Tips For Storing Excess Inventory In A Storage Unit
Posted on: 6 April 2016
Excess inventory can pose a storage nightmare. You may think you will need to rent additional space for your business or move into a larger office, which can be an expensive and time consuming nightmare. A better option is to consider leasing a commercial storage space for your excess. The following tips can help simplify this off-site storage solution.
Tip #1: Create an inventory
Chances are you already have an overall inventory for your business, but you will need to now separate the inventory so it shows what is on site and what is in storage. Fortunately, most inventory software programs allow for you to flag location on individual items or units. The use of bar codes and scanning systems may be the easiest way to track items, since your staff can simply scan items as they transport them from one location to the next, thus keeping everything in your inventory system up to date.
Tip #2: Use a racking system
Finding the inventory items quickly is a must. Many commercial storage facilities offer racking systems that you can also rent to help organize everything. Make sure any racks you rent or purchase are rated for the average weights you will be storing on them. Commercial storage units aren't necessarily warehouses, though, so also keep in mind that forklifts and pallet racks may not be allowed. If you need to store items that must remain on pallet, either store these at your main office site or find a facility that has forklift accessible units.
Tip #3: Watch the temperature
There are storage units available for almost any purpose. For example, refrigerated units are available if you need to store food, or you can even get humidor storage for fine wines. For shelf-stable and non-consumable items, though, the climate may not seem as important. Unfortunately, this misconception can lead to a loss of product. Moisture is a major issue in some areas, so a humidity-controlled unit is a must for most types of products. If you are storing electronic inventory or anything else that can be damaged by heat, you should also consider temperature controls.
Tip #4: Look for 24-hour security
For a commercial storage site, 24-hour security is a must, especially if the site allows tenants after hours access. The units need to be placed behind a security fence with controlled gate access. Each individual unit should also be equipped with fully closing bay doors and access doors, along with working locks and the ability to add your own additional locks. Manned security is best, but at the very least make sure there is video surveillance on site. Visit http://www.atozstorage.net for more information.
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