This question about operating a business out of a storage unit is one we are asked often. Although there is no easy answer which fits all situations, we will attempt to at least clear the muddy waters in this article. We are Blue Mound 287 Self Storage, a leader in the self storage industry in Fort Worth, Texas. Call us at 817-439-1380 for more information about storage prices and availability.
Now, let’s cut through the murk regarding storage units and the businesses within them.
The first roadblock to a storage unit business.
No matter how great the idea sounds, the fact of the matter is that most cities have very strict zoning regulations regarding self storage being used for commercial purposes. The reasons for this are varied and many, and most of them have to do with money and taxing and other financial considerations on a municipal government would be concerned with.
Having said all that, this is a real roadblock, and it demands that you inquire with your local government before moving ahead with your plan.
Other limitations when using a storage unit for that purpose.
Are you going to see customers in your daily business activities? If so, a storage unit might not give the most professional of appearances.
We spoke about zoning restrictions, but even if your area allows for storage unit businesses, actual storage facilities may not allow it.
What kind of access would your customers have to your “place of business?” Most storage buildings have one main access point, and that access point requires an individualized key to enter. How is that going to work for your business.
Insurance . . . there is no getting around the insurance considerations. We know of some insurance carriers who will not touch a storage unit business with a ten-foot pole, and you definitely want, and need, to be insured.
Having laid out all of the negatives regarding this storage unit business idea, let’s look at a few circumstances where it is allowed and could be a great idea.
There are exceptions.
If you have a home-based business, and you need a storage unit for a mini-warehouse, chances are this is allowed by both zoning and the individual storage companies.
Small manufacturing companies have successfully used this idea, and it has worked quite well for them. As long as the storage management is fine with machinery being operated on this premises, this can be a viable and very affordable alternative to renting a warehouse for the manufacturing of goods.
It is possible, and we have seen it done, for a storage unit to be used as a small repair shop. Think garment repair or small appliance repair. If you have a separate location used as the official business address, in many cities it is entirely possible for the majority of your repair business to be performed “off-site,” in a storage unit, with transactions carried out at the office business address. Again, we strongly recommend that you talk with the storage management about this type of arrangement.
A final word about Blue Mound 287 Self Storage.
None of what we have shared above may be what you want to hear, but it is the truth as we know it, and our years of experience in the self storage industry carry truth about this concept. Call us for all of your storage needs, from car storage to boat storage to trailer storage, outside storage, inside storage, and all other storage needs, we have what you need at a price you can afford.