Small warehouses require additional space management for optimal storage. If you are currently working with a small warehouse for your storage, you will understand the hassles of efficiently storing and maintaining a good workflow. Also, if you are unable to optimize your storage properly, you will end up with a space crunch, delayed production/supply, and frequent downtime in business. Hence, optimizing the space of your small warehouse is extremely crucial for efficiency and productivity.
Here, we will discuss some useful space optimization ideas for small warehouse setups, so keep on reading!
Best small Warehouse optimization ideas
There are several useful space optimization ideas you can try to optimize your warehouse space for maximum use of your warehouse. Below, we will discuss some of the most useful space optimization ideas for a small warehouse.
1. Evaluate your space
The first and most useful step to optimize your small warehouse space is to evaluate the storage space it has. This is often the starting point of your storage space optimization, as knowing how you are currently using your storage space helps you make room for new storage and work. Also, when you thoroughly evaluate your storage space, you can have a clear idea about what type of storage optimization method you can implement for your warehouse.
2. Use a container for optimal storage
Once you have evaluated your warehouse space, you can eventually understand the possible storage space you have. Starting with container storage is one of the easiest and most useful methods to optimize your small warehouse space. If you are currently using container storage with extra space on the top, you are wasting your precious space. Opt for containers that perfectly fit your space and volume for an optimal storage experience.
3. Be mindful when storing
When storing your products in a small warehouse, you should be mindful of how efficiently you are utilizing your space. Following the Pareto Principle can be quite beneficial, which goes by the 80-20 rule. According to the Pareto Principle, 80% of your sales come from your 20% inventory. Therefore, the goal is to keep your products 20% close to the packaging area. This will minimize the time required for retrieving the material, which will help increase your production speed and efficiency.
4. Minimize Aisle Widths to increase warehouse space
Several space optimization ideas for small warehouses utilize aisle widths to increase warehouse space. One of the easiest methods is to minimize aisle widths to enhance warehouse space. Reducing the space between aisles allows you to find space to fit another product or storage equipment. Standard warehouses have 12-foot aisles, which is essential for working with a counterbalanced lift truck. So, when narrowing the space for optimization of your warehouse space, try to switch to order packers and reach trucks.
5. Put vertical storage to increase storage space
In most warehouses, the vertical space remains unused. So, if you are looking for extra space for your small warehouse, you can simply add some vertical storage shelves or racks. You can also include vertical racks in the highest possible level, where you can store seasonal items or specialty products for optimal results.
6. Reorganize shelves for optimal storage space
Another space optimization idea for a small warehouse is recognizing shelves for optimal storage space. Understand your storage products and their need for seamless and effective storage. Know which products you need to sell most or too often, and keep them in the lower shelves and store non-essential items in the upper shelves. This will help you have plenty of space for your warehouse.
7. Maximize storage inventory with a Mezzanine
Adding an inventory Mezzanine can be another easy and effective method for optimizing storage space in your small warehouse. A mezzanine can help you add extra storage in the middle level of your warehouse. This is beneficial for increasing your storage space and maximizing its usage.
8. Utilize 5-S and Lean management principles
Both 5-S and lean management principles are popular space optimization ideas for a small warehouse. The lean management principle originated from Toyota Motor Corporation’s production system. The primary rule of lean management is to optimize your storage space.
On the other hand, the 5-S method is a continuation of the 5-S principle. The 5-S principle usually indicates a short-shine-standardized-sustain approach, which is more of sorting, reorganizing, and keeping the warehouse space clean and tidy for higher space efficiency and space optimization.
9. Include Nix Obsolete inventory
The primary reason behind your business inefficiency often lies in empty storage space in the warehouse and a poorly organized warehouse. Do not hoard on the stuff, they eat up your space and you don’t get sufficient space for your needed or crucial items. Hence, including Nix Obsolete inventory that focuses on objects or items you are currently selling helps maximize your storage space by clearing out non-essential items.
10. Choose the right size storage space
One of the biggest mistakes most businesses make when arranging their warehouse space is mixing objects of different sizes. This leads to unwanted space hazards. Always sort and organize items according to their sizes to ensure optimal use of your storage space in the warehouse.
11. Clean up the floor for storage efficiency
Storage space is not only about racks and shelves; the space on the floor should be utilised for optimal use. Always declutter your warehouse floor to ensure higher efficiency and optimal use of the space. This also boosts work efficiency and prevents unwanted accidents.
Conclusion
Some other essential space optimization ideas for a small warehouse include racking things length-wise and utilizing unexpected places for optimal storage. Also, if you are looking for quality storage solutions for your warehouse, visit Grass Warehouse.