Warehouse storage vs keeping inventory at my facility?

Your warehouse is bursting at the seams. You're weighing the cost of renting outside storage against cramming more into your current Missouri facility. The math gets tricky when you factor in transportation, access, and inventory management between two locations.

Outside warehouse storage makes sense when your facility costs exceed rental rates or when you need overflow capacity during peak seasons. Missouri's central location along I-70 and I-44 gives you access to affordable warehouse space, but splitting inventory creates new challenges. You'll need systems to track what's where and coordinate shipments from multiple locations.

Costs vary widely based on space type and services included. Basic warehouse storage runs $3-8 per square foot annually in Missouri markets. Add inventory management, picking, and direct shipping services, and costs can double. Factor in transportation between your facility and the storage location. Calculate total cost per unit stored, not just the rental rate.

Start by mapping your inventory flow and identifying what could move to external storage. Slow-moving items and seasonal stock are good candidates. Gateway Distribution's yard management services can help coordinate trailer movements between your facility and storage locations, keeping your operation running smoothly without driver delays. Get quotes from facilities that offer inventory management and can ship directly to customers.

The right setup gives you breathing room at your main facility while maintaining control over your inventory. You'll have space for daily operations and a reliable system for accessing stored items when needed.

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