Storage for online sellers and small businesses
Self storage helps a home-based business grow by giving you space for stock, packaging, equipment and records outside your home, without the cost of a commercial lease. Online sellers, crafters and small retailers often reach a point where products fill the spare room, garage and hallway. Moving that stock into a unit gives you room to buy in larger quantities, process orders faster and keep work and home life separate.
This 2027 guide explains when it is time to move your stock out of the house, how to set up your unit and what it costs.
Signs your home business has outgrown your home
- Stock is spreading beyond one room into living spaces.
- You turn down bulk discounts because you have nowhere to put the stock.
- Finding products for orders takes longer than it should.
- Seasonal peaks leave you with boxes in every corner of the house.
- Your family has less space every month.
How self storage helps your business grow
1. Room to buy more stock
Storage for business inventory lets you take advantage of bulk buying and supplier discounts, improving your margins.
2. Faster order processing
An organised unit with shelving and clear labels makes picking and packing quicker than searching through boxes at home.
3. Space for seasonal peaks
Increase your space ahead of busy periods such as Christmas, then reduce it again in quieter months.
4. A clear line between work and home
Moving stock out of the house gives you your living space back and makes it easier to switch off after work.
5. Lower costs than commercial premises
Self storage has no long-term lease, no business rates and no utility bills, so you only pay for the space you use.
Which businesses use self storage?
- Online sellers on marketplaces and their own websites
- Crafters and makers storing materials and finished products
- Market traders storing stalls, stock and displays
- Small retailers holding extra stock
- Consultants and service businesses storing archived documents
How to set up your unit for an online business
- Choose a drive-up unit so you can load and unload deliveries straight from your vehicle.
- Add freestanding shelving and use the full height of the unit.
- Organise stock by product line or SKU and label every shelf and box.
- Keep best-selling products near the door and slower lines at the back.
- Store packaging materials together so you can prepare orders quickly. Boxes and packing materials are available from the Pickfords Eco Box Shop.
- Keep a simple stock list or link your unit to your inventory spreadsheet. See how to create a storage unit inventory.
What size unit does a home business need?
| Business stage | Suggested unit size |
|---|
| Starting out, a few shelves of stock and packaging | 15 to 25 sq ft |
| Growing, a van load of stock and supplies | 50 sq ft drive-up unit |
| Established, pallets of stock and equipment | 100 sq ft or a 160 to 165 sq ft container |
For more detail, read our guide to self storage unit sizes.
How much does business storage cost?
At Pickfords, prices start from £8.98 per week in York, £10.50 per week in Cambridge, £15 per week in Norwich and £18 per week for a 50 sq ft drive-up unit or container at most other locations. All prices include VAT with no hidden fees. Free collection is available for drive-up storage and containers in Edinburgh, Horsham and Manchester. See our self storage costs guide for the full breakdown.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I run my business from a storage unit?
Self storage units are for storing goods, not for working on site or receiving customers. You can store stock, equipment and records there. Read more in our business self storage guide.
- Can I access my stock outside normal hours?
Most Pickfords facilities offer 24/7 access, which is useful for processing orders early or late. Confirm the access arrangements with your chosen facility.
- Can I change my unit size as my business grows?
Yes. You can move to a larger unit, add a second unit or reduce your space when your needs change.
- Should I insure my business stock?
It is advisable to insure stock and equipment while in storage. Check whether your business insurance covers items stored off-site.
Grow your business with Pickfords Self Storage
With 15 locations across the UK, flexible terms and drive-up access at every site, Pickfords Self Storage gives your home business room to grow. Explore business self storage or contact Pickfords today to discuss your storage needs.