the contract you sign. Clear communication, transparency, and asking questions about use are key for starting your rental off on the right foot.
Once you agree to the regulations and terms of your rental contract, getting started is as simple as choosing the right storage size and type, which amenities you need, and how long you’ll need it for.
Which types of businesses are best suited for a self-storage unit?
Some businesses are better suited for storage facility use than others. Usually, businesses with many physical materials that can operate quietly and cleanly are perfect (sorry, heavy-duty mechanics). If you work in one of the following industries, you could greatly benefit from a self-storage unit:
- Writing and publishing
- Online retailers
- Salespeople
- Local contractors
- Artists
- Tech workers
- Interior designers
Pandora Mini, there for whatever your work day has in stor(age)
At Pandora Mini, we want to champion you and your growing business. Consider a storage unit as a flexible, cost-effective, secure way to grow your company. Keep in mind that you need to ask questions, respect your rental terms, and have fun. We’re serving more of the greater Montreal area all the time. Check out this sneak peek of our new Kirkland location.
Ready to get to work? (See what we did there?) Give us a shout at Pandora Mini, and we’re happy to help you get started.