What Do Event Planners Need to Know About Storage Units?

What can storage units do for your event planning business? If you're an events entrepreneur, take a look at what you need to know about these convenient rental units.

Why Should You Rent a Unit?

An off-site rental facility is ideal for event planners who don't have a dedicated office space. Whether you currently work out of your living room or spend most of the day on the road, you need a separate space to store everything your business needs. A rental unit allows you to de-clutter your work area, keep your business items in order, and store everything from invoices to chairs and tables in a central location.

What Can You Store in a Rental Unit?

There isn't one universal answer to this question. Different event planners may have different types of business inventories. Before you start the storage process, you need to ask the rental facility manager or staff what you can't keep in a unit. Some items may fall under the prohibited storage list.

Most storage facilities won't allow you to keep anything flammable, combustible, or perishable in a rental unit. You should also avoid anything that could attract pests or grow mold. Food, beverages, live plants, and flowers (potted or cut) shouldn't go into your storage unit. This means you can't store the hors d'oeuvres you just picked up for tonight's event, the cake for this weekend's wedding, or the floral arrangements for tomorrow's charity ball.

Even though you can't store perishable event items, you can keep plenty of your business buys in a rental unit. Extra invoices, linens, paper products (such as paper plates or non-linen napkins), photo props, non-perishable party favors, room décor, glassware, dishware, tables, and chairs can all go into a storage rental.

How Should You Store Event Items?

The answer to this question depends on what you need to store. Fragile items such as stemware, dishes, or ceramic vases for table displays need added protection. Wrap these selections in packing paper, bubble wrap, or soft, lint-free towels. Fill glasses or vases with dye-free packing paper for an added layer of protection. Place the items into storage bins and pad the sides or top with extra bubble wrap or rolled towels.

Non-breakables can go into plastic bins or heavy-duty boxes. Choose clear bins to easily find items you need regularly. Along with a clear view, label every bin or box. Include the event, season, date, items inside, and any other need-to-know information.