Warehouse Exit Checklist: Preparing Your Warehouse for a Smooth Lease Handover
Moving out of a warehouse involves much more than removing stock and locking the doors. Most commercial leases require tenants to return the property in an agreed condition, which means planning ahead for equipment removal, repairs, cleaning and make good works.
Using a structured exit checklist can help avoid delays, unexpected costs and disputes at the end of a lease.
At Complete Warehouse Solutions, we manage warehouse exits across Sydney, including equipment removal, strip-outs, make goods and property refurbishment, allowing businesses to focus on relocating while we manage the project.
Quick Answer
Before handing back a leased warehouse you should:
- review your lease obligations
- plan your relocation timeline
- remove pallet racking and equipment
- complete any required repairs
- carry out make good works
- clean the warehouse
- arrange the final inspection
Review Your Lease Agreement
Every commercial lease is different.
Before any work begins, confirm what the lease requires regarding:
- make good obligations
- removal of fit-outs
- repairs
- cleaning
- final handover requirements
Knowing these obligations early helps avoid unnecessary costs and delays.
Plan Your Warehouse Exit
Leaving everything until the final week often creates unnecessary pressure.
A relocation plan should include:
- relocation dates
- equipment removal
- stock transfers
- contractor scheduling
- lease handover dates
Good planning helps minimise disruption to business operations.
Remove Warehouse Equipment
Most warehouse exits require equipment to be removed before handover.
This may include:
- pallet racking
- shelving
- mezzanine structures
- warehouse offices
- workstations
- safety barriers
- signage
Where possible, equipment can often be relocated or reused at another site.
Complete Make Good Works
Once equipment has been removed, the warehouse may need to be restored.
Typical make good works include:
- repairing walls
- patching floors
- removing fixings
- electrical disconnections
- repainting where required
- general site restoration
The scope depends on the lease agreement and the condition of the property.
Carry Out a Final Clean
Before the landlord’s inspection, the warehouse should be thoroughly cleaned.
This includes:
- removing waste
- sweeping and cleaning floors
- clearing storage areas
- cleaning offices and amenities
- ensuring the warehouse is ready for inspection
A clean site presents a professional finish and helps the handover process.
Coordinate the Entire Process
Warehouse exits often involve multiple contractors and tight deadlines.
Using one company to manage the project can simplify:
- equipment removal
- relocation
- make good works
- refurbishment
- final site preparation
Managing everything through one point of contact helps reduce delays and keeps the project on schedule.
Summary
Preparing a warehouse for lease handover requires planning, coordination and attention to detail. By reviewing lease obligations early and managing relocation, equipment removal and make good works as one project, businesses can reduce stress and complete their warehouse exit more efficiently.
What is a warehouse make good?
A warehouse make good is the work required to return a leased warehouse to the condition outlined in the lease agreement before handover.
Do I have to remove pallet racking before handing back a warehouse?
In most cases, yes. Unless otherwise agreed with the landlord, installed racking and other tenant-owned equipment is usually removed.
Can relocation and make good works be completed together?
Yes. Managing both as one project often saves time and reduces disruption.
