If you regularly attend trade shows, craft fairs, or other events, you already know how quickly the stuff can add up. Inventory, displays, signs, promotional materials, tables, tents before you know it, your garage, stockroom, or retail space starts looking like a trade show exploded in it.
A portable storage container can make managing all of that a lot easier. Instead of moving your inventory and display materials back and forth every time you have an event, you can keep everything organized and stored in one convenient place until you’re ready to hit the road again.
Whether you’re a retail store owner, artisan, craft show vendor, or regularly exhibiting at trade shows, a little planning and the right storage can make the busy season go much more smoothly. Here are a few trade show storage tips to help keep your inventory, displays, and promotional materials under control.
Quick Answers
What is the best way to store trade show materials?
The best storage option depends on how much inventory and equipment you have, but keeping everything organized in one secure location makes life a lot easier. A portable storage container can provide space for inventory, displays, signs, promotional materials, tables, and other event equipment without taking over your retail or workspace.
Can I store trade show inventory in a portable storage container?
Yes. Portable storage containers can be useful for storing trade show inventory, display materials, promotional items, and equipment between events. Having everything stored together can also make packing for the next show a lot less stressful.
How can I keep trade show materials organized?
Creating a detailed inventory list and labeling boxes or containers can make a huge difference. Keeping similar items together and knowing exactly where everything is stored means you’re not digging through boxes the night before a trade show looking for that one banner you know you packed somewhere.
Are portable storage containers secure?
Portable storage containers are designed to provide a secure place to store belongings, inventory, and equipment. Container construction and security features can vary, so it is always worth considering the type of materials you’re storing and the level of protection you need.
Key Takeaway
Trade show storage is all about keeping your inventory and equipment organized, protected, and easy to find. A portable storage container can give you one convenient place to keep displays, promotional materials, inventory, and event equipment between shows—so you’re spending less time searching for things and more time getting ready to sell them.
Choosing the Right Storage Containers
There are many different types of storage options available, so it’s important to choose the right ones for your needs. Some factors to consider include:
- The size and weight of your materials – If you have a lot of bulky materials, you will of course need a larger storage container.
- The length of time you need to store them – If you’re storing materials for a long period of time, you’ll need a container that is weatherproof and pest-resistant. You don’t want your products getting damaged.
- The level of security you need – You’ll need a container that is secure if you need to store valuable materials. This is true for any product, but especially if you’re storing lots of valuable items. At iCan, we build our containers out of solid steel, for maximum protection.
Inventory Management
Our second trade show storage tip is to create the all important inventory list. This will list all of your materials once you’ve chosen the right storage containers. An inventory list is extremely important to help you keep track of everything and ensure that nothing is lost or misplaced during storage. Believe us; it’s very easy for items to get lost or misplaced in the heat of the busy season – and that’s never fun!
Make sure your inventory list is comprehensive. It should include all of the essential information you need about each item, such as:
- The item’s name.
- The quantity of each item (as necessary).
- The dimensions or weight of each item.
- The value of each item.
- The location of each item in the storage container.
Packing Techniques
When packing your materials, it’s important to use efficient packing strategies to maximize space within the storage container. You should also take care to properly wrap and protect fragile or sensitive items.
Here are a few packing tips:
- Use bubble wrap or packing peanuts to protect fragile items.
- Pack smaller items inside larger items to save space.
- Label each container with the contents and the date packed.
- Inspect the containers regularly to make sure you packed well and accurately.
Climate Control and Security
Most items are safe when stored in a standard iCan storage container, but if you’re storing highly valuable antiques or pieces of artwork, you may want to consider a climate controlled storage option.
Security is of paramount importance when storing your belongings. We’ve mentioned that we only build our containers using the very best solid steel, but did you know we can also keep your belongings in a secure facility with full 24/7 video surveillance? It’s these finer details that are really going to make the difference and put your mind at ease.
Expert Insight
“For trade show vendors, staying organized between events can be just as important as having the right products at the show itself. Keeping inventory, displays, promotional materials, and equipment in one secure location makes packing and preparing for the next event much easier and helps reduce the chance of something important getting lost along the way.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I store in a portable storage container for a trade show?
Trade show inventory, display materials, signs, promotional items, tables, equipment, and other event supplies can all be stored in a portable storage container. The key is to pack everything in an organized way so you can find what you need before the next event without having to unload half the container.
How should I organize trade show inventory?
Start with a detailed inventory list and label boxes clearly. Keeping similar items together can also make packing and unpacking easier. It can be helpful to store the items you use most frequently where they are easiest to access, rather than burying them behind everything else.
Can businesses use portable storage for extra inventory?
Yes. Portable storage containers can provide additional space for inventory, equipment, supplies, promotional materials, and seasonal products. This can be especially useful when your retail or workspace is starting to run out of room but you still need convenient access to what you’re storing.
How can I protect fragile trade show materials in storage?
Wrap fragile items properly using materials such as bubble wrap or other protective packing materials. Label fragile boxes clearly and avoid placing heavy items on top of them. When packing the storage container, make sure everything is secure enough that it won’t shift around unnecessarily.
Are portable storage containers good for seasonal business inventory?
They can be a very useful option for businesses that experience seasonal increases in inventory. Instead of permanently expanding your storage space for a few busy months, a portable storage container can provide additional room when you need it most.
How can portable storage make preparing for a trade show easier?
Keeping all of your trade show materials in one place can make preparation much easier. Instead of searching through a stockroom, garage, office, or several different storage areas, you know where everything is. A little organization can also make packing for the next show faster—and hopefully a little less stressful.
iCan – Extensive Inventory Storage Options
By following these trade show storage tips, you can ensure that your inventory, display and promotional materials are stored safely and efficiently. This will help you save time and money, and ensure that your materials are kept in the very best condition. Now you’re ready to make the sale! Get your inventory in place and ready to go with iCan storage containers today!