Oct 16, 2025

Warehouse Space Planning: Layout Tips with Shelves & Racking

When it comes to your warehouse, every square foot counts. Effective warehouse space planning helps you get the most from your facility—boosting storage capacity, safety, and productivity. By using the right combination of new and used pallet racking and shelving, you can make your space more efficient today and flexible for the future.

For a selection of new and used pallet racking and shelving in Edmonton, GD Liquidators has you covered. Let’s have a look at effective warehouse space planning to help you get started.

Maximize Space with Pallet Racking and Shelving

The most effective warehouse layouts use both racking and shelving together.

  • Pallet racking is ideal for heavy goods, bulk storage, and palletized inventory. It makes use of your available vertical space and supports large-scale operations.
  • Shelving works best for smaller items, tools, or quick-pick inventory that needs easy access.

Combining the two systems helps you maximize warehouse square footage—keeping bulk stock in pallet racks and using nearby shelving for picking or order fulfillment.

If you’re in Edmonton, GD Liquidators offers a full range of new and used pallet racks and new and used shelving to help you build an efficient layout without overspending.

Plan for the Right Aisle Width

Aisle width plays a major role in both storage density and operational safety.

  • Standard forklifts typically require 10 to 12 feet of clearance.
  • If you use narrow aisle or reach trucks, you can reduce that to 6 to 7 feet, increasing your racking capacity.

Always plan your aisle widths based on equipment type, turning radius, and workflow patterns before finalizing your layout.

Account for Proper Safety Clearance

While it’s tempting to add more racks to increase your warehouse capacity, planning for safety should always be your first priority.

  • Keep access to fire exits, sprinklers, and electrical panels clear.
  • Maintain safe overhead clearances for lighting, ventilation, and forklift operation.
  • Ensure aisles remain free of clutter to reduce the risk of collisions or injuries.

Prioritizing safety doesn’t just protect workers—it also keeps your operation running smoothly.

Design for Flexibility and Growth

Your warehouse needs today may not be the same as a few years from now. Smart warehouse space planning should allow for easy changes and adaptations as your business grows.

  • Choose modular racking and shelving systems that can be reconfigured or expanded.
  • Organize racking into zones, so you can add more sections without disrupting existing workflows.
  • Design traffic flow with future expansion in mind, including possible equipment upgrades or new product lines.

Work with the Right Supplier for New & Used Pallet Racking and Shelving in Edmonton

At GD Liquidators, we help businesses make the most of their warehouse space. From new and used pallet racks to new and used shelving, our Edmonton experts can guide you through layout design, safety considerations, and scalable storage solutions.

Whether you’re outfitting a new facility or optimizing an existing one, we’ll help you plan for maximum efficiency and long-term flexibility in your warehouse.

Contact GD Liquidators today to discuss your warehouse space planning needs and discover how the right racking and shelving setup can transform your operation.

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