You need rolling benches, not trolleys. Especially with the ready to list benches. You can switch out the benches when you are ready for another batch.
Excellent. You'll need a dozen Trolley's for your business, and they're not cheap. I haven't heard you talk about tables. Where are they're going, the dimensions, how much weight they can hold, etc. Always best to draw this stuff out before moving a single book, or as I've mentioned before, give all measurements, all requirements, to Fiver, and hire a few people at different price points to get a good variety of options to choose from, then arrange your warehouse 😊
What about a robot vacuum that does the work for you? That might help between mopping. Looking great! I can’t wait to see your business really take off!!
@@imjody I'm in the US. Do you know what it costs here? I've looked at some, but I don't know what is the best brand, and Dyson is too steep for me. Thanks!
Moving the packing station to the other wall away from the door🚪was definitely the right answer plus it will mirror the set up you had in the other warehouse - which is ideal. Tom is very insightful & knowledgeable. Using the skid loader to move tubs of books 📕 over was so much more efficient than the personal car. 🚗 I like Tom’s hat. 🎩
Love you and Thom together! He respects it’s your business, gives advice when you need, but the decisions and the workload are yours and yours to manage just as his warehouses and workloads are his to manage. That’s true independence in a mutually loving relationship. If it was both your business together I’d get the comment that guy made about “dropping everything for his wife” (I’d hate that and vice versa with my partner - why would he do that - that’s condescending to me!!!) but you can see Thom respects it’s your business! And that’s rare in a man! You guys rock!! Love you both and love your videos Mel - especially seeing you and your books everyday - a bibliomaniac’s dream ❤
I've mentioned to Mel that if her business was mine, I'd spend half the workday pulling books for myself. I did that on a much smaller scale, overseeing the used books and media at a Salvation Army in the US. They gave me free rein and I treated it like my own store. I loved every minute of that hard but rewarding work. I was able to fill in a lot of gaps in my book collections.😊
Mel, when I first saw you moving I thought you'd pull out paperwork with a floor plan and desired layout lol, seeing you are always organised. You can even get software to help you plan it out, all to scale.
I had a plan on paper although it wasn’t to size scale. And I knew in my head what I wanted but it didn’t work out how I thought it would once it was visually set up
Have you considered drawing a floor plan? When I helped redesign an ecommerce warehouse, we measured the footprint of every piece of equipment (including the trolleys that moved around), then drew up the various stations and arrangements. Then while you're drafting the floor plan options, you do "spaghetti" diagrams - basically, set your pencil on a point in the station or warehouse, then draw out your movements as you mentally do a process & don't lift the pencil until you've run that process multiple times. That tells you what parts of the plan are visited most often or that are inconveniently located, so should be changed. It let us test multiple floorplans without moving actual shelves - both for what would fit & for efficiency & workflow. Good luck with your move! I hope it goes as smoothly as possible!
I did draw one up but it wasn't to scale with actual measurements. I was very clear in my head how I wanted it but it doesn't always work out how I expected. I'm a very visual person and I need to see and "feel" it to know if it's right for me
I love that Thom is so loving, and you can see how much he cares for you, but when it comes to business, he doesn't sugar coat things, even though there's the relationship there...very rare, it's amazing to see. Hope you both have a wonderful Christmas, and a very healthy, happy and successful 2025 ❤😊
@@arodyanksfan Me also. My husband would never just watch me struggle to move all of this by myself, even if he had his own business to run. Not trying to be too critical as it's not my relationship, but it's irked me since the start of this moving process.
@@arodyanksfanwould she just drop everything to help you when she’s in the middle of a running a big business herself? That’s such a condescending comment to all women. Mel and Thom have their own businesses - and respect that the way each of their businesses are run and managed which is up to each of them! Thom is doing all he can help Mel! Please - credit where credit is due!!
Shop layout needs to model the product lifecycle which is be circular or linear. New/Backlog, sort/bundle, photo, list, shelve, pick, pack, ship. I know you probably won’t do this, but I would turn all your shelves 90° so they run parallel to long walls.
Im just curious if running the shelves in long rows down the room would have created a better flow and more room? So proud of you Mel for doing this all yourself but you should hire help. Take good care of yourself.
