From Storage to Studio: How to leverage low cost workspace solutions
Bonus points for getting to display some of my vintage and thrifted finds in a WORKSPACE!
This summer I had a breaking point where working from home with all my business ideas were not cutting in from a high rise two-bedroom condo in downtown Chicago. I’m not much of risk taker and had opted out of budgeting for a studio-living space in my building (or nearby), retail, and office space – all were too big ticket to invest in at my current bootstrap funding stage.
For the last year or so I’d been checking in with my storage unit facility in my neighborhood – I’ve had one unit since 2021 and have been waiting for a new vacancy on my same row. Luck was on my side as a space opened up at the same time I was at my wit’s end with stuff in every corner of our home.
Meet my new workstation/studio conveniently located in climate controlled, secure, storage unit facility. Where rent is about $200 a month and serves a dual purpose: a video recording studio + staging and storage for SoQue Society.
It’s the city definition of “working out of your garage” if I’ve ever seen one!
I’ve been documenting my journey of setting up the space over on @the_socialq’s IG.
If you’re curious to set up your own small space workstation, here’s some tips from what I’ve done and plan to do. Some things are more obvious than others, hopefully this gives you some ideas on what’s possible.
Type of Unit
This is not my first rodeo when it comes to storage units. In graduate school I had experience with solutions like pods – where your stuff is packed at home but then stored in a warehouse until you need it re-delivered. In Virginia I maintain an “outdoor” storage unit without any issues. I keep it sprayed for bugs and rodent repellent and have not had any major issues beyond some dust and dirt. Extreme heat and cold has not been a concern for the items I have stored in it.
In Chicago, I first opened up a smaller climate-controlled unit for the typical seasonal stuff in 2021 (Christmas décor or specific wardrobe switch outs, overflow household things we didn’t need everyday). I slowly began to add more consignment clothes as my ideas to manage an online resale business began to take root. Over time that unit size became too small and I needed to expand. Since I’ve had great success with the staff and security, I stayed with this provider (The Lock Up) and upgraded to a larger unit, luckily on the same floor. It did take a few hours to move things over and re organize but way easier than changing locations or levels).
My first tip is to find a location that you can comfortably and reasonably get to quickly. While there may be cheaper options further away, I wanted my belongings to be close by and accessible.
For insurance coverage – double check your homeowners policy (it might cover it) or take out a renters insurance policy (I already had this and sent in a coverage letter, this usually can knock a few dollars off your monthly rate by having an outside policy. Since I was already paying for one it didn’t make sense to double pay on coverage.)
My second tip is to start with the smallest size unit you think you need, keep it a few things in there at a time to judge how safe and secure you find the property. For me, I had been a customer for 4 years before expanding into the professional rental. Whie I know not everyone may dream as long as I do, I’d still start small to ensure your comfort level with the space works for you.
My final tip on locations – think about where in the complex your unit will be and what feels the most secure for you. In my case I’ve always had a unit on a specific floor which actually has very low foot traffic compared to lower levels. I have 3 exit options (2 elevators and stairs) and never go to the unit without letting someone know I’m working out of it. Better safe than sorry, especially if you will be working alone in an industrial style building. (Transparently, I also keep a rubber mallet in the top drawer + pepper spray for each access.)
Setting up:
I have the second largest size for my facility, a 10x7 metal box. Same size as my current personal unit so I know the layout. It’s important though to re-measure as some places round up or down and some units might have obstructions like poles to take into consideration.
After signing and getting the keys, I quickly sketched out how to optimize the space for my dual focus: I needed storage for clothing so I could unpack tubs, table top space for packing orders or assembling packages, an easy to reach spot for packing materials like paper/tissue/bubble wrap (tip – I’ve been saving up these materials from my own packages and have a huge “free” stock to start with!), a backdrop that looks less like a storage unit and more video-friendly, and an additional storage cabinet for odds and ends.
