From decorating cakes to flipping furniture to local landscaping to online tutoring, side hustles can take dozens of different forms these days. Whether they begin as a hobby and turn into a business or are a manifestation of entrepreneurial dreams, many people engage in a side hustle outside of their regular nine to five. Sometimes for fun, sometimes to make money (and sometimes a bit of both), these activities are great—but as any side-hustler will tell you, they can take up more space than you bargained for.
Why Side Hustles Aren’t Just Another Trend
Side hustles have become more than just a passing trend; they have become a significant part of the modern workforce. In recent years, the popularity of side hustles has skyrocketed, driven by a post-pandemic world grappling with unprecedented inflation.
The statistics speak for themselves: Today, nearly 70% of all Americans report having a side hustle to supplement their income. That's more than 115 million people across the country who have a side hustle to earn extra monthly income. This surge can be attributed to various factors, including the desire for financial security, the pursuit of passion projects, and the flexibility that side hustles offer.
With inflation showing no signs of decreasing any time soon, it's likely that the side hustle culture is here to stay. Plus, as the cost of living continues to rise, many people want or need additional income streams to maintain their lifestyles.
While a side hustle may start as a temporary endeavor, many people are discovering the true potential of turning their side hustle into a full-time gig. This transition from part-time to full-time often requires more space. But many budding entrepreneurs don't always have the liquidity or resources to acquire the space they need.
This is where storage buildings in Alabama and portable sheds come into play. These versatile structures provide affordable and customizable solutions for side hustlers looking to expand operations from home. Whether it's creating a dedicated workspace or having extra storage for inventory and supplies, portable sheds offer the flexibility and convenience that side hustlers need.
The Shocking Costs of Office & Storage Space for Side Hustlers
As your side hustle grows into a small business, you’ll likely come to a point when the need for additional space is inevitable. Whether you require inventory storage space or simply more office space to accommodate your expanding operations, the costs can quickly add up.
Traditional options, such as renting commercial office or storage space, can be expensive and often have hidden costs associated. When it comes to storage space, the average cost per square foot ranges between $0.80 and $1.57, with an average monthly cost of $85. These costs can vary depending on location, amenities, and lease terms. On the other hand, office space can be even more pricey, with average costs ranging from $29 to $100 per square foot.
An at-home office or backyard storage space can be significantly more cost efficient. By utilizing your existing space, whether it's a spare room or metal storage building, you can avoid the high costs associated with renting commercial space. Not only does this save you money, but it also saves you time since you don't have to commute to a separate location.
In addition to the financial benefits, having an at-home office or portable storage building offers flexibility and convenience. You have easy access to your workspace or inventory, plus you have the freedom to customize the space to suit your needs.
The Perfect Side Hustle Storage Solution? Portable Sheds
A portable storage shed or utility building offers the perfect combination of convenience and cost-effectiveness for a growing side hustle. You might be surprised by all the benefits of using a portable shed as an office space. Firstly, it gives you a dedicated workspace where you can focus and be more productive. Having a separate area solely dedicated to your work allows you to minimize distractions and create an environment conducive to getting into a creative flow and getting things done.
Portable storage sheds also help you maintain a healthy work-life balance by offering physical separation between your home and work lives. This space can be crucial for mental well-being, as it allows you to switch off from work when you step out of the shed—creating a clear boundary between personal and professional life.
From a financial perspective, portable sheds are a cost-effective office space solution. Renting commercial office space can be expensive, especially for growing or long-term side gigs. By opting for a portable shed, you minimize costs while maximizing profits. Portable sheds offer a one-time investment that provides ongoing benefits, allowing you to allocate more resources to growing your business.
Another benefit? Turning vehicle storage space into your side hustle spot means you don’t have to commute elsewhere. It’s a convenience that saves you time and allows for easy access to your supplies and inventory.
And of course, portable sheds create dedicated space for storing supplies outside of your home. This helps declutter your living space and keeps your home organized. Whether it's lawn mower storage for your landscaping business, or inventory storage for the product you invented, portable sheds offer a versatile solution to meet your specific needs. With customizable shelving and storage options, you can create a system that suits your inventory management requirements, ensuring efficiency and easy access to your products.