Running long ways down the wall with ways to walk around the back of each aisle would have likely been ideal vs small rows that you are going back and forth on constantly, especially when not picking in sku order. If picking in sku order the short rows may not be too bad but still extra steps backtracking. Always lots to thinking about when making a move like this.
Every time I see that red splatter on the wall I think, “It looks like someone was murdered there.” 😂 Very interesting watching you figure it all out. I will be doing a move soon and need to plan out where things will go. 🥰🇨🇦
I know it would have been expensive, but if you're planning on many years in this business, in this warehouse, I would have gotten all of the walls spray painted white. M as ybe rented or purchased a paint sprayer. The walls would have depressed me in this state.
A small suggestion which you don't have to do. I would get some more of the standing mats for the packing station that are longer if you plan on going length wise with lots of walking while packing. In the lab I work in, the moment we had to take our mats out for replacement/floor cleaning/floor resealing. We ALL felt the difference with them gone within half a day. Especially if your concerned with joint health. Some mats have a more gradual incline that are not a tripping hazard and also are easier for a trolly to be pushed onto out there. I would measure the length you have walking wise and get a mat in that size so theres no gaps/dips. Totally up to you though. Just a suggestion. Your doing a fantastic job Mel and Tom is such a good sound board full of ideas. Keep it up your almost there! 😊
Mel. Wonder if you could either stand up on top of that office area or get in the lift skid thingy, lol, but get up high looking down into the whole area to really get a different view/perspective of the whole space. Maybe if you had a view from up there then you can draw it out on paper and when you are down low then refer to the paper diagram as to how it might work out better for ya.
my sister works in a book warehouse in indiana. she drives a forklift and she is barely 5 ft tall. you could do it too. believe me as your business grows you will need to use it again.
I’m curious as to why you didn’t put the listed shelves vertically instead of horizontally? That way when you’re picking you could walk the rows in a serpentine pattern rather than going down a row and having to back out? If that makes sense.
I agree. I think that the rows need to be turned. I think that she will have so much more room if she would turn them and then off set the shelves as anyone walks into the shed towards the back. I think that the trolly thing for the lights will still be able to get around.
Another great video Mel. I have been shouting out 'Move the packing station to the other side' and now Thom has told you to do the same. It will be one constant from the other warehouse. Thom helping with the forklift was a great help. Good luck with the next few days. Hope Maisie had a great Birthday. xxx
I don't see how you do it all. That was a tremendous amount if work you did, loading and unloading the pallets of books after moving everything around in the morning. Amazing. I has a pop-up store this morning and no one came! That was discouraging
That's what paper and pencil is for as was suggested before. I would never have attempted a move without doing so. I would have issue the length of the building as opposed to the width. I would have kept the industrial shelving for extra upward storage. I would love to have had the opportunity you have been given with all that space. Right now I'm in a storage bin and it's driving me nuts. I need my own Thom.
A set of shelves on wheels would help with the back and forth when pulling orders, bags of orders to door and when photographing. Load it up wheel it over and unload. Feel like more trolleys just increases back and forth.
"Bloody Norah!" Mel, can you please get some stone coloured paint and cover up that red splatter on the wall, many thanks LOL .. Definitely need some extra trolly's in the mix !. It's all coming along nicely, looking amazing!
What if you swapped your packing station with where you take the photos? That way you can sort, stack and then take photos without having to cart them down towards the office.
Your channel is one of my favorites. Yay to your move! You got this! I have been paying attention to your organization in your old warehouse. How you loved the counter and shelf set ups over relying on trolleys as you take pictures, etc. I think systems and how you do things interest me. 😊 I am noticing your issues in your new warehouse and I have some ideas in case you are interested. I am excited for your office. I can see you are, too. I think it is quite big. I know you want your computer desk on the left side with the window. I think that is a good spot. I thought about you needing more shelf/sort room in the main part-so what if you set up your photo area in the office where the sink used to be, where the mold is? This way you could have a shelf or counter or two on the right wall just as you go in the office for books you need to photograph and/or to be put on shelves. Taking that whole photo area out of the main shop will give you more room to sort out there I think. Hope it helps. (I have also been confused why you laid out your book aisles the way you did, leaving such gaps along the left warehouse wall instead of a single long row all along that wall and then along the back towards the small store room-so like an L shape-then an aisle because I thought it would give you more shelves, but I just may not be seeing your vision in that regard plus this decision may be too late with all the books you have already moved and zip tying you have done to shelves so no worries.) Hope things continue to go well for you!
