Effective warehouse management is the basis for the smooth operation of any company that stores and ships goods. A well-organized warehouse not only reduces costs and errors but also has a real impact on customer satisfaction and the smoothness of the entire supply chain. If you are facing the challenge of tidying up your first warehouse or want to improve the functioning of an existing one, learn the most important rules and solutions that work in practice.&nbsp; &nbsp;<h2>How to run a warehouse well?</h2>The basis for effective warehouse management is a clear division of tasks and the implementation of appropriate procedures. It is worth taking care of a clear layout of space - logical zones&nbsp;(receiving, storage, picking, shipping), clear location and goods markings, regular inventory checks and cyclical inventories.&nbsp;It's not just about physical order, it's also important to keep records reliably. Even in a small warehouse, it is worth keeping records of receipts and releases - at the beginning it can be a simple table, over time it is worth implementing an IT system. It is also important to regularly train the team and take care of communication - a well-coordinated warehouse team is the basis for efficient work. Don't forget about safety and ergonomics - appropriate markings, training employees in Health and Safety rules and adapting workstations to the needs of the team helps reduce the risk of accidents and improves work comfort. This is not only a legal requirement, but also a factor affecting employee efficiency or morale.Meeting the above factors allows you to take care of predictability and the ability to react quickly to changes. &nbsp;<h2>How to improve the functioning of the warehouse?</h2>There are many ways to improve warehouse efficiency - even small changes can have a big impact. Here are best practices:<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Optimize warehouse layout: Ensure that the most frequently rotating goods are easily accessible and that transport paths do not lead through the entire warehouse. Use vertical space - tall racks and the right containers save space.</li><li style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Warehouse Management Systems (WMS):&nbsp;A modern warehouse management system allows you to track inventory levels in real time, automate orders and avoid picking mistakes. For beginners, simple and intuitive programs are available that can be expanded as the company grows.</li><li style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Markings and labels: Every shelf and every product should be clearly marked. This makes the work of new employees easier and minimizes the risk of mistakes.</li><li style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Continuous improvement: It is also a good practice to analyse the so-called "bottlenecks" - places where delays or mistakes most often occur. Sometimes it is enough to change the layout of racks&nbsp;or reorganize transport paths&nbsp;to improve the entire process.</li><li style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Automation and tools: Even in a small warehouse, it is worth using trolleys, barcode scanners or simple mobile applications that send notifications about stock shortages.&nbsp;</li></ul>It is worth remembering that all changes - even small ones - are best introduced gradually, involving the team in their planning and implementation. Employees who understand the purpose of improvements and have an impact on their shape are more likely to get involved in them, and the process runs more smoothly and with better results.&nbsp;<h2>Can I outsource warehouse management?</h2>Yes, there are specialized management companies (property or industrial management) on&nbsp;the market that take over the day-to-day operation of the warehouse. They include both technical issues (maintenance of the facility, repairs) and administrative issues - contact with tenants, utility settlements, security supervision and support in the organization of work. In large warehouse parks, the manager also takes care of the implementation of new technologies and cost optimization. This solution allows the owner or tenant to focus on business development, being sure that the warehouse operates in accordance with the best standards.&nbsp;<h2>A word of summary</h2>Poland's warehouse sector is dynamically maturing: by the end of 2025, total warehouse space reached 37.2 million sqm. Significantly, companies are increasingly focusing on optimizing existing assets - in 2025, lease renewals exceeded new demand for the first time in history, demonstrating growing awareness that efficient management of current space is crucial.&nbsp;Businesses recognize that a well-managed warehouse directly translates into cost optimization, operational safety and higher quality customer service. It is also a way to build competitive advantage, regardless of industry - it's no longer just about having more space, but about using it wisely.&nbsp;

