Logical storage solutions blog

Innovative Solutions For Small Warehouse Storage Spaces

As product-based businesses grow, warehouse storage becomes even more important as the need for more inventory increases. Finding space to store this excess stock is often a challenge, particularly with rising costs. Fortunately, there areinnovative solutions that can help optimise small warehouse storage spaces, helping to meet the demands of growing businesses. Let’s take a look at some of the ways in which you can transform your warehouse.

1. Vertical Storage Solutions

One of the best ways to utilise the space in a small warehouse is to expand upwards, using vertical space. If you have high ceilings, make the most of them with multi-tier racking systems. Pallet racking is a popular option, as this provides multiple levels of storage and makes use of wasted overhead space.

If you are looking for a more systematic approach, automated Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs) are another option. This is where storage systems are computer-controlled, delivering items to a picker at an ergonomic height. This reduces the need for actively searching for products, as the system pin-points their location within the warehouse, improving picking speeds.

2. Mobile Shelving Systems

Mobile shelving units reduce the need for fixed aisles within warehouse spaces, and they can be moved along tracks to open up an aisle when needed, which can help increase storage density. The main benefit of mobile shelving units is that they can be customised to fit a variety of warehouse layouts.

For businesses with high volumes of stock, high-density mobile shelving is an ideal solution as they compact together, so can be pulled out when required. This method doubles the storage capacity compared with traditional shelving, so is the perfect solution for small warehouses.

3. Smart Storage Solutions

A robust warehouse management solution is key when it comes to optimising small warehouses, as it can provide real-time data on things like inventory levels and stock locations, and can even manage the picking and packing processes. This can improve productivity as well as help storage spaces to be utilised more efficiently.

There are lots of different technologies these days that can provide businesses with great insights into their stock. Smart sensors, for example, can track the movement and location of stock within a warehouse, helping to optimise space utilisation.

4. Lean Inventory Management

Implementing a ‘just-in-time’ method when it comes to stock can help reduce the quantity of stock held in a warehouse. Rather than having lots of old products which you can’t shift, you could look at receiving goods as they are required. This can help save valuable storage space, but it does require a lot of thought – demand needs to be accurately forecasted to save customer dissatisfaction.

5. Modular Storage Solutions

Modular shelving units can be easily adapted to suit the warehouse space, due to their ability to be quickly assembled/disassembled. This is the perfect solution for businesses that have changing stock demands and need a flexible storage solution.

Stackable bins and containers are a great way to maximise space and organise small items, such as clothing. Just like with vertical storage solutions, the ability to stack them on top of each other reduces the overall space needed for storage.

6. Layout Design

As well as physical storage solutions, it is worth having a look at the layout of your warehouse space. Are there gaps that could be utilised more efficiently? By analysing the layout, you can make better decisions about which storage areas need reconfiguring to maximise space.

A U-shaped layout is the most common in warehouses, where the receiving and shipping areas are based at each end of the ‘U’ with picking zones in between.

Efficient Picking Strategies

As well as thinking about the storage solutions, it is important to consider the picking strategies too. Zone picking is fairly popular, and involves the warehouse being divided into different zones – each assigned to a different worker. This saves a lot of time as staff don’t end up wandering around for hours looking for the products.

There are also pick-to-light systems where LED lights guide workers to the correct picking location. This method helps to improve accuracy and speed, particularly in smaller warehouses where stock has to be crammed in a bit more.

We hope this has helped to give you some ideas on storing more stock in a small warehouse space. For more advice on making improvements to your warehouse, get in touch with Logical Storage Solutions. Our expert team is on hand to find a solution to any storage problem, so call us on 0845 689 1300, or email [email protected].

Offering a consultative approach and nationwide service for all single and multi-site operations, we are your one-stop provider of all storage, workspace, and maintenance solutions.