Running a retail business online can be profitable thanks to relatively low overheads. When your business is based online, you do not have to worry about commercial leases, business rates or utility bills associated with physical premises. One challenge, however, can be the lack of storage space for your stock. A self storage unit can solve that problem and offers additional benefits.
Online sellers that use self storage for their stock
We have a wide range of customers who use our storage units to keep their stock clean, safe and dry. Sellers on Amazon FBA and FBM, eBay, Etsy, Depop, Vinted, TikTok Shop, Shopify and their own websites use Safestore to hold stock outside the home. Each has different storage demands:
- FBA sellers batch inventory for prep and inbound shipments.
- Amazon retailers, Etsy and Depop sellers hold smaller, varied lines.
- TikTok Shop sellers often need space for sample and live-sale stock.
Independent online retailers
Who sell a range of products, including:
- Clothing
- Personalised t-shirts, mugs and gifts
- Greetings cards
- Toys
- Books
- Car and bike parts
Our units range in size from 10 sq ft (around the size of a car boot) to 500 sq ft and above. This can be a great alternative if you have enough stock to fill a warehouse, or need to move inventory from a loft or living space to a more accessible location.
Convenient storage in key locations
You can access your unit during opening hours. All of our stores are located near major road or rail networks and most have free onsite parking. Find out what you can do at your unit on our business storage page.
Safe and secure with 24/7 surveillance
You can move your belongings into a clean, dry unit and purchase packaging and protective materials to help protect your stock. Security measures include 24-hour recorded CCTV 7 days a week and intruder alarm systems. You secure your unit with your own padlock and retain sole control of access.
Your storage location as a delivery and returns point
If you are expecting a delivery but cannot be present, many stores can accept deliveries on your behalf and keep them secure until you arrive. Fast, reliable dispatch is essential for online retailers. Each Safestore location is a designated DHL drop off point, and packaging materials are available in store if required.
How to set up your storage unit for online stock
A well-organised unit saves time when you pick orders and gives you more usable space. These five steps work for most online sellers.
- Pick a storage unit that suits your needs: Trolleys and shelving are available to help you organise your storage unit more efficiently. Many stores offer ground floor rooms, drive-up access, wide corridors and high ceilings for ease of use.
- Use shelving to keep stock off the floor. Keep boxes clear of the ground and make each line easier to reach. See our boxes and packaging range for what's available to buy.
- Label every box or bin. Use the same labelling for every line, such as product name, SKU and quantity, on the end of the box that faces the aisle. Clear bins work well for small items like jewellery, cards and accessories.
- Keep fast sellers near the door. Put your best sellers at the front and at waist height, with slower lines and seasonal stock towards the back. You'll spend less time reaching for the items you pick most.
- Leave a clear aisle. Keep a walkway from the door to the back of the unit so you can reach any shelf without moving boxes. It also makes stock checks quicker.
- Check your stock before peak trading.Count what you hold against your records, remove damaged or slow lines and work out how much extra stock you'll need to fit before Black Friday and Christmas. If you need more room, you can move to a larger unit, subject to availability.
Which options fit you e-commerce storage needs?
| Best for | Commitment | You handle: | |
| Self storage unit | Stock outside the home, growing lines, peak overflow | Flexible, minimum stay from 1 week depending on contract | Picking, packing and dispatch (DHL drop-off at your store) |
| Warehouse unit | Pallet racking, forklifts, high volume | Typically a commercial lease | Everything managed by you on site |
Growing e-commerce businesses tend to find that a 300 to 500 sq. ft. storage unit is enough to give them their office or home spaces back.
Do I need insurance for the stock I store for my online business?
Your stock needs to be protected while it's in storage. If you're just starting out or don't have business insurance yet, you can take StoreProtect when you book alongside your storage agreement. If you already have business insurance, check that it covers stock held at a storage facility, and be ready to show evidence of your cover. See our storage insurance page for more information regarding StoreProtect.
Office spaces for stock-based businesses
At many stores, you can rent office space alongside your storage unit. This can be ideal for stock-based businesses that need both workspace and storage without committing to long commercial leases.
Online retail storage for Black Friday and Holiday seasonal stock
September to early October
Reserve a unit online or by phone with no deposit, then move in the same day where available.
October
Receive supplier deliveries at your store, where the store accepts them, and organise stock with shelving and trolleys.
Black Friday to Christmas
Pack and drop parcels at your store's DHL drop-off point. Pick the quickest-access store for your route.
January
Downsize or end the rental, subject to your notice period.
Find out how Safestore can help
Contact us at your chosen store or book online with no deposit to pay. Alternatively, complete our contact form and our team will help you find the right storage solution for your online retail business.
Common storage question for online sellers
How can self storage help my online business?
It gives you secure space for stock, packaging and returns outside your home, without a commercial lease, business rates or utility bills. You can move to a larger or smaller unit as your stock changes, and gives you space to organise inventory during busy periods. If you need pallet racking or large-scale fulfilment, see our warehouse storage page.
Can I store inventory for peak trading periods like Christmas or seasonal sales?
Yes. Rent a unit for a few weeks or months and leave when the peak ends. Book online or by phone with no deposit, with same-day move-in if your chosen space is available and contracts are signed. Many sellers reserve in September or October, have supplier deliveries held at the store, and give notice in January.
Is self storage suitable for small ecommerce sellers like Etsy, eBay or Amazon sellers?
Yes. Sellers on Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Depop, Vinted, TikTok Shop and Shopify, and those selling from their own websites, use Safestore to hold stock. Typical lines include clothing, gifts, cards, toys, books and car or bike parts.
Can I take supplier deliveries and send parcels from my unit?
Most stores accept supplier deliveries on your behalf and hold them until you arrive. Every Safestore location is a DHL drop-off point, so you can send parcels from where your stock is. Ask your store about limits on pallets or very large items.
Can I handle customer returns at my storage unit?
Many sellers use the location of their storage unit to receive, check and restock returned items rather than clearing space at home. Once you move the items into your storage unit and update your inventory, they will be covered by your storage insurance.
How much stock fits into a storage unit?
Units start at 10 sq ft - about the size of a car boot - and go up to 500 sq ft and above.
- 10 sq ft - Starter Etsy or Depop stock
- 25 sq ft - Growing eBay or Vinted lines
- 50 sq ft - Established Amazon or Shopify sellers
- 100 sq ft+ - Bulk or seasonal inventory
Do I need a lease or long contract to store my stock?
No. Storage is provided under a licence agreement, not a commercial lease, and there is no long fixed term. You give 14 days written notice to end it. Minimum stays start from 1 week depending on your chosen contract, so check your agreement before you book.
