Moving to a new warehouse can be daunting, but it’s often necessary for scaling, improving efficiency, or escaping an underperforming 3PL. Here’s a practical guide to help you relocate your warehouse smoothly.
Reasons for a Warehouse Move:
- Your 3PL overpromised and underdelivered
- Your current warehouse can’t support growth
- You need more efficient shipping and freight forwarding
- You’re ready for a multi-warehouse shipping strategy
- You want to ship internationally
Tips for a Smooth Warehouse Move:
- Start Early with Equipment Relocation
- Plan logistics early and book warehouse movers in advance to ensure timely relocation.
- Organize Your Inventory
- Trim unnecessary items to reduce moving costs. Monitor inventory levels in real-time to avoid backorders.
- Plan Work Schedules
- Prepare employees for downtime and relocation tasks to maintain productivity.
- Consider the Layout of the New Warehouse
- Optimize equipment placement for efficiency and productivity.
- Communicate with Customers and Vendors
- Inform stakeholders about your new location and update business listings to avoid disruptions.
- Get Familiar with the New Location
- Know the new warehouse’s keys, security codes, parking, and internet access.
- Tear Down Equipment Carefully
- Plan the timing to minimize productivity loss during dismantling.
- Install Equipment in the New Warehouse
- Ensure proper and safe installation to avoid operational issues.
- Monitor New Lead Times and ROPs
- Adjust reorder points according to new lead times to maintain stock levels.
- Understand New SLAs and SOPs
- Evaluate the new warehouse’s service agreements and operating procedures to align with your expectations.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Warehouse Location:
- Shipping Zones: Minimize shipping zones to reduce costs and improve delivery speed.
- International Fulfillment: Localize distribution to lower shipping costs for international orders.
- Import Fees and Freight Costs: Choose locations closer to ports or with better receiving processes.
- Real Estate Costs: Balance storage fees and shipping costs by selecting strategically located warehouses.
Ready to Simplify Your Business Move? Contact Business Moving Group today for a free consultation! Visit us at businessmoving.com for helpful resources and to learn more about our services.
