Over five million new small businesses are started every year in the US. Running a small business can be rewarding, but it also has its challenges, and one of the biggest is a lack of space and organization. If you want to ensure safety and efficiency in your small business, freeing up some space might be a good idea. Below, we’ll explain how using a self-storage unit can make the difference between stagnancy and scaling. Read on to help your small business go from surviving to thriving from the self storage specialists at NSA Storage!

Small Businesses Need on Space to Grow

Most small businesses start from home, whether in a spare bedroom, basement, or garage. These spaces, unfortunately, have their limits, which can slow your growth and progress to a crawl.

Here are a few of the challenges a too small workspace or work area can present:

• Not enough space to store and organize inventory 
• Tools, materials and equipment are scattered
• Documents and paperwork pile up on desks and other surfaces
• Non-essential items take up limited space
• Room to grow and expand is becomes limited

More Storage Space for Inventory

One of the biggest small business challenges is storing and organizing inventory. When you expand your space with a self storage unit, some benefits include:

• Inventory and overstock can be stored safely out of the way
• You can organize your inventory in any way you choose
• Your inventory will be more accessible with less hassle
• You can quickly scale stock supplies without the stress of where to store it.

This self-storage benefit is perfect for:

• Small business that sell online
• Small retail shops
• Subscription-based businesses
• Business that specialize in hosting events

Storage Space for Materials, Tools, and Equipment

Millions of businesses rely on their materials, tools, and equipment. All of those things need to be stored safely and securely, which can become problematic as you try to expand.

Having a self-storage unit to store your materials, tools, and equipment allow you to:

• Store everything in a safe location with 24/7 security
• Prepare for jobs more quickly and easily
• Keep everything well organized
• Reduce damage to equipment and tools

This self-storage benefit is perfect for:

• Contractors
• Electricians, plumbers, and other tradespeople
• Cleaning companies
• Rental companies
• Event-based companies

Room to Store Documents, Paperwork, and Records

Almost all small businesses have one thing in common: lots of paperwork, documents, and records. Sure, it might be minimal at first, but all those papers can quickly grow into a mountain of mess and clutter. 

Renting a self-storage unit helps in several significant ways:

• Your documents contracts, records, and client files will be in a secure location
• Your workspace will be free of paper clutter
• You’ll maintain compliance in your industry
• Organizing everything will be easier

This important benefit is the perfect for:

• Medical businesses like dentists, orthodontists, chiropractors, etc.
• Design houses where copyrights and intellectual properties are important
• Architectural firms
• Law firms

A Place to Store Seasonal Supplies, Displays, and Products

Many small business owners rely on seasonal supplies, decor, and inventory to stay profitable. During the off-season, however, all of these items can become a distraction and devour much-needed workspace. 

A storage unit allows you to store these items out of the way until you need them again, including:

• Holiday decorations
• Supplies for seasonal events
• Seasonal product lines
• Promotional display items

Increased Flexibility for Growth and Scaling without Disruptions

For a small business the ability to be flexible and make quick course corrections when needed can be a game-changer. For example, your business might only need extra storage space in October, November, and December for the holiday rush. 

At NSA Storage, we offer benefits that help you scale quickly without forcing you to rent space you don’t need year-round. 

• We offer month-to-month leases with NO long-term contracts. 
• You can rent for 1 month, 3 months, or however many you need.
• Our storage facilities offer several different sizes of storage units, so you don’t pay for space you don’t need.
• Climate-controlled units keep inventory in perfect condition.

Cost-Effective Small Business Growth

Of all the benefits of self storage for small businesses this one might be the most impactful: the ability to grow without breaking your budget. The fact is, commercial space can be expensive, especially retail space. Plus, once you’ve committed to a space, it’s difficult and costly to move to another. 

Self-storage is a cost effective solution thanks to these benefits:

• It reduces your overhead, sometime significantly
• There are no maintenance costs (cleaning, utilities, etc.)
• 24/7 security is included in the cost of the rental
• You won’t be forced to relocate your business

With a storage unit lowering your overhead, you can invest those savings into:

• Marketing and advertising
• Purchasing inventory
• Increasing your staff or team

Maintain and Increase Your Business’s  Productivity

This last benefit of self-storage is likely the most important: the ability to maintain and increase productivity. An open, clean, and well-organized work area helps you and your team in many ways, including:

• You and your team will have far fewer distractions
• Faster access to tools and materials with less time searching
• Improved creativity
• Improved morale and positivity
• Improved safety
• A more professional appearance
• Better communication between you and other team members
• Improved performance all around

The fact is, small businesses run well when people are happy, positive, and not distracted. If you can provide the space to meet those needs, growth and success become inevitable! 

