Whether you run an e-commerce store or just have a very active garage, your
shelving units could likely stand a little reorganization. Planning out each square foot of space will take time, but ultimately it will save you time over the long run. Use these five tips to get more out your space. Let’s review the 5 Tips for Setting Up Your Shelving Units.
1. High Vs. Low-Flow
Juggernauts like Ikea and Amazon put all their efforts into high-flow warehouses, and you should be applying the same concept to your space. High-flow items are the ones you use the most often, so they require the bulk of your time and resources. Keep these high-flow items in mind if you’re planning to buy any type of gadgetry. No matter how elaborate or simple your space, the low-flow items should get as little attention as possible.
2. Think Up
Vertical storage units give you more space to work with, and it’s one of the best ways to avoid having to buy extra space for your warehouse. It may throw a wrench into the way you currently access your items, but the adjustment will be worth it.
3. Practice Flexibility
Warehouses change over time, and too many warehouses just develop workarounds for those changes rather than coming up with sustainable solutions. Instead of trying to cram a new product into a too small space, consider how you can plan your warehouse to be flexible enough to fully support what’s in demand.
4. Consider the Weight
If the weight isn’t distributed evenly across the
shelves, you risk collapse or an unsustainable amount of sway. Anyone who works with the shelves should have a good understanding of how each shift in weight affects the rest of the inventory. It’s especially common for newcomers to a warehouse to make a mistake when it comes to loading. Ensure you account for all the weight the shelving will bear before ordering the units.
5. Upkeep Is Critical
Even the most advanced technology or shelf set-up can’t stop the accumulation of junk on your shelves. No matter how fool-proof your system is, it will still take a lot of work to keep it all together. Odd circumstances will arise where things have to out of place for a time. The key is to take care of misplaced items right away.