Warehouse storage vs keeping inventory at my facility

Your warehouse in Missouri is running out of room. You're weighing the cost and complexity of renting outside storage space against keeping everything under your own roof. The math isn't always obvious when you factor in transportation and inventory management.

Running out of space forces a choice between expansion and outside storage. Your facility costs include rent, utilities, labor, and equipment per square foot. Outside warehouse storage adds rental fees but might cost less per square foot than your current space, especially if you're near I-70 or I-44 where industrial real estate runs higher.

Outside storage typically costs $3-8 per square foot annually in Missouri, depending on location and services included. Add transportation costs between your facility and the warehouse. Factor in inventory management complexity and whether you need the storage provider to ship directly to customers. Peak season overflow storage often makes more sense than permanent expansion.

Calculate your total cost per square foot at your current facility, including utilities and labor. Compare that to rental rates plus transportation costs. Look for warehouses that offer inventory tracking and can ship directly to your customers. Gateway Distribution provides secure warehouse space with inventory management and direct shipping capabilities from our network.

The right outside storage setup gives you flexible capacity without the fixed costs of expansion. You keep control of your core operations while handling overflow efficiently. Your inventory stays tracked and accessible without the overhead of managing a larger facility year-round.

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