Are you tired of running your business from your garage or living room? Do you find yourself needing more space to store inventory, equipment, or supplies? Then it may be time to consider renting a small warehouse space! In this blog post, we’ll explore the future of small business warehouse rentals, including emerging trends and predictions for the industry.

The Rise of On-Demand Warehouse Services

One of the most significant trends in the warehouse rental industry is the rise of on-demand warehouse services. This concept is similar to the on-demand economy, where services are provided to customers when and where they need them. On-demand warehouse services are designed to meet the needs of small businesses that require flexible and scalable small warehouse rental spaces. With on-demand warehouse services, you only pay for the space and services you need, without having to commit to a long-term lease. WareSpace provides flexible leases and all-inclusive amenities without the extra cost.

Co-Warehousing to Lessen Expenses

Another emerging trend in the small to mid-sized warehouse rental industry is co-warehousing. Co-warehousing is a shared warehouse rental space concept where multiple small businesses share the same warehouse space. This trend is becoming popular because it helps small businesses save on rent, utilities, and other expenses associated with renting a small warehouse space. Co-warehousing also allows small businesses to network and collaborate with other businesses in the same space. WareSpace also provides office spaces, kitchens, and conference rooms that optimize all small business office functions.

Growing Demand for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Warehouse Solutions

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to consumers and businesses alike. As a result, there is a growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly warehouse solutions. Small businesses that rent small warehouse spaces are also looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and make their operations more sustainable. Some sustainable warehouse solutions include using renewable energy sources, reducing waste, and using eco-friendly materials.

Finding the Right Small Warehouse Rental Space

When looking for a small warehouse rental space, there are several factors to consider. The first consideration is the location of the warehouse. Ideally, the warehouse should be located in a convenient location for both you and your customers. You should also consider the size of the warehouse space, as well as the amenities and services provided. Some warehouse spaces come with loading docks, office space, and climate control, while others may not. WareSpace provides all of these amenities in one affordable price with flexible terms. All you have to do is figure out your space needs, sign up, then move in.

The Future of Small Warehouse Spaces for Small Business is Here

The future of small business warehouse rentals is bright and full of possibilities. From on-demand warehouse services to co-warehousing to sustainable warehouse solutions, small businesses have more options than ever before when it comes to renting small warehouse spaces. If you’re considering renting a small warehouse space, be sure to do your research and find a space that meets your needs and budget.

Book a tour to get the right sized warehouse rental for your business.

While you may  want to push forward with moving into a small warehouse rental space as quickly as possible, you cannot rush the process. Deliberate research and examination of rental properties will help you to find the best space for your business and budget. Even before you start to Google “small warehouse near me,” take a close look at your business requirements for the space, or take a tour of the facility to get a better look. The more time you spend planning your search, the greater the chances are that your business will have the features and capacity to grow.

What Is the Ideal Warehouse Space Size for Your Business

The first step of your search for a warehouse space rental is to narrow down your options by size. Most small businesses don’t need to rent massive distribution center facilities with hundreds of thousands of square feet. Many find that a small, 250-square-foot warehouse space is more than enough for their business needs.

What you store and how you organize it will dictate the amount of space you need. For instance, if you have an online store that sells sports trading cards, you will likely need less room than a furniture seller. The former may require a small space whereas the latter might need a slightly larger storage area. However, even with large items in your inventory, efficient organization can let you make the most out of small warehouse spaces.

The use of the space in the warehouse is crucial in deciding what size warehouse space you need. Storing your inventory on the floor on pallets will require more room than if you use industrial racking to organize it vertically. Small warehouse rentals that offer racking with other moving and storage equipment will help you best utilize your space to store more. Find out if you will use racking to increase your storage and if the warehouse rental offers it.

Figure Out What You Need From Your Future Small Warehouse

Note exactly what you need from your ideal small warehouse rental space. This listing of features your business requires will help in your search.

For example, if you receive large deliveries, you likely will need loading dock access that can accommodate large delivery trucks. Even for smaller businesses that only send and receive a few orders at a time, package receiving saves time on trips to the post office to pick up deliveries.

Will your small warehouse space double as an office? You may require additional features found in shared office spaces, such as kitchens and meeting areas. Secure Wi-Fi is also essential for any area small businesses use as office space.

Once you’ve noted exactly what you need, start your online search for a “small warehouse near me” and find options that meet your requirements.

Call or Email That Best Small Warehouse Space Near You

Even if you think that you have found the perfect site by looking at the information on the website, contact the facility to request an in-person tour and get answers to your questions.

Directly connecting with someone at the facility will allow you to book a tour of the site. And it is best practice to schedule an in-person tour to ensure that you get the right type of small warehouse rental space that will meet the needs of your business.

Websites only post the best-looking pictures. You need to see the facility for yourself to understand the scale and scope of the rental.

The tour starts even before you arrive. Pay attention to the distance to the warehouse from your home, since this may become your daily commute. Also, note the size of the parking lot and dock areas. Both should have plenty of space and allow for regular use.

