Business Storage Tips from the Experts

When you run a business – whether it’s a local shop, an e-commerce store, or a service company, effective storage is a game-changer for productivity. At U-Haul, we understand how important it is to make the most of your storage space, to stay organized, and to keep your inventory safe. That’s why we support businesses by offering secure and flexible storage solutions to help operations of all sizes thrive.

From assessing your storage needs to creating smart organization practices, U-Haul has several business storage tips to help you save time, money, and stress!

How to Stay Organized and Maximize Inventory Efficiency

1. Evaluate Your Business Storage Needs

Before you rent a storage unit or invest in shelving, take a step back and assess what your business actually needs. Be sure to consider the following:

• What types of items do I need to store (inventory, bulk items, equipment)?
• Are any items sensitive to temperature or humidity?
• How much space do I need today, and what will I need six months from now?

We recommend choosing a self-storage solution that not only meets your current needs but also gives you room to grow!

2. Use Smart Organization Systems

A common mistake we see is wasted storage space due to poor organization. A few simple strategies can go a long way to improve this:

• Label Everything: Invest in clear, consistent labeling for boxes, bins, and shelves.
• Go Vertical: Use tall shelving units to take advantage of vertical space.
• Create Zones: Divide your unit into sections for different item types like office supplies, seasonal inventory, or documents.
• Maintain a Consistent Layout: Keep a consistent storage plan in your unit so you or staff can quickly find what they need.
• Stay Organized with the U-Haul App: Use the U-Haul My Belongings Organizer inside the U-Haul App to easily and effectively take inventory of what’s in your storage unit.

3. Make Use of Every Inch of Your Storage Unit

Efficient use of your space not only saves money but also saves time during busy days. Here are some easy ways to make the most of your storage unit:

• Use Stackable Storage: Stackable containers reduce clutter and make it easier to find items.
• Break Down Equipment: Disassemble large items to free up room.
• Leave Walking Paths: Ensure you have clear access to all areas of your unit to avoid wasted time and potential safety hazards.

Need help deciding what size unit fits your needs? The U-Haul storage size guide can help determine the right option.

4. Improve Your Inventory Management

Inventory issues can have significant costs in lost revenue or unnecessary expenses. Improve how you handle your inventory by:

• Regularly keeping track of what's in stock
• Using inventory management software
• Setting up automatic reordering of items to avoid sellouts or overstocking

5. Prioritize Security

Peace of mind is non-negotiable when it comes to storing important business items. When storing with U-Haul, our facilities are equipped with:

• 24/7 video surveillance
• Controlled access with keypads
• Individually alarmed units at select locations

For added protection of your items, we recommend Safestor® – our low-cost storage insurance that covers loss or damage of your stored goods.

6. Train Your Team

Your business storage operation is only as effective as the people managing it. Make sure your team:

• Knows how to properly store, label, and retrieve items
• Communicates inventory updates regularly
• Understands their roles in the storage and inventory process

7. Consider On-Site Storage

At U-Haul, we understand that no two businesses are alike, and neither are their storage needs. That’s why we offer multiple solutions to fit your work and its storage needs.

Both traditional storage units and U-Box® containers offer advantages depending on how your business operates. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose what works best:

Many U-Haul business customers use a combination of both storage types – traditional units for everyday inventory and U-Box portable storage containers for seasonal overflows, temporary needs, or mobile projects.

Why Businesses Choose U-Haul Storage

For over 75 years, U-Haul has helped movers and businesses across the U.S. and Canada be ready for anything. Now, our nationwide network of self-storage facilities feature:

• Affordable month-to-month pricing
• Convenient access hours from 5am - 10pm with 24/7 access available at select locations.
• Climate-controlled options
• Premium security features
• Easy online reservations and account management

Whether you’re expanding your e-commerce inventory or simply need a smarter way to organize your items, U-Haul has the storage space to meet your needs.

Get Storage for Your Business Today