As your business grows, you’ll outgrow your existing location. Whether you operate from your home’s garage or a storage unit, you will eventually need to find a place to accommodate your business’ expanding storage needs. Unfortunately, the number of warehousing options is dizzying. As of 2023, the United States had over 3.3 million businesses in the transportation and warehousing industry, and counting. Not all these spaces will offer small businesses the facility size and features they need. To find the best space for your business, you need to know exactly what you need and search for the right type of storage solution.

Determine Your Spacing Needs

Your spacing needs when renting a warehouse space include both how you use the facility and the square footage that you need. Considering both factors will help you in finding the perfect small warehouse for your business.

How Will You Use the Space?

When deciding what type of space you need, consider the miniscule details and unique qualities of your business. For instance, if you have a light manufacturing company, you may require extra electrical outlets in the space or the option to add outlets. If you have an ecommerce business, do you require a secure, high-speed Wi-Fi connection inside the small warehouse space?

How Much Square Footage Do You Need?

The physical square footage of the warehouse space depends on your inventory volume. Generally, small businesses moving into warehouse spaces initially need small spaces. Small warehouse spaces are ideal for businesses moving out of homes or garages. New ecommerce companies also benefit from small warehouse space.

If you have access to industrial racking, you can increase storage space by using vertical space on the racks. This option improves organization and storage capacity, and is available in some small warehouse spaces.

Search for a Small Warehouse That Meets Your Spacing and Amenity Needs

Limit your search for facilities that have the space and amenities you need. Renting a warehouse more spacious than what your business actually requires will only cost you money. Ideally, you want to have a warehouse that allows you to store your inventory and have enough space to accommodate seasonal fluctuations in product volume. Most small businesses find that a small warehouse space suits their needs.

Think about the types of amenities that you need. For example, if you intend to operate your entire business from the warehouse space, you may also need Wi-Fi and electrical outlets available for using a laptop or computer. Secure Wi-Fi is also important if you use tablets, phones, or barcode readers to scan orders and upload the information into your inventory management software.

If you have employees, you may need a kitchen or lounge area for lunches and breaks. A conference room for meetings is another perk your small business may want.

Visit the Small Warehouse That You Have an Interest In

Always visit the small warehouse spaces that you have an interest in before deciding. Seeing the space in person lets you have a clear view of the space and its surrounding location.

Your site walkthrough gives you the chance to look over the tiny details. You should also get answers to any questions you may have during this time. By seeing the small warehouse space you want to rent for yourself and getting the answers to all your questions, you’ll be better able to make the best decision.

Pay Attention to the Small Details

Learn as much as you can about the property and the rental agreements. The more you know about the site, the fewer surprises you will encounter if you sign a lease.

Some small details you should not forget to ask about during the walkthrough include:

  • Parking availability
  • Loading dock access
  • Warehouse equipment availability
  • Types of operating expenses included in the rental price (NNN)
  • HVAC use within the space
  • Site security and warehouse space access
  • Local zoning of the site for specific business use, industrial or commercial
  • Maintenance responsibility
  • Floor load within the space
  • Racking loads, if available, in the space

Whether you specifically ask about the above details or receive the information during the walkthrough or online research, this data will help you in finalizing your decision.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask a Lot of Questions

The only bad questions during a walkthrough of a small warehouse space are the ones that you don’t ask. Never make assumptions.

For example, if the warehouse space only has one electrical outlet but your business will require more, ask if you can have an electrician add an outlet. While many warehouse spaces will allow such changes, you must ask first.

Create a list of questions to ask before you visit the property. Also, keep a tablet or notepad on hand during the walkthrough to note down questions that you think of during your visit. Make sure that you get answers to every one of your questions. If you need clarity on one of the answers you receive, don’t be afraid to ask for further explanations.

You need complete information to make an informed decision about which small warehouse to rent for your business needs.

Ready to Rent a Small Warehouse Space?

Are you ready to rent a small warehouse space? Check out what we have to offer at WareSpace. You’ll find all the amenities you need and none of the hidden costs that you don’t want. All-in-one pricing, convenient locations around the country, and facilities that make your business more efficient are only a few of the perks you’ll have from a WareSpace small warehouse space. Check us out now.