Self Storage for Small Businesses: When It Makes Sense
As your small business grows, storage space is often one of the first real practical challenges you'll face. Stock starts to take over the spare room; tools fill the van; paperwork multiplies and finds its way into every available drawer. At some point the clutter becomes unmanageable and it's time to find a proper solution.
A self storage unit can be a flexible, cost-effective answer, but it isn't the right fit for every business. This guide sets out honestly when self storage makes sense for a small or medium-sized business (SME or SMB), when it might not, and how it compares to the alternatives.
When self storage makes sense for small businesses
Our business storage customers range from sole traders and small contractors to growing SMEs and ecommerce brands. What they have in common is a need for extra space without the commitment and cost of a commercial lease. Here are the types of business that tend to benefit most.
Trades and contractors
Electricians, plumbers, builders and decorators regularly use self storage to keep tools, materials and equipment secure between jobs. A unit covered by CCTV, security alarms and fire and pest protection is significantly safer than leaving expensive kit in a garage, shed or unattended van overnight.
It's also far more practical than committing to a large industrial unit under a long-term contract, particularly given how seasonal and variable building work can be. Many tradespeople drop off their tools at the end of the last job of the day and pick them up again the next morning on their way to site. With stores located close to major road networks across the country, it's easy to find a base that works wherever the work takes you. Find out more about tool and equipment storage for contractors.
Online retailers and ecommerce businesses
Selling online removes the need for retail premises but doesn't remove the need for somewhere to store and manage stock. A self storage unit gives ecommerce businesses a clean, accessible base for picking and packing orders, without the overhead of commercial space.
Seasonal demand can cause stock levels to fluctuate significantly over the course of a year. Rather than being locked into a fixed-size space, our customers can add units when they need more room. You can add shelving to organise stock storage, set up a packing table, and use our onsite DHL ParcelPoint to get orders dispatched the same day. Our team can also sign for deliveries on your behalf, so there's no more waiting in at home.
Service-based businesses with equipment
Event planners, caterers, mobile beauty professionals, direct sellers and photographers often accumulate a significant amount of equipment and supplies that they don't need for every job, but still need to keep clean, dry and accessible. Bulky items like cookware, crockery, display stands, tripods and sample boxes simply aren't practical to keep at home. If clients ever visit your home, a storage unit keeps things looking professional too.
Businesses with a lot of paperwork
Different types of business documents have different legal retention requirements, and the volume can accumulate quickly. A document and archive storage unit provides a secure, dry and pest-free environment for archived paperwork, with the added benefit of keeping it out of your office and home.
When self storage might not be the right fit
Self storage works well for a wide range of businesses, but there are situations where a different solution might serve you better. Here's an honest look at those scenarios.
You need access outside of extended hours
For security reasons, our stores don't offer unrestricted around-the-clock access. That said, many stores operate extended hours, typically 6am to 10pm, which the vast majority of our business customers find more than sufficient for daily use. If your business needs access outside of those hours, it's worth checking your nearest store before booking, or getting in touch so we can point you towards a store that fits your schedule.
You need full-scale warehousing and logistics
If your business requires large-scale distribution with integrated fulfilment and dispatch services, self storage isn't designed for that. A dedicated third-party fulfilment centre would be more appropriate. You can read more about the differences between self storage and warehouse storage to help you decide which is right for your business.
Where businesses operate across multiple regions and need storage in several locations, our National Accounts team can help. They provide a dedicated point of contact to coordinate storage across multiple Safestore sites, with consolidated invoicing and tailored account management, making it much simpler to manage storage at scale without losing the flexibility that self storage offers.
You need bulk storage with minimal access
If you're looking for very long-term storage that you'll rarely need to visit, bulk warehouse storage (charged per pallet) or archive storage (charged by the box) might offer better value. Our units range from 10 sq ft lockers to spaces of 500 sq ft and above, and we offer long-term discounts through our Fixed contract. But if maximum cost-efficiency on rarely-accessed bulk storage is the priority, it's worth exploring those alternatives too.
