Self-Storage Tips For Your Catering Business
Posted on: 14 June 2018
If you run a catering business from home or if you rent a commercial kitchen rather than have your own building, then you'll likely run out of storage space quickly. The best way to deal with this problem is to rent a self-storage unit. That way you won't have to crowd your garage with stacks of chairs and boxes of dinnerware. Here are some tips for using a self-storage unit for catering supplies.
Clean Cooking Equipment Before Storing It
If you host company cookouts occasionally, you probably have things like fryers and grills that you may not use often. Keeping the equipment in a storage unit is the best way to protect them while keeping them out of the way. Just be sure the equipment is clean and dry before you put it in the unit. If you don't, the food odors can attract bugs and rodents, and the dampness may cause mold.
Set Up Shelving Units To Hold Bulk Canned Foods
You can't store perishable food in a storage unit, but you can store things like giant-size canned foods you use for certain dishes you prepare. Buying large cans in bulk can save money over buying smaller amounts of food at a time. However, the problem with buying bulk food is keeping it out of the way. A storage unit is the perfect holding place for cans and jars of food. Keep them displayed on shelving so you can reach what you need easily without having to shift boxes around.
Buy Specialty Boxes For Storage
Glasses, dishes, and table linens are the things you'll probably use the most, so you want to store them so they are quick and easy to retrieve. Rather than wrapping each fragile item separately, buy boxes made for holding dishes and glasses. Boxes for glasses have individual cells that separate the glasses and hold them securely. Boxes for plates have individual sections that keep plates separated. You can even buy a large wardrobe box for hanging uniforms for your servers and chefs so they are kept wrinkle-free and ready to grab and wear.
Rent The Right Storage Unit
You'll want a self-storage unit that you can access easily any time of the day you need to put supplies back in or take them out. Talk to the facility manager about the right size and location of the unit that will be best for you. Being able to drive your van right up to the door is a big plus. Choosing a unit that is large enough that you can create aisles that allow you to reach things in the back is important too. Otherwise, the space will be cramped, and you'll be frustrated with constantly juggling your supplies around to find something. By renting a secure and spacious storage unit to hold your catering supplies, you can save money by putting off renting or buying your own building until you're ready financially.
Contact a self-storage facility in your area for additional information.
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