If you’ve ever had to manage assets for a business or you’ve worked in records management, you’d understand how keeping records in-house can lead to clutter. Keeping all your documents onsite can also leave confidential information vulnerable to leaks.
Whether you’re considering business storage solutions for piles of documents or even infrequently used assets, investing in an offsite business storage facility is worth it. Offsite storage refers to any storage solution that is located somewhere other than the office. Reports show that using an offsite business storage facility is better for security and space efficiency. Most services also offer scalable business storage solutions. So, if your business expands or you sell off unused assets, the storage site can change accordingly.
This article delves into the most common offsite business storage solutions and the differences between them. It also covers the advantages of using offsite storage and how it can free up space in the office.
Options for Businesses Storing Offsite
When it comes to offsite business storage solutions, there are now more options available than ever. When it comes to storing large assets, traditional warehouses, self-storage units, and shipping containers are popular.
For smaller items and documents, dedicated document storage services and cloud storage are ideal. Below, we’ve explored the different types of offsite storage, how they work, and when you’d consider using them.
Traditional Warehouses
Warehouses can be a great option for offsite business storage for bulk inventory, equipment, and materials. That being said, warehouses are overkill if you’re just looking for a secure storage option for your documents. The main benefit of using a warehouse for storage is the large capacity. Warehouses are typically larger than other forms of offsite storage, making it possible to even store vehicles. Other benefits may include:
- Value-added services, like inventory management and shipping.
- A secure environment for storing goods.
- Long-term lease periods availability.
The main drawback of using a warehouse for offsite storage is that it can be expensive. The rental rates for warehouses are typically higher than those for self-storage units and shipping containers.
Unlike shipping containers, warehouses are also a fixed solution. While they offer plenty of space, you can’t move a warehouse.
Self-Storage Units
If you’re looking for a long-term storage solution but don’t need a space quite as large as a warehouse, self-storage units are a good solution. They’re a great alternative for smaller businesses that need some extra space for documents and assets.
There are various benefits to using self-storage units.
- Self-storage units are usually located at secured facilities with CCTV and regular staff.
- Most self-storage unit businesses also offer various size options so that you can scale up or down based on your business’s needs.
- Unlike warehouses, self-storage units also have flexible rental terms. Many can even be rented on a monthly basis.
If you’re considering a self-storage unit, there are a few potential disadvantages. Self-storage units aren’t nearly as big as shipping containers or warehouses, and in most cases, they also lack climate control options.
Shipping Containers
Shipping containers are quickly growing in popularity as an environmentally friendly offsite storage solution. These containers are usually made from a weather-resistant, durable metal, ensuring security and protecting any contents from the elements.
The major benefit of a shipping container is that it is portable and easily relocated. Also, compared to other types of long-term storage, like self-storage units, it is also cost-effective. Shipping containers are also highly customisable.
The containers are incredibly versatile and can also come in a range of sizes. Unlike self-storage units, they can also be used to store larger items (although not as large as warehouses), including vehicles, like boats and cars.
Cloud Storage
If you only need to store files and documents, it might be worth looking into cloud storage opportunities. There are various cloud storage services that are designed specifically for secure offsite storage for backing up and archiving confidential business documents.
Cloud storage services are often easily scalable to accommodate the needs of the business. Most of them are ‘pay for what you use’. So, the price and storage capacity are dependent on how many documents you need stored in the cloud.
If your business expands or has to downsize, it’s also easy to manage your cloud storage plan and adjust it accordingly.
The Benefits For Businesses Storing Offsite
If you’re running a business and haven’t considered an offsite storage solution, it’s time to. There are so many advantages to storing your inventory and documents outside of the main office.
Offsite storage solutions benefit all businesses, whether they are start-ups or large companies. The best thing about offsite storage is that there are options to accommodate all sizes, whether they need to rent a small room or a massive warehouse.
Below, we’ve outlined the key benefits of using offsite storage. They include:
Space efficiency
Moving your infrequently used assets, inventory, and documents to an offsite location frees up space in the main office. This space can then be reallocated for use towards improving office amenities or accommodating new employees.
Reduce risks
By moving assets and records (especially confidential documents) offsite, you reduce the risk of anything happening to them. For example, if you decide to back up and move your documents to an offsite facility, they won’t be impacted by any adverse events in the main office, like a fire or flood.
Enhance security
Along with reducing the risk of an adverse event, offsite storage can also enhance security. Many offsite storage solution options, like self-storage units and warehouses, come with added layers of security, like locks, guards, and 24-hour surveillance.
Cost-effective
In some cases, renting out an offsite storage space can be cost-efficient. It can save costs in the long run by freeing up space so you don’t need to rent extra office space for employees or move into a bigger building.
Convenience
Having a dedicated space for storage is also a great opportunity to reorganise all your assets and files. It can be used as a way to create a space where your business’s items and documents can be conveniently accessed.
Automatic back-ups
Cloud storage solutions, like Google Drive, can be used to reduce the risk of losing files and automatically back up important documents. With cloud storage services, it’s possible to automatically back up documents and files on a regular schedule, streamlining the administrative process.
Safe, Secure, Offsite Shipping Container Storage With Ready Movers
If you’re looking for safe and reliable storage units in Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin or Townsville, Ready Movers has you covered. Our shipping containers are a convenient and affordable storage solution and come in various sizes.
Our 20-foot storage containers are large enough to accommodate an entire house full of possessions, including furniture. As a home and office moving company, our storage solutions are also end-to-end. Not only do we provide the container, but we can also help with packing and moving belongings into them.
The Ready Movers team can come to your home or office to pack and store your possessions, making the entire process seamless. Our storage containers are also weather-resistant, so you can rest assured that your items are protected from the elements. They also have ventilation to ensure a reasonably consistent temperature at all times. We also partner with StoreLocal to offer a range of storage options, including self-storage units.
Our storage solutions aren’t just limited to household items and office equipment either; they can also be used to store vehicles like cars and boats. If you’re interested in our safe and secure shipping container storage solution, contact us today and request a quote.
