Blog

Space for Lease in Johannesburg | U Can Store

Written by U Can Store | Aug 1, 2025 8:45:00 AM

Key Takeaways: Finding the Ideal Business Space

  • Prioritise Flexibility: Opt for affordable office space with month-to-month or short-term leases to avoid being trapped in long-term commercial debt.
  • Centralise Operations: Choosing a turnkey office solution that includes small business storage solutions on-site reduces logistics costs and travel time.
  • Audit Infrastructure: Ensure the office space for lease includes/ allows for load-shedding backup, high-speed fibre, and professional meeting rooms.
  • Check Logistics Support: Look for business storage solutions that offer forklift assistance and loading bays to simplify stock movement.
  • Security is Non-Negotiable: Only lease in facilities with 24/7 surveillance and/or biometric access control to protect your high-value inventory.


How do I choose between a traditional office lease and a flexible business hub?

Choosing the right office space for lease and small business storage solution is crucial for small business success. A rushed decision can lead to costly setbacks, financially and operationally. This guide outlines five key questions to help you find an affordable office space that fits your business needs and avoids unnecessary pitfalls.

Before you lease an office space: Quick Checklist

  • Define your essentials: Budget, location, services, and lease flexibility matter the most.
  • Save by combining: Evaluate combined office + storage solutions versus separate facilities to optimise costs.
  • Think long-term: Prioritise secure premises and verify essential amenities like internet, meeting rooms, and on-site logistics support.
  • Adapt as you grow: Flexible lease terms allow your business to scale up or down as needed.

Careful planning is essential. Once you’ve signed an office space for lease, reversing your decision is rarely easy, or affordable. The right office space can significantly impact your daily operations, budget, and growth trajectory.

1. How much is it going to cost me?

Running a successful business is a game of balancing numbers. When searching for office space for lease, the fundamental consideration is whether the monthly overhead aligns with your growth projections. When you are looking for affordable office space, compare the costs of turnkey office solutions and storage units against the expense of leasing separate facilities at different locations. Often, a combined model is more budget-friendly. This is especially true for companies requiring business storage solutions, as consolidating your workspace and inventory into one location reduces logistics costs.

The size of the offices and storage facilities also needs to be factored into the cost. U Can Store offers various business space for lease, ranging from compact storage units, modern office units to larger warehousing facilities.

Not sure what size storage unit you need? Our Sizing Guide makes it easy.

Pro Tip: U Can Store offers various small business storage solutions ranging from compact units to small warehousing, ideal for managing costs effectively

2. Where are the facilities located?

Location. Location. Location. To steal the old maxim from the real estate fraternity, location is one of the first considerations when it comes to deciding the best business space for lease. U Can Store provides centrally-located business storage in Johannesburg, situated near major transport corridors like the N1 and N3. This positioning is critical for operational efficiency, providing immediate stock access and reducing overall logistics costs.

Location of your business storage space is critical for operational efficiency:

  • Opt for centrally-located office space for lease to enhance convenience.
  • Consider facilities offering integrated office storage to provide immediate stock access, streamline logistics and reduce overall costs.

Highlight: U Can Store’s facilities are centrally located in Johannesburg, offering, storage and warehousing facilities on the same site as our office spaces.

3. Does the business space have the necessary amenities?

A commercial property viewing checklist for a new small business should prioritise load-shedding resilience, connectivity, and logistics support.

Before committing, confirm that the office space for lease includes/allows for the following non-negotiables:

  • Backup power solutions
  • High-speed, secure internet connection
  • Availability of meeting rooms for in-person client interactions
  • Adequate office furnishings and equipment
  • Availability of parking facilities for staff and clients
  • Access to public transport options

For onsite storage solutions, verify access to business storage solutions:

  • Availability of forklifts and operators
  • Access to packing supplies and inventory equipment
  • Adequate space for inventory management

Benefit: U Can Store provides comprehensive on-site logistics and inventory management tools to simplify business operations.

4. Are the premises secure?

Small businesses in South Africa can secure their stock by choosing facilities with multi-layered, active security protocols. .

Be sure to confirm whether the office space for lease is well-equipped with the following to ensure your office equipment and high-value inventory are protected:

  • Confirm 24/7 premises monitoring
  • Verify surveillance camera installations
  • Check for on-site security personnel
  • Evaluate access control systems, such as key card entry

Security Assurance: U Can Store provides maximum security through continuous surveillance, patrols, and advanced access control systems, keeping your stock and office safe.

Secure Your Self-Storage Business Today -Learn Essential Safety Tips!

5. What is the leasing period on the contract?

Flexibility in leasing terms is crucial for managing overheads. Scalable business storage allows SMEs to upsize or downsize their square footage without the penalty of long-term commercial contracts. At U Can Store, we provide affordable office space with short-term (month-to-month) and longer-term options tailored to evolving business needs..

Flexibility in office space leasing terms is crucial:

  • Avoid restrictive long-term contracts if your business needs frequent adjustments.
  • Opt for flexible arrangements allowing easy upscaling or downsizing.
  • Check for clauses related to lease renewal and early termination fees

Flexible Leasing: U Can Store offers short-term (month-to-month) and longer-term (6-month) leasing options tailored to evolving business needs.

Ready to Lease Smarter?

At U Can Store, we understand that business needs change, which is why we offer short/long-term leases with deposits required (‘normal storage’ unit month-to-month contracts and 6-month office unit leases), so business owners can adapt their storage and office requirements as their company evolves.

Start your flexible office lease today – short and long-term options available. Contact us now to find your ideal business space

Learn more about our business solutions and gain everything you need to know today. Get access to your checklist to help you make sure you make the right decision for your business needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Office Space Leasing

What is the difference between a serviced office and a traditional office lease?
A serviced office (or turnkey office) is a "plug-and-play" solution where utilities, security, and amenities are included in a single monthly fee. A traditional lease often requires you to set up your own fibre, electricity, and security, which adds to your overhead.

Can I run an e-commerce dispatch center from my office unit?
Yes. By combining
business space for lease with on-site storage, you can manage admin and order fulfilment in one location. This is ideal for e-commerce businesses needing a professional address and a functional warehouse. Read our blog for tips on how you can scale your ecommerce business.

What power backup options are available during load-shedding?
At U Can Store, our business units are designed for resilience. We offer facilities with backup power solutions to ensure your fibre stays connected and your security systems remain active during power outages.

Is there a deposit required for an office space for lease?
Yes, while we offer flexible terms, a security deposit is standard for office units. This allows us to maintain high-quality
turnkey office solutions and secure premises for all tenants.

Do I need my own insurance for stock kept in business storage?
While the facility provides perimeter and unit-level security, we always recommend that businesses carry their own insurance for inventory and specialised equipment to ensure full coverage against all risks.

How quickly can I move into a new business space?
Because we focus on affordable office space that is "ready-to-go," the move-in process is much faster than traditional commercial real estate—often allowing you to start operations within days of signing your agreement.