Warehouse management dashboard on tablet in modern logistics hall

How to manage the warehouse? Good practices and tools

Renting a warehouse is an important moment of development for many companies - it often involves large investments and changes in daily logistics.&nbsp;Usually, questions arise then: Where to look for the right space? How not to get lost in offers and formalities?&nbsp;There are more and more brokers on the market who offer support in finding the right facility and guiding you through the entire rental process. However, is it worth using the help of a broker or is it better to act on your own?&nbsp;What does such cooperation look like and how much does it cost? In this article, I look at the role of a real estate agent in the warehouse leasing process - with an emphasis on practical aspects and real benefits.&nbsp;<h2>How does a warehouse real estate agent work?</h2>An agent&nbsp;is not only a person who sends advertisements. They are an expert who knows the warehouse market&nbsp;inside out and can advise you on the location, size&nbsp;or standard of space&nbsp;best suited to your needs. Thanks to a wide network of contacts,&nbsp;it can reach offers that are not available to the public and quickly contact decision-makers on the side of the owner or developer. This is a huge advantage, because independent attempts to "break through" subsequent receptions or departments can take weeks.Cooperation usually starts with a conversation about your expectations - the agent asks what you want to store, what space you are looking for, what your requirements are for location and budget. Then presents proposals, organizes presentations of selected warehouses&nbsp;and helps in the analysis of lease conditions. You can count on support in negotiations - the agent will suggest where you can get better rates, a longer lease period or additional amenities. After signing the contract, the broker takes care of the formalities, and often also helps with the transfer of space and remains available in case of questions at the start of the lease. &nbsp;<h2>Advantages and limitations of working with a real estate agent</h2>The biggest advantage is time savings and access to a wider database of offers. The broker knows the realities of the market, current rates and can catch nuances in the provisions of contracts that may be important in the daily use of the warehouse. For a person who is looking for a warehouse for the first time, such help means peace of mind and a sense of security - you know that someone is watching over your business and will guide you through all stages of the process.If you have experience in renting warehouse space, know the market well and have time to search on your own, you can act on your own. However, it is worth remembering that even then an agent&nbsp;can prove to be a valuable support - especially if you want to quickly find an unusual space, negotiate with large companies or simply go through the formalities efficiently.It also happens that not every offer will be perfectly tailored to your expectations - the warehouse market can be limited, and the broker will not conjure up space that simply does not exist. Therefore, it is crucial to clearly define your needs and communicate openly.<h2>Who pays the commission when renting a warehouse?</h2>This is one of the most frequently asked questions and... There is no single answer to it. Who covers the cost of the broker's commission depends on the agency's policy and individual arrangements. The most common models are: the commission is paid by the tenant, the warehouse owner or both parties share the cost. It is crucial that the terms of cooperation and the moment of payment&nbsp;are clearly defined in the brokerage agreement - most often the commission is payable after the transaction is finalized, i.e. after the space is handed over to the tenant and the lease agreement comes into force. This solution gives both parties the certainty that the remuneration goes to the broker only when the service has been performed. The amount of the commission is usually determined individually, but as a standard it is the equivalent of one month's net rent, plus VAT. For larger or more complex transactions, rates can be negotiated. &nbsp;<h2>Who bears the costs of renting a warehouse?</h2>The costs of renting a warehouse (rent, service charges, utilities) are borne by the tenant - details and practical examples can be found in our article on warehouse rental costs. The real estate agent does not influence the amount of these fees but can help analyse them and negotiate more favorable terms.<h2>What to keep in mind when deciding to work with a real estate agent?</h2>First of all, determine who pays the commission and when and in what amount. Ask about the scope of support - whether the agent only helps in finding a warehouse or also in negotiations and formalities. It is also good to find out whether the broker represents only you or also the property owner. A professional agent&nbsp;will have no problem with transparency and will be happy to answer your questions.<h2>Your decision, your advantage</h2>The decision to use the services of a real estate agent is an individual choice that should be made consciously. For many companies, it is a real support and time saving, for others - the ability to maintain full control over the process. The most important thing is to know your needs and not be afraid to ask questions. A well-chosen agent can become an important partner in the development of your business, but it is you who decides when and to what extent you want to use this help.&nbsp;

JLL professionals during a business meeting

Warehouse real estate agent – how does it work, is it worth it and who pays the commission?

