More people than ever are turning to platforms like eBay, Depop, Etsy, and Amazon to earn a living or supplement their income. Whether it starts as a hobby or a side hustle, selling online can become a hugely profitable business. But as sales grow, so do the challenges — and space is often one of the first.
If you're an online seller using your spare room, garage, or kitchen table to store stock, you're not alone. Many online businesses hit a point where they simply run out of room. That’s where self storage steps in.
It often begins small: a few items listed online, a couple of sales a week, and stock stored in a wardrobe. But once things take off, you need more than just a corner of your home. Keeping enough stock on hand, managing packaging supplies, and handling deliveries from suppliers can take up serious space.
This is where self storage for online sellers makes a big difference.
One of the main benefits of using self storage units is flexibility. Unlike commercial leases that lock you into long term agreements and come with high business rates and utility bills, self storage lets you rent only the unit size you need — with no long commitments.
At Simple Storage, we offer a range of different sized units, starting from small lockers up to large sq ft rooms. And as your business grows, you can easily upsize to a bigger unit.
Running an online retail business means handling stock, packaging, returns, and sometimes even bulk deliveries. You might sell vintage clothes on Depop, handmade goods as an Etsy crafter, or clearance items from a car boot sale. Whatever you sell, you need storage space that's practical and reliable.
A storage unit gives you:
Your stock is your income, so it needs to be kept safe. Our storage units are protected by intruder alarms, 24-hour CCTV, and monitored access systems. Many sellers also value the free use of pallet trucks and trolleys, making it easier to move stock in and out.
You can load directly from our loading bays, and we have ample parking on-site.
Security and convenience are key when choosing a storage space for your online business, and we take both seriously.
We're based inside Arrow Mill, just off Junction 20 of the M62. That makes our location ideal for customers across Greater Manchester and beyond. Here’s what you get with us:
If your business expands, we also offer affordable office space on site — perfect if you want to keep your admin or packing operation separate from your home.
Need somewhere to meet clients or suppliers? Our meeting rooms can be booked for short or long periods, with Wi-Fi and refreshments available.
If you're buying in bulk or handling stock for eBay, Depop, Amazon, or Etsy, you need to know it's safe and that you can access it when you need to.
Check out our self storage page for more information on unit sizes and prices.
Storage for online businesses doesn't have to be complicated. You just need the right unit, a secure site, and the freedom to run your business without clutter.
Whether you're an eBay seller growing fast, an Amazon retailer managing stock, or an Etsy crafter looking for extra space, self storage can help. And if you're moving home or switching suppliers, it gives you the buffer you need to stay organised.
Simple Storage offers secure storage, flexible terms, and honest pricing. We don’t charge for what you don’t need. You only pay for the storage space you use, for as many weeks as you need it.
To find the right size unit for your business, try our storage estimator tool or give us a ring during our opening hours.
1. What is ecommerce storage and how does it help small businesses?
Ecommerce storage refers to using a secure facility to store products sold through online platforms. It helps small businesses manage inventory, pack orders efficiently, and free up space at home.
2. Can I use self storage while waiting for a delivery?
Yes. Many online retailers use self storage units as a temporary solution when expecting large deliveries, especially if they don’t have a warehouse or shopfront.
3. Do you offer commercial storage for Amazon retailers?
Yes, our site is suitable for Amazon retailers, eBay sellers, and other online businesses needing short or long-term storage space for inventory.
4. What are the benefits of using storage instead of signing a commercial lease?
Self storage has no long-term leases, no extra business rates, and no surprise utility bills. You can rent by the week and upgrade your unit size as your business grows.
5. Do you offer different sites or just one location?
Simple Storage operates from one main site in Rochdale, located within Arrow Mill. It’s convenient for businesses across Greater Manchester.
6. Can I run my business directly from the storage unit?
You can’t trade directly from the unit, but you can use it to store stock, pack orders, and manage storage for online sellingactivities. We also offer nearby office space if you need a more formal setup.