Why is business storage essential for small businesses?

The goal for every start-up or small company is to see it grow. But with growth, there’s often a need for more storage space and a central place to operate from. That’s where short-term leasing can come in handy.

As small businesses grow, storage needs often increase long before there’s a need to move or expand office space. Stock, equipment, and records can quickly take up valuable working areas.

Flexible business storage facilities provide a practical way to create space, stay organised, and support growth without committing to larger premises.

As businesses scale, managing space becomes a challenge. Increasing inventory, equipment, and archived materials can clutter work environments, reduce productivity, and create unnecessary operational friction.

Business self-storage allows companies to separate operational space from storage needs. By securely storing stock, equipment, and documents off-site, small businesses can maintain a more organised, professional working environment while keeping assets protected and accessible.

For companies planning future expansion, business storage units provide the flexibility to grow at a manageable pace. Dedicated small office units are available separately when additional workspace is required, allowing businesses to adapt as their needs evolve.

Small business storage solutions

While business assets differ depending on a company’s operations, most small businesses share common storage needs. Service providers often need space to store equipment, while retailers require secure areas for stock and inventory. Even within the same industry, the type, size, and duration of business self-storage requirements can differ significantly. That’s why flexible business storage is essential. It allows companies to choose solutions that match their operational needs without paying for unnecessary space. 

Below are some of the different types of small business storage solutions U Can Store offers to support businesses across our Johannesburg-based storage facilities:

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Inventory Storage for small businesses

Retailers (whether physical or online) rely on inventory storage to keep stock organised, protected, and easy to access. Service providers and tradespeople also need secure space to store materials and goods without cluttering operational areas.

Business storage facilities designed for inventory storage help protect goods from environmental factors such as heat and moisture, ensuring stock remains in good condition until it’s needed.

This makes inventory storage ideal for businesses that need secure, flexible space to store stock without overcrowding their working environment.

Cleanliness and protection from climate conditions are also important factors when it comes to inventory storage, as some items might perish in warm or wet conditions.

Are you thinking about securing storage space for your small business? Below is a comprehensive checklist designed to assist you in making informed decisions for your business and to navigate you through the decision-making process effectively.

Vehicle Storage for businesses

Many small businesses, service providers, and retailers rely on company vehicles to transport equipment and goods. However, space at home or in office parks is often limited.

Vehicle and car storage within secure business storage units offers a practical solution for storing vans, trailers, and fleet vehicles safely when they’re not in use.

This makes vehicle storage suitable for businesses that need a safe, dedicated place to store company cars between jobs or deliveries.

Equipment Storage for small businesses

From plumbers and electricians to event coordinators and service providers, many businesses rely on specialised tools and equipment to operate efficiently. Secure equipment storage ensures these valuable assets are protected when not in use.

Business storage facilities are also ideal for temporarily storing office equipment, including computers, scanners, desks, and other administrative items during relocations, upgrades, or periods of change.

This makes equipment storage ideal for businesses that need secure, accessible space to protect tools and equipment outside of working hours.

Seasonal Business Storage Solutions

Many businesses experience changing business storage needs throughout the year. Retailers may need space for seasonal stock, while service providers often store equipment that’s only used at certain times.

Seasonal business storage allows companies to store goods and materials securely during off-peak periods, freeing up space and keeping assets protected until they’re needed again.

This makes seasonal storage ideal for businesses that need flexible storage space during peak and off-peak periods.

Get the best use out of your business self-storage space

Business storage space may be the most affordable way to expand your business, but only when it’s used efficiently. Choosing the right business self-storage unit ensures you’re maximising space, protecting assets, and avoiding unnecessary costs as your business grows. With 20 years of experience, U Can Store supports businesses by matching them with business storage facilities that meet their exact requirements. Our team helps you choose the right unit size, location, and leasing option so you only pay for the space you need.

Our business storage solutions are designed to support growing companies and include storage units that are:

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  • Clean, dry, safe, secure and fully protected against floods and fire;
  • Conveniently located across Johannesburg, for straightforward drop-off and collection points;
  • Flexible, with different leasing options to meet the changing storage needs of each customer; and

Professional, ensuring you appear professional to your clients and suppliers.

This makes business storage ideal for small businesses that need secure, flexible storage space that adapts as their operational needs change.

We understand the value and impact of small businesses, which is why we focus on long-term partnerships rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. When you store your goods at one of our secure, easily accessible storage facilities, you gain peace of mind knowing your business assets are protected and supported by an experienced team.

Find the most efficient business storage solution

Your box store

The Perfect Partner for Safe Storage

Your storage is only as good as your packing. That’s why every U Can Store facility has an onsite Your Box Store.