Inventory and logistics management is a real challenge for many companies. Not everyone has the time, space and resources to run a warehouse on their own - that is why more and more entrepreneurs are using warehouse services. But what do such services really include and how to choose an offer&nbsp;that will not only solve current problems, but also facilitate the development of the company? If you are wondering what you can gain, what it entails and what to watch out for - this article is for you.<h2>What do warehousing services include?</h2>Warehousing services are much more than just storing goods. In practice, you can count on receiving and releasing goods, storing them on racks or pallets, keeping records, as well as picking and packing orders. For many companies, it is particularly valuable that the warehouse operator can also handle returns, labeling, prepare promotional sets or even minor repairs to products.&nbsp;All this so that you can focus on sales and business development, not on day-to-day logistics.<h2>How to choose warehouse services for your company?</h2>Choosing the right warehouse and range of services is not only a matter of price. First, it is worth considering what you really need - whether basic storage is enough for you, or whether you also expect order processing, inventory reporting&nbsp;or support in reverse logistics. It is a good idea to talk to several operators, check their experience in your industry and ask about the possibility of flexibly increasing or decreasing warehouse space. Often, it is the flexibility and quality of service that&nbsp;determines whether the cooperation will be successful.<h2>What are the additional services in the warehouse?</h2>More and more operators offer so-called additional services, which can significantly facilitate the life of companies with unusual needs. For example:<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">foiling and securing goods,</li><li style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">installation of promotional sets,</li><li style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">quality control and minor repairs,</li><li style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">labelling and packaging service,</li><li style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">support in handling returns,</li><li style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">organization of transport or handling of courier shipments.</li></ul>Thanks to such services, the warehouse can become not only a storage place, but a real service center for your business.<h2>What to pay attention to when choosing warehouse services?</h2>It is worth checking whether the warehouse is monitored and insured, what access to current stock levels looks like&nbsp;(preferably through an online system) and what are the conditions for terminating the contract. Pay attention to the opinions of other customers and whether the operator is ready for unusual situations - e.g. a sudden increase in orders before Christmas or the need to quickly prepare a large batch of goods.<h2>How much do warehousing services cost?</h2>The costs of warehouse services vary greatly and depend primarily on the location, area, scope of service and the specifics of the goods.&nbsp;The simplest pallet storage is an expense of PLN 20-60 net per month for one pallet. If you use full service (order picking, packaging, labeling, returns handling), rates can be settled for each operation or as a percentage of the value of the goods&nbsp;- and range from several hundred to several thousand zlotys per month for small and medium-sized companies.&nbsp;It is always worth asking for an individual quote, because operators often prepare "tailor-made" offers.<h2>What will you gain by choosing warehouse outsourcing?</h2>Warehousing services are not only convenient and timesaving, but increasingly often also a competitive advantage. With them, you can flexibly manage your inventory, respond faster to market needs, and focus on what really grows your business. It is worth taking a moment to analyze the offers and ask a few specific questions to the operator - this will help you avoid disappointment and unforeseen costs.&nbsp;Remember that a well-chosen warehouse service is not an expense, but an investment in the efficient functioning of the company and peace of mind on a daily basis.

WMS system - warehouse management on tablet with analytical charts

Warehousing services – what do they include and how to choose them?

