Your retail inventory grew faster than your warehouse. Your contractor business outgrew the storage lot. You're a small manufacturer looking for overflow without renting a second building. Or your seasonal business needs space for six months, then nothing for six months.
Commercial storage isn't one size fits all, and Lakestone doesn't pretend it is. We've served contractors, retailers, landscapers, event planners, and small manufacturers across Wisconsin for years. What they all need is secure, accessible space that doesn't lock you into a five year lease.
What businesses store (and why)
Retail & seasonal inventory
Clothing retailers need space between seasons. Garden centers overflow after spring. Holiday décor businesses fill a warehouse October through December. Retail storage bridges those cycles without renting permanent square footage.
Contractor equipment & materials
Roofing contractors, HVAC companies, and landscapers store materials, tools, and backup equipment. A storage unit beats leaving expensive gear on a job site or taking up valuable garage space.
Small manufacturing overflow
You're making more than your workshop can hold, but you're not ready to rent another building. Overflow storage lets you scale production without the lease commitment.
Event & catering gear
Party planners, caterers, and event companies need space for tables, chairs, linens, decorations, and equipment. A storage unit is far cheaper than renting event space for storage.
Office & document overflow
Growing companies need temporary space for old files, office furniture, or equipment during a move or renovation.
Vehicle & equipment parking
Businesses that own multiple vehicles, trailers, or heavy equipment use storage as a secure, gated lot.
Why commercial storage beats renting a second space
A small warehouse or industrial space costs $800 to $2,000+ per month on a lease. You're committed for a year or more. Commercial storage through Lakestone costs significantly less and locks you into nothing.
Month to month flexibility means:
- You scale up when business grows, scale down when it doesn't.
- You pay for exactly what you use, not what a lease requires.
- No lease negotiations, no utilities, no maintenance headaches.
- Fast access to your inventory without coordinating schedules.
For most growing small businesses, commercial storage is the bridge between your current space and your next building.
Unit types for business needs
Standard drive up units
Standard drive up units work for equipment, materials, and anything weather hardy. You can pull a truck right up to the door and load or unload without fuss, no narrow hallways or stairs to navigate. Perfect for contractors and anyone moving large items in and out frequently.
Temperature controlled units
Climate controlled units are essential if you're storing electronics, office equipment, documents, textiles, or anything that warps or deteriorates with temperature swings. A Wisconsin winter in an unheated space is brutal on sensitive inventory.
Sized flexibility
Sized flexibility. We've got everything from smaller units for tools and office overflow to extra large spaces that fit a full trailer. Not sure what size you need? Describe what you're storing, dimensions, quantity, frequency of access, and we'll recommend the right fit.
Access & security matter for business inventory
Your inventory is working capital, so access and security aren't optional:
- Drive up access so you're not wasting time maneuvering gear through tight spaces.
- Gated entry and perimeter fencing to keep your stuff secure.
- 24 hour security cameras in every aisle, monitored around the clock.
- Bright LED lighting so you can find things quickly, even at night.
- Flexible gate hours, some businesses need early morning or evening access; talk to us about your schedule.
- Month to month terms so you're not paying for space you've outgrown.
Insurance for business inventory
Stored items must be insured. You can use your existing business or property insurance if it covers off site storage, or purchase coverage through us. Verify with your insurer what's covered before you move inventory in.
Getting your business space
Call us at (608) 838-1800 to discuss your business needs, what you're storing, how often you need access, whether climate control matters for your inventory. Or browse available units at our four Wisconsin locations and reserve online. We'll help you find space that fits your business without the warehouse commitment.
Visit us in Cambridge, De Forest, Sun Prairie, or Stoughton.
FAQ
What size commercial storage unit do I need?
Measure your inventory and equipment, or describe what you're storing (equipment type, dimensions, quantity). Our team can recommend a size. Most small businesses start with a 10x15 or 10x20 unit.
Can I access my inventory during nights or weekends?
Talk to us about your schedule. We can arrange flexible access depending on your facility and business needs.
Is climate control necessary for my inventory?
If you're storing electronics, textiles, documents, or anything sensitive to temperature and humidity, yes. Standard units work for tools, materials, and weather hardy equipment.
Do you offer discounts for long term contracts?
We keep month to month pricing transparent, no long contracts required. You're never locked in longer than you need the space.
Can I store hazardous materials?
No, no fuel, solvents, or flammable items. Standard business materials and equipment are fine.
How secure is the facility?
Gated entry, 24 hour cameras, perimeter fencing, and bright LED lighting. We monitor the lot around the clock.
Can I move to a larger or smaller unit later?
Yes, it's month to month. Your business changes, so your storage can too.