Julia Perkowska, Młodsza Konsultantka w JLL Polska

You are facing the first choice of a warehouse for rent and... Not sure where to start? This is a common situation – many people feel lost in the maze of offers and industry terms. Fortunately, we can go through this process step by step without stress. The most important thing is to determine your needs: what you want to store, how much space you are interested in, where the warehouse should be located and what functions are crucial for you. Also consider whether you need a warehouse for a short time or plan a longer cooperation.<h2>What to look for when choosing a warehouse?</h2>Okay, but what should really matter to you?&nbsp; Location&nbsp;is an absolute must – the warehouse should be conveniently connected to your company, customers or main transport routes. Pay attention to the availability of access roads, the proximity of highways, and even the possibility of access for trucks if you anticipate larger deliveries.Another issue is the area and height of the warehouse. A warehouse that is too small will fill up quickly, and too large is an unnecessary cost. It is also worth checking whether the warehouse has loading and&nbsp;unloading zones, appropriate security (monitoring, security), and whether the facility meets fire and health and safety requirements.Don't forget the technical details: are there racks in the warehouse or do you have to organize them yourself? Can you use forklifts, is there a suitable unloading ramp? Sometimes such "little things" determine the comfort of everyday work.<h2>What are the most common beginner mistakes when renting a warehouse?</h2>Many novice tenants make similar mistakes – and it's worth avoiding them. Most common?&nbsp; Renting a warehouse "by eye", without carefully analyzing all the most important needs of&nbsp;your company (e.g. how much space you actually need, how long you plan to rent a given space).&nbsp;The topic of accessibility is often overlooked – the warehouse may look great in photos, but if access is difficult, the daily logistics will become cumbersome. It is also worth checking that the warehouse is dry, well ventilated and heated (if necessary). It happens that the lack of these elements leads to the destruction of the goods, and this is what you want to avoid.Another important aspect is to determine the specific terms of the warehouse lease agreement. What are your expectations of the rented facility? What issues can be potentially risky and what concessions are you ready to make in negotiations? It happens that someone does not carefully check the provisions of the contract and then is surprised by an additional fee or a long notice period. You can read about how to properly prepare for lease negotiations in a separate series of our Guide devoted to this topic.<h2>What determines the size of the warehouse?</h2>This is one of the most important questions. The size of the warehouse should be tailored to your real needs – not only the current ones, but also those that may arise in a few months. Think about how quickly your goods are moving, whether you plan to grow your business, and whether you need additional space&nbsp;for order picking, packing or an office area.Don't be afraid to ask the owner or broker about the possibility of expanding the warehouse in the future. Sometimes it is better to rent a slightly larger warehouse than to look for a new one and carry out the whole operation from scratch.<h2>What determines the success of a warehouse?</h2>The success of a warehouse&nbsp;is not only about a good location and adequate space. Efficient work organization, security, access to modern solutions&nbsp;(e.g. warehouse management systems - WMS), as well as flexibility - both in terms of the contract and the ability to adapt the space to changing needs are also important.It is worth betting on a warehouse that will allow you to develop your business and will not be a limitation. If you have any doubts, consult a real estate agent – an experienced advisor will help you analyze all the pros and cons and avoid common pitfalls.<h2>Summary</h2>Choosing a warehouse for rent is an important decision that can affect the efficiency of your company.&nbsp; Don't hesitate to ask questions, check details and use the help of specialists. If you need support or want to talk about available offers – please contact us. We will be happy to help you find a warehouse tailored to your needs and suggest what else is worth paying attention to.

