There are lots of ways that you can use storage more effectively around the house. If you're a home worker, its doubly important to sort out effective storage - the mundane realities of business – storing stock, promotional materials, financial records and other indispensable archives - can rapidly multiply, at best taking the edge off your haven of tranquillity, at worst cluttering a limited workspace. And if you're handling any products or materials for your business, you're not likely to have the spare room needed for that unexpected or bigger-than-usual delivery.

Here are some key storage questions to ask to find the best solution:

How safe are my stored things?

Security is vital - it's no use having expensive equipment or computers if there's a risk they might be stolen. If you're an eBay seller, it might seem like a good idea to keep stock at home, but make sure to invest wisely in a security alarm and insurance to cover the value of your goods - you don't want to have to start again after a burglary.

How can I work with limited space?

Maintaining a tidy and clutter free home office is difficult, especially when space is tight. By improving the organisation of your office storage, you can reduce dust, improve working conditions and increase productivity. Having a minimalist office can also instil a sense of calm. Utilise every inch of a room, especially areas that are slightly out of the way and look at ways of harnessing other rooms in the house - the garage for example.

In the garage, use plastic crates and bins for large items, which should be grouped according to type. This kind of storage is ideal for equipment as it provides protection as well as giving you easy access to what is inside.

If you don’t already have some, install shelving units in your garage. Either purpose build or DIY shelving works if you consider the following things: the size and the weight of what it is you’re storing. Remember smaller items can be placed within baskets and then onto shelves to reduce the space they take up. Install cabinets and peg boards to house dangerous objects securely or use ceiling storage (pre-made or large S hooks) to keep heavy items out of the way. Also consider the amount of floor space you will need to access the car once it is in place!

What's the best way to store files and documents?

Records are important and have to be maintained, but storing them requires a lot of space. Accessibility is also an issue - it's no use filing away key documents in the basement if you have to move a heavy sofa to get to them again. One solution is virtual storage. Cloud computing services from Google, Apple and others can be used (to scan your documents and store them online - great for easy reference) but you'll probably want to keep the originals too. Using fireproof storage boxes for important documents can also be prudent.

When is it a time good to invest in offsite storage?

The main benefit of self storage is the flexibility - if you only need to store things for a short time and don't have the space at home, then this might be the solution for you. For a small business, an industrial unit can be used both as a place to store products and a distribution hub (for packaging and sending out stock again). The benefits really comes down to your situation and business needs - for security and flexibility, a self storage facility can't be beaten, but factors such as cost and distance to the storage facility need to be assessed.

Drew works from home and writes for Big Yellow Self Storage. Big Yellow has 74 storage facilities across the UK - unit sizes range from 9 sq ft to 400 sq ft.