Have you ever dreamt of having a workshop but stuck with sky-high rent on traditional spaces? You’re not alone! With business costs on the rise, many entrepreneurs are getting creative. Self-storage is emerging as a great solution, as it offers a flexible and affordable workspace for all sorts of businesses.
From storing inventory for your online shop to tinkering with bikes or building furniture, self-storage can be your workshop dream come true. But, like any good idea, there are a few questions that arise, such as, ‘Can you use self storage as a workshop?’
The answer is yes. Why?
First of all, self-storage offers a ton of space at a fraction of the cost of traditional options. Plus, you only rent the space you actually need, and it also lets you size up or down as your business grows.
Secondly, the costs of traditional industrial spaces are skyrocketing. Retail spaces are also becoming harder to come by as the market shifts and changes. Self-storage units step in as a flexible and cost-effective solution in these situations.
Self-storage facilities come in various sizes, which means businesses can choose exactly how much space they need. Also, these units often have flexible rental terms. They are helpful to businesses that are growing or changing and aren't ready to commit to a long-term lease.
Check out: Understanding the Rising Popularity and Usage of Self-Storage
Now you understand why self-storage is a potential business option, it’s time to dive into why turning these spaces into workshops is becoming a hit for many businesses.
One of the main attractions towards self-storage as workshops is their cost-effectiveness. Most traditional commercial spaces often come with pricey costs and rigid contracts. However, self-storage units are relatively cheaper. They offer flexible rental terms which help you choose the exact amount of space you need.
When using a self-storage unit as a workshop, there's usually less legal and financial overhead to worry about. This simple approach allows businesses to focus more on what they do best—running their business.
One of the main concerns about ‘Can you use self storage as a workshop?’ is the security. Security is non-negotiable. Business owners are concerned about their valuable assets. Self-storage facilities are known for their security features. These include gated access, surveillance cameras, and sometimes even on-site security personnel.
In addition, the privacy offered by self-storage units allows businesses to keep their projects confidential and secure from prying eyes.
Wigwam Storage Management provides its clients with advanced security features such as keyless entry, padlocks, Bluetooth-enabled smart locks, etc., making the security of workshop spaces less of a headache.
Most storage facilities offer simple, collective billing that covers rent, utilities, and sometimes even insurance. This makes financial planning and management much easier for business owners. This means fewer administrative problems and more time to focus on managing your property.
Self-storage units are not just versatile, but potentially perfect for various business operations. Let’s see why.
As more people shop online, businesses need space to manage their inventory and handle the orders. A self-storage unit can serve as an excellent space for e-commerce and retail operations. It’s a secure, sizable, and cost-effective solution for small business owners.
Can you use self storage as a workshop even as art studios? Yes. But, for creative geniuses, finding affordable and flexible studio space can be a struggle. Self-storage units offer the freedom to set up a personal art studio. These units often come with the added benefits of privacy and security for people working.
Working on bicycles or restoring classic cars are some of the activities that require space, security, and a bit of isolation from residential areas. A self-storage unit can be transformed into an effective workshop. These spaces not only keep the mechanic's tools safe but also offer ample space to work on large projects.
Let’s consider carpenters and designers who build furniture or large-scale projects. These professionals need space not just for building but also for storing wood, tools, and finished products. A self-storage workshop can provide the square footage necessary for both creative processes and storage needs.
Also read: Can I Run A Business From A Self Storage Unit?
It’s helpful to understand a few key do's and don'ts when it comes to transforming a self-storage space into a workshop.
Most self-storage facilities have strict rules against storing and using flammable materials. This is crucial because these materials can pose significant risks. If your tenants plan to use the space as a workshop, they need to check that their materials and tools comply with these safety regulations.
Self-storage units are not for every type of business. For example, motor garages are often a no-go due to the increased fire risk and environmental concerns associated with automotive repairs and fluid changes. It’s useful if you understand what activities are allowed under your insurance policy and local zoning laws.
Always encourage potential renters to consult with storage management before setting up their workshops. They can explain the rules, recommend the right size unit, and make sure your business is a good fit for the facility. Proper communication with tenants about their business operations can prevent misuse of the space.