Let NSA Storage Help Your Small Business Grow

We hope this information has been helpful and given you the details you were searching for. If you’d like to reserve a storage unit with NSA Storage you can do so online in minutes. Your self-storage units will then be available immediately to help your small business grow!

If you have more questions or need help, please contact NSA Storage today! One of our highly trained storage specialists will be glad to answer those questions and point you in the right direction. If you like, you can stop by one of our many nationwide self-storage locations and speak to a friendly rep in person!

The post How Self Storage Supports Small Business Growth appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

If you own and run a small business, you know it takes good planning and even better decisions to keep it running well. One of the biggest decisions you’ll make, especially after a few years in business, is what to do when you need more storage space.

For many small business owners, one solution is to rent a storage unit. If you need more storage space, and wonder if a storage unit is the solution, the information below is perfect! It’s a quick guide to the many benefits of self-storage for small businesses. 

Read on to get the info you need to make an educated small business decision. It’s all brought to you by the storage experts at NSA Storage!

Why Do Small Business Owners Rent Storage Units?

Storage space is essential for many small businesses. Retail store owners need storage space for supplies and overstock. Plumbers, electricians, and other professionals need storage space for tools and materials. Even if you have a small business you run from home you’ll need extra storage at some point.

The question is where. Sure, you can rent a larger retail space, but the cost might be prohibitive. You can get a bigger office, too, but again there’s that extra cost. And sure, for a home business, you can use your garage, shed, or spare bedroom. 

But what if you don’t have those? And what happens when the inevitable day comes that you run out of storage space in your current location, or a bigger retail space simply isn’t available?

A storage unit solves all those problems. For example:

• A storage unit is usually less expensive than renting a larger office or retail space.
• Storage units are, in many cases, more secure than retail locations.
• Storage units come in many sizes, so you can rent one that fits your needs without breaking your budget. Also, if your needs grow, you can rent a bigger unit quite easily.
• Storage units give you a blank slate to organize your tools, supplies, files, etc., the way you like.
• Renting a storage unit for extra storage space is much easier than moving to a new location.

What are the Major Benefits for Small Business Owners of Renting a Storage Unit?

While renting a storage unit for extra space makes perfect sense, some small business owners rent them for the other benefits they provide. Here are some examples of the major benefits a storage unit provides:

1. More Space to Work and Create

When you rent a storage unit, you’re able to get rid of everything that’s cluttering and clogging-up your workspace. That allows you to have more space to do your thing, work, create, and throw ideas around.

2. A More Organized Workplace

For many, a disorganized workplace reduces production and profitability. After renting a storage space, you can organize your workplace to increase productivity. 

3. To Reduce Operating Expenses and Overhead

We’ve already mentioned how renting a storage unit can often be cheaper than renting a larger retail space or office. This can greatly reduce your overhead, giving you the funds to put towards more important aspects of your business.

4. The Ability to Easily and Quickly Grow Your Business

Sometimes small businesses grow quite fast. If that’s yours, the good thing about renting a storage unit is that it will allow you to grow as quickly as you need. When you need more storage space you can either rent a bigger storage unit or rent a second one.

5. More Flexibility

Many businesses have their “slow season”. For example, some only need a storage unit for two months in summertime, or for three months in winter to store seasonal items. That’s no problem when you’re paying month-to-month, so you can rent a storage unit as long or short as needed.

6. You Can Organize Your Storage Unit to Your Needs

You can organize your storage unit any way you like so that you can access what you need quickly and easily. For example, you can use rack shelving, file cabinets, large tool boxes, and more. 

What Can a Small Business Owner Store in a Storage Unit?

