Due to the high volume and variety of inventory, running out of space is one of the most common problems warehouse managers in the wholesale industry encounter.
As well as making your warehouse less efficient, running out of space can encourage bad practices in storing stock, leading to damaged inventory, reduced efficiency, missed orders and potential injuries.
The first thought may be to buy more space through expansion or relocation, but this isn’t always necessary or cost-effective. In most cases, maximising existing space is a more sustainable and economical solution in the long term.
Running out of storage space? Here are tips from storage experts BSE UK on how to maximise your warehouse space:
- Rethink Your Warehouse Layout
Most warehouses are not configured with much thought to future expansion. If you feel like you may run out of space soon, put some time aside to consider a new layout for your warehouse.
- Analyse Your Inventory
Carrying too much stock or keeping stock that you no longer sell takes up valuable space. If you’re running out of space, conduct a full inventory audit to identify surplus or unnecessary stock.
- Pallet Racking & Shelving Solutions
Pallet racking is present in almost every warehouse, but did you know there are specialist types of racking available? Some of the most common types include adjustable, narrow aisle, double deep, drive in, multi tier, and vertical.
Depending on the type and quantity of items being stored in your warehouse, industrial shelving can also offer a cost effective method of increasing storage space.
- Mezzanine Floors
Mezzanine floors are the ultimate solution for utilising vertical space and can be used for additional storage or to create new rooms such as office spaces, breakrooms and other facilities.
Additionally, the installation of a mezzanine floor can increase the value of your premises should you ever wish to sell.
- External Storage
Don’t let your external space go to waste. External racking that is galvanised to be resistant to the elements can be installed outside of your warehouse to create more storage space in otherwise unused areas.
- Consider Temporary Solutions
Temporary solutions such as shipping containers are a low-cost space solution for storing additional stock. If you are looking for a more permanent solution, a temporary warehouse or storage marquee may also be considered.
- Train Your Staff
Training your staff to be more aware of the space available to them can promote better storage practices which contributes to more effective use of space across the warehouse. What’s more, training your staff on proper storage management can reduce the risk of injury in the warehouse.
- Load Racking Correctly
How much space is being wasted in your warehouse by underloaded or poorly loaded pallet racking? Ensuring that your pallet racking is loaded properly allows you to save space and load as much stock as possible without the risk of damage.
Ready to Maximise Your Warehouse Space?
Talk to BSE UK today about maximising space in your wholesale warehouse.
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