Inside the facility, warehouse spaces should allow for moving pallets of goods to and from the loading dock. They also should have enough space for you to store your inventory and have working space.

Ask the person giving you the tour your prepared questions and any more that you think of during the visit. These questions will help you to understand more about the leasing process, the terms of the lease, your requirements as a tenant, and much more.

Ask a Lot of Questions

During your call or in-person walkthrough of the property, ask plenty of questions. These should include information about:

Other questions may be specific to your business’s operations. For example, you may want to ask about the number of outlets for running equipment if you own a small manufacturing company.

The questions you bring will allow you to see whether the rental space will meet your business’s operation, storage, and financial requirements.

Plan Ahead – You Never Know How Soon You Will Need the Extra Space

Even if you have a small business now and only require a small warehouse rental space, you do want to be pragmatic and plan for the future. Will the warehouse facility allow for scaling your warehouse up to another size? What is the next size available?

For small businesses that find they have outgrown their existing storage space, moving into a new facility will allow for the extra room needed to support continued operations. Medium warehouse spaces are great for ecommerce businesses that need extra space, service companies, and expanding small businesses.

When you search for “small warehouse space near me,” don’t forget to account for the need for moving into a large storage space in the future. Explore the various spaces available to see if you will have the option to stay in the same facility and scale up to a larger space.

Find the Right Small Warehouse Rental Space for Your Business at WareSpace

The best small warehouse rentals are those that fit your business’s needs. To find the right properties, you must ask plenty of questions to learn the specifics of renting the space. With WareSpace, we have small warehouse spaces that come with amenities to help you make the most of the facility as a storage and operations base. Learn more about our small warehouse rentals online. Then, book a tour or request more information.

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 3,341,435 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 for you.

As a small business, the best type of storage facility for you is a shared warehouse space in which you spread the overall costs of renting and using the building among all tenants. This type of warehouse is more cost-effective than renting or buying an entire warehouse yourself. To ensure that you get the right space for your small business, create a plan for establishing the criteria your ideal space must have from a small warehouse space.

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?

Another aspect of spacing is the physical square footage of the warehouse space. This will depend on the volume of inventory you have to store. Generally, most small businesses that first move into warehouse spaces initially only need small spaces.

Small warehouse spaces are ideal for small businesses moving out of their homes or garages for the first time. New ecommerce companies also benefit from a small warehouse space

If you have access to industrial racking, you can increase the storage space available 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.

Do you have employees? You may need to have a kitchen or lounge area for them to take lunches and breaks in. A conference room to hold meetings with them is another perk that your small business may want to have.

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:

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.

What Is the Ideal Warehouse Space Size for Your Business

The first step of your search for a warehouse space rental is to narrow down your options by size. Most small businesses don’t need to rent massive distribution center facilities with hundreds of thousands of square feet. Many find that a small, 250-square-foot warehouse space is more than enough for their business needs.

What you store and how you organize it will dictate the amount of space you need. For instance, if you have an online store that sells sports trading cards, you will likely need less room than a furniture seller. The former may require a small space whereas the latter might need a slightly larger storage area. However, even with large items in your inventory, efficient organization can let you make the most out of small warehouse spaces.

The use of the space in the warehouse is crucial in deciding what size warehouse space you need. Storing your inventory on the floor on pallets will require more room than if you use industrial racking to organize it vertically. Small warehouse rentals that offer racking with other moving and storage equipment will help you best utilize your space to store more. Find out if you will use racking to increase your storage and if the warehouse rental offers it.

Figure Out What You Need From Your Future Small Warehouse

Note exactly what you need from your ideal small warehouse rental space. This listing of features your business requires will help in your search.

For example, if you receive large deliveries, you likely will need loading dock access that can accommodate large delivery trucks. Even for smaller businesses that only send and receive a few orders at a time, package receiving saves time on trips to the post office to pick up deliveries.

Will your small warehouse space double as an office? You may require additional features found in shared office spaces, such as kitchens and meeting areas. Secure Wi-Fi is also essential for any area small businesses use as office space.

Once you’ve noted exactly what you need, start your online search for a “small warehouse near me” and find options that meet your requirements.

Call or Email That Best Small Warehouse Space Near You

Even if you think that you have found the perfect site by looking at the information on the website, contact the facility to request an in-person tour and get answers to your questions.

Directly connecting with someone at the facility will allow you to book a tour of the site. And it is best practice to schedule an in-person tour to ensure that you get the right type of small warehouse rental space that will meet the needs of your business.

Websites only post the best-looking pictures. You need to see the facility for yourself to understand the scale and scope of the rental.

The tour starts even before you arrive. Pay attention to the distance to the warehouse from your home, since this may become your daily commute. Also, note the size of the parking lot and dock areas. Both should have plenty of space and allow for regular use.

