Make Business Storage Yield Greater Dividends!

Today’s corporate offices are likely to include a facility separate from their main locations – their business storage unit or units. The reason is simple. Small offices often want to free up cramped work spaces and store extra inventory and little-used supplies and paperwork somewhere else. Big companies, on the other hand, are often involved in expansion, redecorating or relocation activities – resulting in a need for extra storage space. Whatever your business storage reasons, here are a few tips that can make business storage not just an efficient business solution, but a dividend-yielding investment as well.

Tips on Preparing Your Office Items for Storage

• Clean and dry all office furniture and equipment to be stored
• Dismantle furniture to save space
• Make an inventory – a list of items to be stored so you can determine the amount of storage space you will need
• Designate manager who can oversee the entire storage operation
• Make sure your storage unit has climate control to protect computer or computer parts, critical files, pharmaceutical or other product samples, and other sensitive equipment from rust, mold, warping, and vermin

Tips on Proper Packing

• Properly and securely pack computers with Styrofoam peanuts or other packing insulation
• Pack documents and other paperwork on same- or similar-size boxes so they can be conveniently stacked
• Disassemble or dismantle furniture when possible in order to save space
• Label and mark your boxes for easy inventory and accessibility
• Protect fragile items with Bubble Wrap and other packing material
• Use high-quality storage boxes – especially advisable for long-term storage leases
• Use the full box capacity to prevent them from collapsing

Tips on Efficiently Using Your Storage Unit

• Design your storage space for efficiency and functionality. For example, store seldom-used office items at the back area of your unit, and frequently used items in the front.
• If stacking items on top of each other, prevent damage by putting heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top of these.
• Avoid wasted storage space by arranging boxes to maximize space.
• Stack chairs on top of each other if possible.
• Design your storage area to leave one or two aisles from which you can access your items easily.
• Use protective coverings, especially for computers, furniture, and other dust-gathering items.
• Protect soft furnishings – put them on top, not at the bottom, of any pile

Business storage is a business cost. Follow these tips to maximize this investment.