How to Choose the Right Storage Tent for Your Business
From machinery and vehicles to stock and warehouse overflow, here's what to consider when choosing the right storage tent for your site.
When your business needs additional storage space, finding the right solution isn't simply about choosing the biggest structure available. The right storage tent should suit what you need to store, how your site operates, the space available and how those requirements may change over time.
From machinery and vehicles to stock, materials and warehouse overflow, storage tents can provide flexible covered space without requiring a traditional permanent building.
But with different sizes, frame constructions and configurations available, how do you know which one is right for your site?
Start With What You Need to Store
Before thinking about dimensions, start with the purpose of the space. A business storing pallets will have very different requirements from a farm housing large machinery.
Think beyond whether everything will simply fit. Consider how equipment, vehicles and people will actually move through the space.
If forklifts, telehandlers or vehicles need to operate inside, allow sufficient clearance and manoeuvring space rather than calculating storage space alone.
Consider How Much Space You Really Need
One of the biggest mistakes when planning additional storage is thinking only about what you need today. If your business is growing, consider whether your storage requirements are likely to increase.
Hardlife offers storage tents ranging from compact structures through to substantial commercial-scale storage solutions.
Think about your space requirements
Think about storage footprint + access routes + working space + potential future capacity — not simply the dimensions of what you're storing today.
Single Trussed or Double Trussed?
You'll notice that storage tents are available with different frame constructions. Hardlife offers both single-trussed and double-trussed storage tent ranges.
Practical, Flexible Storage
A practical option for general commercial and agricultural storage applications, including equipment, vehicles, materials and everyday storage requirements.
For Larger Storage Requirements
Double-trussed structures use additional framing and are available across larger sizes for more substantial commercial, industrial and agricultural storage requirements.
The most appropriate construction will depend on the size of structure required, its intended use and the conditions at your site.
Think About Access — Not Just Floor Space
A storage tent can have plenty of square footage and still be frustrating to use if access hasn't been considered properly.
If you're storing trucks, tractors or large machinery, check entrance dimensions as well as the overall dimensions of the structure.
Consider Your Site Before Ordering
Before selecting your structure, look carefully at where the storage tent will actually be installed.
Large storage structures require appropriate delivery access and suitable equipment for unloading. Make sure this is considered before your structure arrives on site.
Look at the Materials, Not Just the Dimensions
Two storage structures with similar dimensions aren't necessarily equivalent. Look at the specification of the frame and covering material as well as the overall size.
Hardlife storage tents use galvanised steel framing and heavy-duty PVC, with specifications varying across the range. Depending on the model, options include heavy-duty PVC designed to provide waterproof, UV-resistant and flame-resistant protection.
When you're protecting valuable machinery, vehicles, materials or commercial stock, these details matter.
Think About How You'll Use the Space Throughout the Year
Your storage requirements in July may look very different from those in January.
Don't Forget Installation
The structure itself is only part of the project. Before ordering, think about how it will move from delivery to a completed storage space.
Hardlife also offers professional installation support for customers who would prefer experienced installers to manage the setup.
Check Planning Requirements for Your Site
Don't assume that a structure being temporary or relocatable automatically removes every planning consideration.
Requirements can depend on your site, the structure, its intended use and how long it will remain in place. Where appropriate, check with your local planning authority before installation.
Check the requirements that apply specifically to your site rather than relying on a blanket rule for temporary structures.
So, Which Storage Tent Do You Need?
There isn't one storage tent that's right for every business. Start by answering four questions:
Once those questions are clear, choosing between the different sizes and configurations becomes much easier.
Tell us what you need to store.
Tell our team what you're looking to store, your available space and how you plan to use the structure. We can help you identify the most suitable options for your site.