At some point, you may have to consider a warehouse relocation, as your business grows and you streamline your supply chain. Or you may have to increase or reduce the number of warehouses you occupy and move your stock around.
A warehouse relocation and altering your distribution processes can be an extremely overwhelming process, there is so much to consider! Planning a strategy, keeping organised and sticking to your action plan your move really does not need to be a stressful operation.
We have put together some handy tips to help guide you through your warehouse relocation.
Think about the future
Unfortunately, simply picking up your current operation and storage and starting again exactly where you left off in your new premises is not always possible. It is important at this point you consider what you will need for the future, reducing the possibility of another future move – will you be adding any new stock to your range? If so, now is the time to plan for this and ensure you have adequate storage space and storage solutions for them. The more planning you can do at this point, the better your chances of an efficient setup in the future.
Consider man hours and make realistic estimates
For most businesses there will not be the pleasure of downing tools and relocating your warehouse, your operation will still need to run so it is important that you set out expectations to your staff.
Your calculations will need to include how many hours are required for the relocation and how many hours need to go towards standard warehouse operations, you must ensure that there is plenty of time allocated for management resources and ‘contingency’ time because you never know what might happen.
Be sure to inform all of your employees of the plan and provide everyone with an agenda so everyone knows where they need to be. A full list of duties for each individual should also be provided.
Make time to have a good sort out
Like any move, now is the perfect time to have a good sort out! Take the time to look at your inventory and discard obsolete stock which will only be a cost during the relocation. It is also the perfect opportunity to tidy up, and re-arrange stock to accommodate new arrivals.
What does your new warehouse look like
This is your opportunity to really look at the space you have and how it can be fully maximised. Can the new space be adapted to suit your workflow better? You can consider the benefits of installing a mezzanine floor or explore alternative space-saving racking options that will be useful for you.
Permits and regulations
Before signing on the dotted line make sure you know exactly what permits are required and what restrictions apply at your new warehouse. This should all be considered early in your planning so that you do not have any unexpected delays.
Speak to local authorities
A warehouse relocation will involve local building and fire inspectors, as with your permits and regulations make sure you look into this early on and get the right people involved at the start of your planning. Escape routes, sprinklers and car parking can all be influenced by the local authorities, so it is best to know what you are up against early on.
Deliveries
There are options for your deliveries before you move:
- Opt to receive lighter deliveries in the lead-up to the move date, this will reduce the amount of inventory you will need to relocate.
- Receive more deliveries in advance of the move, this means you won’t need to check in a lot of deliveries straight away as soon as you move.
Just make sure you chose an option that suits your business so you do not get caught out.
Is your existing racking good enough?
No doubt you would have already invested in your current warehouse storage systems so it makes sense to try and utilise these systems if at all possible. A cost-effective solution would be to dismantle and re-install your existing racking, depending on its condition. Another alternative is to sell your existing racking on to a second-hand racking company – there is always demand!
Get help with your move.
If you have ever moved house you will know that is stressful enough – moving a whole warehouse…well, this is definitely the time to bring in the professionals, especially when it comes to moving your racking systems! An experienced company will dismantle and relocate your racking efficiently and professionally and will also see to the re-installation. You will then be safe in the knowledge that your warehouse is safe and your racking is installed to the correct guidelines.
Be careful of product damage
With a move this size, it is inevitable that there will be some spills, bumps and breakages when shelving or pallets are being unloaded. The only way to avoid this as much as possible, is to inform your employees that they need to be mindful when it comes to moving inventory – if the move takes a bit longer, but the products are undamaged, then so be it!
Security
Sadly we are all quite aware of theft and the importance of keeping your operation secure – a warehouse relocation can leave you and your inventory vulnerable. It is important to keep a close eye on your inventory, double check, triple check and check again everything that is going in and out and make sure team members are assigned to certain roles and moving zones. It is important to keep tight control over what is happening during the moving process.
Safety and risk.
This may be the final point but it is one of the most important. Throughout your move, you should be aware of the health and safety of all your staff at all times. When your warehouse relocation is complete and all the boxes have been ticked it is important to remember to undertake annual racking inspections and carry out any repair work that may be required to avoid the risk of accidents, injury or anything worse.
Have you got a warehouse relocation in mind? If so, we can help, get in touch to discuss
