Looking for somewhere to store your car, business equipment or office supplies? Then you might want to consider renting a garage space. It's smaller and less pricey than a warehouse – and can be used for all sorts of things. You can even start a small business in your garage.

Why Rent a Garage?

Some of the most successful businesses in the world have started in a garage. Apple, Hewlett-Packard, Google, Disney and Amazon are just a few examples. This kind of space is ideal for creative minds and has low maintenance costs. It's not uncommon for web designers, copywriters, personal trainers or social media managers to work from a garage.

As a business owner, you can use this space to store office furniture or even merchandise – it's a lot cheaper than renting a warehouse. Or you may use it to park your car and protect it from the elements. Many entrepreneurs have turned their garages into retail stores or car repair shops. Some even have pet grooming stations set up in the garage or use this space to teach yoga classes.

From local newspapers to online ads, there are lots of different ways to find a garage for lease or rent. Some companies, such as GaragePointer, work just like Airbnb – you can rent a garage for several days or weeks without being tied to a long-term contract. That's ideal for when you're moving offices as you can use this space to store desks, chairs, office supplies or business documents.

Renting a Garage Space Online

Start by checking online classified ads posted by locals. Gumtree, Oodle, PennySaver USA and Sell.com are all excellent resources; there are also hundreds of garages for rent on Craigslist. Filter the results by location, product category, size, price and other criteria. Save the listings you're interested in and then contact the sellers to request more information.

Another option is the Facebook Marketplace. All you need to do is to search for ads in your area – or any other area where you're considering renting a garage space. Or you can ask on chat boards, forums and Facebook groups. Just make sure you specify your requirements and budget.

You can also use Airbnb-like services like Spacer or Garage Pointer. Spacer, for example, offers peer-to-peer storage and parking solutions. Renters can search by price, location and other criteria and then book their ideal space online. The company will manage the monthly payments and address any inquiries you may have.

Hire a Real Estate Agency

Many business owners don't have time to browse through hundreds of listings, send messages to hosts and negotiate the price. In this case, it makes sense to hire a local real estate agency. They can handle the process on your behalf so you can focus on the core aspects of your business. These professionals can also help you find the ideal location for a garage and ensure that it meets your requirements.

Another advantage of working with real estate agents is that they know the local laws. For example, if you're planning to work from a garage, you may need zoning permits. A realtor can research the local regulations and let you know what you can and cannot do. This will make it easier to comply with the law and help you avoid hefty fines.

The downside of hiring a real estate agency to find a garage for lease or rent is that you may have to pay extra. Most realtors charge a commission, so the costs will add up. If you only need a garage for a few weeks, it may not be worth the price. Consider starting with an online search, assess your options and reach out to a real estate agent in case you don’t find what you’re looking for.