Practical Storage Tips for Small Businesses in Manila

In Manila, running a small business is much like playing Tetris. Rent is high, and floor spaces are limited. Boxes pile up and make your workspace unorganized. 

But today, storage has evolved from being a cluttered mess of boxes to being an important resource to help your business operate quickly and efficiently.

Below is a practical and actionable guide to storage for small businesses in Manila.

Why Good Storage Matters for Small Businesses in Manila

For most small businesses in Manila, working with limited space and high rents is normal. So, square foot you pay to rent for your business needs to generate income.

When you have clutter, you lose productivity. Clutter limits how employees can move around and makes finding what you are looking for harder. 

And because of this clutter, you will also lose revenue potential. When employees can’t move around, they make more mistakes, and there is less of a chance to attract new customers.

Using self-storage can give you space to breathe and be flexible with your rent and lease terms. Most modern Manila storage solutions echo this idea.

How to Assess What Your Business Needs in Terms of Storage Before Leasing

Before leasing space, determine what you really need to store by categorizing items into groups. The three main categories are:

1. Sellable stock (inventory)
2. Equipment/tools (such as machines, display fixtures, etc.)
3. Documents/archives (such as contracts, records, files)

Think about how often you access each category. Daily access items should remain nearby and easily accessible. Weekly access items can be slightly farther away. Items you rarely use are perfect candidates for off-site storage.

Storage Ideas for Categorizing and Organizing Stock

Chaos in inventory results in lost stock, outdated items, and wasted employee time. All of these result in increased costs.

• Categorize stock according to SKU, product type, or speed of sale. Fast-selling items should be located closer to the front, and slower-selling items can be placed toward the rear.
• Use the first-in/first-out (FIFO) method. As older stock moves out first, no items expire, and items don’t gather dust.
• Stack vertically instead of horizontally. By stacking vertically, you utilize ceiling space instead of floor space. Sturdy racks and shelves will provide ample floor space.
• Clearly label every item. Use large, readable labels so that anyone can identify the item(s) without having to physically retrieve the box.
• Design aisles that are large enough for employees to navigate without obstructions.

The objective is simple: Any employee should be able to locate any item without needing to ask other employees or move numerous boxes.

Best Packing, Labeling, and Layout Strategies for Your Storage Units

Proper packing will create more storage space, and will minimize frustration.

• Use uniform-sized, stackable containers. Non-uniform container sizes will create wasted space, and increase the likelihood of the entire stack collapsing.
• Label boxes on multiple sides, so that the contents are visible without needing to move anything.
• Create pathways within the storage unit, even narrow ones.
• Maintain a basic inventory list (whether digital or written), and keep it current.
• Place commonly-used items near the front of the storage unit. Less commonly used items can be located toward the rear of the storage unit.

Utilize self-storage to Lower Overhead Expenses

Rent prices in Manila are extremely high. Moving your inventory to off-site storage will free up floor space to allow for displays, seating, and efficient employee flow.

Moving your non-essential inventory off-site allows you to lower your overhead expenses. When you expand your space, you can now put the funds toward creating more revenue-generating space.

And since self-storage is typically offered on a month-to-month basis, scaling your business is easier to achieve. When sales increase, you can add space. Conversely, if sales decline, you can reduce space without needing to renegotiate your lease.

Identify the Ideal Storage Space for Your Business

Leasing the incorrect size of storage space will lead to waste and will create operational challenges.

• Choose a storage space based on volume rather than estimates. Utilize stackable containers and shelving to maximize usable space.
• If you have documents, electronics, promotional materials, or sensitive items that are susceptible to heat and humidity, consider renting climate-controlled units to ensure these items remain undamaged due to environmental factors.
• Security is another factor to consider. Look for a facility that offers secure, monitored access, video surveillance, and strong doors and locks. Additionally, the area should be well-lit, and convenient access hours and proximity to your business will also save you time and gas money for regular trips to the storage facility.