Asking bench should be next to the office so that the sorting and photography are next to each other. If you are putting the bags with the stuff being sent onto a trolley then that would be easier
Look into the type of trolley/cart they use in the library. You might be able to put 70 orders (non bundled, at least) on it and use it to hold them in order while you pack.
Still like to have a single row of shelves against the wall on left as far as possible from back to front of warehouse although I know you were concerned if the roof and wall leaked water.
@chrissiejoy Those of us that have designed businesses have measured AT LEAST once. I've sat at my dining room table with a pencil and ruler designing every inch of whatever space I was hoping to use for my next venture. But first, out came the measuring tape. I've worked retail as seasonal help and had to tear down snd put up proper spaces for inventory. The company gave you a planogram, which you followed precisely if everything was to fit.
Fixed Spacer: when you have an item to place, like the packing bench, that can’t push up against the wall because of an obstruction, I like to drop a physical spacer on the floor, so it can’t move back. In this case, I’d use a piece of lumber a few inches wider then the bench rear leg spacing and as deep as you need it to hold out the bench. 🙂
Hi Mel, I don't know if having more benches is financially viable at the moment but if so, I'd keep your 'departments' separate if you can. If you imagine having Bert in the Listing department going and cluttering up Mabel's Packing Bench - as the CEO you wouldnt allow it! Each book or bundle is going to flow through your warehouse on its journey and it shouldnt be in the way of another book or process at any time. I'm writing this at 7am and it may not make sense...
Would it not make more sense to have it in order, space at the door for forklift/new inventory, sorting station / tables then the photo station then the packing station next to the office. So new stock comes in, gets sorted, then photographed, stored, then pulled and shipped. That's how I'd do it, but it's still entertaining to watch 😂😂
You & Thom make a good team! As much as my husband's analytical brain annoys me sometimes it's always an asset! Happy Birthday to your beautiful daughter!!
I’m slowly catching up with your videos Mel! It’s looking great so far, looking forward to watching the rest. It’s pretty inspirational stuff! It’s come so far 😊👏🏻
Consider getting a (plant) nursery trolley. They come in a few sizes, have pneumatic tyres and hold a LOT of stuff. It would be worthwhile purchase just for wheeling bags to the car but you’ll find other uses for it. They’re super durable and last for years.
This episode, with the conversation with Tom is illuminating. This is the type of conversation that needed to happen on day 1 (or before day 1 really). The details on how and where to set up stations and process flows is key. Now your at day 6 (or episode 6) and your just now trying to resolve basic layout issues. When I do it solo, I plan to scale on paper, when I do it with a group/team, I like to have the plan/layout done upon a big white board with markers, that way all the key stations and main aisles can be seen by everyone involved, for them to refer to it. Over the last months you’ve mentioned many goals for the new warehouse, such as: larger sorting area, warmer office, exercise equipment, second store with separate shelves, 22 cages to sort, dedicated photo area, clearing clutter, better work flow, etc. Your physical layout should reflect the priority you assign each goal. It’s why I say lay out and set up the stations to achieve those goals first and let the storage shelf arrangement follow next. Shelving layout is just about the least important part of the whole plan, but so far has been your big focus. Reminds me of an old American saying: when you’re up to your arse in alligators it’s hard to remember your goal was to drain the swamp! 😉
You are spot on. It has to go this route to prevent what is now happening. However, we can't turn back time. Having said that, I 'm still concerned with only one way into and out of each aisle, and all the extra steps this will cause. Also, the way you can only really see the very first aisle due to the orientation going horizontally. It also cuts off the room, making it appear so much smaller than it actually is. When there is need to go into the back shelves, turning that tight corner will be wicked!
I have those benches and have castors on them. They aren't super easy to manoeuvre and definitely wouldn't be when laden with books (but I agree that having castor on all the benches would definitely help with flexibility of layout) If it was my warehouse, I would have put everything (sorting, photos, packing) in the centre in a large rectangular with openings. But I am loving these warehouse videos! Really scratches my logistical Capricorn brain 😂
Vacuum. You should get a shark robot vacuum that will vacuum your warehouse daily. We have cats and it has kept the cat hair and dust down in the house. ITS worth it!
