By Brooke Chaplan
A one-location business can be very practical for many reasons. It reduces overhead and keeps everything centralized. It also has the major drawback of being limited when it comes to storage space. You might have to make some changes to get the space you need and store everything you require to run operations efficiently. Here are six storage tips for a one-location business.
1. Utilize Vertical Space
A mistake some businesses make is to stop looking for storage space anywhere above eyelevel. You need to utilize all the vertical space in your one-location business. This can mean installing shelving units or storage racks that go straight up almost to the ceiling. You could also install layers of high shelves and even ceiling hooks for keep things available but out of the way.
2. Rent a Secure Storage Unit
A simple option is to rent a secure storage unit for some of your items. If documents are your main problem, then secure document storage services like Vital Records Control are available as well. Off-site storage lockers can free up more space almost immediately and have the added benefit of keeping your files secure and safe.
3. Shred Unneeded Documents
Your one-location business cannot afford to store large numbers of documents that are not legally required. Your best option to open up a good amount of new space is to hire professionals to shred those documents. A shredding company will securely dispose of the unneeded documents leaving you with more space.
4. Switch to Multifunction Office Equipment or Mobile Devices
Office equipment like copiers, printers, and computers can consume a big amount of space. Think about switching to multifunction units that are compact and can do the job of several individual pieces of equipment. You might also want to switch to tablets or mobile devices instead of bulky workstations, registers, or terminals.
5. Go Paperless
Your business might be able to go paperless in certain departments to remove the problem of storing records altogether. These systems allow you to digitize documents so they can be stored, delivered, and filed electronically. Paperless systems can improve efficiency and storage space although they require some major adjustments.
6. Consider Allowing Employees to Work from Home
A final tip is to consider allowing some employees to work from home. A single employee could be taking up an entire corner of the business. If that employee can work from home, then you can reclaim that space for additional storage. This works best for administrative and non-critical roles.
A one-location business can become a little difficult to handle once the company starts to grow. You will have to continually look for new solutions to deal with common storage problems until you have the means to expand or move. These six tips will get you a long way towards creating the storage space your business needs in the location.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.
