Self Storage vs Warehouse Storage: Which is Best for Your Business in Plymouth?
If you have a business with an abundance of products, goods, bulky items, or documents and archives, but no storage space at your premises, we understand that you’ll want to find the best place for them.
But where?
Well, turns out when you search online for storage facilities in Plymouth, for example, you’ll find a whole mixture of self storage units and warehouse storage facilities. Now, you need to make that all-important decision: Self Storage vs Warehouse Storage.
Whilst we might be a Warehouse Storage Facility based in Plymouth and serving the South West of England, we appreciate that both options have their pros and cons – and it’s entirely up to you which one you choose. There’s not necessarily a “best” option – but more to do with which one is right for your business.
Self Storage vs Warehouse Storage: What’s the Difference?
Before we start comparing the advantages and disadvantages of Self Storage vs Warehouse Storage – how about we start with the basics?
Self Storage, also known as a Storage Unit, does what it says on the tin – you have access to your own private storage space, which you can rent and access on your own time. You’ll have your own set of keys, and you can store and organise your items however you prefer.
On the other hand, with Warehouse Storage, you get a bit more than just an empty shell to store your goods. Warehouse Storage Facilities specialise in a wide range of 3PL Services, including Pallet Storage, Archive Storage, Bulk Storage, Fulfilment, and more. They have a whole team of fully trained staff members who will safely and efficiently handle your items.
Storage Space
Let’s start with the most important comparison (in our option!) – storage space. With Self Storage, the units tend to be on the smaller side, ranging from 10-square-foot lockers to larger 300-square-foot units. These sizes would be ideally suited for small businesses with a limited amount of stock.
In contrast, Warehouse Storage sizes range from 1,000 square feet up to a massive 100,000 square feet and more. This makes them perfectly suited for businesses of all sizes with a large inventory. There’s certainly plenty of space to keep everything and anything, and allow your business to grow exponentially!
Additionally, with Warehouse Storage Facilities, you only pay for the space that you use per cubic foot, offering a cost-effective solution, whereas with Self Storage Units, you pay for the entire space, which might remain unused.
In Summary: Self Storage is more limited when it comes to space, so may not be suitable for larger businesses, whilst with Warehouse Storage, you don’t need to worry about running out of room to store your goods.
Flexible Terms
With Self Storage Units, you may find that you pay month-to-month, with contracts typically requiring one to two weeks’ notice before leaving, giving you the flexibility to adapt to your business needs on a monthly basis.
Whilst some Warehouse Storage Facilities tie you to long-term contracts with a set minimum term, this is actually a myth that all warehouses do this! In fact, you can choose to store for as long or as little as you like, from one day up to ten years or more. This way, you have the freedom to come and go to suit your business storage needs.
In Summary: Contrary to popular belief, Warehouse Storage actually has more flexible terms, allowing you to leave within a day’s notice, whereas Self Storage is semi-flexible, with month-to-month rental terms.
Logistics
Now, let’s look at the logistics side of things, which involves managing your inventory, picking and packing your goods, vanning and devanning containers, shrinking wrapping, stock takes, order fulfilment, and more.
In a Self Storage Unit, you are responsible for all the above, and you will need to move, organise and manage your goods yourself. On the other hand, with Warehouse Storage, they take care of all that for you, allowing you to focus on growing your business whilst their dedicated team manages your inventory.
In Summary: If you are a small business, you might prefer to handle all of the logistics yourself with Self Storage. Alternatively, if you are too busy running your business, a Warehouse Storage Facility offers quality third-party logistics services, which are perfect for saving you valuable time and resources.
Security & Accessibility
In terms of security and accessibility for Self Storage, you, and you alone, will have access to your items with your own key. Plus, Self Storage is often open 24/7, allowing you to access the unit at a time that is convenient to you.
On the other hand, Warehouse Storage Facilities may have specific working hours, meaning you won’t have constant access. For your peace of mind, they will have 24/7 CCTV coverage and secure access control, along with mobile security patrols. So, you can rest assured your goods are in safe hands.
In Summary: If you need to access your inventory on weekends or late evenings, Self Storage Units might be the way forward for your business to fit your schedule. However, don’t forget a Warehouse Storage Facility will be handling all of your logistics, so you may find that you’ll need to visit less often, and they’ll likely be open during your working hours regardless.
ABC Warehouse Plymouth: Your Trusted Choice for Warehouse Storage in the South West
That concludes our breakdown of Self Storage vs Warehouse Storage. Which do you think you’ll choose? The right choice for your business will depend on how many goods you need to store, how much help you need with inventory management, your plans for business growth, and your schedule.
If you’ve made the decision to go for Warehouse Storage and are based in Plymouth or the surrounding areas in Devon or Cornwall, search no further than ABC Warehouse Plymouth for all your business needs! Simply give us a call on 01752 697000 or send us a message via our contact form to arrange a visit, see our operations in action, and meet our friendly team.