Photography and packing station would flow better the opposite way as your making bundle up and then having to move past your packaging bench to photo bench
Oh gosh, the layout should have all been done on paper (or computer program) first thing. Would have saved you so much time and back-breaking effort. Btw I'm super-impressed by how strong/fit you are Mel!
My only thing is having the packing station between unlisted and photo station would drive my mind crazy. I think unlisted cages and piles should be near the photo station. And yes I realize no one asked. lol. 😊
Instead of trolleys why not a heavy duty shelf with heavy duty wheels. In the US we have a store called Sam’s Club and they sell this amazing wire shelving and super duty wheels. I have four of them and I’m five foot tall and they are so easy to move fully loaded. ❤
What about getting you photo light wall mounted on an axle for positioning , and is there any chance in the future of a tour of Toms warehouse and set up i think it would be quite interesting. Keep cracking on what will be will be.
I still think that the shelves of books need to be turned around facing longs ways towards the door. I believe that you will still have way more room and yet the trolly thing to get to the lights will still be able to roll right up between the rows of books. To me it just seems like the way you have them set up right now it's not allowing you to have the room you need. Or just as you walk into the storage unit to your right side, have the rows of books set up there then have your packing station etc set up in the back of the room. I think that would allow so much room as well for a skid loader to bring in and set those crates of books towards the front doors. But for me it's the way the books are now that I think should be turned and made into rows instead. I do agree though with Tom that with any wind you don't need that blowing in on ya over by the door. If the wind is an issue is having the rows of books where you have them a good spot?
Can I organise your amazing brain for when I move my stuff into my garage. I’m renovating waiting for the builders to finish it’s a over a year overdue.
I have the same racks. You can’t even shrink wrap the rack with books and use a pallet jack to move them. I have two x 2 level houses I use for storage as rent and security is better than a warehouse away from my house.
Its great to have a partner that you can talk through ideas with, learning and seeing the things that can arise as a business gets bigger through your videos is interesting and saves others time, thankyou for documenting
Robot vacuum and robot mop, also in America we have these hideaway screen doors that attach to garage doors. I wonder if that may help. Want to keep door open for air and light. Agree packing should be on right side of warehouse.
Really enjoying these vlogs Mel, one day soon this will be a memory, looking forward to seeing it all finished and working efficiently. Thanks for sharing.
Mel, Why on earth would you have separate packing and shipping station? Both in my humble opinion should be One and the Same Station, You pack it, Lable it, and Box it all Ready to go for your carrier. I have three stations myself, Sorting, Photos & Listing, Pick & Pack - Ship Really its four steps counting my picking of orders which is a step of its own as you know quite well. But your very right, you have to get your warehouse setup right because once you have 150,000+ books "Well" we can imagine the (HE double toothpicks) it would be, but then again maybe not? Lol!
Shipping station suggestion. Instead of mailers storage up against wall, maybe flip it around so mailers shelf are facing the room, with table in your left and another on the wall. Same setup as other warehouse. On room side of mailers shelves can cover with a couple of shelves. Great vids. Tyty!
I agree with the other viewers on here that a robo vac would be perfect for you. Turn it on and let it do its thing while you go about your day. Someone said too that they can mop as well. Either way that sounds like a game changer for you so that you don't have to stop and physically have to deal with it.
Why don’t you pack and photograph all your stuff right next to the office? Then you can pop in and out of the air conditioning, heat and roll your in process and finished pack out to the doorway. Or, why haven’t you asked AI for the answer? I realize the agony of setting up the office and the processing center. I’m doing that myself right now. Postcards and now larger things like jewelry to microwaves.
I so agree the shipping station should be on the other side! Such great team work & it's all coming together. I'm excited to see you fully functioning & just a smooth process rolling making money!!
You need rolling benches, not trolleys. Especially with the ready to list benches. You can switch out the benches when you are ready for another batch.
You can probably add wheels to those benches. That’s a great idea!
Great thinking .
