How to Organize a Warehouse: 10 Tips to Get it Right

Article Summury

Do you run a warehouse? Are you worried that a disorganized space is keeping your business from running at top speed?

Don’t panic. There are some comprehensive solutions for warehouse organization that you may never have thought about. And they may be less stressful than you think.

Here’s what you need to know about how to organize a warehouse.

1. Train Your Staff

One of the most efficient ways to organize your warehouse is to train your staff in the right areas and keep involve them in activities where they can optimize their skill sets.

If, for example, you’re going to use a labeling system, make sure each staff member has a clear guide on the colors and numbers they should be using. You can incentivize high levels of production through rewards like bonuses and paid time off.

2. A Bay System

Many productive companies utilize a bay system in which each area gets numbered differently. You can classify them in colors as well. This way, your pickers will know where to find the types of products they’re looking for and pull them down quickly.

Plan your sections carefully and make sure your stocking staff knows what to do. You may, for example, have a separate section for dry or freezer goods. Or you may want to assign aisles by number.

Whatever your system is, it’s important that your staff has easy access to your classification lists on electronic devices so they can make the most of their time on the job.

3. Label Everything

Be sure to clearly label every box in your warehouse. Usually, labels will have a stock-keeping unit (SKU) number or a Universal Product Code (SPC.)

Clear labels will make it easy to transport the product. It will also make it easy to classify if it happens to get misplaced.

4. Stock Popular Items Lower

Items that your staff will be grabbing often can be stored at eye level. It will cut down on their traveling time.

Some shelves in your warehouse will require equipment to grab, such as a ladder or forklift. You’ll want to store necessary but less frequently grabbed items in these locations if possible. It will take your staff longer to locate and lift them.

5. Invest in a Rack Inspector

Damage or injury to your staff or products can be quite costly to you and detrimental to morale.

Investing in professional rack inspection can do more than keep your products safe. It can make your facilities last longer and minimize repair costs. Make sure to get your warehouse racks inspected at least once a year.

6. Organize Receiving

You won’t want to let the items you’re receiving pile up, as it can make your warehouse look disorganized quickly.

Make sure you arm your receiving door with a capable staff. They can inspect products and make sure their quality and quality is acceptable. There should also be a system in place for labeling and storing new items quickly.

7. Take Care of Returns

While this may be part of the receiving process, you’ll want to make sure returns are managed properly.

Make sure everything is documented and labeled, or your company will lose money quickly. You may need a staff member to do nothing but process returns during the workday.

8. Clean Regularly

During these days of extreme attention to bacteria and infections, it’s critical to keep your warehouse clean. Make sure all spills are attended to quickly as this will save you time and money.

Your staff can be trained to clean as they go, sweeping, and mopping regularly. You may also wish to disinfect surfaces with an EPA recommended disinfectant. It’s also important to empty garbage bins frequently.

9. Use Shelf Bins

Use shelf bins to organize small products that customers frequently buy.

The bins can also get used by other departments. The shipping department, for example, can use them for tags or filing invoices.

10. Get Rid of Traffic Barriers

Old shipping boxes or unstocked items can get easy to ignore after a while. They can also, however, make it difficult for your staff to get around the warehouse. They can also make your entire warehouse look cluttered.

Unpack and stock any items that need attention and free up space for people or electronic pickers.

The Importance of Warehouse Organization

Warehouse organization can do so much more than improve appearances. When your staff knows exactly where to find something, they won’t be wasting time wandering through your warehouse. And you won’t waste money paying them to do it.

Organizing your inventory now will also give you the time you need later to focus on more important matters. Advertising, sales, and new directions for your company will require careful research and thought.

An organized warehouse will also reduce the amount of theft that happens in your space. You’ll know exactly what you have and where it’s kept, so it will be obvious when something goes missing.

Your customers will also be happier when items are found and shipped on time. You can’t go wrong with the investment of time and effort it takes to organize your warehouse!