Running an e-commerce business is exciting, but it also comes with one big challenge — space. From stock and packaging to returns and promotional materials, your home or office can quickly start overflowing.
Using self storage gives you room to grow while keeping your business organised and efficient. Whether you sell through Shopify, Etsy, Amazon, or eBay, these 10 storage hacks will help you stay in control of your stock and streamline your operations.
1. Separate Stock by Category
The first rule of effective storage is organisation. Divide your inventory into categories — by product type, size, or supplier.
Label each box clearly so you can find items quickly when packing orders. If you manage hundreds of SKUs, numbering your shelves and logging them in a spreadsheet can save hours of searching later.
Our Stock Storage units are ideal for keeping different product lines neatly separated and easy to access.
2. Go Vertical with Shelving
Floor space fills up fast, but vertical space often goes unused. Adding strong shelving allows you to make the most of your storage unit while keeping stock tidy and visible.
Shelving benefits include:
- Easier inventory checks
- Reduced risk of damage
- Faster order fulfilment
- More room for packaging supplies
Our Warehouse Storage options give you the space and flexibility to install shelving systems safely and securely.
3. Create a Dedicated Packing Zone
Packing orders in a cluttered space can lead to mistakes and delays. Set up a small area inside your unit with a clean work surface for packing and labelling orders.
Include:
- A sturdy table
- Shelves or bins for packaging materials
- Scales for weighing parcels
- Label printer and stationery
You can also take advantage of our Receipt and Dispatch Service to manage deliveries directly from your unit.
4. Keep a Clear Inventory System
Losing track of stock is one of the biggest issues for small e-commerce businesses. Keep a digital inventory that tracks each product’s quantity, location, and restock dates.
You can start simple with a spreadsheet or use tools that integrate with your online shop. Update your records every time stock moves in or out of storage to stay on top of demand.
5. Store Seasonal Products Separately
If you sell seasonal items like Christmas gifts or summer gear, keep them in a separate section or container. This keeps your current range tidy and makes it easier to rotate stock throughout the year.
Our home storage units are perfect for storing off-season items until you need them again.
6. Protect Stock from Damage
Your stock is your livelihood, so keeping it safe is crucial. Use clean, dry containers and avoid stacking boxes too high.
Tips for safe storage:
- Use sealed boxes to protect from dust
- Keep products off the floor using pallets
- Store fragile items on higher shelves
- Use silica gel packs to prevent damp
Our Safe and Secure Storage ensures your goods stay in perfect condition year-round.
7. Manage Returns Efficiently
Returns are part of every e-commerce business, but they don’t have to create chaos. Set aside one section of your unit for returned items so you can inspect, repack, or restock them easily.
Label this area clearly to keep it separate from your main inventory. Once processed, you can quickly add items back into your system without confusion.
8. Use Self Storage as a Mini Fulfilment Hub
Instead of juggling stock between your home and the post office, use your unit as a fulfilment hub. Pack, label, and dispatch orders directly from your space.
With our Free Van Hire and Open 7 Days a Week access, managing deliveries and collections has never been easier.
9. Keep Packaging Materials Organised
Packaging materials often take up as much room as the products themselves. Store boxes, bubble wrap, tape, and tissue paper in labelled containers or drawers.
Store bulk packaging supplies separately in a business storage unit so you never run out during busy periods.
10. Scale Your Space as You Grow
One of the biggest advantages of self storage is flexibility. You can start with a small unit and upgrade as your sales increase.
If your business experiences seasonal peaks or flash-sale events, you can rent additional space short-term — no long leases, no stress.
Explore our Prices page to see how easy it is to scale your space as your business grows.
Final Thoughts
Smart storage is the foundation of a successful e-commerce business. With a well-organised system and a reliable storage partner, you can save time, protect your stock, and focus on growing your sales.
At Cheap Storage Manchester, we help online retailers store, manage, and dispatch their stock efficiently.
Visit our Online Retailers page, check our Prices, or Contact us to set up your e-commerce storage today.