Seemed like a tall order give then space, my unit is 10 feet deep and 7 feet wide, so long and narrow.
I set to task ASAP looking up options on Facebook Marketplace and quickly realized coordinating pick ups in the city without reliable access to a truck is a near disaster combo. I finally found one bookcase/hutch topper for $15 as my first piece. My facility offers a free truck rental (with deposits) for 3-hours and under certain amount of mileage. This ended up being the cheapest option, final rental costs were about $100 for gas, mileage, and the $20 add on insurance coverage. Significantly cheaper than a vehicle rental and there were zero pick-up trucks available anywhere nearby.
With that in mind, I coordinated the bookcase pick up and then hit up a local Habitat for Humanity for the rest of my “studio” pieces. What I love about shopping there is that all the items on the floor are in GOOD, CLEAN condition. And reasonably priced. I knew I wanted a dresser for the packaging materials, scored a $5 large “end table” with three drawers that first the bookcase hutch on top. A $45 vintage glass cabinet with three shelves + drawer and space under for boxes. But the real gem of a find which had not been on my bingo card was the long dining room hutch. Three drawers, two pocket doors, and the perfect height for the worktable. It had been discounted twice, my final price was $55. If I had come sooner I probably would have passed it by trying to keep costs down. The drawers and doors are deep, making the storage very roomy and practical. The moving truck rental was the perfect size for all 4 pieces (and their staff helps you load!) so I really lucked out with the timing and serendipity – and a little planning ahead. I know my measurements so I didn’t waste buying pieces that wouldn’t be the best fit.
(I had ordered a head the XL clothing rack from Amazon with a cover to put along the back wall space.)
The Reality of No-Outlet Working
Another known factor for me, is that most of the storage units don't come with electrical outlets, which initially seemed like a limitation but turned into an interesting problem-solving exercise. Some floors/rows have access to outlets outside their units but my specific corridor doesn’t have any.
My solution: choose to source battery-operated or portable equipment, which actually forces you to think more intentionally about what you really need.
My essential kit includes battery-operated lighting (because good lighting matters for photography and video work), a portable power station for device charging, hand fans (climate-controlled doesn't mean cool when you're actively working inside), and all the practical necessities like scissors, tape, hand sanitizer, snacks, and water. (Not going to lie, my mini nail clippers have been an unsung hero with how often I’ve broken a nail while moving things in!)
I keep video equipment here for both businesses – tripods, lighting setups, and props. There's also my growing collection of shipping supplies because I've been saving packing materials from my own deliveries for months. (My family think I'm hoarding, but I call it strategic resource management.)
More Than Just Storage
What started as practical workspace has evolved into something that serves multiple functions. I decorated the bookcase hutch to work as a video backdrop – it's become one of my favorite features for content creation. I've got suitcases stored here because I plan to do photoshoots in local Chicago hotels to showcase the collections in different settings, so portable wheeled storage is great to have. I also just invested in a wagon – have been carting things to and from the unit and while the workout is nice, I think wheels will be more practical.
The space will soon handle everything from inventory sorting to annual mailings for The Social Question. It's becoming a flexible hub that can adapts to whatever both of my businesses need.
Looking Forward
What I’m most excited about, which I think many of us can relate to, is working away from home on my own schedule. While I love the home office and standing desk I’ve built – the change of pace and scenery really help amplify that I personally need variety in my working environment.
By having a neighborhood storage unit double as a workstation studio, I’ll get some fresh air during the daily walk, some time away from home with intentional work focus, and I have less anxiety when I walk back into my condo because all the business clutter has been moved out. I’ve successfully reclaimed not only my space but my sanity.
I think more people should consider how to maximize storage unit spaces for reasonable, low-cost rent. In my building I’ve noticed a few sort of work-related set ups but nothing quite like mine. And if you need a referral for The Lock Up – let’s chat! Pretty sure they have a bonus offers 😉
