Why Renting a Business Storage Unit is a Smart Move

In the dynamic landscape of modern business, efficient storage solutions play a crucial role in fostering productivity, organization, and overall success. Renting a storage unit isn’t just a practical choice; it’s a strategic move that can benefit businesses in numerous ways.

Streamlined Operations

Businesses accumulate a variety of items, from excess inventory and seasonal decorations to documents and equipment. Renting a storage unit provides a dedicated space to store these items, decluttering the workspace and creating an organized environment. This streamlining of operations enhances efficiency and promotes a more productive workplace.

Cost-Effective Expansion

As businesses grow, so does the need for additional space. Instead of committing to expensive office or warehouse expansions, renting a storage unit offers a cost-effective alternative. This allows businesses to scale their storage space according to their needs without the long-term financial commitment associated with larger premises.

Seasonal Inventory Management

Many businesses experience fluctuations in inventory demands throughout the year. Renting a storage unit provides a flexible solution for managing seasonal inventory, ensuring that the right products are readily available when needed. This prevents overcrowded shelves and promotes a more organized inventory management system.

Document Archiving and Security

Businesses generate a significant volume of documents, ranging from important contracts to historical records. Renting a storage unit offers a secure and organized space for document archiving. With climate-controlled options, businesses can ensure the preservation of sensitive documents, protecting them from deterioration over time.

Flexibility and Convenience

Storage unit rentals offer businesses the flexibility to adapt to changing needs. Whether it’s a temporary solution during an office renovation or a long-term storage plan, businesses can adjust their storage requirements without the constraints of fixed leases. This flexibility translates to convenience, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations.

Economical Asset Management

For businesses with equipment, tools, or furniture that are not in constant use, a storage unit provides a cost-efficient solution for asset management. Instead of cluttering valuable workspace with underutilized items, businesses can store these assets securely and access them as needed.

Renting a storage unit is more than just securing a physical space; it’s a strategic decision that can significantly impact a business’s efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and overall success. From decluttering workspaces to providing a flexible and secure storage solution, businesses that leverage storage units gain a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced business environment.

How To Avoid Dry Rot in Stored Tires

Understanding the natural process of dry rotting in tires and taking proactive measures to combat it is crucial for maintaining tire health, especially when tires are left in storage for extended periods. This article outlines effective ways to store tires to prevent dry rot, ensuring longevity and safety when they hit the road again.

Cleaning for Preservation

Cleaning tires before storage is a simple yet impactful preventive measure. Mud and debris on tire surfaces can accelerate dry rot by pulling out essential oils from the rubber. Using just water and a sponge to clean tires removes contaminants without further drying them out. Avoid using specialized tire cleaning soaps if you plan to store the tires soon after cleaning, as these can contribute to further drying.

Shielding from Sunlight Exposure

Direct sunlight, with its UV rays, hastens the dry rotting process in tires. Storing vehicles or tires in a space shielded from direct sunlight is essential. If an ideal space isn’t available, investing in an opaque cover that extends over the tires can provide protection. These covers shield tires from UV exposure, ensuring they remain in optimal condition.

Maintaining Consistent Temperature

Extreme temperatures and drastic temperature fluctuations contribute to dry rotting. Keeping a vehicle or tires in a storage space with a consistent temperature helps mitigate this risk. Storing a vehicle indoors, such as in a storage unit, is advantageous in preventing temperature-related tire damage. In extreme climates, temperature-controlled storage facilities may be a wise investment for optimal tire preservation.

Sealing Tires in Bags

To combat dry rot, it’s crucial to reduce exposure to oxygen. For tires removed from vehicles and stored for more than six months, sealing them in bags is recommended. While specialty tire bags are available, cost-effective alternatives involve using heavy-duty plastic bags securely taped to create a sealed environment. This minimizes exposure to oxygen and protects against dry rot, flat spotting, and uneven wear.

Checking for Dry Rot Signs

Regular inspection is key to catching dry rot early. Signs include a grayish “washed out” color, visible cracks, and a change in the tire’s texture from a slight sponginess to a more leather-like feel. When taking a vehicle out of car storage, a thorough visual inspection of the tires will help identify any dry rot issues that may have occurred during the car storage period.

By implementing these proactive storage strategies, businesses and individuals alike can effectively prevent dry rot in tires, ensuring their vehicles are road-ready when needed. Taking the time to clean, shield, control temperature, seal, and inspect tires will contribute to overall tire health and safety.

How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Storage Unit?

Self storage units can vary in cost due to a number of factors. These can include size, features and location. Location is also a primary reason for variations in cost.

Self storage units can vary in cost due to a number of factors. These can include size, features and location. Location is also a primary reason for variations in cost. A storage unit in areas such as Burnaby will cost more than a storage unit in Mission, and self storage in a downtown area will be more than that on the outskirts.

Features such as temperature-control, indoor facilities, drive-up units, and hours of access will all affect pricing. Here are a five things to keep in mind when calculating the cost of a unit beyond location:

Storage Unit Size

Storage units typically range from 5’ x 5’ to 10’ x 30’.

  • Smaller units are great for storing boxes, files, and holding the contents of a bachelor-sized apartment,
  • Medium sized units are large enough to store the contents of a one or two bedroom apartment. They are also great for storing extra office furniture
  • Larger units can store  the belongings of multi-bedroom homes. You can find a storage calculator at applestorage.com or contact any location to find what size unit would work best for you.

Generally speaking, the larger the unit the higher the price.

Temperature-Controlled Storage Units

Controlled storage units cost more than a non-heated storage. If temperature changes could affect the items you’re storing, paying extra for a temperature-controlled storage unit makes sense to protect those items. We recommend a temperature-controlled storage unit if you are storing:

  • Electronics
  • Glass items
  • Valuable furniture or artwork
  • Certain documents
  • Medical Supplies

Drive-up and Indoor Storage Units

Drive up units are great for quick and easy access. They are on the ground floor and have a roll-up door so you can drive up and easily move items in and out of your vehicle. Drive up storage units are like a garage, great for small vehicles, sports equipment, and seasonal items. In contrast, indoor units can be temperature controlled so they are suited for antiques, electronics and other valuable items. Since the storage units are enclosed, they are also more resistant to pests, dust, humidity, and large temperature fluctuations.

Length of Stay

Most storage units are rented on a short term basis. However, if you know you’re going to need storage for the long term, special rates can be offered. Please feel free to contact us for details!

Miscellaneous Items and Insurance

Don’t forget to take into account costs that may come from extras that you need or insurance. Tenant’s insurance is important to protect belongings from unforeseen circumstances. There are different cost tiers depending on how much you want to insure your unit for. Also, there’s a small admin fee for renting a storage unit.