Small Business was once the back bone of this country, but now large corporations have taken over making it hard for the little guy to compete. In order for the small business to stay afloat it is crucial to keep overhead low, and it is for this reasons many owners are looking for different ways of doing business. Self-Storage has become a great alternative to renting a traditional office or warehouse space. Although running a business out of a storage unit sounds a bit strange, it could be an ideal solution for, plumbers, electricians, landscapers, Pharmaceutical Reps, or really any business where the bulk of your business takes place outside of the office. Self-Storage units are very affordable averaging between $0.75/ square foot to $1.50/square foot depending on the type of storage you are looking for and the location of the property. Since most storage unit leases are month to month you are never locked into a long-term deal where you are paying for space you don’t need. If you receive a shipment and need more space, rent a second unit. Once that merchandise is sold you vacate the unit or downsize to a smaller size. The flexibility in sizing options is limitless. Since self-storage has become very popular you are sure to find a unit in any location you need, putting you closer to your customers.

If you decide to try using a storage unit for your business, it is important to understand that all storage facilities were not created equal. Property features, and quality of a storage facility vary wildly from location to location. These are some things to consider when choosing a storage company.

• Is it Business friendly? Some facilities are much more accommodating of corporate units than others.

•Gate Access Hours. You want to make sure the storage facilities access hours match up with your customers needs. If you occasionally need to make a 3am service call, it is important to have 24-hour access.

• Security, are your items going to be safe? Make sure the facility has a perimeter fence with coded access to ensure no one will have access to the property that shouldn’t.

• What are you storing? If you are storing merchandise that is sensitive to temperature or humidity you may want to look into climate-controlled storage.

• How often will you be going into the storage unit? If you plan on accessing the unit daily, an interior unit will keep you out of the rain and other adverse weather conditions.

• Semi Access? If you expect large deliveries such as pallets, make sure there is enough room on the property that a semi trailer can pull in a maneuver through the facility.

• Deliveries. Will the storage manager sign for a delivery from UPS or Fed Ex?

Whatever your needs, chances are good that Devon Self Storage has the right unit for you. I recommend that your stop by anyone of our convenient locations and speak with one of our storage specialists to find the best possible storage solution for your business.

During the first quarter of 2012, Devon welcomed its latest addition to its family of national self-storage facilities. In conjunction with its financial partner, Devon has closed on the acquisition of a 145,000 square foot storage facility located at 3417 Fontaine Road, Memphis, TN 38116. The facility is located approximately 8 miles south of the central business district for the City of Memphis. The property consists of 12 separate single-story buildings with 991 units.  Devon Memphis is currently under renovation to ensure the high quality of Storage Devon Customers have come to expect.  If you are in the Memphis area and looking for Storage, make sure to stop by and welcome the new facility to the Devon team.

We will be undergoing a complete office remodel this month in January to get ready for the rental season. Our new office will feature extra value for our customers including a fully stocked retail display with everything you will need for your move. Two CCTV LCD displays for added security, and a coffee bar for those early morning visits to your storage unit. Please stop by and meet the Pasadena, TX team!

6045 Fairmont Parkway

Pasadena, TX 77505

281-487-3000

or find us on our Facebook page here!

Betsy will be picking up her IPAD2 at the Lansing Michigan store! Which means, the manager with the most rentals at the Lansing store wins the 2^nd IPAD2. Thank you all so much for participating. Stay tuned to our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/devonselfstorage

The winner of the Apple Ipad 2 will be randomly selected on December 1st 2011. The winner will need to be able to pick up their Apple Ipad 2 at a Devon Self Storage location. Good Luck!

Sign up at on our Facebook page here

Devon Self Storage has other Drive through Facilities in the US, please visit www.devonselfstorage.com for more information.

Regardless the origin, the industry has made incredible growth and diversity over its U.S. history, some 45 years. We have come from the days of the 1st Public Storage facility in California, built in 1972, to the larger more modern facilities such as a 280,000 SQ, FT. facility built in 2007 by Big Yellow Self Storage Company. The industry has gone global and has become a necessity. Today, self storage customers can store anything from a 40 ft. RV at facilities capable of RV parking, to a perfectly kept bottle of cabernet sauvignon in a refrigerated building specifically built for wine storage.

Today, the self storage industry is made up from a collection of different-sized operators. The majority of the self storage facilities in the US consist of small, owner operator or “mom and pop” facilities. These smaller companies own 1-2 facilities each. Then there are the mid-sized companies, operating a collection of facilities in the range of 3-100 facilities each. These two groups occupy over 90% of the self storage industry. The remaining big-box operators such as Public Storage, Extra Space Self Storage, U-store-it, Sovran Self Storage and U-Haul International occupy the smallest portion of the industry.

Devon Self Storage in Oakland, CA

Self Storage buildings can be as high traffic as your own home, and just like your home your items can collect dust. This is even more prevalent in an outdoor drive up unit. Make good use of furniture covers, like mattress, chair and couch covers. For larger items that will not fit in a box, use a simple dust cover. Secure the dust cover that it will not slip of the items over time. It is a great idea to cover the entire contents of your storage unit with a tarp. In the case of areas with violent storms, damage can easily occur to a roof, thus exposing your items to rain or moisture. With a tarp protecting your items, you have a last line of defense.

Put all items that will fit, in a box or a storage tote. Always use good sturdy boxes. Free boxes are a great idea to save money for your move. However, new boxes should be used for packing and stacking your items while in storage. Always pack the heavier boxes on the bottom and save your lighter boxes to place higher on the stack. You don’t want your boxes collapsing over time.

Most self storage facilities sell packing supplies. Before making a decision on a self storage facility, take a look at their range of retail supplies for sale. Companies such as Devon Self Storage sell a full range of retail supplies and are staffed with knowledgeable people to explain these items to you!

For more tips on packing your storage unit or to talk with an experienced storage expert visit www.devonselfstorage.com