Inside the facility, warehouse spaces should allow for moving pallets of goods to and from the loading dock. They also should have enough space for you to store your inventory and have working space.

Ask the person giving you the tour your prepared questions and any more that you think of during the visit. These questions will help you to understand more about the leasing process, the terms of the lease, your requirements as a tenant, and much more.

Ask a Lot of Questions

During your call or in-person walkthrough of the property, ask plenty of questions. These should include information about:

Other questions may be specific to your business’s operations. For example, you may want to ask about the number of outlets for running equipment if you own a small manufacturing company.

The questions you bring will allow you to see whether the rental space will meet your business’s operation, storage, and financial requirements.

Plan Ahead – You Never Know How Soon You Will Need the Extra Space

Even if you have a small business now and only require a small warehouse rental space, you do want to be pragmatic and plan for the future. Will the warehouse facility allow for scaling your warehouse up to another size? What is the next size available?

For small businesses that find they have outgrown their existing storage space, moving into a new facility will allow for the extra room needed to support continued operations. Medium warehouse spaces are great for ecommerce businesses that need extra space, service companies, and expanding small businesses.

When you search for “small warehouse space near me,” don’t forget to account for the need for moving into a large storage space in the future. Explore the various spaces available to see if you will have the option to stay in the same facility and scale up to a larger space.

Find the Right Small Warehouse Rental Space for Your Business at WareSpace

The best small warehouse rentals are those that fit your business’s needs. To find the right properties, you must ask plenty of questions to learn the specifics of renting the space. With WareSpace, we have small warehouse spaces that come with amenities to help you make the most of the facility as a storage and operations base. Learn more about our small warehouse rentals online. Then, book a tour or request more information.

As an entrepreneur, managing your small business budget is crucial. So, let’s reframe the question you often ask yourself: “How much does a small warehouse cost?” Instead, let’s focus on the immense value and potential savings that come with choosing the right small warehouse space for your business.

Factors That Empower Your Small Warehouse Space Decision

When it comes to rental costs, several factors can influence the price of a small warehouse space. By understanding these factors, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your budget and business goals.

Floor Space: The Right Fit

Square footage plays a significant role in determining the cost of renting a small warehouse space. Typically, rates are based on the size of the space, meaning larger areas will have higher rental costs. However, it’s important to be mindful of your actual needs. Opting for a smaller warehouse space that fulfills your current requirements can save you money. Consider it an investment in your business’s financial stability. By choosing a space that matches your needs, you can redirect the saved funds toward future growth opportunities.

Base Rental Cost: Market Dynamics

Just like the real estate market, the rental costs of small warehouse spaces can vary depending on location, demand, and availability. It’s essential to assess the local commercial and industrial real estate markets when comparing different options. In areas with fewer warehouse vacancies, the base rental cost may be higher due to increased demand. However, don’t let scarcity cloud your judgment. Exercise discernment and explore multiple options before signing a lease. A thorough evaluation should include factors beyond the base rental cost, such as square footage and additional fees. This approach ensures you find a small warehouse space that perfectly suits your business needs. At WareSpace, our rental rates are simple and affordable. We also include all of our amenities in our rental pricing so that there are no surprises. It’s all inclusive pricing at WareSpace!

Additional Fees: Know What’s Included

When considering rental costs, it’s crucial to inquire about any additional fees associated with the small warehouse space. Some facilities may require tenants to pay for utilities separately, while others offer all-inclusive packages. By choosing a space that provides a simplified billing structure encompassing security, utilities, and rent in one monthly payment, you can streamline your expenses and avoid surprises.

Moreover, keep in mind that larger warehouses typically have higher operating costs due to increased utility usage. It’s worth understanding whether additional fees are included in the rent or billed separately. Look out for terms like “NNN” (net, net, net) or “CAM” (common area maintenance) in the lease, as they may involve additional costs related to property taxes, insurance, or maintenance charges. At WareSpace, our pricing includes everything so there are no hidden nor surprise fees.

Ask the Right Questions, Make Informed Decisions

Before committing to a small warehouse space, it’s essential to ask relevant questions regarding the total cost. This practice allows you to anticipate expenses and avoid unexpected financial burdens down the line. Consider inquiring about the following:

When you book a tour at our locations, you’ll talk with a WareSpace expert that will give you a thorough walk-thru of our location and answer all of your questions.

Unlock the Potential of a Small Warehouse Space with WareSpace

At WareSpace, we understand the importance of affordability and simplicity when it comes to small business warehouse solutions. Our approach offers you the opportunity to maximize your rental dollars by providing all-inclusive pricing. From loading docks to security and utilities, everything is bundled into a single monthly payment. With WareSpace, you won’t have to deal with a mountain of bills. We have simple billing and great support at all of our WareSpace locations. Find out more about our small warehouse spaces and how you can get the storage your business needs at WareSpace.