This is actually an amazing idea
@@chappy675 thought same, add wheels
Excellent. You'll need a dozen Trolley's for your business, and they're not cheap. I haven't heard you talk about tables. Where are they're going, the dimensions, how much weight they can hold, etc. Always best to draw this stuff out before moving a single book, or as I've mentioned before, give all measurements, all requirements, to Fiver, and hire a few people at different price points to get a good variety of options to choose from, then arrange your warehouse 😊
What about a robot vacuum that does the work for you? That might help between mopping. Looking great! I can’t wait to see your business really take off!!
This is a good Idé.
Great suggestion! I LOVE my Roomba! 😊
@@imjody I'm in the US. Do you know what it costs here? I've looked at some, but I don't know what is the best brand, and Dyson is too steep for me. Thanks!
Excellent suggestion. I have a Roborock and it’s fantastic. It not only vacuums but can wet mop as well.
I do like this idea!
Mel! You need a couple library trollies! They're made to move dozens of books at a time. 😊😂
Great idea. Anything besides those little carts that can hold/support more load to pick more at once.
Moving the packing station to the other wall away from the door🚪was definitely the right answer plus it will mirror the set up you had in the other warehouse - which is ideal. Tom is very insightful & knowledgeable. Using the skid loader to move tubs of books 📕 over was so much more efficient than the personal car. 🚗 I like Tom’s hat. 🎩
Love you and Thom together! He respects it’s your business, gives advice when you need, but the decisions and the workload are yours and yours to manage just as his warehouses and workloads are his to manage. That’s true independence in a mutually loving relationship. If it was both your business together I’d get the comment that guy made about “dropping everything for his wife” (I’d hate that and vice versa with my partner - why would he do that - that’s condescending to me!!!) but you can see Thom respects it’s your business! And that’s rare in a man! You guys rock!! Love you both and love your videos Mel - especially seeing you and your books everyday - a bibliomaniac’s dream ❤
I've mentioned to Mel that if her business was mine, I'd spend half the workday pulling books for myself. I did that on a much smaller scale, overseeing the used books and media at a Salvation Army in the US. They gave me free rein and I treated it like my own store. I loved every minute of that hard but rewarding work. I was able to fill in a lot of gaps in my book collections.😊
I think you should store your murder mysteries and true crime by the blood splatter.
😂🤣😂🤣
Such a great idea!!
hahaha... that is funny idea...
So funny 😂😂😂
You can use the area above the office for packing supplies storage as the bubble mailers are nice and light.
Yes that’s the plan
Mel, when I first saw you moving I thought you'd pull out paperwork with a floor plan and desired layout lol, seeing you are always organised. You can even get software to help you plan it out, all to scale.
I had a plan on paper although it wasn’t to size scale. And I knew in my head what I wanted but it didn’t work out how I thought it would once it was visually set up
Have you considered drawing a floor plan? When I helped redesign an ecommerce warehouse, we measured the footprint of every piece of equipment (including the trolleys that moved around), then drew up the various stations and arrangements. Then while you're drafting the floor plan options, you do "spaghetti" diagrams - basically, set your pencil on a point in the station or warehouse, then draw out your movements as you mentally do a process & don't lift the pencil until you've run that process multiple times. That tells you what parts of the plan are visited most often or that are inconveniently located, so should be changed. It let us test multiple floorplans without moving actual shelves - both for what would fit & for efficiency & workflow. Good luck with your move! I hope it goes as smoothly as possible!
I did draw one up but it wasn't to scale with actual measurements. I was very clear in my head how I wanted it but it doesn't always work out how I expected. I'm a very visual person and I need to see and "feel" it to know if it's right for me
I love that Thom is so loving, and you can see how much he cares for you, but when it comes to business, he doesn't sugar coat things, even though there's the relationship there...very rare, it's amazing to see. Hope you both have a wonderful Christmas, and a very healthy, happy and successful 2025 ❤😊
I was annoyed by him this video. Seemed mad he had to help. When my wife needs something, I drop everything to help her.
@@arodyanksfan Me also. My husband would never just watch me struggle to move all of this by myself, even if he had his own business to run. Not trying to be too critical as it's not my relationship, but it's irked me since the start of this moving process.
