Are the parts at your automotive service starting to get clustered? Is it getting tough to organize everything so that you deal with zero customer complaints?
Lucky for you, we know a few ways you can keep track of everything in your warehouse. Our ideas combine what you may already use to store items with techniques you may have not considered before.
Having a clear understanding of the layout of your warehouse will make accessing your auto warehouse a piece of cake. Getting the opinions of the right people in your industry is also important.
By following our auto storage tips, you can avoid losing parts or cleaning up messes. This will also make it easier for sales, repairs, and other jobs that will bring in more customers.
Here are six tips and tricks to help organize your warehouse shelving.
1. Arrange by Size
One of the mistakes that people make when storing objects is putting heavier materials on shelves that can’t hold the weight. The shelves may seem sturdy for now, but over time, you might notice them slowly giving out.
As far as auto warehouses go, especially smaller ones, the best way to organize items is to go by size. The smaller tools go at the top of your shelves, and the bigger ones go at the bottom.
Wrenches, screwdrivers, ratchets, and equipment the same size can go on the top shelves. The top part of your shelves should also be low enough for each person at your shop to reach.
Your tires and engines can go on the bottom shelves. If there is space between the last shelf and the floor, that can also work.
Before you set everything up, it helps to have all of your equipment laid out in order of size. This will allow you to determine which items can fit together, thus saving you money on buying extra shelves.
2. Consider Rolling Toolboxes for Warehouse Shelving
There are other ways to store heavier parts like doors and hoods that may not be able to fit in drawers or shelves. It’s even better if whatever you put them on can also move.
Having storing options on wheels can save you time in moving parts to areas where you are putting cars together or taking them apart. This is also a financial decision because the quicker you can satisfy a customer, the more likely they are going to do business with you in the future.
In this case, we recommend rolling toolboxes. You can keep spare doors and tires in them and push them between work centers and storing areas.
The toolboxes you use may depend on the size and design of the parts you’re using. Bigger parts will require bigger toolboxes, as well as those with bigger and stronger wheels.
This is also a chance to have easy access to smaller tools for installation. If there’s enough room in the rolling box, you can always store them in the corner to save walks to the shelves.
3. Use One Space
The closer all of your tools and parts are, the quicker you will be able to get your projects done. If you’re on a tight schedule, then it may be best to keep everything in one spot.
This is especially helpful for those operating smaller auto shops, or at least shops with smaller rooms. You can avoid having to walk to another room to get tools for something you’re working on somewhere else.
Parts shelving in one area will make it easier to find specific equipment. The shelves should be spaced for objects of certain sizes for extra convenience.
This is also a better option for storing smaller equipment, which you can move around easier in smaller spaces. However, you can store tires and engines on the bottom shelf if the cars you’re working on are on the smaller side.
You can click here to see how you can fit boxes in small areas or for quick access. Also, make sure that there is enough space between entrances and exits to prevent anything from getting knocked over.
4. Talk to Contractors and Managers
Getting opinions from experts in your field will help you get tasks done right the first time. As far as warehouse racking goes, you should consider what similar professionals have done to arrange their tools.
Contractors and managers that work with you or other auto shops should have some good advice on how to store equipment. You can learn about the mistakes and corrections they made so that you can achieve perfect organization skills.
Those who have just started running their own auto shops should especially follow this tip. This is especially true if you’re trying to run a shop that more advanced forms of auto technology
They may advise sectioning off different equipment based on their use. You can also learn quick ways to access tools based on your projects.
Hearing out contractors and managers may require spending a little extra money, whether it’s on extra shelving or moving your business to a different setting. However, this may help you make more money down the line.
5. Use Specialty Shelving
Some car parts are harder to store on flat shelves than others. It may be because their design doesn’t let them lay flat on one side, or they’re just too big for your space.
That’s where specialty shelving comes in, as it stores particular parts in ways that keep them safe and organized. Whether you own a big shop or a small one, this will decrease the chances of breaking your shelving or parts falling over during transportation.
Engines, doors, hoods, fenders, and bumpers can be stored with special racks with hooks. You can hang them up the same way you do with clothes when you’re doing laundry.
If you also happen to work on motorcycles, as well, then you can use shelves and hooks specifically for bike parts. You can even use the same hooks for SUVs, trucks, and motorcycles as a way to shelve specific parts.
Your shelving planner can also use space for parts that are long but not as thick as the parts we previously mentioned. These shelves can also store the smaller components of different vehicles, as well as tools for putting them together.
6. Consider Multi-Purpose Storing
One way to save money on inventory shelving is to use different equipment to store particular objects. This comes in handy for when certain areas don’t have enough room for anything else.
If you have some extra space in your cabinets or desks, for example, you can put smaller parts of the vehicles in them. This can help if you’re working on fewer cars during the day.
Equipment not designed specifically for storing can also come in handy. Floor jacks and jack stands, for example, can hold lighter parts when you’re not using them to work under an SUV or truck.
On the other hand, you can use a spare car to store parts if your shelves and racks are overstuffed. Make sure that your trunk or backseat is completely empty beforehand.
Boxes are helpful for shelving small parts with tools. You can put small dividers in each box to keep them separate.
Our Take
Knowing where and how to operate warehouse shelving is a good way to save time and money for your business. If you remember where you put certain parts, you can access them quickly to get your jobs done.
Setting up an environment that is spacious and productive also makes your work environment comfortable and enjoyable. Combining all of these tips will allow your parts and tools to be effective on a regular basis.
Check out more of our auto tips today so that you can operate on cars without a hitch.