Not sure what you can store in a storage unit? Below is a helpful list to give you a better idea:

• Inventory Items– Things like products, overstock, seasonal items and anything else in your inventory.
• Marketing Materials– Anything you use to market your small business including banners, signs, business cards, flyers and more. Tradeshow items can also be stored between trade shows.
• Office Supplies– Every office has office supplies including paper, pens, furniture, filing cabinets and so forth. You can store all of these, and more, in a storage unit.
• Tools– As a blue-collar worker, you depend on your tools to get the job done. Storing them in a storage unit makes sense thanks to the security and safety features.
• Supplies and Materials– If you are a plumber, carpenter, electrician or other professional, you likely have plenty of supplies and materials. Storing them in a storage unit makes good business sense.
• Files, Records, and Documents– Practically all small businesses have files, records, and legal documents. Since these typically need to be kept for several years for legal reasons, storing them in a storage unit is a great choice.
• Packing and Shipping Supplies– If you sell physical items you will definitely have packing and shipping supplies on hand. Storing those in a storage unit will save you a lot of space in your office or retail location.

What Types of Small Business Could Benefit from Having a Storage Unit?

Not sure if a storage unit is right for your small business? Here are a few that would benefit greatly:

• Retail stores and shops
• Plumbers, Electricians, and other technical laborers
• Craftspeople selling online
• Cleaning service companies
• Real estate agencies
• Doctors, dentists, and other medical professionals
• Landscapers and home repair businesses

Use NSA Storage for Your Small Business Needs

As we’ve seen, a storage unit can be an affordable, easy-to-use solution to your small business storage needs. For many business owners, it’s truly the best choice when they need extra storage space.

At NSA Storage we rent to small business owners every day across the country! They enjoy the benefits of the safety, security, and convenience our storage units provide. If you need one for your small business you can reserve a storage unit online quickly and easily. Once you’re done, you can start storing your stuff right away, and get the many benefits a storage unit delivers! Until then, best of luck with all of your small business endeavors!

The post The Many Benefits of Self-Storage for Your Small Business appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

After many years in the same home, renovations can add a much-needed new look, feel, and ambiance to your living space. That’s especially true for kitchens and bathrooms, where an update can make all the difference!

The problem, of course, is that home renovations cause a lot of mess. Dirt, dust, grime, paint, sawdust, glue, tape, and more aren’t just messy, they can damage or even ruin your stuff. That includes things like furniture, appliances, clothing, rugs, and curtains, among others.

To prevent damage, as well as loss and theft, many homeowners turn to self storage when renovating. If you’re curious how self-storage can help, read on. NSA Storage has the answers and info you seek about the many benefits of using self storage during home renovations, below!

How Can a Self Storage Unit Help Me During Home Renovations?

Here’s a quick list of the many ways renting a self-storage unit during home renovations can be helpful and safer:

1. More Space to Work

Contractors, no matter their specialty, need ample space to be able to do their jobs well. If your kitchen, bathroom, or other room is packed with furniture and belongings, they won’t have that space. Renting a storage unit, however, will let you clear out a room completely so that your contractors can do their jobs correctly and safely. 

2. Less Chance of Accidents

Accidents happen for many reasons. Too much stuff around, things under foot, etc. By removing your belongings during your home’s renovation you remove many of the things that cause these accidents. That’s good news for both you and your contractors.

3. Protects Your Belongings from Dirt and Damage

As we mentioned earlier, renovations caused an awful lot of dirt, dust and debris. If your furniture, clothing and other items are home, they will likely get dirty. By putting everything in a self storage unit, you reduce the chance of your stuff getting dirty and damaged to zero.

4. Easier and Faster Clean-Up

With no furniture and other belongings in the way, cleaning up after the renovations are finished will be easier and faster. That could potentially mean a lower bill for you as it will help the contractors get done more quickly.

5. Stress Reduction

Not having to worry about your belonging getting damaged can reduce your stress significantly during renovations. A decluttered and organized space can also help you feel more focused and calm.

6. Home Renovations Stay On-Track

With fewer things to move, cover, or protect, your contractors will stay on track and your renovations on time.

7. Less Theft and Loss

Theft and loss are a small but real threat when renovating. By storing new items, supplies, and appliances in a storage unit, you reduce the risk of loss and theft to a minimum.

What Items Should I Store During Home Renovations?