Before you move on to detailed calculations, it is worth knowing what exactly is included in the storage costs and how to calculate them in practice. If you are interested in general information about the costs of renting a warehouse, market rates or factors affecting the price - take a look at the previous article first: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://magazyny.pl/en/poradnik-magazynowy/how-much-does-it-cost-to-rent-a-warehouse-factors-affecting-the-price">How much does it cost to rent a warehouse? Factors affecting the price</a>In this article, I focus only on how to calculate the actual storage costs step by step - with practical formulas and examples. However, I would like to point out that the help of an advisor may be necessary not only in unusual cases. The methods of even standard settlements may raise doubts, which are safest to dispel in consultation with an expert.<h2>What is included in the storage costs?</h2>Storage costs&nbsp;include both fixed expenses (e.g. rent, insurance, taxes, staff salaries, depreciation of equipment) and variable expenses (energy, transport, order processing, consumables). In practice, semi-variable costs&nbsp;(e.g. losses, damages, seasonal increase in inventories) and the so-called costs of capital frozen in goods are also taken into account.<h2>How to calculate storage costs?</h2>The easiest way is to add up all storage costs in a given period (e.g. month or year) and then divide this amount by the selected reference unit - e.g. storage area, number of pallets, tonnes or value of goods.Basic formula for storage cost:<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dmoq6cvsr/image/upload/v1758026424/image_0e235ccf44.png" alt="image.png" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/dmoq6cvsr/image/upload/v1758026424/image_0e235ccf44.png 245w, https://res.cloudinary.com/dmoq6cvsr/image/upload/v1758026424/image_0e235ccf44.png 500w, https://res.cloudinary.com/dmoq6cvsr/image/upload/v1758026424/image_0e235ccf44.png 750w, https://res.cloudinary.com/dmoq6cvsr/image/upload/v1758026424/image_0e235ccf44.png 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="416" height="38" v:shapes="_x0000_i1025" uploadprocessed="true"> Example: If the annual storage costs are $120,000 and the average inventory is 1000 pallets, the storage cost per pallet is $120 per year.<h2>What does the formula for the cost of storage look like?</h2>In logistics, the following formula is most often used:<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dmoq6cvsr/image/upload/v1758026424/image_bfab27d68e.png" alt="image.png" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/dmoq6cvsr/image/upload/v1758026424/image_bfab27d68e.png 245w" sizes="100vw" width="92" height="19" v:shapes="_x0000_i1025" uploadprocessed="true">, where:<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt;"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dmoq6cvsr/image/upload/v1758026424/image_6444286232.png" alt="image.png" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/dmoq6cvsr/image/upload/v1758026424/image_6444286232.png 245w" sizes="100vw" width="160" height="17" v:shapes="_x0000_i1025" uploadprocessed="true"></li><li style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt;"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dmoq6cvsr/image/upload/v1758026424/image_e848f20051.png" alt="image.png" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/dmoq6cvsr/image/upload/v1758026424/image_e848f20051.png 245w" sizes="100vw" width="158" height="17" v:shapes="_x0000_i1025" uploadprocessed="true"></li><li style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt;"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dmoq6cvsr/image/upload/v1758026424/image_60e9eab3c9.png" alt="image.png" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/dmoq6cvsr/image/upload/v1758026424/image_60e9eab3c9.png 245w, https://res.cloudinary.com/dmoq6cvsr/image/upload/v1758026424/image_60e9eab3c9.png 500w, https://res.cloudinary.com/dmoq6cvsr/image/upload/v1758026424/image_60e9eab3c9.png 750w, https://res.cloudinary.com/dmoq6cvsr/image/upload/v1758026424/image_60e9eab3c9.png 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="503" height="17" v:shapes="_x0000_i1025" uploadprocessed="true"> &nbsp;</li></ul>You can also calculate the cost per square meter:<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dmoq6cvsr/image/upload/v1758026424/image_d0053917fb.png" alt="image.png" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/dmoq6cvsr/image/upload/v1758026424/image_d0053917fb.png 245w, https://res.cloudinary.com/dmoq6cvsr/image/upload/v1758026424/image_d0053917fb.png 500w, https://res.cloudinary.com/dmoq6cvsr/image/upload/v1758026424/image_d0053917fb.png 750w" sizes="100vw" width="292" height="35" v:shapes="_x0000_i1025" uploadprocessed="true"> or storage cost per unit:<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dmoq6cvsr/image/upload/v1758026425/image_0c2bd5872d.png" alt="image.png" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/dmoq6cvsr/image/upload/v1758026425/image_0c2bd5872d.png 245w, https://res.cloudinary.com/dmoq6cvsr/image/upload/v1758026425/image_0c2bd5872d.png 500w, https://res.cloudinary.com/dmoq6cvsr/image/upload/v1758026425/image_0c2bd5872d.png 750w, https://res.cloudinary.com/dmoq6cvsr/image/upload/v1758026425/image_0c2bd5872d.png 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="465" height="35" v:shapes="_x0000_i1025" uploadprocessed="true"> &nbsp;<h2>How to calculate the cost of storing inventory?</h2>The cost of storing inventory is not only rent and utilities, but also the cost of capital tied up in goods, insurance, taxes, aging and shrinking inventory. It is estimated that they can range from 15% to even 30% of the value of inventories per year.<h2>What are the methods of calculating storage costs?</h2>In general, several methods are used - the choice depends on the specifics of the company and the available data:<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Direct method: add up the actual expenses related to storage and divide by the number of units (e.g. pallets, tons, zlotys of the value of the goods).</li><li style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Proportional method: divide storage costs into products in proportion to their value - it works well when you store goods of very different values.</li><li style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Unit cost method: Calculate the storage cost for one unit of a product by adding up all costs and dividing by the number of products stored.</li><li style="tab-stops:list 36.0pt;">Storage cost ratio: allows you to compare the efficiency of the warehouse over different periods - calculated as the ratio of storage costs to the value or number of warehouse turnover.</li></ul><h2>Practical examples and tips</h2>Let's assume that your warehouse costs $240,000 per year and the average stock is 2000 pallets. The cost of storing one pallet is PLN 120 per year. If you know that some of the costs (e.g. energy, transport) increase with the number of operations, you can calculate a variable cost for each additional pallet.Tip:&nbsp;Regularly analyze the cost structure and see which elements you can optimize - e.g. better inventory turnover, renegotiation of utility contracts, process automation. If the topic seems too complex, it is worth consulting an experienced advisor or intermediary - such a person will help you find real savings and suggest how to implement the solutions most suited to your needs.

Financial calculations with reports and calculator