Your truck is full of equipment that should be organized in a shop. Your garage has turned into an unofficial warehouse that’s making your neighbors ask questions. Your storage unit across town costs you two hours every time you need to grab something.
You need actual warehouse space, but everything you find is either too big (5,000+ square feet you don’t need) or too limited (storage units with no power, no loading access, and rules that make running a business impossible).
Salt Lake City has options for small businesses that need real warehouse space between 200 and 2,000 square feet. Here’s how to find it, what it costs, and whether it makes sense for your business.
Who Actually Uses Small Warehouse Space in Salt Lake City
Small warehouse space is suitable for any business that needs more than a garage but less than an entire industrial building. Here’s who benefits most:
Contractors and Trades
Electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, general contractors, and specialty trades need space for tools, equipment, materials, and vehicle parking. You’re done working out of your truck, ready for proper inventory management and a professional base of operations.
What you need: Climate control for sensitive materials, loading dock access for equipment and material deliveries, parking for work vehicles, space to organize tools and supplies by job, and secure storage for expensive equipment.
Typical space: 300-800 sq ft for solo operations, 800-1,500 sq ft for crews with 3-5 people.
Light Manufacturing and Assembly
Small-scale production, product assembly, custom fabrication, woodworking, jewelry making, or any operation where you’re making things. You’ve outgrown the garage workshop, but don’t need a 10,000 sq ft factory.
What you need: Power for equipment (220V for certain tools), adequate ventilation, space for material storage, work benches and assembly areas, and room for finished goods inventory.
Typical space: 500-1,200 sq ft for small operations, 1,200-2,000 sq ft as you scale production.
Distribution and Fulfillment
If you’re receiving products from manufacturers and distributing to customers, retail locations, or through your own channels. This includes eCommerce fulfillment, wholesale distribution, and 3PL operations.
What you need: Loading dock access for frequent deliveries and pickups, climate control for product protection, racking and shelving for inventory organization, packing stations, and WiFi for inventory management systems.
Typical space: 400-1,000 sq ft for 50-300 orders weekly, 1,000-2,000 sq ft for 300-1,000 orders weekly.
Service Businesses with Equipment
Mobile service businesses, event companies, equipment rental operations, landscaping companies, cleaning services – any business that operates in the field but needs a base for equipment, supplies, and admin work.
What you need: Secure storage for expensive equipment, vehicle parking, climate control if storing electronics or chemicals, office space for admin work, and client meetings.
Typical space: 300-600 sq ft for small mobile operations, 600-1,500 sq ft for larger operations with multiple vehicles and crews.
Creative and Production Studios
Photography studios, video production, content creation, podcasting, maker spaces. You need a controlled environment for creative work, plus storage for equipment and props.
What you need: Climate control, good lighting options, power for equipment, soundproofing (sometimes), flexible space layout, possibly separate areas for production vs storage.
Typical space: 400-1,000 sq ft, depending on production type and equipment needs.
What You Want Included in the Price in Warehouse Space
Size Flexibility
Your space needs change as your business grows. Look for facilities that offer multiple unit sizes or easy expansion options. You don’t want to be locked into 500 sq ft when you suddenly need 800 sq ft six months from now.
Ideal: Lease terms that allow you to size up or down with 30-60 days’ notice without penalties.
Loading Dock Access
If you’re receiving pallets or moving heavy equipment, loading dock access is non-negotiable. Hand-carrying materials through parking lots wastes hours and increases the risk of injury.
Drive-in docks (where you can drive a truck directly into the building) work if you don’t have full semi-truck deliveries. Standard loading docks handle semi-trucks, box trucks, and everything in between.
Climate Control
Utah hits 95°F+ in summer and drops below freezing in winter. Standard warehouse buildings without climate control follow outdoor temps- your space becomes an oven in July and a freezer in January.
If you’re storing anything temperature-sensitive (electronics, certain materials, products for resale), climate-controlled warehouse space in Salt Lake City is mandatory.
