Warehouse storage vs keeping inventory at my facility

Your warehouse in Washington is packed to capacity. You're weighing the costs of renting outside storage space against expanding your current facility or dealing with cramped conditions that slow down operations.

Running out of warehouse space forces a choice between outside storage and making do with what you have. Outside storage makes sense when your facility costs more per square foot than rental rates, or when you need overflow capacity during peak seasons. The real cost includes transportation time between locations and managing inventory in two places.

Rental warehouse space in Washington typically runs $8-15 per square foot annually, depending on location and features. Your total cost includes the base rent, transportation between sites, and extra labor to manage split inventory. Projects get more expensive when you need climate control, security features, or frequent access to stored goods.

Calculate your current facility cost per square foot, then compare it to available rental space near major routes like I-5 or I-405. Look for facilities that offer inventory management services and can ship directly to customers. Gateway Distribution handles trailer staging and movement between facilities, so your operations never wait on drivers when moving inventory.

With the right storage setup, you maintain smooth operations while controlling costs. Your main facility handles daily operations while overflow storage manages seasonal inventory or slow-moving stock without disrupting your core workflow.

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