5 Ways to Save Money on Warehouse Storage
Written by Safeer Mughal
Self-storage companies have enabled businesses to flourish and expand without considerable investment. The facility of renting warehouse storage is an excellent option for entrepreneurs starting a business with limited resources. Renting storage services in London is quite an easy task. You can even get it done online. Once you have rented a storage warehouse, you are set to run your storage and distribution from it smoothly.
Commercial storage is not as straightforward as it may seem. Even if you have signed the contract, the storage company can raise its rent annually or bi-annually.
Running a newly set business is not easy. It comes with many ups and downs, and you do not need the additional stress of raising the price. You can get ambitious and rent a small warehouse, and you have to be strategic while choosing, optimising, and managing the warehouse and making things work.
Optimisation
Optimise your warehouse so that you can use it to its full potential. You can hire an expert for this purpose, or put on your thinking hat and do it yourself. A quick internet search can also be helpful in this regard. Arrange your inventory in the storage unit so that it becomes easy to take out boxes and pallets without moving things around.
Make sure to place inventory boxes for their delivery dates strategically. Make aisles and label everything so that your storage warehouse is always in a neat condition. The distribution process will be smooth if you optimise your storage unit for ease and speed.
Organisation
Organisational skills are mandatory for running large places in perfect condition. Even the large warehouse can turn into shambles if not properly organised. Every business owner should hire an organisational expert who sets the warehouse layout to benefit the workers to work without hassle.
By stacking the boxes and palates neatly, you can utilise the space to its maximum potential. An organised storage warehouse will be able to hold all your inventory, even if it is small in size. A small storage unit can be enough for new business if it is appropriately organised.
Location
The prices of storage services in London mainly depend on the location, demand, and income of the general population. The exact storage company can have varying prices depending on the statistics of that area. Self-storage in Brighton may cost less than self-storage in Ashton and vice versa.
When you choose your storage warehouse, the location of the storage facility can impact the rent directly. You can save some money if you rent a storage warehouse that is away from the residential area. Storage warehouses in the outskirts of a town or city cost comparatively less, which is great for businesses seeking long-term storage options.
Utilities
Storage companies do not provide utilities other than one or two electric bulbs. Some business owners make the mistake of buying other utilities from the storage companies and indirectly increase their costs. To save some bucks, you should only take the light bulbs and avoid getting any extra utilities.
Some warehouse owners make the mistake of getting tens of light bulbs, and the electricity bill can add up to thousands if not used with care. You should instruct your workers to use minimum light to save some money.
Contract
If you are planning to rent a storage warehouse long-term, it is recommended to negotiate a contract that benefits both parties. Commercial storage and personal storage have different rules and regulations. The prices and level of services differ too.
You can contact your selected storage company’s representative and schedule an appointment to work out an affordable deal for you. You should negotiate terms and conditions that are in your favour. Some storage services in London offer discounts if you pay a year’s rent upfront.
Size
Self-storage prices mainly depend on the area they cover. For every extra inch, you have to pay extra. If you want a storage warehouse that is large and spacious, you indeed have to pay a hefty amount. Another way that you can save some money is when you rent a slightly smaller storage unit and use it properly.
Only store your merchandise and inventory in it. You can also spare your warehouse of all the clutter and random knick-knacks, so it has space for all the essential stuff. Try to keep your storage unit clean. All the trash can pile up pretty fast and take up space that can be otherwise used to place your inventory.
About the author
SAFEER MUGHAL, Owner of Digindev, Marketing Director at Igeneox, completed His Software Engineering Bachelors Education & is currently maintaining digital marketing services for multiple businesses