Transportation & Loading: Because Your Work Deserves More Than a Backbreaking Shuffle

Let’s talk about a wildly underrated feature in a maker space: Access.

Because as much as we’d all love to imagine ourselves delicately carrying our creations down a cobblestone path lined with flowers, reality looks a lot more like wrestling with a 200-pound crate of supplies or a sculpture the size of a refrigerator. And if you’ve ever tried to maneuver one of those beauties up a rickety staircase, you know what I’m talking about.

Here’s what you need to consider before you commit to a studio that looks charming but will make your life a logistical nightmare.

1. Loading Zones: Yes, They Really Matter

Sure, you might think “loading zone” sounds like something only for moving companies, but think again. If you’re hauling in stacks of lumber, sheets of metal, or boxes of precious supplies, you’ll quickly appreciate a spot with a dedicated loading zone. Imagine the peace of mind that comes from not having to dodge traffic or haul a dolly over broken sidewalks or have your work ruined by a simple hallway turn.. Look for a space with at least a small loading area (or get friendly with whoever controls the best loading zones nearby). Your back—and your patience—will thank you.

Bonus Tip: Check if there are rules around loading hours. The last thing you need is a “no loading before 10 a.m.” rule when you’re trying to start a day early and finish before dinner.

2. Ground Floor vs. “Charming Loft”

A charming loft sounds wonderful until you’re trying to haul 150 pounds of raw materials up four flights of stairs. Unless you have a warehouse team or a personal freight elevator (hey, a maker can dream), let’s stay realistic. A ground-floor space or a studio with elevator access makes a massive difference. Why punish yourself lugging everything up flights of stairs? Give those legs a break—especially if your passion project involves hauling lots of heavy materials.

Pro Tip: Test the elevator. Some buildings may advertise an elevator, but it’s small, slow, or unreliable. There’s nothing like seeing an elevator that won’t even fit a single box of your pottery clay. Test it and visualize it in action for your specific needs.

3. Parking: More Than Just a Convenience

Sure, parking might seem like a nice-to-have—until you’re trying to unload your freshly finished pieces during rush hour, battling for a curbside spot with the city’s delivery trucks. Look for a spot with close, reliable parking for easy loading and unloading. And consider the needs of any potential customers or collaborators dropping by. Parking that’s close and available saves everyone from hauling precious cargo across endless blocks or through a maze of side streets. Plus, it’s just a small way of saying “I respect my time.”

Red Flag: Beware of “ample street parking” promises. It’s a good idea to scope out the area at different times to see if “ample” really means maybe one spot...on a good day...when it’s not rush hour.

4. Dolly-Friendly Doors & Ramps

If you’ve ever tried to maneuver a loaded dolly through a tiny door or up a staircase, you’ll know that doors and ramps are more than just an architectural afterthought. Wide doors, ideally double doors, and a ramp make it so much easier to get your goods in and out without reenacting an obstacle course. This is especially important if your work involves large canvases, slabs of wood, or anything that doesn’t appreciate being smashed into door frames.

Pro Tip: Ask if you can test the setup. If the landlord gives you a weird look for asking, just smile and say, “I have very big dreams.” You’ll see if the setup works, and who knows? Maybe they’ll remember you as that ambitious tenant with a practical side.

5. Storage Zones: Drop It Like It’s Hot (Or Cold, or Fragile…)

Lastly, consider if there’s a temporary space to hold incoming or outgoing deliveries. Life as a maker is unpredictable; sometimes, you’re working on a tight schedule, waiting for materials to arrive or dealing with shipping logistics. A little bit of designated “drop zone” space in your studio can be a lifesaver, letting you handle deliveries without having to re-arrange your entire workspace every time a box arrives.

In Conclusion: Give Yourself a Break, and Choose Practical Access

Look, you didn’t start making to become an unofficial moving company for your own work. A studio with good access might not be the flashiest selling point, but trust me—it’s one of the best. Make your transportation and loading needs part of your space checklist. Because your time, your spine, and your sanity are worth more than one too many stairs. And when everything just rolls right into place, you’ll know you chose a space that works with you, not against you.