The simple answer is yes, you can run a business from a self storage unit. It’s a common misconception that self storage is only for household belongings. Whether you’re storing stock, equipment, tools or business documents, self storage can provide a flexible and cost-effective way to support your day-to-day operations.
The growth of e-commerce has led many entrepreneurs, freelancers and side hustlers to turn to self storage for stock management and business storage. In fact, more than 680,000 UK businesses use self storage as an alternative to leasing larger commercial premises or warehouses. And around 24% of self storage customers are businesses.
To learn more about how businesses use storage units to support their day-to-day operations and growth, read our guide.
5 Business Types that Work Well with Storage
- Online retailers and e-commerce businesses:
- Marketplace sellers (Amazon, eBay, Etsy and other online retailers): store stock, packaging materials and orders ready for dispatch without taking over your home or office.
- Thrift and vintage resellers (Depop, Vinted, Thrift+ etc.): organise clothing, shoes, bags and fashion items in one place
- Subscription box businesses: store shipping supplies, promotional materials and equipment, seasonal stock and stock.
- Tradespeople and Contractors:
- Plumbers, engineers and electricians: keep specialist tools, spare parts and stock organised and readily accessible.
- Property maintenance and landscaping businesses: store machinery, seasonal equipment and materials without taking up valuable space at home or in vehicles.
- Construction businesses and builders: store tools, equipment, materials and site supplies securely between projects.
- Service-based businesses:
- Event planners and wedding coordinators: store decorations, signage and event equipment and seasonal inventory between bookings.
- Fashion designers, jewellers and tailors: protect fabrics, samples and finished products from damage.
- Artists and craftspeople: store materials, tools, equipment and completed products in a clean, dry environment.
- Legal, accounting and healthcare businesses:
Offices in the legal, accounting and healthcare sectors that handle large volumes of paperwork can use self storage for GDPR-compliant document archiving. Storage units can be rented on a long-term basis to safely store important records and documents.
- Industrial and manufacturing businesses
Industrial companies don’t always need a full warehouse that can be costly and require more administration. Many self storage facilities offer large storage units ranging from 300 sq ft to 500 sq ft, making them ideal for storing pallets, machinery, equipment and seasonal overflow stock.
Do’s and Don’ts of Running a Business from a Storage Unit in the UK
If you’re using a storage unit to support your business, it’s important to understand the rules before you get started. Here are some simple do’s and don’ts, including common storage facility policies and legal considerations to keep in mind.
| Do’s | Dont’s |
| Check your storage provider’s terms and conditions and what you can and cannot store before using your unit for business purposes | Don’t use a storage unit as your registered office address unless your provider allows it |
| Follow health and safety requirements when storing, handling or accessing items | Don’t store hazardous, illegal, flammable or prohibited items |
| Keep an accurate record of the business items stored in your unit | Don’t share access details with unauthorised individuals, leave your unit unsecured or compromise site security |
| Take out appropriate business insurance to protect your goods, equipment and stock | Don’t carry out business activities without first checking they’re permitted under your storage agreement |
| Store items securely and follow the facility’s rules to help protect your assets and remain compliant | Don’t invite customers in your storage unit unless authorised by the facility |
Can I use a self storage unit as an office?
In many cases, no. While you may be able to run parts of your business from a self storage facility, a storage unit address is not typically suitable for use as your registered office address. Your registered office address must be a physical UK address that appears on the Companies House register.
If you’re looking for a space to work alongside your stock or items, we offer office pods that are well-lit, private and comes with complimentary fast Wi-Fi and access to printers. This is available across all our stores in London.
3 Benefits of Using Self Storage for Your Business
- A storage space that adapts as your business grows
Business needs change, and your storage should too. Whether you’re growing, downsizing or dealing with seasonal demand, you can easily adjust your unit size as required. - Keep costs under control
Why pay for more space than you need? Self storage gives you extra room for stock, equipment and documents without the commitment and expense of larger commercial premises. - Everything you need in one place
With features such as 24/7 access, free parking, parcel delivery and collection services, office pods and co-working spaces, we make it easier to manage your business day to day.
Ready to Run a Business from a Storage Room? Here’s Why Businesses Choose Us
With over 10 years of providing award-winning self storage services across London, we are committed to delivering quality storage solutions for businesses and homeowners. With 10 locations across the city, we support everyone from online retailers to SMEs looking for extra space.
At Attic Self Storage, we understand that every business has different requirements. That’s why we’re proud to offer:
- Range of storage unit sizes to support your business as it grows
- State-of-the-art security features, including 24/7 CCTV monitoring, individually alarmed units, app-controlled locks and more
- Flexible month-to-month contracts, allowing you to scale your storage space up or down as needed
- Office pods and co-working spaces next to your storage unit
If you’d like to find out more about our business storage solutions, get in touch with our team today.