As online shopping and e-commerce become the norm, converting spaces into warehouses has become an increasingly popular trend. But before stocking it with inventory or moving boxes around, there are certain steps you need to take when turning an empty space into a functional warehouse.

In this article, we will outline 10 essential considerations when creating an efficient yet practical warehouse space; from logistics solutions to storage solutions, these key factors can help maximize available warehouse space.

01

Location

To design the perfect warehouse, the first step should be selecting an ideal location. Be sure to consider such factors as accessibility, proximity to customers, and cost of land when selecting your chosen spot. In addition, consider expansion plans when making this important decision.

02

Layout

Once you have identified an ideal location for your facility, the next step in designing your warehouse space should be planning its layout. This involves selecting which sections will be dedicated to receiving, storing, and shipping goods, as well as how much room should be set aside for each activity. Be sure to leave enough room between sections and optimize storage solutions according to product size/shape needs.

03

Safety Ergonomics

Safety must always be the top priority when designing a warehouse, both for employees and visitors alike. Ensure steps are taken to prevent accidents by installing appropriate lighting supplies and signage, using durable flooring materials, implementing regular inspection protocols of equipment, as well as taking into consideration ergonomic solutions that enable workers to carry out their duties safely and efficiently.

04

Material Handling Equipment

From forklifts and pallet jacks to conveyors, material handling equipment is key for optimizing the flow of goods through your warehouse facility. When purchasing quality products from reliable vendors, long-term maintenance costs will decrease substantially.

05

Logistics

To maximize efficiency in any warehouse environment, working with a logistics specialist or consultant to develop an optimal system that fits both your unique requirements and will save both time and money is key to its success.

06

Storage Solutions

A warehouse must utilize efficient storage solutions to maximize available space, so when selecting products suited for storage, consider shelving units, mobile racks, mezzanine systems, or vertical carousels depending on product shapes and sizes.

07

Packaging Equipment

Investing in quality packaging equipment such as shrink wrappers and case sealers can speed up the packing process while guaranteeing those products remain well protected during transport.

08

Security Systems

Warehouse security should always be of top importance; investing in an all-inclusive security system such as cameras, motion detectors, access control systems, or similar technologies is vital in protecting goods from theft or damage.

09

Labeling

A proper labeling system is critical to quickly and accurately shipping products from your warehouse facility and inventory management. Consider investing in dedicated software if you plan on handling large volumes of shipments and orders.

10

Automation

Automating processes such as picking and packing can have a tremendously positive impact on productivity and cost savings in your warehouse. Consider automating pick and pack processes using robots or automated storage solutions to increase efficiencies while decreasing labor costs.

Takeaways

By keeping these 10 tips in mind when designing a warehouse, you can ensure its maximum efficiency and profitability. By having the appropriate layout, equipment, and security measures in place, you will soon be making use of every available square inch in your facility.

In celebration of Earth Day 2020, I decided to put together my personal list of tips for year-round sustainable living. These are habits that I either practice or strive to practice. I think that every small effort counts, and with the current state of our world facing COVID-19, it has never been more apparent of how much influence we each have on our earth as a whole. We all can affect change, and it starts in our homes.

Tip 1

Reuse & repurpose

It’s so easy to build a collection of mason jars and glassware simply by not throwing them out after you have used their contents. I save almost every glass jar and bottle and use them mainly as drinking glasses, but I have also used them as food storage as well. For instance, some coffee brands come in cute glass jars with plastic lids. I use these to store things like sugar, chia seeds, and tea. You can also repurpose candle jars in the same way. They usually come with pretty lids, so I tend to always buy candles with that in mind. This is also a good thing to apply to any product packaging you buy. Look for product packaging that you can reuse and repurpose, and you will have gotten more of your money’s worth.

Tip 2

Only buy what you need

This tip applies to everything that you buy. We tend to have more than we need—and that applies to everything from food to clothing. My philosophy is that if I buy only what I need, I can fully use those resources for their entire lifetime value. You will find that the overall lifetime cost of items decrease because you will use things more frequently and not waste money on the same items. This takes a lot of discipline because who doesn’t love variety? However, you will find that you are more intentional with the things you do buy and will only buy things with quality in mind versus quantity.

Tip 3

Forage & thrift

There are so many marketplaces today where you can find quality items for less. Instead of buying things brand new, consider looking for used items. Items like furniture are good items to thrift because they usually last longer, so you can find them in great condition and still get the look you are going for. I love thrifting because I can usually find anything I want. It just takes time, but I have found that the pieces that I want always pop up at the perfect time.

As far as clothing is concerned, I haven’t really explored this area that much because I just don’t have the patience for clothes shopping, but I admire when others do it. There are so many great stores like Savers where you can find brand name clothing in really good condition. There are also consignment stores that carry new/gently used items for a fraction of the cost. It’s amazing at how many options there actually are.

