5 Things to Keep in Mind When Looking for Warehouse Space

Warehouses pose some of the same considerations as offices from a commercial leasing standpoint. With both, you want to ensure that you find somewhere that fits your budget in terms of rent rates and maintenance fees. Still, warehouses and offices are dramatically different in terms of their functions. As a result, there are a number of things that you need to consider when looking for warehouse space that never need to cross your mind when searching for offices. Here are six key considerations for your warehouse search:

1. What You're Storing Matters...

When you're looking for warehouse space, it's important that you keep what you're storing in mind. What are the dimensions of the items? How much do you have to store? Do inventory levels fluctuate throughout the year? Are they likely to grow over the course of your lease? How do the items need to be stored to maintain quality? Once you have answered these questions, you'll have a clearer picture of what you need from a potential warehouse. Be sure to consider the square footage to determine overall space as well as the cubic footage, which gives you a feel for how much you can stack from floor to ceiling. Understanding the needs of your inventory will also help you evaluate whether climate control systems are adequate.

2. And What You're Using to Handle It Does, Too

The equipment needed to move, package and ship your inventory is another key consideration. You'll need to find a warehouse that will allow equipment to maneuver safely through doorways and around corners. In addition, it's important the floor's maximum weight capacity is in line with the total weight of your inventory plus the weight of your equipment. Also, take the time to find out if the building's wiring system is compatible with your equipment and if there is good connectivity for computer systems, tablets and smartphones.

3. Layout and Location Affect Logistics

The outside of a warehouse is as important as the inside when it comes to ensuring smooth daily operations. Carefully examine the loading dock to ensure that your trucks can pull up properly and that your shipments can be loaded and unloaded with ease. Also take into consideration how easy it is to maneuver large vehicles in the parking lot and driveway areas and how accessible the warehouse location is from major highways.

4. Your Warehouse Is Someone's Workplace

Never lose sight of the fact that your warehouse will be someone's workplace. As you tour, put yourself in an employee's shoes and ask yourself how you would feel about coming to work in this facility on a daily basis. Is the warehouse well lit? Is there space available for employee coaching sessions, eating meals and taking breaks? Are there restaurants and service businesses located nearby? Does the facility have the right security and fire suppression systems to ensure that it is a safe place to work?

5. You Don't Have to Go It Alone

An experienced tenant representative broker can help you find a warehouse that fits your budget and your business needs. In addition to matching you with vacant warehouses, the tenant rep also acts as your advocate during the negotiating process to help you get the best possible deal from the landlord. The tenant rep broker's fees are covered by the landlord, so benefiting from their assistance won't cost you a thing.