Store as much as you like for as long as you like
Store as much as you like for as long as you like
The only caveats are that you’ll need to choose the right size of storage space for whatever you want to do, and make sure you’re adhering to local regulations, and the rules set by your storage unit provider. Here are some excellent (and a little unusual) ways you might be able to use your storage unit (when it’s not full of your belongings).
First of all, you can’t run your entire business out of a storage unit. There are licensing requirements to consider, and rules for how and where you can operate just about any type of business. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t work from the right location occasionally.
If you’re struggling to find a quiet space at home where you can host a remote meeting (or video call), with a customer, client, or colleague, a storage unit could give you just the environment you need. All you need to do is bring along your laptop, tablet, or smartphone, and make sure you have an internet connection (and preferably somewhere to sit).
You might even be able to use your storage unit as a temporary office from time to time if you need a little peace and quiet away from your home set-up. You’ll need to check with your provider if they allow for this, and ensure you have access to the resources you need, like Wi-Fi and electricity, but you could end up with a great way to mix up your office location at times.
Again, there are limitations to this strategy, as some storage unit providers will place restrictions on things you can actually keep in a storage unit, such as flammable or perishable objects. However, if you’re selling items deemed “relatively” safe from a mini personal store or Etsy account, you could store your inventory within your storage unit.
You could also use the space as a secure environment where you can keep archives and documents, extra equipment for pop-up shops and market stall sales (like receipt printers), or anything else you don’t need to access every day to run your business.
This is a particularly good idea if you’re running a solo business, selling products through social media, Amazon, and eBay, and don’t want to keep all of your inventory at home, cluttering up your available space.
Technically, storage units are just secure boxes of empty space. Within the limits set by your provider, and local regulations, you can technically use that space in many different ways, even if that just means enjoying your hobbies. You could turn your storage unit into a mini arts and crafts room, where you paint portraits, knit cardigans, or enjoy cross-stitch.
You might even be able to work on your wood carvings. Just make sure you don’t bring anything dangerous into your unit, such as flammable and combustible materials, oil, or solvents.
You can even store your art in your units (if you’re careful), and invite other people to come and check it out as part of a small gallery viewing, provided you don’t sell anything from the storage unit directly. Remember, you can’t use your storage unit as a business premises.
Storage units might not have the same acoustics as a professional recording studio, but they do give you a convenient place where you can record initial demos, or even just host practice sessions with your band. You’ll need to make sure that you adhere to the rules your provider sets for how much noise you can make in your unit, and how much power you can use.
However, depending on your location, and the time you’re going to be using your unit, it could be an excellent way to experiment with instruments and songs, write new song lyrics, or just enjoy great moments with your co-artists, without having to worry about the neighbours.
Plus, when you’re done practicing or recording, you can simply leave your instruments locked away in your storage unit, so you don’t have to find space for them at home.
If you’ve been struggling to find a place to lift weights, or practice yoga, and you don’t want to pay for a gym membership, then you could always use your storage unit instead. Depending on its size and location, a storage unit can be a pretty calm and quiet area, excellent for meditating. It also gives you plenty of room to spread out a yoga mat and get in touch with your zen.
If your storage unit is big enough, you can even leave your yoga accessories in there when you’re done using them. If yoga isn’t right for you, you can explore other ways to improve your health and wellbeing in your unit, such as lifting weights, or practicing exercises that use your body weight.
You might even be able to store small pieces of gym equipment in your unit, such as an exercise bike. Just make sure you check with your provider first.
Ultimately, storage units can be a lot more versatile than you might think. While their number one purpose is to keep your belongings safe, and remove clutter from your home, the space you choose can be transformed for a range of other activities.
If you want to learn more about the different ways you can use and enjoy your storage unit, contact Blue Box storage today, to learn about the different sizes and types of unit we can offer.