8 Tips When Looking for Warehouse Space

If you are a business owner looking for a new warehouse space, it is paramount that you know exactly what you need before starting your search. First, you must do plenty of research and put together a solid plan of action. That way, when you do start looking at prospective warehouses, you can save time by instantly recognising which units are unfit to accommodate you, and which units should immediately be added to your shortlist of potentials.

The fact is, warehouse and industrial space can be utilised for a wide variety of purposes – from storage and production to distribution. As such, each industrial property you come across will likely vary significantly in terms of specifications, responsibilities, and infrastructure. However, when you are armed with all of the knowledge necessary to make the right call, finding the perfect warehouse space for you can actually be a rather painless process. Here’s everything you need to know…

1 – Decide on whether renting or buying is best for your business

Renting warehouse space:

  • Greater availability of commercial leases than purchases.
  • Significantly smaller down payment, freeing you up with more budget to invest in company growth.
  • Lower costs spread out over the terms of the lease.
  • Not being tied down provides greater flexibility.

Buying warehouse space:

  • More control over customisation and expansion.
  • Stability.
  • Equity.

2 – Put much thought and consideration into the location

While you may be able to get the best rental rates with a less-desirable location, you have to consider the long-term implications. Just because you can save money on rent, what about the extra money spent on logistics? Think carefully about how long it will take for your delivery drivers to access major highways and key transport hubs, etc.

3 – Understand your current and future spatial requirements

Not only do you need a warehouse space large enough to accommodate your current capacities, but something that can encourage growth as well. Consider both the square and cubic footage measurements of a warehouse and look for options that can provide a solid foundation for strong future development.

4 – Think about the type of equipment you’ll need

The warehouse space must be large enough to accommodate both your employees and the equipment that they will be using daily. In the same breath, consider ready-made warehouses that already have the equipment and facilities you need – rather than having to pay for these installations yourself.

If you can find a warehouse in an ideal location that is large enough to accommodate you and has some of the key equipment necessary to your operations installed already, then you’ll be off to an amazing start!

5 – Examine the loading dock and parking areas

Are there enough loading doors to accommodate the number of trucks you need to operate optimally? And how easy will it be for trucks visiting your site to navigate the parking area and access the loading docks? The square footage outside the warehouse is self is equally as important as the space available inside.

Similarly, you must think about employee access. What will onsite parking look like? How convenient will it be for your employees to park at work and access the warehouse on foot?

6 – Always be thinking about your employees and their experience

When choosing the right warehouse space for you, make sure that your employees remain at the forefront of your priorities. How safe, comfortable, and convenient are the facilities? And again—tying in rather closely with location—how easy will it be for your employees to make their daily commute to work?

7 – What are the utilities like?

Not all warehouses will be equipped with full building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Let this be an important consideration when choosing your warehouse. Having the appropriate HVAC is essential for not only the safety and comfort of your employees, but in some cases, the integrity of your products in storage.

You must also think about electrical capacity as well. Will the current power supply meet your electrical needs? If you intend to be using heavy electrical vehicles and machinery, you must have enough power to facilitate the consistent charging and running of said equipment.

8 – Security is an essentiality

What security features are present in your prospective warehouse? If you are renting, will the lessor be providing you with onsite security and guards, or is this something that you will need to supply yourself? Understand that the security of your warehouse is one of the most fundamental aspects and integral to keeping your business operating as smoothly as possible – not to mention the safety and security of your workers.

Conclusion – Consider hiring some professional assistance

Understandably, the process of finding the ideal warehouse space to accommodate your business is overwhelming. With so many considerations, it can feel like a towering impossibility as times. However, if you work with an established industrial space specialist, you’ll have a far easier time of finding the warehouse for you.

At Frasers Industrial, with a short consultation we can gather all of the information we need to recommend the perfect warehouse to facilitate strong future growth.

If you’d like to find out more about how we can help, or for further advice on finding a suitable warehouse space for your business, please do not hesitate to contact us today – we’re always happy to help!