Get the right boxes, packing tape, and protective materials to secure your business assets. We supply high-quality, double-walled cardboard boxes and expert packing advice to ensure your items stay protected in transit and in storage.Think of it as a complete storage solution: a secure unit from us, and the perfect packing supplies from our sister shop, all in one convenient location.

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Let’s Move Together
Your Box Store By U Can Store

The affordable next step for your small business

Growth isn’t always predictable, which is why flexible business storage is often the most practical next step for small businesses. It allows companies to create space as they need it, without committing to long-term premises or oversized warehousing.

Compared to leasing large warehouse space, a business storage unit offers a more affordable storage solution, giving businesses access to secure space that can scale alongside changing storage needs.

At U Can Store, we offer business storage solutions with flexible leasing options, helping businesses pay only for the space they need, when they need it.

This makes business storage ideal for small businesses looking for a cost-effective, scalable alternative to long-term warehousing.

Need an Office and Storage?

Does your growing business need a place to operate and store goods? While this page focuses on our flexible storage solutions, we also offer convenient small office units perfect for startups and small teams. Explore our small office units here.

Secure Your Business Storage Unit Today

Ready to declutter, organise, and create space for your business to grow? Our team Storage experts in Johannesburg are here to help you find the perfect secure storage solution.

Small business storage: The FAQs

A business storage unit can be used to store inventory, equipment, business documents, materials, and other business assets.

For safety reasons, certain items are not permitted, including flammable liquids, combustible materials, weapons, explosives, chemicals, radioactive or toxic materials, compressed gases, illegal items, or hazardous goods.

Food, perishable goods, living plants, or living creatures may not be stored. If you’re unsure whether an item is suitable for business storage, our team at U Can Store can advise you before move-in.

Our state-of-the-art business self-storage units are designed to protect business assets over both short- and long-term storage periods. Our facilities are clean, dry, weatherproof, and pest-free. They’re also fitted with the latest in fire protection to ensure that your stored items are well-maintained and remain in the same condition they were stored in.

While our business storage facilities are safe and secure, we advise all customers to insure their items for peace of mind. . Insurance helps protect inventory, equipment, and other business assets against unforeseen circumstances. 

Talk to a member of the U Can Store team if you’d like to know more about affordable insurance coverage.

Businesses can access their business storage unit during standard access hours, typically between 7:00am and 6:00pm, depending on the facility.

Outside of access hours, stored items remain protected with 24/7 CCTV monitoring, controlled access, and floodlit sites for safe loading and unloading during operating hours.

Only access-approved parties can access your unit. If you’re the only one with approved access to your unit, then only you will be able to retrieve items and load/unload goods.

Yes, you can secure a unit via a website booking. Once you’ve reserved a unit online, you’ll receive an email confirmation from us with a link to the rental agreement and contract. The email will also offer guidance to help you upload any relevant documentation we might need to secure your unit.

Once your first month’s rent is paid for, we hand over the keys and you can move into your business storage facility! When signing your rental agreement, be sure to bring a copy of your ID for company records.

Our business storage contracts  operate on a month-to-month basis  giving small businesses the flexibility to scale storage space up or down as needs change.

Our business storage units are designed with security in mind and include 24/7 CCTV surveillance, personalised access codes or keys for each tenant, and robust perimeter security to ensure your business assets are safe at all times.

Choosing the right business storage unit depends on what you plan to store and how often you need access. Our experienced team can assess your storage needs and recommend a unit size that fits your business requirements and budget, helping you avoid paying for unused space. Contact us with a list of what you plan to store, and we will recommend the perfect unit size to fit your needs and budget, avoiding you paying for space you don’t use.

Yes. We offer secure vehicle storage options for company vans, trailers, fleet cars, or other business vehicles and other business transport that requires safe, dedicated parking.

We offer convenient payment options, typically via debit order or direct bank transfer, to make managing your storage costs hassle-free.

Renting office space

Again, all businesses are different, but location is always key and many companies need to operate close to or on the same premises as their storage facilities. There are many possible storage solutions that might suit your business’s activities, but for small businesses looking for a storage unit and an office space to rent, a business storage unit with an office could be exactly what you need.

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Mini-warehouse PLUS office to rent

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Some small businesses need both storage space and a place to work, without committing to a full warehouse.

U Can Store offers mini-warehouse and office combinations that bring secure business storage and office space together in one convenient location.

Let’s Help You Find The Right Storage Option

Our storage units range from small spaces to lock-up garages and micro-warehouses. Use our handy size guide or reach out to our friendly team to find your perfect fit.

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