What Restaurants and Caterers Need to Store

Running a restaurant or catering business in Ireland means accumulating a remarkable amount of equipment — much of which isn't in use at any given time. Storage is a constant overhead that eats into tight margins.

Common Storage Items

  • Outdoor dining furniture: Tables, chairs, heaters, planters — essential from May to September, bulky dead weight the rest of the year
  • Seasonal decorations: Christmas displays, St Patrick's Day props, festival signage
  • Event catering equipment: Chafing dishes, serving platters, mobile hot/cold units, linens
  • Surplus stock: Non-perishable supplies bought in bulk, takeaway packaging, branded materials
  • Archived records: Health and safety documentation, supplier contracts, tax records (Revenue requires 6 years of retention)

Storage Costs for Hospitality Businesses

A medium commercial unit in Dublin runs €175–€320/month. Caterers managing event equipment often need 100+ sq ft, pushing costs to €300–€500/month. That's €3,600–€6,000/year — a significant hit on already thin margins.

Our 2026 pricing report breaks down costs by city and unit size.

Smarter Storage for Hospitality

Peer-to-peer storage on Packhood offers garages, warehouse space, and outbuildings at 30–50% below commercial rates. The key advantage for seasonal businesses: month-to-month flexibility means you only pay for storage when you actually need it.

For related business storage advice, see our SME storage guide and seasonal stock storage tips.