Moving your Warehouse: A timeline for planning your racking and forklifts to ensure a successful transition.

WHEN TO START PLANNING YOUR WAREHOUSE MOVE

Planning a warehouse move or expansion is a significant undertaking that requires careful consideration and precise timing.  

From racking systems to forklifts, each component plays a vital role in ensuring your new facility operates efficiently. 

So, when should you start thinking about these crucial elements? The short answer: the earlier the better. 

Take a look at our timeline breaking down the key steps for a project with 10,000 pallet positions.

Planning ahead not only saves you money but also ensures you’re able to implement the changes and improvements you want in the new facility. 

AN EXAMPLE 10,000 PALLET PROJECT TIMELINE:

Month 1-4: Determine the size of the warehouse needed

• Begin by calculating your current storage and operational needs and future growth plans. This includes evaluating how many pallet positions you need now and projecting how many pallet positions you will store in the future. Consider the forecasted growth over the term of the lease you are planning to sign.

Months 3-4: Take advantage of professionals to help plan your space

Using up-to-date forklift and racking technology can save you millions of dollars in lease rental costs over the term of your lease. Make sure to consult with forklift and racking partners to understand what space saving technologies you can take advantage of. They’ll support you with layouts and space planning to figure out how many square feet your new space should be. 

Months 5-7: Begin the search for a new building 

Engage with your real estate broker to begin the search for a new space and enter into lease negotiations. Finalize the agreement for the new space and sign onto the lease. 

Months 5 - 7: Begin discussions on Forklifts and Racking 

While you work on securing a new space, work closely with your racking provider to design a layout that maximizes efficiency and space utilization. This includes determining which types of racking best suit your inventory needs and what type of forklift is most efficient for moving your product. 

Months 8: Fine-tune and finalize the warehouse racking layout

Once you have signed the lease for your new space, you are ready to finalize the plans for your new warehouse and place orders for racking and forklifts. The lead times can be substantial, so it's essential to place your order early. 

Months 9-14 : Racking and Forklift production

While you work on implementing your move, your forklifts and racking will be in production. Stay in communication with your supplier to ensure everything stays on schedule.

Month 15-16: Forklift delivery, training, and racking installation

As the final phase of the project, forklifts are delivered, operators are trained, and your racking is installed. At this point, your new warehouse should be ready for moving in.

Month 17 - 20: Extended Forklift lead times and phased installations

Be aware that Forklift production can take up to 12 months so make sure you are informed of the production lead time. The racking installation can be phased to allow you to use your current forklifts until your new units arrive. Discuss this possibility with your racking provider if your forklifts are scheduled to arrive after your planned move-in date.

A JOB WELL PLANNED IS A JOB HALF DONE

Planning is critical for a successful warehouse move or expansion. Here’s a few things that a racking and forklift partner can help you with: 

WHAT SIZE FACILITY DO YOU NEED? 

Based on your storage and operational needs (production, picking, shipping/receiving areas), a professional firm can assist with planning the warehouse layout, keeping in mind factors like the clear height of the facility, which affects racking and forklift requirements.

WHAT ARE YOUR SPECIFIC PALLET SORAGE REQUIREMENTS?

• Typical pallet sizes and weights: This is important to ensure that the racking has sufficient capacity for your pallet weight.

• Inventory rotation: Does your inventory require first-in, first-out (FIFO) rotation, or do you have other specific needs? Knowing this will guide the decision toward the right racking type.

• Pallet retrieval method: How do you typically store and retrieve pallets—full truckloads, batches, or individual pallets? The answer will influence your racking design and forklift selection.

WHAT'S THE MOST EFFICIENT WAREHOUSE LAYOUT?

Efficiency is key and safety is king! Maximize storage space while ensuring smooth and safe traffic flow for forklifts and workers. The layout should minimize travel time between storage and shipping/receiving areas and ensure safety of pedestrians and workers in picking areas.

WHAT FORKLIFT IS THE MOST EFFICIENT AND LONG-TERM INVESTMENT?

Forklifts should be selected based on:

• The clear height of your facility

• Weight capacity requirements

• Type of racking you are purchasing

• The narrowest possible aisle width

• Operational requirements

Choosing the right forklift will improve productivity and ensure you’re not wasting valuable warehouse space with outdated technology. Take a close look at Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) forklift options as these may be transformational in your ability to fit the maximum number of pallets into your warehouse.

WE'RE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

At Meriton Industries, we understand the complexities of warehouse moves and expansions. Our team is ready to assist you with planning, designing, and implementing solutions tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re figuring out how many pallet positions you need or determining which racking and forklifts will work best for your operation, we’re here to ensure an optimized warehouse and a smooth and successful transition.

A well-planned project is a successful project. Start early, stay organized, and work with experienced partners to get the most out of your new warehouse.

Ready to take the next step?
Contact us today to discuss your project and let us help you create your ideal warehouse.

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