So, can you use self storage as a workshop? Yes, but consulting with expert management companies like Wigwam Storage Management can provide you with invaluable insights into the suitability of your specific business model in such spaces.
All operations should comply with health and safety laws. These laws can change based on the location and nature of the business. Tenants must also comply with all relevant laws to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.
To make sure the self-storage workshop setup works for everyone there are some key guidelines to follow.
Workshops can get noisy and messy. When multiple renters use their units for different kinds of work, the last thing you want is for one tenant's activities to disrupt another's. Tenants must keep noise to a minimum and manage dust. You can set specific hours for louder work or provide guidelines on how to keep their spaces clean.
It's a smart strategy to ensure that your units can be easily adjusted to fit various types of projects. This could involve allowing renters to install shelving or hooks. By offering a space that can adapt to different needs, you’ll attract a range of business owners.
So, how can you use self storage as a workshop with electrical concerns? Many workshops require electricity for tools, lighting, and other equipment. Units with electrical hookups can be a great selling point. Tenants must make sure these setups comply with safety standards to prevent overloading and other electrical hazards.
When tenants use storage units as workshops, they're likely to have valuable tools and equipment stored inside. Advanced access control systems like coded gates or personalised key cards can protect their items. Also, advise tenants on how to secure their own units, such as using high-quality locks and perhaps even installing cameras.
With Wigwam Storage Management, tenants can expect a high level of support and advice on creating a flexible and efficient workspace. We will take on the headache of ensuring your workshop operations are as smooth and productive as possible.
Here are some tips and practices to help you make the most out of using self-storage as a workshop.
Efficiency and organisation are key in self-storage. To make the most of the space, ask tenants to use vertical storage options like shelving units to hold tools and materials. Installing peg boards on walls for hanging tools saves space as well as keeps things neatly organised and easily accessible.
It’s all about finding the perfect fit! Not all storage units are created equal for serving as workshops. Tenants must consider what kind of work they'll be doing and the amount of space it requires. As an example, someone working on large art pieces or furniture might need a larger unit than someone who repairs electronics.
Nobody likes fines or, even worse, eviction. Tenants must understand and comply with all the facility's rules and regulations. This can range from restrictions on the types of materials allowed in the units to the hours during which they can operate their workshops.
Tenants working with sensitive materials should consider units with climate control. This can prevent damage from humidity or extreme temperatures. Units with such additional features not only provide an extra service but can also attract a broader range of tenants.
Before considering ‘Can you use self storage as a workshop?’ make sure you look into some of the prohibited activities and items in self-storage workshops.
Keep It Legal and Safe: Activities such as turning a storage unit into a living space can be illegal as well as unsafe. Storage units aren’t designed for living and don’t have the necessary amenities and safety features of a residence. Similarly, any form of illegal business operations or prohibited items (hazardous materials or stolen goods) is a no.
Watch the Traffic: High customer traffic can disrupt other tenants. Also, these facilities often lack the necessary infrastructure like parking, bathrooms, and safety measures to support retail-like activities.
Electrical Safety is Key: Using generators or setting up unapproved electrical configurations in a storage unit can pose serious fire and safety risks. This type of additional setup first needs to be cleared with management.
Let's wrap this up! Can you use self storage as a workshop? Definitely. But like any good thing, making the most out of self-storage units as workshops requires understanding, compliance, and communication.
Self-storage units offer vast potential as workshop spaces for a diverse range of businesses. As a property owner or investor, it’s crucial to not only offer such units but also to ensure your tenants understand and follow the rules. Communicating with tenants can clear up any questions and ensure a smooth operation for everyone.
Want to take your self-storage facility to the next level? Look no further than Wigwam Storage Management! We specialise in developing, investing in, and managing self-storage facilities across the UK. We will provide remotely managed units with enhanced security and operational efficiency, perfect for today's tech-savvy world.
Come for a joint venture or partnership with Wigwam and unlock the full potential of your self-storage facility. Contact us for more details.
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