If you are looking for a small warehousespace for your business, we can help you with some tips and information to getyou started. These important factors should be considered before, during, andafter leasing a space.
Determine Your Use
There are many reasons people are lookingfor warehouse space. It could be for a business or even for personal needs,such as storage. When looking for a small warehouse space have a clear andconcise idea of how you will utilize the space. Do you have an e-commercebusiness, a welding shop, or furniture business? It is important to determinehow you are going to use the space to figure out what you will need to pick theappropriate space.
Location, Location, Location
When choosing where to lease a smallwarehouse space, you will want to keep in mind your location. Where are youinterested in leasing a space? Do you want to be close to any of your otherbusiness locations? Do you want to be close to home? Should your business beclose to major roads or highways for transport? You may also want to determineif you want to be close to an airport.
Would it be advantageous for your store tobe on a busy street or a remote location? Do you want to be nearby otherrelated industrial warehouse facilities so you can collaborate on projects andcreate business opportunities? Determine where the best location will be foryour needs.
Find Out the Zoning for the Area Youare Interested In
The process should also include determiningif your business is allowed in a certain location. You can always call thezoning department for a county or city and ask them if your business will beallowed at a specific address. Furthermore, you will have to determine if theowner or landlord of the space you are interested in will allow your businessat a location.
Brainstorm What Layout Style WorksBest for Your Needs
Different warehouse facilities offer a widevariety of options for tenants. Some facilities only have small warehouse spacesavailable. Other spaces could include office spaces in addition to thewarehouse space. You will want to know the type of layout you want to bestfulfill the needs of your business.
If you have multiple employees you may wantoffice spaces and restroom spaces in the unit. Some facilities have restroomsin each unit, others may have a public restroom for all of the spaces on siteto use, and others may not have any restroom available. In some cases, a floorplan or virtual tour may be available of the interior of the warehouse space togive you an idea of the space.
Take into Consideration PropertyFeatures
The features of a property may be one ofthe most important aspects to consider when looking to rent a small warehousespace. You will want to keep in mind the following questions. How manyemployees and customers do you estimate will come to this location? Docustomers engage with your business online or at another physical location?Will you need a few parking spaces or several?
You also may want to consider if you want astorefront with visibility. Some locations have glass windows and doors for aninviting appeal, while others are solely warehouse space for those who do notneed a traditional store front.
Does your business require air conditioningin the office spaces or warehouse? You will want to determine if airconditioning is a priority for your products or if your business does not needit.
One of the advantages of warehouses is thatthey typically have overhead doors. If you plan on using trucks and machinerythat will frequently go in and out of the warehouse, you will want to know theheight and width clearance you need to go in and out of the warehouse. Inregard to loading and unloading materials and items, you will want to evaluateif you need a loading dock, dock high, etc.
Know the Lease Type
Furthermore, it is important to determinewhat type of lease the space you are interested in requires. Is the lease amodified gross lease or a triple net lease? There are several different typesof leases and it is vital to know the lease you are potentially going to besigning up for. The parties involved with the leasing process can go over anyquestions you may have about the type of lease.
What is the Term of the Lease
When doing your research, you will want tokeep in mind how long you will stay at a location. If you project your businesswill expand or down-size in the next few years, you may want a shorter lease.If your business only requires a certain amount of space, and believe it willremain this way for the foreseeable future, then you may want to commit to alonger term lease. There are some locations that require a minimum lease termand some may even have a maximum term commitment.
Where to Find Small Warehouse Spaces
Now you will have to determine if all ofyour criteria can be met with the inventory that is available. If you look atyour local zoning map, find out where flex spaces and industrial parks arelocated and drive by locations you are interested in. Often times you will comeacross a “For Lease” sign at these locations and you can call and ask for moreinformation.
In the digital age, you can find listingsfor warehouse spaces on many websites like www.sunizo.com.Sunizo Superior Realty Management is a commercial property management companywith industrial warehouse spaces available in Florida and Georgia. You can findwarehouse spaces in some business and real estate magazines and publications.You can also reach out to commercial real estate companies. Sunizo SuperiorRealty Management has worked on several deals with agents over the past fewyears and we enjoy the professional relationships we have developed and welcomemore. There are a plethora of ways to find listings for small warehouse spaces.
Make the Call
You have gathered some basic informationabout what you need in terms of a small warehouse space, and you have an ideaof how you will use the space and for approximately how long. Now it is time tomake the call. If you have any inquiries, do not hesitate to call when youresearch and view listings.
Sunizo Superior Realty Management hasextensive experience in the commercial real estate sector. If you areinterested in space or are just researching some options, we can help determineif any of our available warehouse spaces fit your needs.
Visually Research and Visit the Property
After you have determined a space may workfor you, make sure to check out the property. When researching, take a look atphotos and videos attached to listings of the property. If a virtual tour ofthe property exists, take some time to virtually immerse yourself into the tourand look around to see what the property has to offer. This is a great optionfor those who live out of the city or state in which they are hoping to move.
You can also call an appropriate contact onany listing you are interested in and request to view the property in-person orhave them take you on a tour.
Apply for the Small Warehouse Space
Now that you have found a space that fitsyour needs, it is time to apply! The landowner, commercial property managementcompany, or other business entity will want to gather some information abouthow you intend to use the space and may ask for basic and additional informationabout you or the business, similar to what we have already covered above. Whenapplying ensure your information is accurate and correct to ensure a smoothprocess. Some companies may also require background checks and incomeverification.
Review Your Lease
If your application has been approved, aphysical or electronic lease will be sent to you. It is important to readthrough the entire lease and understand your commitment to the lease. If youhave any questions, ask the appropriate contact to clarify the information. Ifyou have a lawyer or legal team, you may want them to review the lease.
Sign and Gather All NecessaryDocuments
If you are satisfied with the conditionsand are ready to take the next step, sign the documents. Many companies mayrequire insurance as well.
Move In
Congratulations! You are now leasing a small warehouse space for either your business or personal needs. If it is managed by a commercial property management company, make sure to get the contact information of your property manager. You may have to switch certain utilities into your name or your business name. You have reached the final step. You will want to take note of when your lease expires, when the term completes you can then determine if you want to renew your lease.
Below are additional resources about commercial real estate:
What is in a Commercial Real Estate Lease?
The 4 Major Types of Commercial Real Estate Properties
13 Commercial Real Estate Professionals to be Familiar with in Commercial Real Estate
