One of the keys to maintain a productive working environment in your business is to keep your building free from clutter. A tidy work environment makes for happier employees, and it makes your office look more professional. Not only that, you need to keep your building free from clutter in order to pass fire inspections and keep in line with local codes. One of the easiest ways to reduce clutter and keep your supplies organized is to rent a storage unit for your business. Here are a few tips you'll want to keep in mind.

Learn What Is Allowed

Storing documents and seasonal products is generally no problem, but if you want to store food, equipment, or chemicals, be sure you understand what is allowed in your storage unit first. You'll probably need to drain all gas and oil from equipment. You may not be permitted to store certain chemicals such as paint. Explosives, combustible items, and perishable goods are usually not allowed for safety reasons. You don't want to sneak things in because if you store something against the rules and it causes a fire or some other problem, you might be held liable for damages.

Choose The Right Type Of Storage

There are different types of storage units available, and you want to pick one that's right for your needs. For instance, if you plan to store documents, you'll want a climate controlled unit so the documents won't deteriorate. Also, you may want an indoor unit on a second or third level so there is minimal risk of flood damage. On the other hand, if you plan to store supplies that you need to access on a frequent basis, you may want an outdoor unit you can park right beside for convenience sake. Storage facilities also vary in the type of security they provide. At the very least, you want a well-lit and gated facility. If you want better protection, you may want an indoor unit with guards that is only open during business hours.

Make Organization A Priority

No matter what type of storage unit you rent, you want to keep it organized or it will quickly turn into a mess where you can't find what you need. Make sure everything is labeled before it goes inside the unit. Arrange the boxes so labels can be seen easily, as this will eliminate the need to dig through boxes to find what you're looking for. Also, create a map that's kept inside the unit that shows what is in each numbered box and where the box is located. This is especially helpful if you need to maximize storage space and cause some rows of boxes to be hidden from view. If you plan to access your files or supplies often, you may want to set up shelves so everything is easy to see and is readily accessible.

For more information, contact K&L LLC Mini Storage or a similar company.