Besides things like flammable items and perishable goods, many things can be stored in a self storage unit during home renovations. That’s what makes storage units invaluable; you can protect practically anything until the renovations are complete. That includes:

• Furniture, including sofas, dressers, tables, beds, etc.
• Appliances like refrigerators, washer, and dryers
• Home decor like mirrors, paintings, lamps and more
• Clothing
• Rugs
• Curtains

The thing about home renovations is that many items will be replaced. That includes bathtubs, sinks, flooring, appliances, cabinets, ceramic floor tiles, and much more. These new items can be quite valuable but might not be needed right away. To keep them safe, storing them in your storage unit until they are needed is a great choice!

Top Tips for Choosing and Using a Storage Unit During Home Renovations

If you’ve decided to rent a self storage unit ruling your home renovations, great choice! Below are a few top tips to help you get the most out of your extra space.

1. Pick the Correct Size Storage Unit

Storage units come in several sizes from 5’ x 5’ all the way up to 20’ x 30’ and even larger. If you’re only storing a few items during your home renovation, you might not need a very large storage unit. However, if you’re renovating your entire home, and wish to store most of your items, a larger unit might be necessary.

Here’s a tip; you can fit a small room into a 5’ x 5’ storage unit if you pack correctly. For each extra room, get at least 5’ x 5’ more space.

2. Don’t Overpack

Remember, your things will only be in storage for a few months, if that. You don’t need to pack them as if they’re going to be stored for years. Packing lightly will save you time, energy, and the cost of packing materials.

3. Use Moving Pads to Protect Furniture

Even though your furniture won’t be moving while it’s stored, protecting your nicest pieces with moving pads is recommended. That way, if something drops, slides or slips, your tables, dressers and other nice furniture won’t get damaged or destroyed.

4. Make a Path in the Storage Unit Through Your Stuff

Being able to access your things while they’re stored is a must. To make it easier to get your things, be sure to leave a path through the stuff in your storage unit. That way you can access things in the front, middle, or back of the unit.

5. Stack Things with Care

When stacking things, be sure to stack heavier things on the bottom and lighter things as you go up. Also, don’t stack so high that your piles become unstable. This could cause things to fall and get damaged or destroyed.

6. Consider a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit

Climate controlled storage units keep the temperature and humidity stable throughout the year. If you have valuable items that could be damaged by humidity or temperature extremes, a climate control storage unit is recommended.

Store with NSA Storage During your Home Renovations

We think you’ll agree that there are definitely some excellent benefits to renting a storage unit while renovating your home. That includes everything from protecting your furniture from damage and dust to keeping things safe and secure.

If you’re starting a renovation project soon you can reserve a storage unit online quickly and easily. Once you do, you can use it as you see fit to store things, keep them safe, and take them out of storage when you need them.

The post The Benefits of Self-Storage During Home Renovations appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

If there’s one thing in life you can be sure of, it’s that things will always change. Situations change, people change, and lives change, and sometimes those changes can be a bit difficult. During these life transitions, having access to a self-storage unit can be incredibly helpful. Why? You’ll find several excellent answers to that question, below. If you’re dealing with life changes and need help and advice, read on. The good folks at NSA Storage have insightful, actionable info on how self storage helps in life transitions, below!

Why Do People Use Self-Storage?

Before we look at how self storage helps in life transitions, it’s helpful to know why people use self storage. The fact is, most folks turn to self storage units for several reasons, including the following:

• Keeping cherished or precious belongings safe while changes are happening.
• Creating more usable living space at home while making decisions about certain possessions.
• Protecting their personal belongings from damage before or after a natural disaster.
• Reducing clutter and organizing, which can help manage emotional trauma and stress.
• Creating more usable living space in their home, office, etc.

Below are several, more specific, reasons why people use self storage during several common life transitions. As you’ll see, most of them will definitely help during traumatic, stressful or difficult changes in your life.

The Death of a Loved One

One of the most challenging life transitions we all encounter is losing a loved one. Whether a grandparent, parent, or child, sorting through their belongings can be very difficult and emotional.

In situations like these, a self storage unit can provide a temporary place to store that person’s belongings safely. More importantly, during that time, family members can focus on grieving and celebrating the life of their departed loved one. Once they’re ready, their items will be waiting in a secure storage unit. Donating, keeping, or passing on items is easier when they’re organized in a storage space.

