A booming business often outgrows its current warehouse space. Understandably, acquiring a larger facility is the best way to accommodate growing needs. Relocating a warehouse is no small feat. Intending to move your warehouse to a new location is generally met with many potential obstacles, from finding the right property to dealing with disruptions in your supply chain.

Read on to learn more about the potential obstacles you may face when moving a warehouse and how to overcome them.

Out-Of-State Moves

Moving your warehouse out of state is the biggest of them. It can be a huge undertaking. Consider a few things before deciding to move forward with an out-of-state move. You need to consider the cost of the move itself. Hiring a company offering warehouse relocation services, renting a truck, and paying for gas and lodging can add up quickly. Make sure you have a realistic estimate of the costs before making any decisions.

It would be best if you thought about whether or not your current warehouse space is adequate for your needs. If you’re moving because you’re outgrowing your current space, then an out-of-state move may make sense. But if you’re moving simply for the sake of moving, it’s important to ensure that your new warehouse will meet your needs. Otherwise, you may find yourself back in the same situation down the road.

Lack of Planning

Take all details into account when planning a warehouse move. Even if you overlook one detail, it can jeopardize the entire operation.

Plan properly before preparing. Figure out the logistics of the move. Ensure that all your employees are on board with the transition.

Executing a successful warehouse move is only easy with a solid plan. If you are unsure where to start, plenty of resources are available online or hire a professional consultant offering warehouse relocation services to help you get everything sorted out.

Lack of All Relocation Permits

Several potential obstacles could stand in your way if your company plans to relocate a warehouse. One such obstacle is the need for all relocation permits. Your company needs these permits to move the warehouse to its new location. It can be a major problem, as it could delay the relocation process and cause your company to incur additional costs.

To avoid this problem, ensure you have all the necessary permits before you begin the relocation process. It will ensure that everything goes smoothly and that you do not encounter legal problems.

Unprofessional Staff

The staff at your current warehouse may need to be updated to move to a new facility. They may be resistant to change or need to gain the necessary skills and experience. In either case, it’s important to carefully assess your staff and determine whether they’re up to the challenge of moving a warehouse. If not, you may need to hire new staff or train existing staff members to meet the demands of the move.

Poorly Executed Packing

When packing up a warehouse for a move, it’s important to do it correctly to avoid damaging your belongings. Poorly packed boxes can easily fall over and break or get lost in the shuffle. Make sure to take the time to pack everything properly before starting the move.

Shoddy Equipment

If the equipment used to move the warehouse is not up to par, it can cause several problems. If the forklifts are not in good working condition, they could break down during the move, which would delay things. If the dollies and other moving equipment are not in good condition, they could also break down, leading to delays and possible damage to the items in transit.

Not Updating Warehouse Management System

The Warehouse Management System (WMS) is a critical part of any warehouse operation, and not updating it can lead to several problems.

If the WMS is not updated, the warehouse may not be able to track inventory levels accurately. It can lead to stock-outs or overages, which can disrupt operations and lead to lost sales. 

Not updating the WMS can make it more difficult to plan for future growth or expansion, as the system will not have accurate data on which to base projections.

Another potential problem from not updating the industrial storage system is that it may no longer be compatible with other systems in use at the company. It can create data silos and make it difficult to get an overview of the business. If the WMS is compatible with other systems, it may be easier to integrate new technologies or implement changes to existing ones.

There are a lot of potential obstacles that can occur when moving a warehouse. You can overcome these obstacles and successfully move by being prepared and having a plan. We hope our tips have helped you figure out how to move your warehouse successfully.