@@arodyanksfan yeah, I liked him but when he sat on the forklift and watched her lifting all those heavy boxes of books I was so mad at him.
@@chrissiejoyme too!
@@arodyanksfanwould she just drop everything to help you when she’s in the middle of a running a big business herself? That’s such a condescending comment to all women. Mel and Thom have their own businesses - and respect that the way each of their businesses are run and managed which is up to each of them! Thom is doing all he can help Mel! Please - credit where credit is due!!
A robot vacuum with mop….my back kills me when I vacuum. Best investment.
More trolleys especially for packing.
Mel, I agree, you'd be surprised at how well a Roomba works and you can set it to run when you're not there. We love our Roomba for our house.
Shop layout needs to model the product lifecycle which is be circular or linear. New/Backlog, sort/bundle, photo, list, shelve, pick, pack, ship. I know you probably won’t do this, but I would turn all your shelves 90° so they run parallel to long walls.
Im just curious if running the shelves in long rows down the room would have created a better flow and more room? So proud of you Mel for doing this all yourself but you should hire help. Take good care of yourself.
I've been saying that in the comments, but even if Mel had noticed, it was probably too late to affect change.
Running long ways down the wall with ways to walk around the back of each aisle would have likely been ideal vs small rows that you are going back and forth on constantly, especially when not picking in sku order. If picking in sku order the short rows may not be too bad but still extra steps backtracking. Always lots to thinking about when making a move like this.
Every time I see that red splatter on the wall I think, “It looks like someone was murdered there.” 😂
Very interesting watching you figure it all out. I will be doing a move soon and need to plan out where things will go. 🥰🇨🇦
I know it would have been expensive, but if you're planning on many years in this business, in this warehouse, I would have gotten all of the walls spray painted white. M as ybe rented or purchased a paint sprayer. The walls would have depressed me in this state.
I would recommend a dry mop to sweep up the floor. It won't blow the dust around as much.
An academic library trolley that you can park over at your parking station is what you need. Those plastic ones aren't adequate
I hope you're already moved and doing well! I've really been enjoying watching your series. 😊
A small suggestion which you don't have to do. I would get some more of the standing mats for the packing station that are longer if you plan on going length wise with lots of walking while packing. In the lab I work in, the moment we had to take our mats out for replacement/floor cleaning/floor resealing. We ALL felt the difference with them gone within half a day. Especially if your concerned with joint health. Some mats have a more gradual incline that are not a tripping hazard and also are easier for a trolly to be pushed onto out there. I would measure the length you have walking wise and get a mat in that size so theres no gaps/dips. Totally up to you though. Just a suggestion. Your doing a fantastic job Mel and Tom is such a good sound board full of ideas. Keep it up your almost there! 😊
When i suggested using a pallet jack the other day, i didn't realize how far it would have been to drag it over to the new warehouse.
Mel. Wonder if you could either stand up on top of that office area or get in the lift skid thingy, lol, but get up high looking down into the whole area to really get a different view/perspective of the whole space. Maybe if you had a view from up there then you can draw it out on paper and when you are down low then refer to the paper diagram as to how it might work out better for ya.
my sister works in a book warehouse in indiana. she drives a forklift and she is barely 5 ft tall. you could do it too. believe me as your business grows you will need to use it again.
I’m curious as to why you didn’t put the listed shelves vertically instead of horizontally? That way when you’re picking you could walk the rows in a serpentine pattern rather than going down a row and having to back out? If that makes sense.
I agree. I think that the rows need to be turned. I think that she will have so much more room if she would turn them and then off set the shelves as anyone walks into the shed towards the back. I think that the trolly thing for the lights will still be able to get around.
Or, you wouldn’t have to turn them but just leave space by the wall to walk around the shelves.
Another great video Mel. I have been shouting out 'Move the packing station to the other side' and now Thom has told you to do the same. It will be one constant from the other warehouse. Thom helping with the forklift was a great help. Good luck with the next few days. Hope Maisie had a great Birthday. xxx
I felt this too, Joan. It worked on that side before, so makes sense to do that again.
you should have shrink wrapped the shelving and transfered the shelving with books in place the extra cost would counter the time saved
They are not strong enough to do this.
