Warehouse storage vs keeping inventory at my facility?

Your facility is packed and you're weighing the costs of outside warehouse space against expanding on-site. Montana businesses often face this choice during peak seasons or growth spurts. The math isn't always obvious when you factor in transportation, management complexity, and your current cost per square foot.

Running out of room forces a choice between expensive facility expansion and renting warehouse space elsewhere. Your current space might cost $15-25 per square foot when you include utilities, insurance, and staff time. Outside storage typically runs $8-15 per square foot but adds transportation costs and inventory management complexity.

The total cost depends on how often you move products between locations and whether the warehouse offers direct shipping to customers. Factor in fuel costs along Interstate 90 or Interstate 15, staff time for coordination, and any inventory tracking systems. Peak season overflow often justifies the expense, but year-round storage needs careful analysis.

Calculate your true facility costs per square foot including utilities, insurance, and labor. Compare that to warehouse rental plus transportation between locations. Gateway Distribution offers inventory tracking and direct customer shipping from our secure facility, which can eliminate double-handling costs. Get quotes for both short-term and long-term arrangements.

The right choice gives you flexible capacity without breaking your budget. You'll know exactly where inventory sits and can scale up or down based on demand. Most businesses find the peace of mind worth the coordination effort.

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