While you may want to push forward with moving into a small warehouse rental space as quickly as possible, you cannot rush the process. Deliberate research and examination of rental properties will help you to find the best space for your business and budget. Even before you start to Google “small warehouse near me,” take a close look at your business requirements for the space, or take a tour of the facility to get a better look. The more time you spend planning your search, the greater the chances are that your business will have the features and capacity to grow.

What Is the Ideal Warehouse Space Size for Your Business

The first step of your search for a warehouse space rental is to narrow down your options by size. Most small businesses don’t need to rent massive distribution center facilities with hundreds of thousands of square feet. Many find that a small, 250-square-foot warehouse space is more than enough for their business needs.

What you store and how you organize it will dictate the amount of space you need. For instance, if you have an online store that sells sports trading cards, you will likely need less room than a furniture seller. The former may require a small space whereas the latter might need a slightly larger storage area. However, even with large items in your inventory, efficient organization can let you make the most out of small warehouse spaces.

The use of the space in the warehouse is crucial in deciding what size warehouse space you need. Storing your inventory on the floor on pallets will require more room than if you use industrial racking to organize it vertically. Small warehouse rentals that offer racking with other moving and storage equipment will help you best utilize your space to store more. Find out if you will use racking to increase your storage and if the warehouse rental offers it.

Figure Out What You Need From Your Future Small Warehouse

Note exactly what you need from your ideal small warehouse rental space. This listing of features your business requires will help in your search.

For example, if you receive large deliveries, you likely will need loading dock access that can accommodate large delivery trucks. Even for smaller businesses that only send and receive a few orders at a time, package receiving saves time on trips to the post office to pick up deliveries.

Will your small warehouse space double as an office? You may require additional features found in shared office spaces, such as kitchens and meeting areas. Secure Wi-Fi is also essential for any area small businesses use as office space.

Once you’ve noted exactly what you need, start your online search for a “small warehouse near me” and find options that meet your requirements.

Call or Email That Best Small Warehouse Space Near You

Even if you think that you have found the perfect site by looking at the information on the website, contact the facility to request an in-person tour and get answers to your questions.

Directly connecting with someone at the facility will allow you to book a tour of the site. And it is best practice to schedule an in-person tour to ensure that you get the right type of small warehouse rental space that will meet the needs of your business.

Websites only post the best-looking pictures. You need to see the facility for yourself to understand the scale and scope of the rental.

The tour starts even before you arrive. Pay attention to the distance to the warehouse from your home, since this may become your daily commute. Also, note the size of the parking lot and dock areas. Both should have plenty of space and allow for regular use.

Inside the facility, warehouse spaces should allow for moving pallets of goods to and from the loading dock. They also should have enough space for you to store your inventory and have working space.

Ask the person giving you the tour your prepared questions and any more that you think of during the visit. These questions will help you to understand more about the leasing process, the terms of the lease, your requirements as a tenant, and much more.

Ask a Lot of Questions

During your call or in-person walkthrough of the property, ask plenty of questions. These should include information about:

Other questions may be specific to your business’s operations. For example, you may want to ask about the number of outlets for running equipment if you own a small manufacturing company.

The questions you bring will allow you to see whether the rental space will meet your business’s operation, storage, and financial requirements.

Plan Ahead – You Never Know How Soon You Will Need the Extra Space

Even if you have a small business now and only require a small warehouse rental space, you do want to be pragmatic and plan for the future. Will the warehouse facility allow for scaling your warehouse up to another size? What is the next size available?

For small businesses that find they have outgrown their existing storage space, moving into a new facility will allow for the extra room needed to support continued operations. Medium warehouse spaces are great for ecommerce businesses that need extra space, service companies, and expanding small businesses.

When you search for “small warehouse space near me,” don’t forget to account for the need for moving into a large storage space in the future. Explore the various spaces available to see if you will have the option to stay in the same facility and scale up to a larger space.

Find the Right Small Warehouse Rental Space for Your Business at WareSpace

The best small warehouse rentals are those that fit your business’s needs. To find the right properties, you must ask plenty of questions to learn the specifics of renting the space. With WareSpace, we have small warehouse spaces that come with amenities to help you make the most of the facility as a storage and operations base. Learn more about our small warehouse rentals online. Then, book a tour or request more information.

Your business’ future starts with how you plan for it today. Whether you have run your small business for a while or are a new entrepreneur, you still should think about where you want your company to go. Half of American small businesses start at home. However, in order to successfully grow your business, separating your business from your home is important. With a small warehouse rental, your business will have the extra space for products and a professional base for operations to scale up.

What Is a Small Warehouse Space?

Small warehouse space is a cost-effective option for a small business that needs to increase its inventory storage, organize products, or secure its goods. Compared to a home garage, a small warehouse space offers much more room that has complete dedication to your business. This extra space allows your small business to increase inventory, improve organization, and dedicate space to packing and shipping.

How to Find a Small Warehouse for Rent

A small warehouse space should fulfill your business’ requirements for operations, location, amenities, and design. Examine your small business and what you want it to become in the future to help decide the features you require a small warehouse space to have.