Logistics specialist with tablet at container terminal

How to choose a warehouse for rent? Beginner's guide

If you are facing the challenge of renting a warehouse for the first time, you may have the impression that it is a world full of unclear terms and industry abbreviations. Don't worry, you're not the only one. In this article, I show you what a warehouse really is, what functions it performs and what types of storage it is. It's a practical guide that will make you feel more confident - whether you're looking for a small back-up area or a large logistics hall.<h2>What is a warehouse?</h2>A warehouse is a separate space intended for storing inventory, materials or goods. Usually it is a building or part of it, but it can also be a specially designated space in the hall or even a container. In practice, it is a place where you not only "store", but also manage inventory, control their quantity, condition and flow, all according to specific rules and technologies. It should be equipped with appropriate equipment and operated by a team trained to operate them.&nbsp;<h2>What are the functions of a warehouse in logistics?</h2>Why&nbsp; is the warehouse&nbsp;so important in logistics? First of all, it ensures the continuity of the company's operations and security of supply. It is a "safety buffer" in the company. Thanks to it, you don't have to worry that you will suddenly run out of goods or that you will not be able to complete the order on time when a customer places an unexpected order.&nbsp; A warehouse has several key functions:<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Inventory buffering - allows you to accumulate goods in stock so that they do not run out at a critical moment.</li><li style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Order picking and consolidation - allows you to collect and prepare products for shipment according to customer orders.</li><li style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Quality and quantity control - here it is checked whether the goods are in accordance with the documentation and in good condition.</li><li style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Production support - delivers raw materials and semi-finished products to the production line, and stores finished products before shipment.</li><li style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Preparation for transport - packing, labelling, securing shipments.</li></ul>In short:&nbsp; a warehouse is not just a "storage room", but the heart of logistics, which enables the smooth flow of goods within the company and on the market. It is a place where all delivery planning and execution processes meet and merge into a whole. Without it, it is difficult to imagine an efficiently operating company – regardless of the industry.&nbsp;<h2>What are the tasks of a warehouse?</h2>Storage jobs aren't just about storage. It is also about receiving goods&nbsp;(both from suppliers and from production), proper storage – in accordance with the principles of safety and optimal use of space, completing orders and issuing goods.&nbsp;In addition to activities directly related to storage, it is important to remember to carefully keep records and documentation&nbsp;(the stock must be carefully recorded), regular inventory,&nbsp;and ensure the safety and quality of stored products.It is these tasks that determine the smooth operation of the entire company.<h2>What is the warehouse responsible for?</h2>The warehouse is responsible for the security and proper management of inventory. It is here that the goods are recorded, labelled, controlled&nbsp;in terms of quantity and quality. The warehousemen make sure that nothing is lost, damaged and that everything is in its place. Warehouse responsibility also includes complying with health and safety regulations and industry standards, as well as record-keeping. Without it, it is difficult to maintain order and efficiency, and any mistake can result in lost time and money.<h2>What are the types of warehouses?</h2>There are many types of warehouses in Poland, as the needs of companies are really different. Choosing the right facility depends on what you do, what type of goods you manage, and how large your business scale.<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Universal warehouse - versatile, designed for storing a variety of goods.</li><li style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Build-to-Suit (BTS) warehouse - designed and built to meet the tenant's specific requirements.</li><li style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">BTO (Build-to-Own) warehouse - an investment built for the client to own, often outside the main logistics locations.</li><li style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">High-bay warehouse - with racks reaching up to 12 meters, allowing you to make the most of vertical space.</li><li style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Specialized warehouses - e.g. cold stores, ADR warehouses (for dangerous goods), energy storage.</li><li style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Smaller storage units - self-storage warehouses, boxes, containers, pallet spaces</li></ul><h2>A few things to remember</h2>A warehouse is not just a place to store goods, but a key element of logistics and supply chain. A well-organized warehouse is the basis for efficient logistics – regardless of whether you run a small store or a large manufacturing company.&nbsp;If you have any questions or need support in choosing or renting a warehouse – please contact us. As warehouse property specialists, we will be happy to advise you and help you choose a solution tailored to your needs.

Modern warehouse surrounded by greenery with solar panels on the roof

author Julia Perkowska

author Julia Perkowska