Plan Your Storage Budget Wisely

Storage works best when viewed as a planned operational expense, rather than an unplanned expense.

Carefully estimate the amount of space you will require, to avoid over-renting. Renting extra space that you do not need is simply throwing money away.

Compare monthly rent rates to longer-term lease options. Flexibility is a major benefit, however some longer-term leases may provide discounted rates.

Be aware of additional costs associated with storage, such as insurance premiums, administration fees, padlocks, and access fees.

View storage in the same manner as you would utilities or internet service. Planners are always better at managing costs.

Transitional and Seasonal Storage Options for Small Businesses in Manila

Seasonal stock is another common space-related issue for many businesses. Holiday decorations, promotional materials, and event equipment are needed seasonally, but do not need to occupy valuable workspace throughout the remainder of the year.

Storage can serve as a buffer to absorb the ups and downs in demand. Scale up prior to peak seasons and scale down afterwards.

Storage can also be useful during renovations or relocation, enabling businesses to maintain operation without the clutter and disruption associated with these activities.

Think of storage as a shock-absorber that will help your business run smoother regardless of busy or slow periods.

Benefits of Choosing Leeveit Storage Solutions for Your Business

Your items deserve more than a safe place to exist. They need protection, quick access and the comfort of knowing they will be safe. Leeveit has been recognized as one of the top secure storage facilities Manila businesses trust.

At Leeveit, they prioritize the same thing as business owners, protecting your items (inventory, documents, equipment, seasonal goods).

Leeveit is a leading storage rental provider in Manila, and they understand that businesses need to be flexible and nimble. Therefore, Leeveit’s solutions are designed to support both your short-term and long-term storage needs.

Advanced Security Measures for Peace of Mind

Your items are secured 24/7 with multi-layered security measures.

All Leeveit locations are equipped with state-of-the-art video surveillance systems to monitor the entire property 24/7. Each camera is capable of capturing images in high-definition, which deters unwanted intruders and ensures accountability.

Additional security features include:

• Alarms on individual units that activate when someone tries to enter the unit illegally
• Access control systems that utilize personal codes or key cards
• On-site security guards that patrol the property
• Well-lit walkways and parking lots with motion-sensitive lights
• Perimeter fencing with gated entries

Each customer is provided with a unique access code to ensure that only approved individuals have access to their unit.

Convenience and Flexibility Designed to Meet Busy Schedules

Leeveit understands that busy schedules are a reality for many businesses. To accommodate this, Leeveit’s storage solutions are designed to be convenient for your business.

Having Leeveit locations conveniently situated in various parts of Manila minimizes the amount of time spent traveling to the storage facility. In addition, offering flexible unit sizes enables businesses to adjust their storage capacity as their inventory needs fluctuate.

Leeveit’s climate-controlled units are available for sensitive items, such as documents, electronics, promotional materials, and humidity-susceptible inventory, to protect them from Manila’s extreme temperatures and humidity.

Long-Term Storage Partnerships for Your Growing Business

Many businesses see Leeveit as a long-term storage solution, rather than a short-term fix.

Whether you are a startup trying to manage your limited space or a successful SME dealing with seasonal inventory, Leeveit provides a secure and easily accessible storage environment to support your growing business.

Storage Mistakes Small Businesses Should Avoid Making

There are many ways that businesses can lose money and waste time due to poor storage practices.

These include:

• Overestimating space requirements
• Poorly labeling units resulting in confusion
• Not utilizing climate control for sensitive items
• Choosing inconvenient locations to access units
• Treating storage as a fixed cost versus a variable cost
• Avoiding these pitfalls turns storage into an advantage for your business.

Store Your Way to a Business Advantage

Storage can greatly enhance the efficiency of your business, decrease costs, and foster growth. Storage eliminates clutter, enhances workflow, and provides you with the ability to adapt to changing market conditions.

Plan ahead and treat storage as a strategic business decision. When used thoughtfully, storage can become a key component of your business strategy, rather than a last-minute necessity.