Determine What You Need from a Small Warehouse Space

Spend time before you start your search identifying specifically what your business requires of a rented small warehouse space.

What type of business do you have? Do you have a service company that needs storage for repair or replacement parts? Or do you need storage for products you sell online? For instance, if you run a furniture company, how much space do you need to store the beds, desks, chairs, and tables you sell? This type of warehouse may need more space than a small business selling handmade jewelry.

What do you need warehouse space for? Do you need to store a full inventory in your warehouse? Will you need extra space during seasonal surges? For instance, if you sell Christmas décor, you may need to stock extra products during the second half of the year to meet the incoming demand for wreaths, trees, and ornaments.

Do you regularly receive or send out large orders? Will you require access to a loading dock for truck deliveries?

Having specific requirements in mind will make narrowing down your options for small warehouse spaces faster and easier.

Find the Best Location for Your Small Business

To find the best location for your small warehouse space, you need to know what aspects of your business operation you want to emphasize. Finding a location that shortens delivery times or response times to buyers can improve your ratings with your existing customer base and encourage repeat business.

Do you sell products online and ship them to customers? Delivery times may play a role in your location choice. Ecommerce delivery times are shrinking quickly. By 2028, retailers surveyed thought they would need to offer two-hour delivery. While that tight timeline for delivery does not yet exist, 80% of customers today desire same-day deliveries. To expedite your shipments, choose a warehouse location near major roadways or airports.

Does your small business need to get to clients’ homes to quickly respond to service calls? Some businesses require proximity to customers. For instance, if you offer home cleaning services, you may want to locate your warehouse near the majority of your clients. Your employees can pick up supplies from your warehouse and get to clients’ homes faster. A retail location closer to customers also shortens delivery times.

The location of your rented small warehouse space will help your business to fulfill your customers’ needs as quickly as possible, whether they order products online or need your services locally. WareSpace has small warehouses throughout the US. Visit our locations page to see which one is right for you.

Decide What Amenities Are Must-Haves

The amenities can turn a warehouse into a productive work site if you use them effectively. These perks include conference rooms, secure Wi-Fi, warehouse equipment, on-site security, and electricity in each warehouse space. What types of amenities do you have to have for your business to run properly?

If you buy and sell products, you may need to have loading dock access and equipment for moving products to your small warehouse space. The loading dock should also have ample space next to it for delivery trucks to turn around safely and road access that permits heavy trucks to reach the facility.

Do you have employees you need to regularly meet with? Having a meeting space within the warehouse building gives you a professional place to gather with your staff. Kitchens and lounges provide you and your employees with places to unwind during breaks.

What about security and access? Will you need to have access to your warehouse 24/7? Do you need the peace of mind that comes with on-site security for your small warehouse space?

Virtually Research and Visit the Property

With facility websites, you have the option to learn more about the small warehouse spaces you have under consideration. Reach out to the facility using a contact form to ensure that you have as much information about the property as possible.

Sort through the information to find one or two sites to visit in person. Ask about rental costs, fees, square footage, amenities and rental timelines during your visit. After a tour of the facility, you can decide if it will suit your business’s needs.

Benefits of Upgrading to a Small Warehouse Space

Moving from your home to a small warehouse gives your business several advantages. These can benefits can help smooth the transitions into future growth for your small business.

Scalability

With a small warehouse space, you will have scalability options that you would lack if you continued operations from your home. Home-based businesses have the limitation of the amount of available space for growth. Using a garage does not provide you with the extra room your business will need for stocking more products as you grow. Without the ability to expand beyond your limited home space, you may stunt your small business’s growth opportunities.

Small warehouse space lets you increase your inventory. You can open your business to a greater variety of products and sales. Plus, by choosing a shared warehouse space with multiple sizes available, you can later pick one of our larger options for your small business as your operation grows.

Professional Space

Your business deserves a professional space for operations, especially if you have employees. Meetings around your kitchen table won’t have the same gravitas as those that you hold in a professional meeting room. With a rented small warehouse space, you can run your small business, store your entire inventory, host meetings in the conference room, and send and receive shipments from one location outside your home.

Additionally, having a business site separate from your home may help your mental health by making it easier to separate your lives at home and work.

Better Organization

You may not have the space or money for industrial-grade racking in your home. However, this professional solution allows you to clearly see your inventory and keep every product stored securely. When you upgrade to a rented warehouse space, you can use quality racking to keep your inventory off the floor and neatly organized.

With good storage and organization, you can pick products to fulfill orders much faster. Plus, racks keep products protected from damage caused by improper storage in a home garage.

Inventory Security

Security for your inventory is vital to reducing losses for your business. Secure warehouse space should only permit authorized access to your unit. Additionally, it should include on-site security. These features protect your products from the human threats of thieves and vandals.

