You’re a small business owner who could use a little more space for work or to store seasonal items, equipment, or inventory, but you’re not ready to invest in a costly expansion or lease additional space. This is where portable sheds come in as a versatile and cost-effective solution. Whether you run a landscaping business, a retail shop, or a home-based operation, portable buildings offer the flexibility to scale your storage or create additional office space without the long-term commitment or overhead of permanent structures.
In this blog, Smart Shed’s shed builders explore how moveable sheds can benefit your business by providing additional space, enhancing organization, and improving efficiency—all while keeping costs down. By the time you get to the end, you’ll know what portable sheds are and what they’re made of, the many ways you can use them to advance your business interests, how long they last, and how to get your property ready for a new shed delivery. We’ll also explain customization options so you can choose the shed that best meets your operational goals.
What Makes a Shed Portable?
Some sheds are portable, and some are meant to stay in a fixed position for their lifetimes. What makes a shed portable, and how do you know if a stationary or portable shed is the right fit for your business? First, a portable shed is designed to be moved easily or relocated without needing to be taken apart and then reconstructed.
Most portable shed buildings are built on runners, so they can be dragged or lifted onto a trailer for transport without damaging the structure. These runners, also called skids, elevate your portable shed off the ground and facilitate more effortless movement.
A portable building is also a preconstructed design usually built to “transport-friendly” dimensions. This means it’s prebuilt in a factory or workshop and delivered as a complete unit. Your new shed will be placed on your property without on-site construction and can be relocated in the same way when needed.
What Are Portable Storage Buildings Made Of?
Portable storage buildings are built to code using quality materials, including lumber, fasteners, floor joists, Smart Guard treated siding, wall coatings, and metal roofing. Using these top-tier materials in their construction means getting a hearty building guaranteed to stand the test of time.
Be wary of investing in plastic sheds for your business. While these lightweight sheds might seem attractive, they’re harder to keep secure and don’t withstand weather and other environmental conditions like a well-built portable building.
Now that you know what materials make up a moveable shed, let’s look at the many ways your business can use one of these buildings.
Commercial Uses for Portable Storage Sheds
We wouldn’t presume to tell you how your business should use its portable storage sheds. We just want to make sure you haven’t overlooked any ways your business could benefit from investing in one of these handy temporary buildings.
Here are just some of the ways you can access the vital space your business needs without having to relocate your company or disrupt your operations with onsite construction:
- Additional office space
- Vehicle storage
- Seasonal item storage
- Excess inventory storage
- Workshop or craft space
- Employee breakroom or lounge
- Remote workstation
- Tool supply and storage
- Shipping and receiving hub
- Temporary shelter for onsite workers
Of course, with so many customization options available, listing all the potential uses for a secure, clean, and comfortable space would be impossible. There’s practically no limit to the value a moveable building brings to your business when your space is limited.
Let’s explore how you can personalize your shed in the next section of this article.
Can You Customize Your Moveable Shed’s Design?
Yes, one of the best parts about investing in a movable shed is your ability to customize its design. While you’ll have to stay within the size parameters that make your shed portable, you have complete control over style, colors, layout, and material options. Your new employee lounge could be equipped with a porch and windows your staff will enjoy, or you can house your tools in a windowless building to increase their security.
Portable sheds are available in a variety of styles, including:
- Side lofted barns
- Utility sheds
- Cabin-style sheds
- Lofted-barn garage sheds
Whatever your goals, your shed builder can bring them to life after an initial design consultation.
How Do You Prepare Your Space for Your New Shed Delivery?
Preparing your space for the delivery of a new shed involves several important steps to ensure a smooth installation and long-term stability for your new storage structure.
Here’s a general guide to help you get your space ready:
- Choose the right location: Level ground and easy accessibility are hallmarks of a good shed installation location. Select an area with adequate drainage to prevent water from pooling around its foundation.
- Create a foundation or opt for blocks: For ease of movement, have your new shed placed on blocks or create a stable foundation made from gravel, concrete, or wood. Generally, when you want a base that’s more robust than concrete blocks, you’ll have to facilitate the installation of these materials before your shed is delivered.
- Utility considerations: When you plan to connect your commercial shed to utilities like water, sewage, or electricity, you’ll have to consider its proximity to existing connections and choose a location that makes hooking up your shed easier. You can consult with a plumber or an electrician to better understand what connecting your shed to utilities will entail.
How Long Will a Portable Shed Last?
Your commercial portable shed can last decades with proper maintenance and regular care. Just remember to choose a shed builder that offers a product warranty and uses quality construction materials with manufacturer warranty periods.
Grow Your Business With Outdoor Storage Solutions That Work for You
Access the space you need to expand your organization with an outdoor storage solution tailored to your business. Smart Shed is a leader in customizing portable shed options for businesses of all sizes. When you want a durable, pre-built shed that matches your company’s business objectives, call us at (706) 405-4637 to discuss cost-effective options.