This is t an option with these shelves
I don't see how you do it all. That was a tremendous amount if work you did, loading and unloading the pallets of books after moving everything around in the morning. Amazing.
I has a pop-up store this morning and no one came! That was discouraging
That's what paper and pencil is for as was suggested before. I would never have attempted a move without doing so. I would have issue the length of the building as opposed to the width. I would have kept the industrial shelving for extra upward storage. I would love to have had the opportunity you have been given with all that space. Right now I'm in a storage bin and it's driving me nuts. I need my own Thom.
Grid paper and a tape measure are your friends
Yeah Mel! Your help arrived in Thom! Thom is a blessing!
A set of shelves on wheels would help with the back and forth when pulling orders, bags of orders to door and when photographing. Load it up wheel it over and unload. Feel like more trolleys just increases back and forth.
"Bloody Norah!" Mel, can you please get some stone coloured paint and cover up that red splatter on the wall, many thanks LOL .. Definitely need some extra trolly's in the mix !. It's all coming along nicely, looking amazing!
Ha ha, it can be the true crime section now LOL
What if you swapped your packing station with where you take the photos?
That way you can sort, stack and then take photos without having to cart them down towards the office.
You should draw out where all the shelves are gonna go on the floor. With chalk or a large pencil. So you can see how the flow is gonna be.
Your channel is one of my favorites. Yay to your move! You got this!
I have been paying attention to your organization in your old warehouse. How you loved the counter and shelf set ups over relying on trolleys as you take pictures, etc. I think systems and how you do things interest me. 😊
I am noticing your issues in your new warehouse and I have some ideas in case you are interested. I am excited for your office. I can see you are, too. I think it is quite big. I know you want your computer desk on the left side with the window. I think that is a good spot. I thought about you needing more shelf/sort room in the main part-so what if you set up your photo area in the office where the sink used to be, where the mold is? This way you could have a shelf or counter or two on the right wall just as you go in the office for books you need to photograph and/or to be put on shelves. Taking that whole photo area out of the main shop will give you more room to sort out there I think. Hope it helps.
(I have also been confused why you laid out your book aisles the way you did, leaving such gaps along the left warehouse wall instead of a single long row all along that wall and then along the back towards the small store room-so like an L shape-then an aisle because I thought it would give you more shelves, but I just may not be seeing your vision in that regard plus this decision may be too late with all the books you have already moved and zip tying you have done to shelves so no worries.)
Hope things continue to go well for you!
I would switch the packing closer to the office and the photo station closer to the processing area
Asking bench should be next to the office so that the sorting and photography are next to each other. If you are putting the bags with the stuff being sent onto a trolley then that would be easier
It's looking so great, you are so close to a beautiful new space now! Woo! And happy birthday Mazie!!!
Look into the type of trolley/cart they use in the library. You might be able to put 70 orders (non bundled, at least) on it and use it to hold them in order while you pack.
Ha ha! I just commented this as well. I should've read all the comments first.
Still like to have a single row of shelves against the wall on left as far as possible from back to front of warehouse although I know you were concerned if the roof and wall leaked water.
You've got this Mel!! You are doing so much in so little time and it's looking amazing!!!!
Love the way you two really look at the best layout with common sense
We've got this saying in the USA, "Measure twice... cut once"
we say that is Australia as well lol
@ not in Mel’s portion, huh? 😂
@@johnd4371 haha, us women dont take much notice of the saying lol
@@chrissiejoy lol 😂
@chrissiejoy Those of us that have designed businesses have measured AT LEAST once. I've sat at my dining room table with a pencil and ruler designing every inch of whatever space I was hoping to use for my next venture. But first, out came the measuring tape. I've worked retail as seasonal help and had to tear down snd put up proper spaces for inventory. The company gave you a planogram, which you followed precisely if everything was to fit.
Fixed Spacer: when you have an item to place, like the packing bench, that can’t push up against the wall because of an obstruction, I like to drop a physical spacer on the floor, so it can’t move back. In this case, I’d use a piece of lumber a few inches wider then the bench rear leg spacing and as deep as you need it to hold out the bench. 🙂
Hi Mel, I don't know if having more benches is financially viable at the moment but if so, I'd keep your 'departments' separate if you can. If you imagine having Bert in the Listing department going and cluttering up Mabel's Packing Bench - as the CEO you wouldnt allow it! Each book or bundle is going to flow through your warehouse on its journey and it shouldnt be in the way of another book or process at any time. I'm writing this at 7am and it may not make sense...