Straightforward Payments

What sets smaller storage spaces apart from large warehouses is the ability to rent them at a reasonable rate. Renting a full warehouse for your business requires you to pay operation costs, climate control, electricity, security, and cleaning costs. With a small warehouse space, these operation costs come included with the space rent. The all-in-one pricing of small shared warehouse spaces makes renting one simple for small business owners.

How WareSpace Can Help You to Find a Small Warehouse Space for Rent

Give your business the boost it needs by upgrading to a small warehouse space. When looking for a small warehouse space for rent, check out WareSpace. You’ll find simple, upfront, all-in-one pricing that includes a variety of amenities other places lack.

Visit WareSpace to find out more about our small warehouse benefits and how your business can benefit from them. Small warehouse space and its accompanying amenities at WareSpace give you the room and tools needed to help your business grow. Are you ready to take your small business into a profitable future?

The last thing you want is your order fulfillment to bottleneck at the packing area. For maximum efficiency, it’s essential to have a fully stocked, well-laid-out warehouse packing station to speed up your order fulfillment. 

The Purpose of Your Warehouse Packing Station

Packing stations should not be an afterthought when planning your warehouse space use. Your station should hold a dedicated place in your small warehouse space, and be specifically used  for preparing orders for shipping. Warehouse packing stations:

  1. Give you a place to verify that you have all the correct products in each customer order. Checking orders before packaging the products reduces the chances of time-consuming returns. It will also ensure customer satisfaction.
  2. Keep all the materials needed for preparing orders for shipping in one location. By maintaining this stock, you can quickly package orders properly without wasting time finding boxes, tape, or other materials.
  3. House products in a designated area between the packing and shipping stages. Knowing where every product is at each step of the fulfillment process reduces the chances of lost or delayed orders.

Considerations When Setting Up Your Packing Station

Your small business may not have thousands of orders to process a day, but you still need to think about optimizing your warehouse packing station layout to reduce processing time. Becoming more efficient now will only make it easier to scale up your business operations in the future. To create the perfect packing zone in your small warehouse space, consider the following things:

Pack Station Purpose

Identify the most important purpose your packing station must fulfill and keep it front of mind when choosing tools and materials to optimize that portion of your warehouse. It helps to separate the overall task of packing into smaller jobs, and most packing stations provide order collection, quality control, packaging, and labeling. To allow your workers to do these tasks within the packing station, you must make available all the equipment they will need.

Warehouse Workflow

What is the direction of your warehouse workflow? Do you have storage to the left of your packing area and shipping to the right? In that case, arrange the packing station from left to right. The direction of product movement through the packing station should always go from storage toward shipping.

When preparing an order for shipping, always have the products move in a clear direction through every portion of the packing station. Use signs with arrows that outline the workflow steps and directions at each stage. When every order goes through the same workflow from picking to packing to shipping, you will reduce the chances of lost or damaged orders.

Material Priority 

The best layout for a small warehouse space is to put the most frequently moved goods closer to the packing area. This same principle applies to the materials used by those preparing orders for shipping. Place the most used tapes, scanners, filler, and boxes closest to the packing station so workers can speed orders through to shipping.

Ergonomic Design

When making your small warehouse space more ergonomically friendly, don’t neglect the packing station. Proper arrangement of goods and materials will reduce the chances of work-related muscle strain, and better ergonomics also improves worker morale and productivity.

To create an ergonomic packing station, minimize any bending or reaching workers must do when completing their jobs. Also, have available lifting equipment readily available to help them move heavy boxes without straining themselves.

Packing Station Tools and Materials

To effectively package your products, you will need to stock both machinery and materials in the packing station. Machinery helps to track the orders through the order fulfillment process. Packing materials ensure that customers have their orders protected from damage during shipping.

Machinery

The type of machinery your warehouse pack station needs may include printers for creating stick-on address labels, or scanners to update the warehouse management system (WMS) on the progress of the order. 

Packing Materials

The specific packing materials you need depend on the types of products you sell. If your small business deals in delicate items, you will need ample filling material and sturdy boxes to protect the goods during shipping. Shipping small items may only require padded mailing envelopes instead of boxes. Make sure your packing station layout accounts for storing these materials.

Key Components of an Effective Warehouse Pack Station

An effective warehouse pack station separates the packing process into individual steps. These steps each have their own area within the packing station to allow multiple people to contribute to packing orders during the busiest times. Common areas include:

When creating your packing station layout, make sure there is ample space for each step to be completed.

Staging and Quality Control

In staging, products arrive from the warehouse storage area and are compared against the customers’ orders. This part of the packing station helps minimize order problems due to damaged goods from the warehouse, or incorrect product fulfillment

Packing Bench and Labeling Area

Packing and labeling can occur on the same bench. Workers at this bench may need more time to complete their tasks than those in other parts of the packing area. Each product may require wrapping and/or boxing. Flat or small goods may only need placement into envelopes for shipping. Workers should also check that the label applied to the order matches the customer’s shipping information.

