Tips for Maximizing Space in Small Warehouses
Warehouses can become congested quickly. Whether a business is booming and inventory is coming in fast or there was a purchasing error that resulted in extra products, the problem is still the same. A crowded warehouse means more work and less efficiency.
Distribution centers need to have some staging space set aside to process incoming shipments, prepare outgoing shipments and act as temporary storage. When products and supplies take over that staging space, productivity goes down. As a general rule, a maximum of 85% of storage space should be filled with inventory. Once that threshold has been reached, it’s time to expand or reorganize.
Rotate Seasonal Storage
There are usually some items being stored that are either seasonal or obsolete. These items can be condensed as much as possible. Use rolling racks with heavy duty caster wheels to stack products in a designated area. When it comes time to access that inventory, the wheeled racks can be easily moved and then shoved back into place.
Storage trailers are also a great place for inventory that is not used frequently. They can be rented or purchased as needed. This gives business owners a stepping stone before committing to a larger distribution center.
Add Vertical Storage
The area directly below the ceiling is often underutilized. There are a few ways to take advantage of that space. Rack systems can be extended all the way to the ceiling unless there is a sprinkler system. Sprinkler systems require 18 inches of clearance. Speak to a structural engineer or rack professional to determine if the current uprights and base plates are strong enough to support a taller structure.
Mezzanines can be installed over doors, windows and staging areas. Keep in mind that the structure will be supported from the floor. Therefore, some floor space will be needed for uprights. The other alternative is to add storage racks that are mounted to the ceiling.
Change the Aisle Width
Reducing the aisle width may seem like a small change but it can make a huge difference. Most aisles are 10 to 12 feet wide. Reducing that distance to between five and eight feet will increase storage space by around 20%. Lift equipment must be taken into account before making this change. Measure the width of all equipment needed in the warehouse and make sure it will still fit down the aisles. Remember, not all aisles need to be the same width. Maybe one or two aisles can be reduced in size while others that require equipment are left alone.
