How to Maximize Storage Capacity with Smart Warehouse Organization

Good warehouse organization starts with storage.  Businesses that are looking to up their storage game so that they can have maximum capacity, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency need to take several steps to get there. By setting up strategic layouts, adopting smart storage solutions, and using modern technology, warehouses can increase their storage capacity and still maintain accessibility and workflow productivity. Read below for an exploration of the best methods to implement to maximize your warehouse storage.

Design an Optimal Layout

Vertical Storage

The higher you build, the more vertical space you can take up. Building tall racks and shelving units that can be accessed by ladder or machinery will help you get the most out of the space you have in a warehouse. High storage options mean that you can keep seasonal inventory on top, while things that are in demand now can be easily accessed below.

Zoning and Categorization

If you run a warehouse that houses all kinds of different products, then sorting them into categories and zones is the best way to stay organized. Think about the layout of Costco; every variety of food has its place so that customers can head straight to their preferred area every time. Your warehouse should be no different. When employees know exactly where merchandise is every time, it leads to faster orders and less frustration.

Minimize Aisle Width

As long as you can still fit your widest equipment through the aisles safely, you can make them as narrow as possible. This means you will be using as much floor space as possible and even more above, depending on how many shelves of storage you install. You can even purchase narrow-aisle forklifts so that you can get even more storage out of your warehouse space.

Make a Flow Strategy

Organize inventory based on picking frequency. The best way to do this is to place fast-moving items closer to shipping areas. If one week you notice a certain product is flying off the shelves, then make a plan to place that product in an area dedicated to top sellers. This method reduces retrieval times and speeds up order fulfillment.

Build Storage Infrastructure

Install In-Plant Offices

Warehouses are not just for storing things but also for housing workers and managers during the day. By installing in-plant offices with modular construction systems, you can have your own offices right in the middle of your warehouse. These systems work so that they can be constructed and taken down as needed, so that they can accommodate a fluctuating need for office space. No matter the size of your warehouse, you can get customizable in-plant offices to house all of your employees.

Put in Wire Partitions

Sometimes, all you need to get organized in a warehouse is some wire partitions. These can be easily installed and serve as a secure storage solution. With doors and everything, you can lock valuable inventory in different parts of the warehouse. They are also useful for storing equipment and tools at the end of the day, so that in the case of a break-in, they will be harder to get to.

Wire partitions can also be put up to serve as dividing walls to keep different products separate from each other. They are also useful for protecting workers from dangerous stationary machinery. They act as a solid barrier while also remaining see-through so that managers can look in on operations without entering dangerous spaces.

Build Warehouse Mezzanines

Add extra storage space by using overhead areas. These multi-level platforms create additional usable space without having to invest in more warehouses. Take advantage of the height of warehouses by filling the space with walkable storage areas. Mezzanines are also great for overseeing warehouse operations as they give a bird’s-eye view.

Invest in High-Density Storage Systems

Pallet Racking Systems

Selective, drive-in, push-back, and pallet flow racks create more storage density. Drive-in racks, for example, are ideal for high-volume storage needs. The way it works is that a forklift can drive in and out of the racks to load up as much inventory as possible. These racks can be installed to fit your storage needs and can fit several stories of storage units in each rack.

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems

Using modern technology in your favor can make your warehouse operations go much smoother. Allocating repetitive tasks, like loading the same products onto the same shelves every day, to automated systems is a great way to keep your warehouse storage organized. It can also save you so much time during a shift when workers can be doing other, more important things.

Mobile Shelving Systems

Building some shelving systems that can be moved around on tracks or wheels is another way to get as much inventory in one place at a time as possible. If you know that you have a big order coming in and need extra storage in one area of your warehouse, being able to move storage racks over to that area with ease can save you from chaotically stacking things up in a corner. With mobile shelving systems, you have a better chance of keeping inventory organized from the minute it enters the warehouse.

Implement Smart Inventory Management

Use Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

Warehouse Management Systems automate tracking, calculate perfect storage locations, and fulfill orders. A WMS provides real-time inventory updates, so that you always have stock accuracy and know when you can order more inventory.

Implement Just-In-Time (JIT) Inventory

Just-in-time inventory is a methodology that some warehouse managers use to minimize excess stock. The way it works is that managers only order stock as needed so that they can reduce inventory holding fees and increase inventory turnover. With this approach, managers can avoid purchasing unneeded inventory and keep stock levels aligned with demand.

Regularly Audit and Analyze Your Inventory

Consistent inventory audits give the most accurate understanding of what you have stored in your warehouse. Doing this once per day or once per week and then analyzing which inventory levels are going down and which are staying the same will help you figure out what inventory is taking up valuable storage space.

Making the most of your warehouse space is important, especially if you have a constant influx of inventory. Follow these different storage methods to fill your warehouse space and keep it well organized.