Waste and Recycling Area

Have a designated spot where you discard waste or recycling created from packing. Do not allow leftover boxes or other waste to accumulate in the packing area. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has requirements for housekeeping throughout your warehouse, including packing areas.

Under 1910.176(c), you must keep your entire small warehouse space free of anything that could create a fire, pest, explosion, or tripping hazard. Paper, boxes, and waste from packing could all cause tripping. Keep separate waste and recycling bins next to the packing station for easier disposal of leftover items.

Bin or Conveyor to Shipping

Getting the finished products from packing to shipping in your warehouse may not look the same as the system used in another facility. Conveyor belts are ideal for sending large volumes of completed orders to shipping. Alternatively, you can place all packed orders into a bin or cart and manually move them to the shipping area on a recurring basis. Having a designated location for all completed packages will reduce the chances of orders getting lost or misplaced.

Make Your Small Warehouse Space Do More with an Effective Packing Station

Make your small warehouse space as efficient as possible by updating your packing station. With faster picking, packing, and shipping your business can fulfill more orders. 

In the market for a new warehouse? Check out the numerous amenities we offer at WareSpace. We provide your business with electricity, secure wi-fi, materials handling equipment, industrial racking, package receiving, and more to help your business run smoothly. Call us at  301-781-6964, or book a tour online today. 

Do you think that your business is too small to benefit from access to a warehouse loading dock? If you need the added storage of a small warehouse space, you also need a docking area. An efficient loading dock is one of the essential tools to improve operations and set yourself up for future growth.

Why Loading Docks?

Access to a warehouse loading dock makes it faster and easier to get your goods to customers and restock your supplies. You don’t need to send out truckloads of goods to benefit from docking areas — carriers can handle full truckloads or single pallets. Loading docks give you the convenience of easy shipping and receiving without having to leave your space.

4 Benefits of Renting a Small Warehouse Space with a Loading Dock

Operational improvement is at the top of the list, but there are a few other benefits to renting a small warehouse space with a loading dock.

1. Increased Safety

A loading dock equipped with appropriate handling tools offers a safer alternative to receiving large shipments than a back door. Trying to unload trucks without docking bays means moving goods outside in all types of weather. Rainy or icy conditions can be dangerous for anyone loading or unloading. Loading docks provide a protected space for safely unloading trucks without exposing workers or products to inclement weather.

It’s also hard to control a truck’s movement without a loading dock. Most docks typically have wheel chocks or other methods to prevent truck creep. This creep is the unintended movement of the vehicle during loading or unloading, which can cause serious injury. Tools around loading docks that prevent this creep make the area safer for those using it.

While loading docks provide a safer alternative than parking lots to unload trucks, everyone must still exercise caution when using these spaces. To ensure maximum safety around the loading dock, always follow safety guidelines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These safety rules include securing dock plates, keeping clear of edges around the dock, and never jumping from the dock.

2. Efficiency

Over time, the design of loading docks has evolved to optimize efficiency for loading and unloading trucks. Most are physically designed and constructed to make shipping and receiving easy. For instance, outside areas around the loading docks should include space for trucks to turn around, back into the docks, and pull out of the area, even if there are other vehicles present. 

Inside, the layout should be structured so you can quickly and easily access the loading dock area. The best layout for your space is one that’s designed to keep the time needed to stock items, pick products, and ship at a minimum.

3. Flexibility

Most small businesses intend to grow over time. Loading docks give your business the flexibility it needs to increase your inventory. Paired with a shared warehouse that allows you to rent several different size spaces, your business will be set up for growth. You can receive more products, store more goods, and increase sales.

4. Labor and Timesaving

The enhanced efficiency and safety of loading docks also make them time-saving tools. Materials handling tools such as pallet jacks and dollies allow workers to effortlessly move goods. It also saves time because there’s less chance that workers could sustain injuries that might cause them to miss work

Spending less time getting products to the delivery trucks gives workers more time for other tasks. With their extra time, workers can fulfill more orders, prepare additional shipments, or store extra products.

Loading Docks Are Available at Our Facilities

Businesses of all sizes can benefit from the safety, time-saving, and flexibility of warehouse loading docks. But, loading docks are only one of the many amenities that WareSpace offers its tenants. Our small warehouse spaces come equipped with the tools you need to begin to make the most of the storage and shipping space. For more information, give us a call or contact us online to book a tour. 

There are different types of warehouses, which include dedicated and shared options. These options allow large and small companies to find the storage space to match the size of their inventories. In 2022, 33.2 million small businesses in the U.S. opted for small shared warehouse space to avoid the overhead cost of dedicated warehousing. Is a small warehouse space for rent the best solution for your business? Let’s weigh the pros and cons of this storage option to decide.

What Is Shared Warehousing?

Shared warehousing presents small businesses with a solution for inventory storage with minimal overhead. These facilities offer varying sizes of space with prices that often directly align to how much of the warehouse space is used. Businesses renting space spread the operating costs of the warehouse among themselves.

