When starting a business, creating an inventory of your items is essential. Not only will it help you keep track of what is in your storage unit, but it can also come in handy when filing taxes and insurance claims or tracking down stock. Whether you’re using a self storage facility or your own warehouse, here are 8 tips to ensure your business inventory is organised and efficient.
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Categorise your items
Create categories for all the items that will be going into storage so you can easily find them when needed. For example, label boxes as “Office Supplies”, “Marketing Materials” or “Equipment.” It’s also a good idea to organise the items in your unit according to the category. Stack all office supplies in one corner and equipment in another so you don’t waste time searching for something specific.
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Label everything
Once you’ve created the categories, label everything clearly so you can quickly identify what’s inside each box. This will save a lot of time when you need to find something in a hurry or check that all your items are still present and accounted for. When labelling, be sure to mark the box in a spot you can easily see from the door.. Labelling the top of the boxes will mean you may have to remove multiple boxes from the stack when you’re looking for something specific. Instead, label the sides of the boxes to avoid this nuisance.
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Take inventory regularly
Take regular inventory of your storage unit to make sure nothing has gone missing or been damaged. Create a simple checklist of all the items stored in the unit to easily keep track of your goods.
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Have a backup
It’s not fun to think about, but sometimes things go wrong. Store electronic copies of any documents or contracts related to your business both in the cloud and on a physical hard drive off-site as backups in case of fire, flood damage or theft.
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Take photos
Taking photos of your items can be helpful when filing insurance claims in case something gets damaged or stolen. It’s also a good way to show potential partners and investors what you have in stock. Again, remember to keep a backup of these photos either at home, the office or at your storage unit.
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Get insurance
Make sure all your items are covered by a comprehensive policy that includes business inventory stored at a self-storage facility. Knowing that your items are protected against theft, fire, and flood damage will provide peace of mind.
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Keep your storage unit secure
While most storage facilities have state-of-the-art security systems with alarmed units and 24-hour CCTV surveillance, it’s essential that you take steps to secure your unit as well. Make sure that your unit is always locked from the outside to keep your items safe and deter any would-be thieves from entering your unit.
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Organise your space
Use shelves, drawers, racks and other organisational tools to keep your items organised and easily accessible. This will make it easier to find what you need quickly and avoid clutter in your storage unit.
Whether you’re storing inventory or need a secure unit for archived files, Nesta Self Storage has got you covered. With five locations across Dublin, a wide range of business storage unit sizes and flexible Dublin office rentals, we have all the space you need to grow your business.
Ready to store? Give us a call on 1800 77 22 33, pop into your nearest location for a tour or request a free quote online.