How to Design the Best Shed for Your Side Hustle
When you rent an office or storage space, you typically don’t get a whole lot of say in the design. On the other hand, side hustlers who use portable storage buildings for their workspaces can get as creative and customized as they want. Consider these design tips, optional upgrades, and factors to build the ultimate shed for your side hustle to thrive.
Invest in Electrification & Insulation
Investing in electrification and insulation is a crucial consideration when designing your ideal shed. While it may cost a little more upfront, insulation helps regulate temperature, keeping your shed comfortable throughout the year and protecting your things from the climate. Electrification allows you to power your shed, providing lighting, heating or cooling options, and the ability to operate essential equipment. This upgrade creates a highly functional space that supports your side hustle's needs, whether it's for office work, product assembly, or outdoor furniture storage.
Be Intentional About Placement
Be sure to consider the overall feel and functionality of your space when deciding where to position your shed. Shady spots or sheds facing north or east may not receive as much natural light, but they may stay cooler temperature-wise. If you live in an area with a warmer climate or you work with a heat-sensitive product (such as something food related), this could be beneficial if you live in a hot area. But if you're using a metal storage building, be mindful of potential heat absorption and take steps to mitigate it, such as proper insulation and ventilation. On the other hand, sheds placed in sunny south or west-facing areas will receive ample natural light, creating a bright and inviting workspace.
Finally, access, privacy, and the surrounding environment are additional factors worth considering when determining the best placement for your shed. For example, if your side hustle involves moving large boxes of product from your shed to a car or truck, you may want to place your storage shed near your driveway with plenty of space near the door.
Plan Out Your Storage Needs
Portable storage sheds are versatile, and this is your chance to get creative and tailor yours with storage and organization solutions that meet your specific requirements. Start by listing the type of items you need to store, from tools and equipment to inventory and supplies. This will help you plan the best way to organize everything to maximize space and efficiency.
Pegboards are excellent for hanging tools and keeping them easily accessible. Shelving units provide versatile storage for bins, boxes, and containers. You might also consider built in structures for easy storage. Additionally, locked and weatherproof storage can be a smart idea for your valuable or sensitive items.
Consider What Functionality You’ll Need
When looking at metal storage buildings for sale and designing your ideal shed, it’s crucial to think about how you plan to use the space for your side gig. Do you need overhead lighting for better visibility? Would soundproofing be beneficial for noise-sensitive tasks? Are there any special electrical needs for equipment or machinery?
By identifying the functionality you require, you can incorporate the necessary upgrades and features into your shed design. This helps ensure that your workspace is optimized for your job and working style.
Factor in Future Growth
When purchasing a shed for a specific purpose like boat or ATV storage, you might not need to worry about how your needs will change in the future. But getting a portable building for a side hustle working space is different. While it's essential to meet your needs today, it's equally important to factor in the potential expansion of your side hustle.
Think about how your business may evolve and the additional space you may require in the future. Choosing a size that accommodates future growth helps ensure your shed remains a long-lasting solution that can adapt as circumstances shift. This forward-thinking approach allows you to avoid outgrowing your shed too quickly—saving you from the hassle of having to upgrade or expand down the road.
Here’s How You Can Benefit from Rent-to-Own Storage Sheds
If you're looking for an affordable solution to acquire your own portable shed without having to settle for cheap portable storage buildings, Action Buildings can help. We offer a rent-to-own program that can make portable storage solutions more accessible for any buyer. With our rent-to-own program, you can enjoy the benefits of owning a storage shed without the large upfront cost.
Renting-to-own involves a flexible payment plan where you make monthly payments over a set period of time. At the end of the term, you become the proud owner of the storage shed. This is designed to provide you with the convenience and affordability you need to take your side hustle to the next level—without having to hunt for affordable mini storage buildings for sale.
Take Your Side Hustle to the Next Level with Storage Sheds in Alabama
Renting office or storage space for your side hustle can be costly, inefficient, and often isn’t the most practical solution. By utilizing storage sheds in Alabama instead, you can overcome these challenges and take your side hustle from a small gig to a real money maker. Portable sheds offer a cost-effective and customizable solution for office and storage space needs, allowing you to create a dedicated workspace, efficiently manage inventory, and save on rental costs.
By choosing sheds from Action Buildings, you can benefit from our variety of affordable options and high-quality structures. Whether you need cheap boat storage, portable metal buildings, or versatile storage buildings in Alabama, Action Buildings has you covered.