More Power (amps) and Electrical Capacity (120v/220v)
Most small warehouse spaces include basic electrical (120V outlets). If you’re running equipment that needs 220V or higher amperage, verify the electrical capacity before signing a lease.
Ask: How many amps per unit? Where are outlets located? Can you add circuits if needed? Who pays for electrical work if you need upgrades?
Security Features
Your equipment, inventory, and materials represent a significant investment. Look for:
- 24/7 building access with key card or code entry
- Security cameras in common areas
- Individual unit locks you control
- Well-lit parking and entry areas
- On-site management during business hours
Parking and Vehicle Access
If you’re running work vehicles, equipment trailers, or need to load/unload frequently, parking matters. How many spots do you get? Can you park trailers overnight? Is there truck access for larger vehicles?
Shared Amenities That Actually Matter
Conference rooms for client meetings. Kitchen area for your team. Restrooms that don’t require walking across a parking lot. WiFi included vs having to set up your own internet. These extras add up in both cost and convenience.
Salt Lake City Neighborhoods for Small Warehouse Space
Traditional industrial warehouse space across Salt Lake City averages $6.50-$13.00 per square foot annually, though rates vary significantly based on property size, age, condition, and specific features. Here’s what different neighborhoods offer:
South Salt Lake
Best for: Cost-conscious businesses prioritizing logistics access
What it offers: Excellent I-15/I-80/SR-201 access, established industrial infrastructure with loading docks and carrier proximity, competitive overall operating costs (utilities and taxes tend to run lower than newer developments), functional warehouse buildings that may not be the newest but deliver solid fundamentals.
Location: Runs roughly from 2100 South to 3300 South with direct highway access. You’re in a working industrial area- not the most polished part of town, but built for business use.
Downtown/Central Salt Lake
Best for: Businesses needing visibility, client meetings, or employee recruitment
What it offers: Unmatched accessibility- minutes from the airport, downtown, I-15, I-80, and the entire Salt Lake Valley. Tighter inventory means spaces lease faster. You’ll pay premium rates for the central location, but for last-mile delivery or businesses requiring frequent customer access, the positioning justifies higher costs.
Trade-off: Limited inventory of small spaces, higher rates, and tighter parking. You’re paying for convenience and location.
Salt Lake City Airport Area
Best for: Businesses with frequent shipping or logistics coordination
What it offers: Exceptional logistics access near Salt Lake City International Airport, Amazon fulfillment centers, FedEx Ground, UPS hubs, and USPS distribution facilities. Recent development means you’ll find both updated warehouse buildings and newer construction. Sits between I-15 and I-80 with easy access to both corridors.
For businesses shipping nationally or integrating with Amazon FBA, proximity to this logistics infrastructure saves hours per week on deliveries and pickups.
Glendale
Best for: Businesses benefiting from proximity to residential areas (local pickup, service calls)
What it offers: Salt Lake’s established industrial core west of downtown, with large inventory of available warehouse space. Mix of older warehouse buildings and light industrial properties with solid I-15/I-80 access. Good industrial fundamentals (loading docks, truck access, utilities), but spaces vary widely in condition- expect to evaluate each property individually.
Tradeoff: Fewer large new warehouse buildings, and inventory for small spaces can be limited. Mixed industrial-residential character means customer access is easier for service businesses.
WareSpace Salt Lake City (391 S Orange Street) sits at the intersection of convenience- close to downtown, minutes from I-15/I-80, ten minutes to the airport, right near major carrier hubs. You’re getting central access without paying the full downtown premium.