Tip 4

Limit buying commercial household cleaners

Household cleaners typically have a lot of chemicals and health hazards, so I tend to stick to one household cleaner that is multi-purpose and also a more natural alternative. Of course we’re all currently frantic about sanitizing everything in sight these days, but there are always natural alternatives. I typically use and keep on-hand the following natural disinfectants and cleaners: Alcohol, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, oil of oregano, lavender, and lemon essential oil. They are safer for the environment and safer for the boys and I. For my all-purpose cleaner, I use Mrs. Meyer’s, and then I add some of the other natural ingredients to the mix. I don’t like using harsh chemicals, but recently I have felt the pressure to up the ante by using Clorox bleach. I have a little bit of anxiety about using it because I vowed not to all these years, but I’m just taking that extra measure, at least for now.

Tip 5

Be conscious about consumerism

We are so pressured to buy things that it takes some real effort and discipline to say NO! It’s okay to not fall for the constant year-round holiday marketing messages. We are literally bombarded with it everywhere, and it can get so exhausting with trying to keep up with it all that I just said to the F with it—I’m not participating anymore. My motto is, I’ll buy it if and when I need it, and only if I can get it for less than MSRP (most of the time). I wait on larger purchases, and I make sure to always save on anything else. Saving money for me is a lifestyle, so I feel accomplished when I can do so while still granting my needs.

Tip 6

Eat at home

Home-cooked meals not only save money, but they save on gas, packaging, waste, and an endless need for a supply chain that goes far beyond the table. It’s not only healthier, but better for living sustainably because the whole purpose is to live within our means and to maintain a certain way of life that is better for us and the environment. If we are always eating out, we are giving in to that consumerism-mindset that controls a lot of our purchases. Now, of course ya girl loves to eat out, but I do limit it, and I actually have a greater appreciation for it when I do.

Tip 7

Be mindful of how you use/waste resources

Building an awareness of what we use and how much of it we use is important throughout our daily lives. Sometimes things can get so excessive and we can be wasteful of things that can be used more sparingly to extend its life. Instead of buying things with a one-time use, consider buying items that you can use for years. Here are a few products with that in mind:

A little can go a long way when deciding to purchase sustainable products. You’ll be investing in things that will last you years upon years and that is worth every penny. @kieramosswellness_

• Glass Straws - These are an essential that come in various other materials, but glass is my personal favorite because they’re clear and you can ensure they are clean with each use.

• Beeswax Food Wraps - Instead of plastic wrap, use these sustainable covers free of chemicals that last for up to a year. They also come in fun designs!

• Glass Food Storage with Wood Lids - Instead of purchasing plastic tupperware, consider glass and wood options that don’t leach chemicals.

• Reusable Bamboo Paper Towels - Paper towels are a thing of the past for me, as I do not purchase them. However, these are a great sustainable option.

• Bamboo Utensils - Take this wherever you go and reduce your dependance on plasticware. They’re also cuter anyway!

• Reusable Cotton Rounds/Makeup Remover Pads - Cotton rounds, cotton pads, and makeup remover wipes all add up over time, so these are an essential that will save you so much money and so much waste.

• Cotton & Bamboo Ear Swabs - We don’t really think about it, but traditional ear swabs are sometimes made with plastic. Try choosing a more biodegradable option if you must use disposable products.

• Bamboo Toothbrush - This is another product that is typically made with plastic, so switching to bamboo will ensure that once it hits the landfill, it is biodegradable.

• Mesh & Muslin Produce Bags - Plastic can accumulate quickly when packing up produce, so these will come in handy for every grocery trip and for storing food at home.

• Wool Dryer Balls - I have stopped using dryer sheets long ago, but these are a great alternative if you do wish to use them. Avoid the harmful chemicals in fabric softener and dryer sheets by using these instead.

• Walnut Scouring Pads - I really love these and find that they last very long. They actually naturally degrade with use, so I thought that was cool.

There are so many other biodegradable, reusable, and eco-friendly options to reduce our waste, but just trying your best is enough, so don’t feel pressured to go all in with every single one of these. I sure am not perfect, but I love that there are so many options available.

Tip 8

Appreciate nature

Sometimes it is so easy to get caught up in this technology-driven life that we live that we can forget our dependence on the earth—and oftentimes take it for granted. We must realize that we are a part of this ecosystem, not apart from it. We can not exist apart from it, so we need to find more ways to nurture that relationship so that we can have a stronger connection with our earth again. If we do, we will not want to harm our planet and we will do whatever we can to protect it. We need to educate ourselves about the things impacting our world and build that awareness because we have become so distant from our source. I love to watch Liziqi on Youtube because she inspires me to connect with nature and reminds me that nature is life. I aspire to live a life like hers—simple and guided by my passions and reliance on the earth.

Do your best

Perfection is not a thing, so I always tell myself to do my best in every area. One small step is better than nothing, so just keep taking them. Coming to a place where you feel rewarded by your small actions will bring you joy over time, and you will chase that feeling and create more of those habits. Always think beyond today and what ripple effects your actions will cause in the future. If you can foresee the small things leading up to big things, your actions will most definitely change. You will have a sense of responsibility that only you can hold yourself to. But as a whole, we each encourage and inspire each other, so our impact goes beyond our homes and into the homes of our friends and family. So, you see, our reach can be so far if we just do our best.

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