Running a business from self storage

[Paris123]

Hi all, I'm looking for some expert/legal advice to whether its allowed, legally to run a business from self storage. This would include customers coming in and out of your unit etc Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

 

[obscure]

If you are talking a unit you rent at a self-storage company site I would expect that their terms and conditions would prohibit this. Have you asked them?

 

[Express_Couriers]

My dad owns a self storage company and somebody wanted to run a business out of one of his containers. His terms were - you can run a company from here however we need to know whether you take out a loan, change of directors, what business you are in etc. I'm pretty certain you can run a business from most self storage places, ask the owners and see what they say.

 

[Mr D]

My dad owns a self storage company and somebody wanted to run a business out of one of his containers. His terms were - you can run a company from here however we need to know whether you take out a loan, change of directors, what business you are in etc. I'm pretty certain you can run a business from most self storage places, ask the owners and see what they say.

Some places may well have issues with non tenants gaining access to the site.
Can have great external security but not much use if someone lets the thieves in the front door.

 

[Newchodge]

Hi all, I'm looking for some expert/legal advice to whether its allowed, legally to run a business from self storage. This would include customers coming in and out of your unit etc Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

There is nothing in law to prevent it, however the self storage owners' terms and conditions are very likely to prevent it if it involves people who are not self storage customers visiting the site.

 

[MBE2017]

Used to do it myself, never had a problem, but had very few clients visiting.

 

[PaulJC79]

I have recently spoken to a few self-storage companies with regard to this.

While they are happy for stock to be kept and processing (inbound/shipping etc) most are not happy to have customers regularly visiting, maybe the once in a while 'come and collect it' but not on a regular basis.

You also have to factor in if self-storage really is suitable, limited access, no power, no light, no heat, moisture/humidity problems, just a metal box partitioned off in a big metal building, having spent about half an hour walking around one measuring the actual floor space of each unit size, it became quickly apparent that they really are not much use for anything but storage or short term attendance...

 

[Mr D]

I have recently spoken to a few self-storage companies with regard to this.

While they are happy for stock to be kept and processing (inbound/shipping etc) most are not happy to have customers regularly visiting, maybe the once in a while 'come and collect it' but not on a regular basis.

You also have to factor in if self-storage really is suitable, limited access, no power, no light, no heat, moisture/humidity problems, just a metal box partitioned off in a big metal building, having spent about half an hour walking around one measuring the actual floor space of each unit size, it became quickly apparent that they really are not much use for anything but storage or short term attendance...

Heat and moisture can be dealt with.

 

[Chris Ashdown]

Ask your town hall planning department if they have any starter units available, often in run down area's where they have several companies working in a large old building each with separate sections

 

[PaulJC79]

Heat and moisture can be dealt with.

Without light or power? Is it worth the expense? And I guess it would depend on your idea of dealing with it...

Controlling temperature and humidity in a metal box within a larger metal box is not an easy challenge any way you look at it, i did consider lining the box with insulation as the cost of using a storage unit is obviously quite attractive, but when you are considering lining a 100 sq ft box with insulation, fitting battery-powered LED lighting etc, and still trying to work without heat or proper power, you definitely have to consider if it's worth the cost difference between that and a small office/house extension (spare room/shed/garage etc)

Different products obviously have different requirements, and temp/humidity/power might not be of consideration for some, which would definitely make it a viable option... It just wasn't suitable for my needs at this time.

 

[Mr D]

Without light or power? Is it worth the expense? And I guess it would depend on your idea of dealing with it...

Controlling temperature and humidity in a metal box within a larger metal box is not an easy challenge any way you look at it, i did consider lining the box with insulation as the cost of using a storage unit is obviously quite attractive, but when you are considering lining a 100 sq ft box with insulation, fitting battery-powered LED lighting etc, and still trying to work without heat or proper power, you definitely have to consider if it's worth the cost difference between that and a small office/house extension (spare room/shed/garage etc)

Different products obviously have different requirements, and temp/humidity/power might not be of consideration for some, which would definitely make it a viable option... It just wasn't suitable for my needs at this time.

Yes without light or power.

Been storing stuff in outside storage containers for about 8 years now. Including candles and bath bombs.
Heat? Stuff is stored in boxes and plastic crates.
Humidity? We have a couple of little plastic boxes we put some powder in (its stuff we buy every so often) and the box quickly fills up with water from the container - we empty the little plastic box when it starts getting full. Dehumidifier crystals?
In 8 years we have no problem with damp, we've been working in the containers for hours at a time even in the rain (well, rain outside we can hear it inside).
We've had no stock in storage damaged by heat or water while using the containers.

The only stipulation I'd suggest for anyone working in an outside container during a heatwave is take plenty of water and keep it cool.