What Small Warehouse Space Actually Costs in Salt Lake City
200-400 sq ft: $700-1,200/month all-inclusive for co-warehousing, $300-500/month base rent for traditional leases (before NNN, utilities, equipment)
400-800 sq ft: $1,200-2,200/month all-inclusive, $500-900/month base rent traditional
800-1,500 sq ft: $2,200-4,000/month all-inclusive, $900-1,600/month base rent traditional
1,500-2,000 sq ft: $4,000-5,500/month all-inclusive, $1,600-2,200/month base rent traditional
Traditional leases look cheaper upfront, but you’re adding 30-40% for NNN/CAM charges, utilities that spike seasonally, upfront equipment costs ($2,000-5,000), and 3-5 year commitments.
All-inclusive co-warehousing costs more monthly but includes climate control, loading docks, equipment, WiFi, conference rooms, flexible 6-12 month terms, and no surprise bills.
Traditional Warehouse Lease vs Co-Warehousing: Which Makes Sense?
Go with traditional warehouse lease if you’re:
- Confident about space needs for 3+ years. If you know you’ll need 1,000+ sq ft long-term, traditional leases save money over time.
- Operating with minimal margin. If every dollar counts and you can’t absorb an extra $800-1,500/month, traditional leases cost less.
- Comfortable managing facilities. You’re willing to call contractors for repairs, pay multiple vendors, and handle building issues yourself.
- Not seasonal. Your space needs stay consistent year-round so lease flexibility doesn’t matter.
- Already own equipment. You’ve got racking, pallet jacks, and warehouse equipment from a previous location.
Go with co-warehousing if you’re:
- Growing and space needs are changing. You might need 500 sq ft today, 800 sq ft in six months, and 1,200 sq ft next year.
- Seasonal with fluctuating needs. Scale up for busy season, scale down during slow months without breaking a lease.
- Avoiding upfront capital costs. You’d rather not drop $3,000-5,000 on equipment and deposits.
- Valuing your time. Managing contractors and building issues costs more in opportunity cost than the premium for all-inclusive pricing.
- First time leasing commercial space. Co-warehousing eliminates the learning curve and protects you from expensive mistakes.
- Need professional setup immediately. Conference rooms, kitchen, shared equipment- everything’s ready when you move in.
Finding Small Warehouse Space for Rent in Salt Lake City
Traditional commercial real estate brokers mostly focus on spaces over 5,000 square feet. If you’re looking for 200-2,000 sq ft, you need to target:
Co-warehousing and flex space providers – Purpose-built facilities offering smaller units with shared amenities and flexible terms.
Small-bay industrial buildings – Older industrial buildings subdivided into smaller units. Often owner-managed. You’ll find these on LoopNet, Crexi, and local commercial brokers.
Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace – Surprising number of small warehouse spaces listed directly by owners who aren’t using traditional brokers.
Drive the industrial areas – South Salt Lake, Glendale, Airport area. Look for “For Lease” signs. Many small spaces never get listed online.
WareSpace Salt Lake City (391 S Orange Street) specializes in 200-2,000 sq ft climate-controlled warehouse units with all-inclusive pricing and 6-12 month flexible leases. Everything’s included- loading docks, equipment, WiFi, conference rooms, kitchen, 24/7 access.
What Contractors Need to Know About Warehouse Space
Most contractors need more than just storage- you need a functional shop where you can organize materials, prep jobs, maintain equipment, and potentially meet clients.
Tool and equipment storage: Industrial racking and shelving to organize by job or project. Secure storage for expensive tools and equipment (theft is real in shared facilities- verify security).
Vehicle parking: Space for work trucks, trailers, and equipment. Some facilities restrict commercial vehicles or charge extra for trailer storage. Ask upfront.
Material receiving: Loading dock access for lumber, pipe, electrical supplies, or whatever your trade requires. You don’t want to hand-carry sheet goods through a building.
Workspace for prep: Room to cut materials, assemble, or prep before heading to job sites. Some warehouse leases prohibit fabrication or “manufacturing” (even simple assembly). Read the fine print.
Climate control matters: Power tools, electronics, and certain materials (adhesives, sealants, paints) need consistent temps. Your $800 laser level doesn’t do well baking in a 110°F warehouse.