Self storage vs warehouse vs home storage: a comparison
Here's a straightforward look at how the three main options stack up for small and medium-sized businesses.
| Home Storage | Self Storage | Warehouse / Industrial Unit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | No extra rent, but home insurance typically does not cover business stock or equipment | Flexible pricing with no deposit, business rates or utility bills. Contents cover is required (use your own policy or our StoreProtect product). | Long leases, business rates, utilities and building insurance all apply |
| Flexibility | Immediate access but space is limited and difficult to scale | Add units as needs grow; hand back units at end of contract, or at any time on a Variable contract | Long-term lease commitment; difficult and costly to scale up or down |
| Security | Standard home security only; storing business stock may increase burglary risk | CCTV, security alarms, and fire and pest protection included as standard | Varies; security arrangements are typically your own responsibility |
| Access | Unrestricted access at any time | Daily access during extended hours (typically 6am–10pm at many stores) | Usually unrestricted but dependent on lease terms |
| Work / life balance | Business stock and equipment can make your home feel cluttered and unprofessional, especially if clients visit | Clean separation between work and home life | Fully separate from home |
| Best for | Start-ups and very early-stage businesses with minimal stock | Growing SMEs and SMBs needing flexibility, security and a cost-effective base | Established businesses with high-volume, bulk storage needs and stable long-term requirements |
Our contract options explained
Unlike a commercial lease, our storage contracts are designed to flex around your business. We offer three main types:
Variable contract – our standard contract at full price, with no notice period required to vacate. A great option if you want straightforward, commitment-free storage with the flexibility to leave whenever suits you.
Flexible contract – a 14-day minimum stay applies, with a 14-day notice period when you come to leave. Introductory offers, such as 50% off for the first eight weeks or £1 for the first month, may be available on this contract type, so it's worth asking our team what's currently on offer.
Fixed contract – our long-term discount option, with savings of up to 40% off. A minimum stay of one year applies, making it well suited to businesses with stable, predictable storage needs. After the minimum term, your contract automatically moves to a Variable contract.
If you're not sure which option is right for your business, our team is happy to talk it through.
Common questions from small business owners
Can I access my unit every day?
Yes, and as often as you like. You hold the key or access code for your unit and can visit any time during store opening hours. Many of our stores offer extended hours from 6am to 10pm, giving you daily access that works around a full working day and beyond. Please note that stores are closed on certain bank holidays; check your local store's page for specific details. If daily access is important to you, it's worth confirming your nearest store's hours before booking.
What are the different contract types and which is right for my business?
We offer three contract types to suit different business needs. A Variable contract is full price with no notice period, ideal if you want maximum flexibility. A Flexible contract has a 14-day minimum stay and a 14-day notice period; introductory offers such as 50% off for eight weeks or £1 for the first month may be available on this contract, so it's worth asking our team when you enquire. A Fixed contract gives you up to 40% off in exchange for a minimum stay of one year, after which it moves to a Variable contract. It's the best value option if you know you'll need storage for the longer term. If you're unsure which is right for you, our team is happy to help.
Is self storage expensive for a small business?
Compared to a commercial warehouse or industrial unit, self storage is significantly more cost-effective for most SMEs and SMBs. There's no deposit to pay, no business rates, no utility bills and no building insurance to arrange. You pay a single rate per invoicing period and security, facility management and maintenance are all included. Contents cover for your stored items is required, and you can either arrange your own policy or take out our StoreProtect cover. There are no other hidden extras. See our business storage sizes to get a sense of what's available at different price points.
Do I need contents insurance for my storage unit?
Yes, contents cover is a requirement when storing with Safestore, not an optional extra. It protects your stock, equipment and other business assets while they're in your unit. You are welcome to arrange your own policy, provided it meets our criteria. Alternatively, we offer StoreProtect, our own contents cover product, which is straightforward to set up when you book. Our team can advise on both options so you can choose whichever works best for your business.
What if my storage needs change?
Self storage is built around flexibility. If your business grows and you need more space, you can add units at any time. If you need to reduce your storage, you can hand back units at the end of your contract term. If you're on a Variable contract with no notice period, you can reduce or vacate whenever it suits you. Our team can help make sure you're never paying for space you're not using. Take a look at our full range of storage unit sizes to see what's available.
If you'd like to find out more or want to reserve a unit, please get in touch or reserve online. No deposit is required, and our team is always happy to give tailored advice to help you find the right solution for your business.
