Atlanta Warehouses: 6 Things to Consider Before Picking a Space to Rent

Are you considering renting an Atlanta warehouse? Then you know your business has the potential to expand its ecommerce offerings with a little more space. Finding your first warehouse is an exciting step for any business owner. Yet, don’t make this move without planning ahead.

Atlanta has an active business scene, which means there’s high competition for desirable warehouse spaces. Some experts suggest that it can take up to six months to find the right warehouse space. 

So what do you do if you need a warehouse for rent in Atlanta now? Consider what you need from these six categories, so when you find the right warehouse, you can secure your space. 

6 Things to Consider When Renting a Warehouse in Atlanta

Before you can start looking for your dream warehouse space, get clear on:

• The amount of space you’ll need
• How long you’ll need it for
• Your budget
• How you’ll use the space

You can use warehouses for everything from storage to production, distribution, and more.

#1: Picking the Right Location

Picking the right location is essential when it comes to finding an Atlanta warehouse. As you likely know, each neighborhood in Atlanta has its own pros and cons. It’s essential to visit the warehouse. But, you’ll also want to familiarize yourself with the surrounding businesses and community. 

If you know you’ll need to attract warehouse employees, pick a warehouse that’s near public transportation or has ample parking. It doesn’t hurt to be close to an exciting restaurant scene or in a ‘cool’ neighborhood. You may want to look at a warehouse in West Midtown, East Atlanta Village, or Old Fourth Ward. 

Your proximity to major highways could also be a big factor. The closer you are to highways or railway lines, the faster you can move your products. In Atlanta, consider how close you want your warehouse space to I-20, I-75, I-85 and I-285.

Also, make sure you check the zoning laws for the warehouses you tour. This can help you avoid a costly mistake. If you set up a retail space but the warehouse isn’t zoned for retail, you could have to shut down part of your business. 

#2: What amenities do you need?

Most warehouses will come with a range of amenities, it’s up to you to determine what you do and don’t need. You’ll have to pay out of pocket for any amenities that the warehouse doesn’t offer. 

Common amenities to ask about include: 

• Industrial racks and storage options
• High-speed internet or high-speed internet capabilities
• Inventory systems
• Any specific electrical needs
• Office spaces and furnishings
• Meeting spaces and furnishings
• Kitchen or break rooms

Keep in mind that trash, water, and electricity is normally an expense tenants cover. You’ll also want to ask who’s responsible for the HVAC unit. Sometimes this is the responsibility of the tenant and other times the landlord takes care of it.

#3: Loading Dock Space and Parking

Before renting a warehouse space in Atlanta, you’ll want to get clear on your plans for getting materials in and products out. 

There are many types of docks, some that may work for your business and others that might not. Certain docks are better for big trucks, while others are more ideal for smaller sprinter vans. Some common docks include:

• Open dock
• Depressed dock
• Flush dock
• Enclosed dock
• Saw tooth dock 

Also, what kind of parking do you need? If you’re going to have customers stop by, will they have a place to park? 

Also, will it be easy for your employees to park if that’s how they’re commuting to your space? What if you need to park trucks or vehicles overnight. Is that an option? 

If you need a certain number of parking spaces or a designated loading zone, get that written into your rent commitment. You don’t want to erode trust with your customers over late shipments because someone parked their car in front of your loading dock. 

#4: Do you need security?

A true nightmare is moving all of your products and materials from the basement of your home to your new warehouse space, – then having items stolen. That’s why it’s important to get clear on what kind of security the warehouse’s you’re considering have in place. Then, you can fill in any security gaps. 

One of the biggest benefits of moving from your home to a warehouse instead of self-storage is often, the security is better. Common security features in a warehouse include: 

• Surveillance cameras
• Access control systems
• Alarm systems
• Perimeter security (fences and barriers)
• Security guards
• Security lighting 
• Burglar-proof doors and windows
• Security signage
• Remote monitoring

If the warehouse you want to rent doesn’t have the security features your products need, you will need to invest in them yourself. 

It can also be worthwhile to look up the crime rates in the neighborhood you’re renting in. While security is just one factor in whether or not you rent a warehouse, if you’re considering neighborhoods like the West End, Old Fourth Ward, or Mechanicsville, you may want to install extra security measures to keep your business safe.

#5: Rental Terms

The flexibility of your rental terms will be one of the biggest factors when it comes to renting a warehouse. Traditionally, warehouses were rented for anywhere from 7 to 10 years. With the rise of the modern side hustle and ecommerce businesses, this has changed. 

People are looking for more flexible, rather than traditional commitments. Not only will the price play a big role in whether or not you rent a warehouse space, you may also need a space that allows your rent to fluctuate as your business does. This may look like your business growing naturally over time. Or, your business may grow rapidly during certain seasons. 

For example, if around the holidays you have a huge increase in sales, can the warehouse accommodate giving you more space during these busy times? Can you also scale back when the holiday rush is over?

Also, get clear on what is and isn’t included when it comes to your rent. Are operating costs included? Most warehouses will include taxes, insurance, and maintenance in the cost of rent. The clearer your rental terms are spelled out, the better. 

Also, will day to day maintenance be your responsibility? Asking these questions ahead of time can help you narrow down your choices and select the right warehouse. 

#6: Community Involvement 

Being an ecommerce business owner can be life changing, but also lonely. Consider if you’d like a community component to your warehouse space. A co-warehouse allows you to save money by only renting out a portion of the overall space. You’ll also work side by side with other ecommerce business owners. 

This can provide many opportunities, like ordering products in bulk together, partnering on products or packages, and supporting each other through word of mouth or marketing referrals. 

As the saying goes, ‘No man is an island,’ and no ecommerce business owner should have to navigate building a brand alone – especially in the resurgence city.

Ready to rent your own warehouse space in Atlanta?

While looking at warehouses can be overwhelming, keep one thing in mind: Moving to a warehouse should be an opportunity that helps your business grow. It should allow you more space to sell your products and services, supporting people in your community or around the world. 

By getting crystal clear on your needs, as well as viewing what warehouses are available, you’ll be able to make the right decision for your business. Atlanta has a lot to offer ecommerce business owners – it just may take a bit of searching to find your place.

Ready to check out a co-warehouse space that’s ideal for growing ecommerce businesses in Atlanta’s South Fulton neighborhood? Learn more about Shift’s newest co-warehousing space and schedule your tour. 

FAQs on Renting a Warehouse In Atlanta, Georgia

How much does it cost to rent a warehouse space in Atlanta?

The cost of renting an office space in Atlanta can vary greatly by neighborhood. Emerging and suburban locations can range from $4 to $8 per square foot per month. More desirable locations, like Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead can range from $5 to $13 per square foot per month. 

Can I get a small warehouse space for rent in Atlanta?

Yes, you can get a small warehouse space for rent in Atlanta. Historically warehouses have required businesses to rent out giant buildings for many years. Today, businesses like Shift offer small co-warehousing spaces for ecommerce businesses. That way, you can focus on growing your brand at your speed. 

Why is Atlanta a hot spot for warehouses?

Atlanta is a hot spot for warehouses because of its geographic location, the well built transportation infrastructure, economic incentives, skilled workforce, and diverse economy. All of these factors play a major role in its ability to attract and retain businesses. 

For example, when it comes to location, Atlanta is only 5 hours from Jacksonville, 4 hours from the Port of Savannah, and 13 hours from New York. 

Also, the transportation infrastructure includes several major interstate highways, rail access, an international airport, and a close proximity to the Port of Savannah, providing businesses with multiple shipping opportunities.