Many contractors start with 300-500 sq ft solo, then scale to 800-1,200 sq ft as they hire crews and take on larger projects. Flexibility to scale without breaking a lease is huge.
What Manufacturers Need in Small Warehouse Space
Light manufacturing has different requirements than storage or distribution:
Electrical capacity: Standard warehouse spaces offer 120V outlets. If you’re running machinery that needs 220V or higher amperage, verify electrical infrastructure before signing.
Ventilation and air quality: Some manufacturing processes create fumes, dust, or particles. Make sure the building allows your manufacturing type and has adequate ventilation.
Noise considerations: If you’re running loud equipment, check whether adjacent tenants will complain and whether the building has policies about noise hours.
Floor loading capacity: Heavy equipment and materials stress floors. Verify the floor can handle your equipment weight (this matters in older buildings more than in new construction).
Shipping and receiving: Frequent material deliveries and product shipments mean you need loading dock access and space to stage incoming and outgoing goods.
Waste disposal: Manufacturing creates waste. Verify trash and recycling access. Some buildings limit what you can dispose of.
Most light manufacturers need 500-1,500 sq ft, depending on production volume and equipment footprint. Climate control helps with product consistency (temperature affects many manufacturing processes).
Small Warehouse Space FAQs for Salt Lake City
What’s the smallest warehouse space I can rent in Salt Lake City?
Most traditional warehouse spaces start at 1,000-2,000 sq ft minimum. Co-warehousing facilities like WareSpace offer units as small as 200 sq ft, which works for solo contractors, small eCommerce operations, or businesses just transitioning from home-based.
Can I run a business from a Salt Lake warehouse space?
Yes, but check zoning and lease restrictions. Most industrial-zoned warehouse spaces allow business operations. Some restrict retail, customer visits, or certain manufacturing types. Read your lease carefully- some landlords prohibit businesses that generate truck traffic or have clients visiting.
Do I need insurance for my Salt Lake warehouse space?
Most leases require general liability insurance ($1-2 million coverage) naming the landlord as additional insured. You’ll also want contents insurance for your equipment and inventory. Budget $500-1,500 annually for coverage.
Can I meet clients at my Salt Lake warehouse space?
Depends on the facility and lease terms. Co-warehousing facilities often include conference rooms for client meetings. Traditional warehouse leases might allow it but don’t provide professional meeting space. Some industrial parks restrict non-employee visitors.
What’s included in Salt Lake warehouse rent?
Traditional leases: Usually just the space. You pay separately for utilities, NNN charges, CAM fees, internet, and equipment.
All-inclusive co-warehousing: Everything- climate control, utilities, WiFi, loading docks, equipment, shared amenities, building maintenance.
How long are warehouse leases in Salt Lake City?
Traditional commercial leases typically require 3-5 year commitments. Month-to-month options exist but are rare and expensive. Co-warehousing facilities typically offer month-to-month, or short term leases to renew or adjust space size.
Can I store hazardous materials in my Salt Lake warehouse space?
Most leases prohibit flammable, explosive, or toxic materials. Some allow limited quantities with proper storage and documentation. If you’re storing chemicals, fuels, or regulated materials, disclose this upfront and get written approval.
What happens if I outgrow my Salt Lake warehouse space?
Traditional leases: You’re locked in for the lease term. Breaking a lease early usually incurs a penalty of 3-6 months‘ rent. Some landlords allow subletting with approval.
Co-warehousing: You can typically size up to a larger unit within the same facility with 30-60 days’ notice without penalty.
WareSpace Salt Lake City offers small warehouse space for rent from 200-2,000 sq ft with all-inclusive pricing and flexible 6-12 month leases. Climate-controlled units, loading docks, industrial racking, WiFi, conference rooms, 24/7 access. Whether you’re a contractor needing organized shop space, a manufacturer ready to scale production, or a distributor handling fulfillment, we’ve got space that fits. Tour the facility at 391 S Orange Street.
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