The shared model of space use allows businesses to access full-featured warehouses without the costs and management concerns of dedicated warehouses.

Pros and Cons of Renting a Shared Warehouse Space

Renting a shared small warehouse space is an investment. As with all business decisions, choosing whether to use a small shared warehouse space should start with weighing the pros and cons.

Pricing

Cost is always crucial when making decisions for small businesses. Small shared warehouse spaces have lower costs to rent as compared to buying or renting a dedicated warehouse or large space.

Rental prices for these spaces relate to the amount of space used. Businesses that opt for a small warehouse space for rent instead of a large space pay the least while still taking advantage of all the amenities in the facility.

Facility Amenities

Shared warehouse spaces have amenities often seen in shared offices and larger warehouses. However, because all tenants share the costs of these features and the facility’s operations, the price is affordable. Amenities vary depending on the shared warehouse space company. Small businesses should look for loading docks, racking, warehouse equipment, conference spaces, on-site security, limited access to storage areas, and package receiving.

Flexible Space Use

Small businesses need the flexibility to meet their changing needs as they grow or have seasonal ebbs and flows in sales. Shared warehouse spaces adapt easily to these needs. With easy rental terms in as little as six months, businesses have the flexibility to choose storage spaces based on their needs.

A seasonal surge may require temporary storage of more goods. In this instance, the business can upgrade to a larger warehouse space for a short time. A business that doubles its inventory and sales during the holiday season may temporarily need a larger facility. When inventory levels decrease, they can return to a smaller storage facility to save on costs. Shared warehouse spaces allow this type of flexibility.

Lack of Control Over the Facility

While choosing a small shared warehouse space for rent has numerous perks, it does have a downside. A lack of control over the facility’s operations means going through the site manager for all decisions. For small businesses, not having full control over the facility is ideal because the business owners can focus more on running their businesses instead of operating a warehouse.

Space Competition

Another concern with shared warehouse facilities is the competition for storage space. These sites have a finite amount of space that can only serve a limited number of businesses. Once the facility has reached capacity, those needing small warehouse space will need to go elsewhere.

Space competition is not only an issue with shared warehouses. Even large, dedicated warehouses face supply issues. At the end of 2022, despite record-setting industrial space construction, vacancies remain very low. The national vacancy as of November 2022 was 3.8% with even lower rates in specific markets, such as Nashville with a 1.2% vacancy.

How Does a Small Shared Warehouse Space Compare to a Dedicated Warehouse?

While businesses can choose to rent either shared warehouse space or a dedicated facility, the two options have distinct differences. A dedicated warehouse only serves a single business; whereas, a shared facility has lower costs and less commitment but serves multiple businesses under one roof.

Costs of Dedicated Warehouses

Some businesses purchase their dedicated warehouses. Buying this property gives the company total control over the use of the warehouse and its operations. The owner must pay all utilities and management costs. The purchaser also gets equity from the property against which the business can obtain loans. Rising property values increase the chances of making a profit on the warehouse after selling it, too.

Buying a dedicated warehouse is not the only option for companies. Some will rent the space. However, renting turns over operations to the landlord. Due to the large size of dedicated warehouses, the rental cost tends to be much higher than with shared warehouse spaces. Businesses that cannot use all the space in a dedicated warehouse will waste money withexcessive rental costs.

Costs of Shared Warehouses

Shared warehouses don’t come with the costs of purchasing a large property. Instead, renting a shared warehouse has rates related to the space used.

A small warehouse space has the most affordable rental rate. This option is best for small businesses getting their first warehouse spaces. Larger warehouse spaces are suitable for future growth or seasonal inventory surges.

Rents for small warehouse spaces also include all the utilities, management costs, and equipment use bundled into a single price. Buyers of dedicated warehouses must pay for each of these separately.

Small business owners have more to concern themselves with than operating every aspect of their warehouse. The bundled rental rates of shared warehouse spaces make using professional storage easy and accessible for businesses of all sizes.

Commitment Required for Using Dedicated Warehouses

Commitment is another difference between a shared small warehouse space and a dedicated warehouse. Those purchasing or renting dedicated warehouses tend to have very long leases. These terms often require the business to commit to the space for years.

Commitment Needed for Renting Shared Warehouse Spaces

Shared warehouse spaces have flexible commitments with rental terms lasting as little as a few months. This flexibility allows businesses to switch to a larger or smaller space based on their sales.

For small businesses that require flexible terms and short commitments, shared warehouse space for rent is the best option.

Are You Ready to Find a Small Shared Warehouse Space for Rent?

Does your business need the benefits of a small warehouse space? Do those perks outweigh the downsides of renting a shared warehouse?

Ensure that you find a shared small warehouse space for rent that has all the features your business needs. Check out WareSpace to learn about our warehouse space offerings and the amenities that come with all rentals.

Partner with us at WareSpace to get the facilities your company needs to grow and thrive in today’s bustling economy based on small business success.

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