Running a small business from home? It starts out dreamy – slippers on, coffee in hand, everything in arm’s reach. But then, as your business grows, so does the inventory. Suddenly, your spare bedroom is packed with products, your living room is a maze of boxes and you can’t remember the last time you parked in the garage. Sound familiar?
Success is great, but when your business outgrows your home, it’s time to think outside the box – literally. Finding the right storage solution for your inventory is essential for freeing up your space (and your sanity), keeping your products safe and making sure your business keeps running.
Well, lucky for you, we’ve got inventory storage ideas for your business. Whether you’re storing clothing, jewellery, cold stuff or seasonal supplies, TAXIBOX is about to become your new business BFF. Ready to reclaim your home and get back to working smarter, not harder? Let’s get started!
Assessing your inventory storage needs
Every business has its own inventory storage requirements. Obviously, a florist’s needs are very different from an online retailer who sells clothing or a tech startup with equipment to store. The size, type and quantity of your inventory will determine the best storage solution for you. Are you storing bulky items, fragile goods or temperature-sensitive products? Do you need frequent access or do you only need to touch the stock once in a while?
As you evaluate your needs, consider all the factors, like security – a key point for every business owner. For delicate items like electronics or perishables, climate control can also be a game-changer.
Home-based storage options
Working from home? We’ll let you in on a little secret – you can get creative with storage without even leaving the house. Converting spare rooms into dedicated stock spaces, using your garage for overflow, or investing in smart shelving systems are popular solutions for home-based businesses, especially for those just starting out. This means you can keep everything close, without spending extra money on external storage.
Pros: Home-based storage is cost-effective, offers immediate access to inventory and doesn’t require you to travel anywhere to retrieve your products.Cons: The downside? Space is often limited, meaning you might outgrow your setup quickly. Plus, having your inventory spill into your living areas can make things feel cramped. And without professional security, there’s always a bit more risk involved.
Renting a self-storage unit
Self-storage units provide a solid option for business owners who need more space and a reliable inventory storage solution. These units come in a variety of sizes, from small lockers to large spaces that can fit pallets of stock. As an added benefit, many of these facilities offer 24/7 security, including cameras and coded access, while others provide climate-controlled units for sensitive inventory.
Pros: Self-storage units are secure, long-term solutions, which is great for small businesses with stable inventory levels.Cons: The biggest downside is having to travel to access your stock, which can eat into your time. In addition, many self-storage facilities might try to lock you in for a set contract, which is not helpful if you have fluctuating stock levels.
Cold storage inventory management solutions
If your business handles anything that wilts, spoils or melts, like food or flowers, cold storage is a must-have. The right cold storage solution keeps your goods fresh and safe and ticks all the compliance boxes, which is crucial in many industries. Without it, you’re risking a meltdown – in more ways than one! Keep it cool, and keep your business running smoothly.
Options range from renting a cold storage facility to using mobile refrigerated storage units that can be delivered right to your business. This flexibility can be particularly useful for event planners, caterers and florists who need short-term cold storage.
Pros: Cold storage is specially designed to handle temperature-sensitive goods, ensuring food safety and compliance with industry regulations.Cons: These solutions tend to be more expensive and may involve location constraints or long-term commitments that some business owners find challenging.
Jewellery inventory storage solutions
Pros: Backroom storage offers quick access to high-demand items. Off-site storage of surplus or seasonal stock frees up valuable in-store space, and mobile storage provides flexible, on-demand solutions right to your door.
Cons: Backroom storage is limited by your store’s size, and off-site storage requires travel and might not offer quick access to stock when you need it most.
Want to know more about mobile solutions? Read on.
Using TAXIBOX for inventory storage
No one does flexibility, security and convenience like us. Honest. For your small business inventory storage, TAXIBOX is here to save the day (and your space).
Here’s how it works: TAXIBOX delivers a storage unit right to your business location. You load it up with your inventory (we even provide tips on how to pack your stuff correctly). From there, you have two options: keep the unit on site for easy access or let TAXIBOX whisk it away to a secure facility for safekeeping. Need your inventory back? No problem. TAXIBOX brings the box right back to you, saving you all those annoying trips back and forth.
In simple terms, TAXIBOX is like a storage superhero, offering lower costs than traditional warehouses and the ability to scale up as your business grows. More inventory? Just order another TAXIBOX. The units are weatherproof, lockable and can be delivered and picked up as often as you need. Easy as! We certainly tick a lot of boxes.
Storage delivered to your door
Free access at our facility
No van, truck or ute hire
Load and unload once only
Need a removalist – we can help
Need packing supplies – yup, we can help here, too
Organising and managing inventory in storage
So, you’ve got your storage solution sorted – now comes the fun part: keeping it organised. A clutter-free storage space is a happy storage space, and it can make all the difference in your business. Here’s how to keep things tidy and efficient:
Shelving: Maximise your space by using sturdy shelves. This keeps items off the floor and makes everything easier to find.
Clear bins: Store your inventory in transparent containers so you can see what’s inside without opening every single box. Time-saving? Yes, please!
Labels, labels, labels: Yes, yes, yes. Clearly mark each bin or shelf so you know exactly where everything is. No more rummaging through piles of stuff to find one item.
Inventory software: Consider using an inventory management system to track stock levels and prevent overstocking or stockouts. A little bit of tech goes a long way in keeping your storage space (and your business) running smoothly.
Organising your storage is the key to speeding up restocking, preventing damage and ensuring you have a smooth inventory turnover. After all, no one wants to dig through a storage jungle when fulfilling orders.
Got stock? Get TAXIBOX!
We’ve covered the A to Z of inventory storage ideas, from creative home-based ideas to renting self-storage units and TAXIBOX for the ultimate in flexibility and convenience. As we’ve discussed, no matter the size of your business or the type of inventory you’re storing, the right storage solution is all about balancing flexibility, security and scalability.
So, what now? It’s time to assess your storage needs and, most importantly, think outside the box (or, in this case, inside the TAXIBOX)! Whether you want your stock close by on site or tucked away safely in a secure facility, TAXIBOX has the perfect fix. Got questions? Need a solution that grows with you? Give TAXIBOX a shout!
