Lack of warehouse space is an issue that plagues many business owners, as there never seems to be enough storage space to adequately suit the needs of the operation. Once a facility becomes congested, there are essentially two different options – to either make the investment for an addition to the warehouse, or think of ways to conserve space. The first option could be troublesome for many business owners because, in all likelihood, it would call for significant funds to be appropriate to the project. The second option, however, can be achieved with a bit less financial strain. If you need to generate ways to create additional storage space but don’t have the means to simply add extra square footage to your existing warehouse, here are a few tips that could help you achieve the area you need.

Redesign Your Layout

Having a functional layout in your facility is critical to maintaining efficiency within your operation. Even if you think your current floor plan is ideal, believe it or not, there is always room for improvement. For facilities that utilize pallet racking and other forms of industrial shelving, one of the most cost-effective and quickly adapted solutions to consider is narrowing the aisles between the storage rows. By bringing the rows of your storage system closer together, you could inevitably create room for an additional row of shelving, which would significantly expand your storage capabilities. Before just moving aisles closer together, though, there are some things to keep in mind, notably the amount of space that the equipment you utilize to load and unload items needs to maneuver. Some forklifts and other material handling equipment require ample operating room, and it’s critical to abide by the recommendations outlined by the manufacturer as to how much area that is. Still, this plan is something to definitely consider as a first option. As always when designing – or, in this case, redesigning – a warehouse, it pays to invest in the services of a qualified space planner who has the expertise to help you design an optimal layout.

Check Into Underutilized Storage Areas

Are you truly utilizing all the available space in your facility from the ground floor all the way to the roof? If the answer isn’t yes, then you might have found the route you need to take. The good thing about many forms of pallet racking and other shelving is that additions can be made to extend the system higher. If there is room, consider adding another level on the top of your current racking system. Along the same lines, you can contemplate adding over-aisle storage, which can markedly improve your storage capabilities. However, when going this route, you will also need to take into account how these improvements will affect the material handling equipment that you use. Will you still be able to reach all of your loads? If you don’t fully examine this potential change to your storage system beforehand, you could end up having to spend money on new loading and unloading equipment to rectify the situation that you create.

Dispose of Old Inventory

Do you need everything that is currently store in the bays on your storage system? If not, then a little house cleaning obviously could go a long way. Take the time to evaluate your inventory and get rid of the old, outdated products that you may no longer need. In doing so, you will free up some valuable storage space.

Charlie O\’Brien is a professional writer specializing in the material handling industry. His writing focuses on new and used pallet rack, cantilever rack, and other industrial shelving, and his work has been featured on multiple material handling industry websites.

Charlie O\’Brien is a professional writer specializing in the material handling industry. His writing focuses on new and used pallet rack, cantilever rack, and other industrial shelving, and his work has been featured on multiple material handling industry websites. http://www.aceshelf.com/

Author Bio: Charlie O\’Brien is a professional writer specializing in the material handling industry. His writing focuses on new and used pallet rack, cantilever rack, and other industrial shelving, and his work has been featured on multiple material handling industry websites.

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