If you are a large ecommerce company, you likely already
have a large shipping station organized and ready to go. For you the shipping
process is probably pretty streamlined. But if you are a smaller business you
may have shipping supplies all over the place. By keeping your shipping
supplies organized all in one place, you can reduce the stress of shipping and
make the process go faster. Here’s our guide to making that possible.
Observe Your
Available Space
The space you have available to you will vary greatly. You
may have space in a building you’ve rented or a studio, or you may be working
out of your garage or just from the kitchen table. Before you begin to stock
supplies, you need to look at this space you have and decide, realistically,
how much of this space can be dedicated to your shipping supplies. You can’t
stock all of your boxes on your kitchen table, for example. Once you understand
the space you have to work with, you can begin to get organized.
Assess The Supplies
You Need
There are certain shipping supplies you should always have
on hand. Some of these are the basics, and some of these will be specific to
your business. You will likely have labels, bubble wrap, corrugated boxes, and
other similar items. Figure out what items you will need regularly and make
sure you have them.
Larger Items Lower,
Smaller Items Higher
You don’t want to have to extend your reach to pull down large
boxes. This can easily lead to injury. Instead, keep larger, more bulky
shipping supplies lower where you can easily reach them. Maybe you store them
under a table or desk, or maybe you stack them besides your workstation. This
depends on the space you have available to you. Storing things vertically and
higher up can save on space, but only do this with smaller, lightweight items.
Keep Regularly Used
Items Nearby
Scissors, packaging tape, and labels are the types of items
you will be using for just about anything you ship. Keep those at your packing
station at all times, placed somewhere out of the way but within reach. Needing
to leave the room for scissors while packing up shipments wastes a lot of time.
Keep It Comfortable
If you have occasions when you work at your shipping station
for long periods of time, you need to make sure your workspace is comfortable.
Install enough lighting so it is easy to see. Make sure you have air flow, such
as by using an indirect fan. Having a portable electric heater for the winter
months can keep you warm while you work. Consider these things and make space
for them.
Use Labels
Labels are essential, especially if you are storing items in
storage cabinets. Make your labels clear and color-coded to make it easier to
find the items you are looking for. This is also great because if you need to
bring in extra help, these people will be able to quickly find each shipping
supply they are looking for.
We hope these tips will help you keep your shipping supplies
better organized. Have any tips of your own? Share them in the comments!
