Practical Tips For Optimizing Your Warehouse Space
Collectively, an estimated 60,000 storage facilities exist in the U.S. This makes up 1.7 billion square feet of space. However, there is a general belief among businesses and warehouse operators that more space can be ingeniously generated if the proper steps are taken. That said, what practical steps can be taken to enhance space in your warehouse? Moreover, have you wondered why poorly optimized warehouse space could be detrimental to business? If you’re unsure how to improve spacing, learn some tips below.
- Evaluate prospects of vertical rack extensions
Vertical rack extensions are excellent ways to maximize space in a warehouse, but you must take steps to ensure that your place is optimized for that. Also known as the pallet rack, it automatically increases your storage space by creating room for more storage stock. Automatically, pallet racking improves your profit margins because you have the opportunity to take on more goods for storage.
Moreover, because of its heavy stock capacity, you can trust that pallet racks are built to be robust and not topple over easily. Again, it is easier to use forklifts in warehouses that utilize these vertical rack extensions. They enhance convenience and ease of access. The only downside with this racking system is if the base plate is inappropriately sized. In this case, the pallet rack becomes a hazardous storage unit.
- Store items according to size
As part of storage rules, storing items by respective sizes contributes to maximizing space. It doesn’t matter if your warehouse is large or small. The most important thing is knowing how to categorize your storage items by size to optimize space. Indeed, even with your large items, there may be some variations. However, storage experts advise that you group all large sizes while doing the same for smaller goods. Grouping like-sized things together help to create more space than you ordinarily would have noticed. More importantly, you significantly reduce the chances of losing smaller items among larger-sized goods.
- Use appropriate storage containers
The idea behind using proper storage containers is to ensure the correct use of the space you have. Unfortunately, many warehouses around the country prefer the one-size-fits-all method. This means a large container may contain minimal items, leaving room for unused space. Everything looks well-organized when arranged on racks, but the reality here is an under-utilized space within the containers. More importantly, use the proper storage containers for flammable liquids.
A better option is to find a variety of storage containers that you can utilize efficiently. Unfortunately, only a few businesses realize that inadequate arrangements cost them an average of $125,000 annually. For a clearer picture, look at it from this perspective. You pack very little clothing in a highly large-sized suitcase for a 5-day trip. Apart from it not making sense, the sheer size of your bag will cost you luggage charges at the airport. That’s because oversized baggage attracts penalty fees.
Failing to leverage the proper steps when packing makes you lose money, and it’s the same concept if you run a warehouse business. In other words, identifying underutilized space is crucial to warehouse business.
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