When it comes to warehouse ownership, it’s important that it’s expertly organised and managed. Not only will this help your operations to run smoothly, efficiently and productively, but it will also help to maximise storage space throughout your small warehouse. This will, in turn, increase the amount of stock you’re able to store and distribute, leading to extra profit for your business. So how can you organise your small warehouse in a way that benefits you, your employees and your business as a whole?
Create a floor plan
Whether you’ve just acquired your warehouse or if you’re simply reorganising it, then you’ll need to make a floor plan. This should be easier with smaller premises. A floor plan will help you to pinpoint exactly where things are located, making it easier for your employees to find.
A floor plan will also help you to visualise the system you’re using, including the storage solutions you have in place and where they are in conjunction with loading docks, entrances and exits and other important factors.
It’s also important that you know where your material handling equipment is located and how easy it would be for an employee to get to them and use them effectively in your newly-organised space. Is everything situated logically?
Make sure you also get a second opinion on whether or not your warehouse is set out efficiently. Maybe ask your employees for their opinion and whether the new layout will work for them. Will it make their jobs harder or easier? It’s paramount that you ask your staff because your workforce needs to be content and part of that involves how easily and efficiently they can get the job done.
Choose the right storage & shelving options
The storage solutions you have in your warehouse can make all the difference in a busy, small warehouse. Warehouse racking that goes from the floor to the ceiling would be far better than having multiple shelving systems that only go halfway up – just make sure that you have the right equipment available to be able to reach such heights (more on that coming up shortly).
Multy Lift has a wide range of warehouse racking solutions for our customers to choose from. Regardless of the size of your warehouse or budget, we’ll have the right storage solution for you. In addition to warehouse racking, we also have mezzanine floors available.
Not only will you be able to store things under or on them, but you’ll also be able to have an office or retail space built on top of them. If you wish to have a mezzanine floor constructed, then make sure you read our latest article all about the rules you should follow under UK Building Regulations.
Buy machinery that’s better suited for smaller, compact spaces
When it comes to navigating around a small warehouse, especially if you have floor-to-ceiling racking constructed to maximise storage, then you’ll need the right equipment to do the job. VNA forklifts are ideal for driving around and along narrow aisles and compact spaces, but some makes and models also have impressive lift heights, making short work of accessing stock that’s placed higher up on the racking.
Reach trucks are also useful if you have floor-to-ceiling warehouse shelving. This is because they often have considerably taller lift heights than a conventional forklift or even a VNA forklift, so a reach truck is a staple piece of equipment when it comes to executing warehouse operations, especially if your premises are particularly small.
Label shelving, boxes, storage containers & warehouse assets in general
When it comes to storing things in your warehouse, especially if everything is spread across several different locations, then you need to make sure you label what you can. From racking and shelves to docks and inventory, ensure you’re specifying what each thing is and what it stores.
Warehouse label solutions are designed specifically with warehousing and distribution industries in mind. So much so, customised labelling solutions are available, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Long-range retro reflective labels
- Cold storage labels
- Multi-level rack labels
- Outdoor dock
- Door signs that are able to withstand the elements
- Hanging warehouse signs
By labelling everything, you’ll be able to navigate around your warehouse far easier and a lot more quickly, especially if your premises are already particularly small. By labelling the items you have in your warehouse, you’ll be able to reap several rewards, including:
- Better, more efficient, inventory control
- Improved productivity
- Increased warehouse optimisation
Ensure regular maintenance is carried out
Part of keeping your small warehouse as organised as possible involves making sure that it’s clean and tidy at all times. As such, you need to train your staff about the importance of putting items back where they came from. This helps to reduce clutter as well as increase the efficiency of warehouse operations because everyone will know where inventory is located. If items are not where they’re specified to be, then this could cost time and money because employees will have to go and find what they need.
Ensuring a tidy warehouse will also help to minimise trips, slips and falls which also means you won’t have to pay out compensation if an accident occurs at work. Not only will keeping a tidy warehouse protect your employees from harm, but it’ll also protect your profits. The easiest way of ensuring a clean and tidy warehouse is to appoint someone to go around and monitor the premises, ensuring nothing is left lying around and that everything is in its place.
Multy Lift has over three decades of experience in the material handling industry. Whether you’re in need of new or used warehouse equipment, including brand new forklifts and second-hand forklifts, warehouse storage solutions or if you wish to hire the equipment you require, then get in touch with a member of our team today – we’re always happy to help.