To help you get started, we have created this step-by-step guide to planning your warehouse relocation.

1. Evaluate your current set-up

One of the best parts about moving to a new warehouse is that you can reorganise your space and set up in a way that works better for your business. For that reason, it is worth taking the time to audit your current warehouse’s layout and company workflow. This is your chance to iron out any kinks before you move to a new space. 

A few points to consider about your warehouse include:

• Could it be more efficient?
• Could you reorganise or relocate your storage racking?
• Would moving departments around increase productivity?
• What condition is your specialist equipment in? Is it more cost-effective to decommission and replace it?
• Can you eliminate any inventory?
• Could your current inventory management system be optimised?
• Can you fine-tune your fleet management practices?

You can also ask your employees for feedback to help inform the design and setup of your new commercial warehouse.

2. Consider the future

When moving your current set-up from one warehouse to the next, it’s worth taking a moment to consider the opportunities that lie ahead. For example, nearly all Mileway customers sell online and expect an average growth in revenue of over 30%. Considering the significant growth in e-commerce over the years, we’re not all that surprised! When an e-commerce-focused business starts looking for a new warehouse, it has to consider how the property can accommodate or encourage such growth.

So, when it’s time to move, consider your future operations and projected growth forecast. This will also help you avoid having to move again in a few years. 

When looking for a new commercial warehouse, ask yourself:

• Will you be expanding your workforce? Consider more space and infrastructure.
• Will you be introducing any new products? Determine whether you need to rearrange your storage layout.
• Are you part of the e-commerce boom? Align your growth forecast with changes in the market.
• Will you need a warehouse that supports your Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives? Consider how you can reduce the energy consumption of your warehouse.
• Will you be expanding your fleet? Assess what parking space you’ll need.
• Will you be changing the way your warehouse operates? Specialised amenities like loading doors may help you.

The goal is to know where everything will go before you move warehouses, so mapping the new premises is a great place to start. It’s a good idea to allow more space than you think you might need, as the shape of the new warehouse may differ, or you may want to consider further scaling in the future.

Remember, utilising the height of your warehouse is one of the most effective ways of getting more from your space. You may want to consider taller warehouse racking or even a mezzanine floor for office spaces.

3. Make a warehouse relocation checklist

Planning a commercial relocation doesn’t mean your day-to-day operations will come to a stop. Depending on the nature and size of your operation, you may even need to stagger the move, creating further logistical challenges for getting back to business.

With this in mind, it can be worth creating a firm relocation project plan at least six months in advance. This can cover:

• What equipment needs to be shut down, relocated, replaced, or sourced
• What services or obligations may be disrupted by the move
• How long will it take to pack, move, and unload the warehouse’s contents
• Where equipment and work areas will be in the new warehouse
• De and re-constructing any IT infrastructure
• Arrangements for temporary storage
• Any checks required to ensure equipment is operating safely at the new warehouse

4. Booking the move and scheduling deliveries

Once you have agreed and confirmed the date for the move, book a well-reviewed moving company. Sometimes they can be booked up for months in advance, so we’d recommend doing this as early as you can, especially if your relocation plan includes specialist warehouse equipment. 

You will also want to communicate the moving date, along with the moving company’s details, to your shipping managers and coordinate a plan for how deliveries will be taking place. Delays or mistakes in deliveries could prevent you from getting operations up and running again at the new warehouse, or even harm your relationship with clients.

In the lead-up to the warehouse move date, consider how much inventory you should reasonably order, depending on how your operations will be affected by the move. You could order less to reduce the amount you have to transport, or you may decide to order more in advance so you have fewer tasks to do when you’re in your new space. 

You may also want to keep any deliveries to be sent out in a separate place just prior to the move. This will not only help prevent any logistical mistakes but also facilitate loading and transportation.

5. Employee work schedules

On top of your standard business operations, you’ll need to allocate more time for moving into the new warehouse. You may decide to bring on some temporary staff or hire more full-time employees, if that aligns with your growth forecast. You might also choose to get your current staff involved, though all options require careful coordination to pull off.

Start by figuring out how you intend to divide up the work, so every part of your supply chain runs efficiently. Creating employee work schedules for the duration of the move will help everyone understand their own roles and responsibilities. Some staff might require safety briefs, and you will also have to account for downtime, compliance, and potential delays.

Remember, good communication is vital, so ensure employees are aware of key information and provide them with an agenda for the move.

6. Organise warehouse inventory

A sensible business will have a clear, up-to-date inventory for its warehouse. A commercial relocation is a great excuse to review the contents of your warehouse and decide what you want to get rid of. At the same time, a well-structured inventory will help highlight particularly valuable or fragile items that require special care.

Remember, transferring unnecessary items over to your new facility will just add to your costs. If they cannot be sold, you will need to review UK waste regulations to make sure you can dispose of them correctly.

7. Create a list of contacts and phone numbers

As we mentioned earlier, communication will be key during your move. Start compiling a list of contact numbers for your team to distribute to your workforce. Anyone involved in the move may need to contact managers about delays or emergencies. 

At the same time, make sure your staff have clear and reliable lines of communication to any outside companies hired to help with the move. This will help prevent communication bottlenecks while also keeping everyone updated on any developments.

8. Check the new building’s regulations

Before getting started with planning your warehouse move, check what restrictions apply at the new location. Are any permits or regulations required? If so, failing to accommodate them could stop your business in its tracks. Remember, building codes can vary even between UK cities, so don’t assume anything in the run-up to your move.

Local authorities will also need to be involved in the warehouse planning. Speak to them early to discuss factors like fire escape routes, sprinklers, and car parking. This will all help ensure you can get back to business as soon as possible once the move is complete.

9. Change address and transfer details

Logistics are a key part of warehouse management, and you’ll need to make sure any suppliers, clients, utility providers or other points of contact know about your relocation. This will include making sure they have your new address and contact details well in advance, as well as transferring services like electricity and internet to your new warehouse.

This also applies to your digital presence. Be sure to update your information on any company websites or social media pages. This will ensure potential customers can still get in touch after the move takes place.

Making the most of your warehouse with Mileway

Mileway understands that the property needs of businesses change over time. Whether you are planning to upsize, optimise, or diversify, Mileway’s UK and Europe-spanning portfolio can help you grow with confidence.

We’re also making it a priority to support our customers’ own sustainability goals. We’re committed to making our warehouses more energy-efficient to help reduce heating costs and lower their carbon footprint.

Are you looking to move warehouses and need the perfect property in your region? With a portfolio covering properties across the UK, all situated within close proximity to major cities, Mileway has exactly what you need. Browse our commercial properties or contact Mileway today to find out more.