6 Tips to Maximize the Value of Industrial Storage Space

As a warehouse owner or operator, one of the best steps you can take to improve overall business profitability is to maximize the value of your storage space. With optimized industrial storage, facilities can experience improved performance and productivity, better forecasting and fulfillment times, and even decreased risk of injuries and incidents. 

There are many ways to accomplish this, and each facility must determine and implement its own set of unique strategies. But when done correctly, maximizing storage capacity will bring measurable benefits to your operation. 

In this article, we’ll cover some of the common strategies for maximizing the value of industrial storage. Keep reading to learn how. 

1. Strategic Beam Placement for Maximizing Storage Capacity

The space between inventory and the racking above it might seem minor, but this underutilized space could add up quickly. This is especially true in facilities that make use of tall multi-tiered systems and overhead space. 

There is a minimum requirement of six inches that allows forklifts to safely move product, but many facilities have upwards of eight to ten inches of unused space.

To reduce the amount of space between the inventory and beams in your facility, start by measuring the distance between the beam and the product. 

If this space is used to store a variety of different inventory, then this may not be an ideal solution. However, if it’s used to store the same product consistently (or identically-sized products), consider lowering the beams to reduce the amount of unused space.

Bonus tip: You can optimize storage in smaller spaces by storing items according to size. This strategy will allow you to reduce beam height in more places, leading to a more optimized use of space.

2. Get Creative With Warehouse Storage Space

When was the last time you conducted an audit of your facility for underused or completely unused space? 

Many warehouse designs make fantastic use of floor space and some even consider increasing space with mezzanines. But very rarely do warehouse floorplans consider creative storage solutions above doors and cross aisles. That’s because it’s usually not apparent where the underused space is until the facility has been in use for a longer period of time.

The beauty of this type of storage space is that it is low-cost and minimally invasive—meaning it doesn’t slow or alter operations or workflow in any way. It’s usually quite easy to install and is a great option for storing low-traffic items. 

Just be sure to confirm that your additions meet building codes. And don’t forget to train and update all your employees to reduce the risk of hazards and incidents.     

3. Use Warehouse Space More Effectively

The Pareto Principle is based on the understanding that the majority of warehouse activity is generated from a small minority of inventory. 

In order to maximize the efficiency of your storage plan using the Pareto Principle, you’ll need to design a storage layout based on growth and traffic projections. Start by categorizing your inventory, then classify each category in order of pick volume, traffic, or another critical metric relevant to your operation.  

Once you have a categorized list of inventory, begin ordering them according to movement. Fast-moving products should be ranked at the top, followed by slow-moving products. 

Use this list to decide where each SKU should be placed. A good strategy is to store high-movement inventory together in easily accessible locations. However, each facility’s needs are unique, so this strategy may not be ideal for you.

4. Make Use of Vertical Storage

Vertical space is often the most underused space in a facility. There are plenty of ways to take advantage of available vertical space, but two popular options are multi-level storage systems and expanding your racking vertically.

Making use of vertical storage is more affordable and accessible than other storage expansion options, so it’s recommended that you consider this option before leasing off-site space or relocating to a new warehouse.

Be sure to confirm compliance with your local building codes before expanding your storage vertically, and to ensure the new additions don’t exceed your facility’s clear height.

Vertical space is often the most underused space in a facility. There are plenty of ways to take advantage of available vertical space, but two popular options are multi-level storage systems and expanding your racking vertically.

5. Decrease Aisle Width

While there are minimum aisle width requirements outlined by OSHA, many facilities may have unnecessarily wide aisles that could be using up valuable space.

Before attempting to reduce aisle width, calculate the amount of space required for the machinery used in your facility. Employees must be able to operate forklifts or specialized machinery safely. 

6. Increase Floor Space and Storage With a Mezzanine

As mentioned earlier, multi-level storage systems are an affordable alternative to relocation. Mezzanines create the possibility of increasing not only storage capacity but also floor space. This means they can accommodate workflow, equipment storage, or office areas as well.

Want to Maximize the Value of Your Storage Space?

At East Coast Storage Equipment, we specialize in custom equipment solutions that improve efficiency, productivity, and capacity at your warehouse. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your team. CONTACT US

To get started, determine the clear height of your facility. In many cases, warehouses are between 28 and 36 feet. This means a mezzanine system could drastically increase the amount of available floor space by adding a second floor. 

Maximize the Value of Your Industrial Storage

There are many different strategies that can take your facility to the next level. Optimizing industrial storage space begins with specialized equipment knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of your facility’s needs. 

Want to maximize the value of your storage space? At East Coast Storage Equipment, we specialize in custom equipment solutions that improve efficiency, productivity, and capacity at your warehouse. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your team.