If incoming stock is taking over your spare room, shop floor or work area, start with a stock check before booking more space. Extra room is most useful when you know what is going into it and how you will find it again.
Recent national figures show why it helps to plan around your own orders. Retail sales volumes in Great Britain rose by an estimated 1.1% over the three months to July 2026, but fell by 0.5% in July itself. These figures, released on 21 August, describe the national picture rather than predicting demand for an individual Enfield business. Source: Office for National Statistics.
For your autumn stock plan, use confirmed deliveries, recent sales and the space you actually need.
Count what you already have
Split your stock into three groups: items selling now, items kept for later, and items needing a decision. Keep returns and damaged goods separate from stock ready to sell.
A simple spreadsheet is enough to start. Record the product, quantity, box number and storage location. Check the list before ordering more, and update it whenever stock moves. Moving an unidentified pile into a container only moves the problem.
Check whether outdoor storage suits the goods
All Enfield Lock storage containers are outside. Before bringing business stock, check its manufacturer’s storage instructions and discuss any special requirements with us.
Do not assume goods needing a controlled temperature or humidity will be suitable. Ask first about anything hazardous, perishable or requiring special handling. Bring packaging materials in clean and dry, and choose packaging appropriate to what is inside.
Give every box a location
Use a simple system such as A1, A2 and B1. Put the code on the box and in your stock list, with labels facing the route you will use to reach them.
Group similar products together. Keep items you collect frequently closer to the doors, with less frequently needed stock further back. Leave a clear route to the goods you expect to use.
Stack within the limits of the packaging, with heavier boxes below lighter ones. Leave enough room to close and lock the container doors properly.
Plan collections around your working day
Drive-up access lets you bring your vehicle beside your container for loading and unloading. Think through how often you will visit and what you need to collect each time.
Customer access at Enfield Lock is 6am–7pm every day. Plan your stock runs within those hours and arrange your first visit before travelling.
Keep responsibility for your stock clear
Bring your own padlock and arrange insurance for the goods you store. Check with your insurer that the cover includes business stock in an outdoor storage container and understand any limits or exclusions.
The site has gated entry and CCTV. Keep your stock records current and make sure anyone collecting goods for your business knows which items to take and how to secure the container afterwards.
Match the rental to your plans
Our outdoor 20ft drive-up containers cost £195 per month, billed monthly in advance. Tell us what you need to store and when, so we can discuss suitability and availability.
Please give one calendar month’s notice before vacating, so we can allocate the container to another customer. Include that notice requirement in your plan if you only need storage for part of the year.
Need room for your next delivery?
Find us at Navigation Drive, Waterways Business Centre, Enfield, EN3 6JJ.
Ask about availability or call 0808 281 3490 from 7am to around 8pm. Out-of-hours enquiries will be picked up the next day. Tell us the type of stock, the approximate amount and your intended start date, and we can discuss the next step.