Do you run a stockroom? If so, you’ve probably seen how simple it is for things to get out of hand, especially when it comes to its organization.
Stockrooms are busy places, and it’s easy to brush things aside only to have them get lost or mixed up. This can make it harder for workers to find items and could even lead to you losing money if you cannot keep track of your inventory.
To design an orderly space, check out this article. Below you’ll discover a few ways you can effortlessly arrange your stockroom.
6 Tips for Organizing Your Stockroom
- Rely on Buckets and Bins
Some stockrooms make the mistake of simply placing their items on shelves rather than putting them into containers. While this isn’t always possible for some things, smaller items could get pushed around into nearby objects. If there are openings in the shelves, they could fall through.
Buckets and bins will avert this by helping keep everything in one place. You’ll also want to label them to keep things together.
You might also consider color-coding the containers. For instance, green buckets indicate clothing, while red means electronics. This will aid you in finding things much faster.
Make sure, though, that your items properly fit inside the containers. Those that are too big or small could make it harder to find goods.
- Don’t Forget Vertical Space
Many stockrooms rely on horizontal space, but it’s important to think vertically too. With vertical space, you can build things up, not just sideways. This ensures that you’re using all areas to their fullest potential.
While you can stack containers vertically, try carousels and racks. This way, you can easily reach items without needing to take down bins. Carousels also let you electronically move items up and down so workers can grab them quickly and safely.
Be sure, though, that there is plenty of space for workers or machinery to access these vertically-placed items. If the shelves are too close or bordered by a wall, it will make it much more difficult to retrieve things.
- Use Forklifts
This device is a great way to transport your inventory, especially heavy and large loads, efficiently. Forklifts can lift inventory and transport it to designated areas. They can also reach high spaces so that you can rely on vertical space.
To better aid, you, contemplate investing in pallet forks. These slide in place over the current ones but extend them slightly so you can lift larger loads than your current forks allow. Pallet extensions are made of high-quality steel that can be custom fitted. For best results, you’ll want those that measure 42-48 inches long.
- Adjust the Layout
It might be worth considering altering the stockroom’s layout if you notice it’s hard to get around certain areas or reach specific goods. For example, if the room’s center is crowded with shelves, it might be worth moving them out toward the wall. On the other hand, if you find that certain products are extremely popular, moving them all to a specific section closest to your loading dock might be beneficial.
- Invest in Good Lighting
It might be surprising to learn that lighting can play a major role in your stockroom’s organization. Unfortunately, poorly lit areas can often get overlooked, leading to them accumulating debris over time. Besides this, some items might get lost.
To prevent this, high-quality lights are essential. Most of the time, LEDs are ideal because they’re brighter and also energy-efficient, so they can run for hours without significantly increasing your energy bill. In addition, despite being brighter, they have less glare, preventing workers from getting headaches or eye strain due to the reflection.
You can install traditional light bulbs around the stockroom and task lights. A great perk of some task lights is that their bulbs can be adjusted at various angles so you can shine lights into corners, shelves, and other hard-to-see areas without needing to install multiple sets.
- Use an Inventory App
These apps are designed to help you keep close track of your goods. You can refer to it to monitor quantities to know when it’s time to restock. Some even provide statistics to see which items are doing great and others not. By using one, you’ll find that it will be much easier to keep track of the inventory and know what is performing well. Better yet, you can give your workers access to the app so they can update it in real-time or provide notes on certain items.
Keeping a stockroom organized can be tricky, especially if you do a lot of business. However, by keeping this information in mind, you can create an efficient space to work in.
