Renting your first warehouse — or upgrading from a spare room, garage, or self-storage locker — is a significant milestone for any small business. Get it right, and you’ll have a professional base that supports growth, impresses clients, and streamlines operations. Get it wrong, and you’ll waste money, time, and energy on a space that doesn’t fit.
This guide covers the key factors London small businesses should consider when choosing warehouse space, with practical advice drawn from the hundreds of businesses that operate from WOW Workspaces every day.
1. Determine How Much Space You Actually Need
The most common mistake is renting too much or too little space. Consider:
- Stock levels: How much inventory do you hold at peak times? Factor in seasonal fluctuations
- Work area: Do you need space for packing, assembly, photography, or meetings?
- Equipment: Account for shelving, workbenches, tools, and machinery
- Growth: Allow 20–30% extra space for the next 6–12 months of growth
At WOW Workspaces, our units range from 200 sq ft to 3,000+ sq ft. Many include mezzanine levels that effectively double your usable floor area — giving you both workspace on the ground floor and storage above (or vice versa).
Pro tip: Book a viewing and walk the space with a tape measure. Visualising your layout in person is far more accurate than estimating from floor plans.
2. Choose a Location That Works for Your Business
Your warehouse location affects everything from delivery costs to staff recruitment. Key considerations:
For E-Commerce Businesses
- Proximity to courier hubs and motorway junctions reduces shipping costs
- Park Royal and Acton offer some of London’s best logistics connectivity
For Trades and Workshop Users
- Choose a location close to your client base to minimise travel time
- Watford covers North London and Hertfordshire efficiently
For Creative and Client-Facing Businesses
- A presentable, accessible location matters when clients visit
- Ealing and Battersea offer professional settings with strong transport links
For All Businesses
- Free parking and drive-up loading access save time and hassle — available at all WOW Workspaces locations
3. Understand the True Cost — Not Just the Rent
The headline rent is rarely the full cost of a warehouse. Always ask about:
- Utility costs — electricity, water, and internet can add £200–£500/month
- Service charges — maintenance, security, and shared facility costs
- Insurance — building and contents cover requirements
- Business rates — can be significant depending on rateable value
- Deposits and legal fees — traditional leases often require 3–6 months’ deposit plus solicitor costs
At WOW Workspaces, all bills are included in a single monthly payment starting from £650/month. Electricity, water, internet, insurance, and service charges are all covered. No hidden costs, no surprise invoices.
4. Check Access Hours and Security
Your warehouse should work around your schedule — not the other way around. Essential questions:
- Can you access 24/7? Many providers restrict hours to weekdays only
- Is there CCTV and alarm monitoring? Your stock and equipment need protection
- Do you get your own secure entry? Shared access can be a security risk
- Can you receive deliveries directly? Some facilities require deliveries to a central point
WOW Workspaces provides unrestricted 24/7 access at all locations, with individual key fob entry, CCTV, and direct-to-unit deliveries.
5. Evaluate the Contract Terms
Long leases are risky for small businesses. Look for:
- Short minimum terms — 6 months is ideal for flexibility
- Clear exit terms — know exactly how and when you can leave
- Ability to scale — can you upgrade to a larger unit if you grow?
- No hidden break clauses — some leases make it very difficult to leave early
WOW Workspaces offers flexible six-month contracts with straightforward terms. If your business grows, you can move to a larger unit within our network. If your needs change, you can exit at the end of your contract without penalty.
6. Visit Before You Commit
Never rent a warehouse without visiting in person. During your viewing, check:
- Natural light and ventilation — important for staff wellbeing and certain business activities
- Power supply — sufficient for your tools, equipment, and devices?
- Loading access — can vans and delivery vehicles reach your unit easily?
- Shared facilities — kitchen, WC, meeting rooms?
- Overall condition — clean, well-maintained, and professional?
WOW Workspaces offers viewings seven days a week at all five locations. There’s no obligation — just a chance to see the space and ask questions.
Ready to Find Your Warehouse?
Choosing the right warehouse space doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right information and a clear understanding of your needs, you can find a space that supports your business today and grows with you tomorrow.
Book a viewing at any of our five London locations and take the first step toward a workspace that works as hard as you do.
