Although allowing a legit business to operate from a storage unit might seem like a bad idea, many self-storage facility owners are rethinking this option. It’s unconventional, sure, and there’s a slew of reasons why you’d question this approach. However, according to Frugal Entrepreneur, using a self-storage unit as an operational base is trending advice to new founders. That said, here are five businesses that you want to use your facility as a home base.
1. Contractors or Landscapers
Slinging tools is an art in itself, and it can make for a profitable small business. That said, many professional contractors or landscapers depend on a slew of bulky equipment to get the job done. A self-storage unit can be an ideal home base for this type of business because it’s more of a grab-and-go scenario in terms of these professionals and their “office.”
2. Indie Artists
Independent artists have been entertaining society for decades on end. Only now is it easier for them to extend their artistic reach—and subsequently, they’re business. From painters to sculptures to sketchers, artists tend to have mounds of supplies and material to store. Using a self-storage unit for a base works well for indie artists because of space and temperature control, too.
3. Book Publishers
Much like indie artists and contractors, book publishers often have mass amounts of physical products on hand. The same goes for book dealers or distributors. Consider items such as books, brochures, and magazines. Before distribution, a self-storage unit serves as an excellent inventory hub, per se.
4. Sales Professionals
Sales professionals function a lot like book dealers in that they’ll have vast amounts of hand-outs and distributional products. Finding a place to store all of the sales material can be tricky, which is why a self-storage unit can save the day. Not only are sales professionals easy keepers, but they tend to need units in multiple locations, as well.
5. Ecommerce Store
It’s safe to say that online retailers aren’t going anywhere soon, especially specialty shops like Etsy and eBay. What’s more, is that people who craft for a living need a place to stock up on supplies and a place to store items before shipping. A self-storage fulfills both of these needs flawlessly.
With the rise of entrepreneurship, self-storage facility owners have more to consider when it comes to their tenants. And small businesses aren’t on the shortlist anymore, making the self-storage industry even more profitable.