Filing, Documents, and Equipment: Business Storage Sizes

Is your office bursting at the seams with paperwork, stock, and gear?

You aren't alone. Thousands of business owners grow out of space each year. They end up spending thousands of dollars on office or warehouse space they hardly use.

Self-storage is huge business in the US. So huge, that the self-storage business segment is growing at 4.89% annually. That's one of the fastest growing parts of the ENTIRE industry! This speaks volumes. Savvy entrepreneurs have discovered that self-storage units are an inexpensive, flexible solution to a very costly problem.

The good news?

You don't have to build a warehouse to declutter your mess. Renting a suitable storage unit can store your papers, your records, and your gear at a fraction of the price. The challenge is choosing one that's the correct size.

Time to break it all down.

What you'll figure out:

• Why Storage Size Matters For Business
• A Simple Business Storage Size Guide
• How To Pick The Right Size Without Overpaying

Why Storage Size Matters For Business

Here's the thing about business storage...

Choose one that is too large and you will be paying each month for wasted space. Choose one that is too small you'll find yourself stacking boxes on boxes -- and locating things will be a hassle.

Exactly why having a good mini storage unit size guide for business can be so useful. Smaller units, also known as mini storage units, tend to be all you really need to house files, records and a little inventory. They're cheap, convenient and accessible and you only pay for what you need.

Think of it like this:

• Documents and files require little space, but need to remain dry and organised.
• Inventory and stock needs room to grow as your business grows.
• Equipment and tools should be stored in a safe place where they can't get damaged or stolen.

Match the unit to what you're storing and you'll never overpay. Simple, right?

A Simple Business Storage Size Guide

Alright, now onto the meaty part. Here's a straight forward guide to the most common business sizes and what fits inside of each.

The 5x5 Unit: Perfect For Paperwork

Five feet by five feet sounds small, right? That's because it is! A 5x5 unit is roughly the size of a walk-in closet. Small space, big benefit. You'll love having your business documents and filing at home.

You can comfortably fit:

• Several boxes of archived paperwork
• A filing cabinet or two
• A handful of small office supplies

Is years of record storage devouring your office space? Look no further. This unit will keep your valuable records secure and out of the way ... no need to rent an entire room you don't want.

The 5x10 Unit: Files Plus A Little Gear

Looking for slightly more space? A 5x10 unit is about the size of a walk-in closet. Double the space.

This option is best when you have documents AND additional equipment that you need to store. This could be a couple filing cabinets, boxes of inventory, a desk, chairs, etc. Service businesses often choose this since they need a place to keep equipment between projects. It's the perfect middle ground when a 5x5 feels a little too tight but a full-blown room feels like overkill.

The 10x10 Unit: The Office In A Box

The 10x10 is where all the heavy lifting is done for business storage. Small enough for a bedroom it holds way more than you think.

These medium-sized units actually make up 44.6% of the market. So you know that lots of businesses use them for their storage needs. Offices will fit perfectly in here with desks, shelving, a few filing cabinets, boxes full of inventory and equipment.

When moving offices or storing an entire department, you've hit the sweet spot.

The 10x15 & 10x20 Unit: Equipment HQ

Hauling heavy equipment or a lot of inventory? These bigger units can handle it.

A 10x15 or 10x20 unit can hold:

• Large machinery and tools
• Bulk inventory and pallets
• Display fixtures and furniture
• Contractor gear and supplies

Contractors love them because they can store tools and materials between jobsites. Retailers store seasonal inventory in them. They are more expensive but the additional space is worth it if you are expanding.

How To Pick The Right Size Without Overpaying

So how do you actually choose? Here's how to keep it simple.

Begin by listing everything that you want to store. Be realistic. Remember those items cluttering your office corners and back rooms.

Consider accessibility. Are you going to be stopping by weekly to pick up inventory? Or are you only going to be there to drop off paperwork you'll never need to access? If you need quick access, leave yourself some leg room and measure.

A few quick tips to keep in mind:

• If unsure, oversize slightly. An ounce too large is better than a pound bursting at the seams.
• Stack smart. Shelving allows you to take advantage of vertical space, so you may be able to use a smaller unit.
• Consider climate control. Documents, electronics, and some inventory can be damaged by heat and humidity. Climate controlled units keep them safe.

And here's the biggie...

Don't guess. Measure your things and compare to sizes above. Planning for a few minutes will prevent you from paying for unused space - or what happens when you outgrow your unit a month after moving in!

Sizing It All Up

Choosing the right business storage size really isn't complicated.

Use a 5x5 or 5x10 if you're just storing boxes, files and documents. Go with a 10x10 if you're storing an entire office. Get a 10x15 or 10x20 if you have heavy equipment or a lot of inventory.

The bottom line?

Renting a storage unit is one of the least expensive ways to let your business breathe. It declutters your office, protects your documents and equipment - without paying for extra space. And the best part? You can always scale up to a bigger unit later as your business grows.

Know what you store, choose the size you need and grow into your business.