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6 Tips for Maximizing Warehouse Space and Efficiency

When we think of warehouses, we think of huge, cavernous spaces.

It wasn’t always that way. There was a time when warehouses were less than 10,000 square feet. Now, more than half of all American warehouses top 25,000 square feet, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

But a bigger warehouse isn’t always necessarily more efficient. If you’re looking for ways of maximizing warehouse space and efficiency beyond using material handling equipment, consider taking these measures:

Storage Equipment & Pallet Rack Installer1. Go vertical

Instead of building out or buying extra space, take advantage of your space by embracing vertical storage. Taller storage units allow you to use the maximum height of your space. With material handling equipment such as mezzanine shelving, you can make the most of the space you have without having to expand your building.

2. Streamline your inventory

Having too much inventory in your warehouse can slow down operations. Storing goods in aisles or on docks can prevent efficient service and present a safety hazard.

By creating new storage designs, you can make sure your warehouse is more organized, improve efficiency and identify bottlenecks in your system.

3. Look at your aisle width

One method for maximizing your warehouse space involves measuring the width of your aisles. Wider aisles make it easy for employees – and warehouse storage equipment such as forklifts – to move through your space.

But your investigation into aisle width should also look at how your shelving is laid out. Reworking the layout of your warehouse may be an investment, but it’s one with a fast return, giving you more storage flexibility and safer, more efficient operations.

4. Evaluate your material handling equipment

How much time do you spend repairing your storage and material handling equipment? What does it cost to maintain it, and does this maintenance save you time and money and improve efficiency?

If you find that maintenance and repairs are slowing you down or costing too much, you may want to consider newer technologies.

5. Switch to reusable packaging

Many companies have cut costs and improved efficiency by making the switch to reusable packaging. This is packaging made from durable materials designed to survive multiple trips. This can lead to more efficient transportation, lower waste management/labor costs and reduced storage space requirements.

In addition, using reusable packaging is good for the environment, and that’s good for the planet, and good for your company’s brand.

6. Is your warehouse full, or just disorganized?

Many warehouses that seem full are just disorganized, with insufficient shelving. When you identify your problem areas, you might find that you can improve efficiency simply by organizing everything that comes into your warehouse.

If you’re looking for ways to streamline your operation with storage and material handling equipment, Greystone Equipment Company can help.

We’ve spent more than 25 years providing expert shelving and pallet rack installation for customers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Contact us today to find out how we can maximize your warehouse space.


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