Options for overflow warehousing 

This article considers containers, leasing off-site, reorganisation, relocation and temporary buildings, alongside key requisites of speed, period of use, suitability and cost.

Shipping containers 

Containers are for hire or sale and around 8ft - 40ft long. There is usually a large volume available, which is reflected in lower prices. This easy and affordable option can present problems though. 

Rusty metal containers don’t perhaps reflect the company image you want to portray to customers or employees. Furthermore, trying to adapt the unit so it’s fit for purpose can change an easy solution into a time-consuming headache.

Shelving might be needed so sensitive items can go lower down to avoid condensation drips. Insulation and ventilation may be required, so using the container in the summer or winter doesn’t become an uncomfortable imposition for you or your staff. 

Lastly, even with multiple stacked units, they often aren’t large enough.

Warehousing off-site

Local, suitable off-site space with flexible pricing and terms can often be quickly found. If you’re moving some of your inventory though, the biggest challenge might be managing it over multiple sites.  

Outsourcing the supply chain management for your overflow needs full integration with your IT system.  And, finding a supplier that can match your standards in areas of staffing, quality, efficiency, delivery times and environmental values, could be challenging. 

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Managing the overflow yourself gives you control, but will probably create additional transport costs, associated emissions and extra travelling time; potentially making your operation less efficient. On paper, off-site warehousing looks straightforward. In reality, it needs a lot of research and planning.

Relocation 

If your overflow warehousing looks like a long-term problem, it’s prudent to explore relocation possibilities. This is an expensive option. Workforce, investment and customer communication also all need careful consideration, as does IT. It must be placed in to careful trusted hands. Customers and staff will lose patience with delays getting back to 100% efficiency. However, evaluating all issues and options before a relocation is forced on you can only be beneficial.

Reorganisation 

Perhaps before making any decision, it’s worth reviewing your existing operation. The options to maximise and optimise all available warehouse space are as many as the companies offering the improvements. Racking, shelving, use of height, depth, slot size and aisle width can all be reassessed.

Temporary buildings 

This is a flexible option that comes with hire or buy contracts and combines most of the above pros and few of the cons.  

Unlike a shipping container, a temporary building comes with various cladding options for insulation and colour options to match branding.     

The turnaround of shipping containers and off-site leasing can be matched as temporary buildings require no foundations and can usually be installed in 4/5 days; meaning your overflow could be securely stored on site within weeks.   

Buildings are much larger than shipping containers, up to 30m width and 6m wall height as standard, with unlimited lengths and the ability to link them together or to your existing warehouse.   

Temporary buildings are also engineered with the same structural safety standards as a leased warehouse, ensuring long-term use if you wanted to purchase one.  

If you’re using some of your existing warehouse space as a workshop or for equipment storage, you can relocate these into temporary buildings, freeing up maximum warehouse space for inventory. 

Additionally, choosing temporary buildings as an interim option gives breathing space to consider relocation and reorganisation.