Storage Tips for Small Businesses

Helping You Stay Organised

If you are getting a small business up and running, storage is probably the last thing you’re thinking about. It can make such a big difference, though, helping you to keep on top of the stock you have and boost efficiency. So where do you begin? Here are some tips, from smart storage solutions to plans that you can put in place so that you will thank yourself months – or even years – down the line.

Keep an inventory

There are so many programs out there that allow you to update your inventory and keep it accurate in seconds – so there’s no excuse! Having an up-to-date inventory will stop you from ordering what you don’t need and running out of the things that you do. So you’ll save money and keep any delays or customer issues to a minimum.

Invest in the right shelving

It’s easy to assume that shelving is shelving, but that’s just not true. The shelving that you have at home is fine for your everyday items like books or clothes – but it’s not going to be enough in a business setting. You need shelving that is made of materials that can withstand heavy loads and endure day in, day out use. This will not only protect your stock but also your team members, too.

Save space with your storage

If you don’t have much room for storage, it can be tempting to just put things wherever they fit and hope for the best. Not only is that going to see you lose track of what you have, but it could also make your storage area hard to navigate and full of hazards. Instead, make the most of vertical space with storage solutions like shelving and pallet racking. This way, you can keep the floor as clear as possible.

Think of the future

Running a small business means being focused on the present – but what about in a year’s time when your operations are much more complex? Or even just a few months down the line, where you might be dealing with a seasonal shift in demand. Having storage that works for you in the short and long term will help you meet demand.

First in, first out!

Last but not least is something that’s very important: first in, first out. When you put goods in storage, keep older items at the front so that they get used first. This is especially vital if you have anything with an expiry date. By keeping things that were bought first within easy reach, you can be sure that nothing will linger in your storage area until it is past its best.

What now?

As you can see, there are so many ways to make storage for your small business much more streamlined and effective. To get things started, why not get in touch with a trusted industrial storage retailer to see which solutions are the perfect fit for your space?