Benefits:

• More time to make thoughtful decisions about certain belongings. No rushing needed.
• Sentimental or valuable items will be secure until a decision is made on where, or to whom, they will go.
• A storage unit can provide a neutral space to reduce emotions and emotional stress.

Moving from One Home to Another

Moving is one of the most stressful situations that most people will encounter in their life. Even if it’s a short move across town, organizing, packing, and physically moving your belongings can be extremely taxing.  

For many people, moving can seem overwhelming, but having a storage unit can make it much easier.  Storage units are a flexible, affordable solution to keep items safe until everything has been moved.

Benefits:

• You can keep everything organized while you pack and unpack.
• If your new home closing is delayed, a storage unit can provide a safe, secure place for your belongings.
• A storage unit provides extra space to store furniture and other items temporarily. This can be extremely helpful while you pack, donate, and otherwise organize your valuables.
• You can take items from storage to your new home at your own pace.

Recovering from or Preparing for a Natural Disaster

Hurricanes, wildfires, floods and other natural disasters occur all the time. Even worse, they seem to be getting more severe every year.  Not only are these disasters traumatic but also, in many cases, devastating. They damage homes and belongings and often destroy them completely.

Having access to a storage unit can help you prepare if you know a natural disaster is headed your way. They can also help you recover afterwards, as you sift through the items that were left behind. Below are some of the best benefits a storage unit provides when dealing with a natural disaster.

Benefits:

1. Before a natural disaster strikes , you can store valuable, important items in a safe, climate controlled storage unit.
2. After a disaster, you can keep undamaged belongings safe while you rebuild or restore your home.

Depending on where you live, a climate controlled self-storage unit can be a better choice. These specialized storage units keep the temperature and humidity stable throughout the year. For items that are fragile or easily damaged, a climate-controlled storage unit can be a huge help.

Changes in Family Life

Families come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes the family structure can change. Happy occasions such as marriages or births can mean having twice as much stuff in one space. This can be difficult to manage, especially as you’re focused on the details of welcoming a new family member into the fold. Self-storage units can be helpful during these times as you figure out where all of your items will go.

A divorce or separation can also cause need for a storage unit. This can be an emotional and stressful time for all parties, and figuring out the logistics only adds to the strain. Moving out, dividing up belongings, and adjusting to new living arrangements is no walk in the park. Having a storage unit available can make this challenging transition a bit smoother. It gives you a place to keep personal items until any final decisions have been made. It’s also a “neutral” space, which can be very helpful during this challenging time.

Benefits:

• A self-storage unit gives you a secure, personal space to store your belongings during the divorce or separation proceedings.
• You can keep your personal items separate until all of your legal matters have been settled.
• Having  a storage unit will reduce the stress of having to immediately find a permanent new home for all of your belongings.
• Knowing that your things are safe, you can take your time searching for a new home or apartment.

Downsizing to a Smaller Home

Downsizing is something almost all folks go through at one point in their lives. Usually it’s due to retirement preparation, but downsizing can also reduce your bills and your daily chores and tasks.

Decluttering and downsizing can also be emotional as you go through items you’ve been given or gifted over the years. Having a self storage unit to store these items can make that process a bit easier to handle.

Benefits:

• Extra space for items that won’t fit into your new, smaller home.
• More time to sort through belongings without the constant pressure of having to move them right away.
• A self storage unit can empower you to keep sentimental items safe for future generations.
• Self storage offers a temporary solution for dealing with items that might be difficult to part with.

Let NSA Storage Help You Through Your Transition

Life transitions can often be overwhelming. Whether you’re dealing with the loss of one of a beloved family member, changes in family life, downsizing, or making a big move, a self storage unit can be extremely helpful. It gives you a secure, organized space to store your things, as well as peace of mind.

Here at NSA Storage we offer safe, secure, clean, storage units across the United States. You can use our storage units to ease life transitions or simply to store extra stuff. We aim to make the rental process and accessing your items as easy as possible so that your time at our facilities is stress-free. If you’re going through a life transition right now, you can reserve a storage unit online in under 10 minutes. Once you do, it will be ready to accept all of the items you need or want to store.

Let NSA Storage ease the burden of your life transition. Find a self storage unit near you today.

The post How Self-Storage Helps in Life Transitions appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.