Yep totally makes sense. I’ve tried to do that (I think lol).
I am here for ALL of this! Thank you for another video 🥳😍🥰
Float packing station in the middle of the warehouse exactly like it was before. Things don’t have to be on a wall
Would it not make more sense to have it in order, space at the door for forklift/new inventory, sorting station / tables then the photo station then the packing station next to the office. So new stock comes in, gets sorted, then photographed, stored, then pulled and shipped. That's how I'd do it, but it's still entertaining to watch 😂😂
i was thinking the same thing/
It's getting there! Yay well done and woo hoo to Thom! What a man!
we use in our barn with painted floor- a vacuum that is also a mop - it's works great- or a swiffer wet jet so you can throw out the mop head
Mel - I wish you much success and happiness. I wish postage from Australia to US was more reasonable. Merry Christmas!
A little help certainly makes a great difference take care enjoy tomorrow and Happy Birthday Mazy
You & Thom make a good team! As much as my husband's analytical brain annoys me sometimes it's always an asset! Happy Birthday to your beautiful daughter!!
I’m slowly catching up with your videos Mel! It’s looking great so far, looking forward to watching the rest. It’s pretty inspirational stuff! It’s come so far 😊👏🏻
Consider getting a (plant) nursery trolley. They come in a few sizes, have pneumatic tyres and hold a LOT of stuff. It would be worthwhile purchase just for wheeling bags to the car but you’ll find other uses for it. They’re super durable and last for years.
Great idea!
That is a great idea!
Awesome HARD work you are doing, Mel!!! It is coming along nicely.
Where you have boxes stacked near the office you could place the heavy wooden shelf rack for your books that are for photography....?!?!
I’m sure this very hard. You’re doing a great job!
This episode, with the conversation with Tom is illuminating. This is the type of conversation that needed to happen on day 1 (or before day 1 really). The details on how and where to set up stations and process flows is key. Now your at day 6 (or episode 6) and your just now trying to resolve basic layout issues.
When I do it solo, I plan to scale on paper, when I do it with a group/team, I like to have the plan/layout done upon a big white board with markers, that way all the key stations and main aisles can be seen by everyone involved, for them to refer to it.
Over the last months you’ve mentioned many goals for the new warehouse, such as: larger sorting area, warmer office, exercise equipment, second store with separate shelves, 22 cages to sort, dedicated photo area, clearing clutter, better work flow, etc.
Your physical layout should reflect the priority you assign each goal. It’s why I say lay out and set up the stations to achieve those goals first and let the storage shelf arrangement follow next. Shelving layout is just about the least important part of the whole plan, but so far has been your big focus.
Reminds me of an old American saying: when you’re up to your arse in alligators it’s hard to remember your goal was to drain the swamp! 😉
You are spot on. It has to go this route to prevent what is now happening. However, we can't turn back time. Having said that, I 'm still concerned with only one way into and out of each aisle, and all the extra steps this will cause. Also, the way you can only really see the very first aisle due to the orientation going horizontally. It also cuts off the room, making it appear so much smaller than it actually is. When there is need to go into the back shelves, turning that tight corner will be wicked!
@@tracygarrett3952 By "tight corner" I assume you mean the one made by the small office. Yes, it does seem to be a choke point.
@@brianhenry2385 I would definitely bang my shoulder coming and going!
Maybe getting heavy-duty wheels for the bench that you have your packed items. Roll that bench to your car.
I have those benches and have castors on them. They aren't super easy to manoeuvre and definitely wouldn't be when laden with books (but I agree that having castor on all the benches would definitely help with flexibility of layout)
If it was my warehouse, I would have put everything (sorting, photos, packing) in the centre in a large rectangular with openings.
But I am loving these warehouse videos! Really scratches my logistical Capricorn brain 😂
Vacuum. You should get a shark robot vacuum that will vacuum your warehouse daily. We have cats and it has kept the cat hair and dust down in the house. ITS worth it!
Photography and packing station would flow better the opposite way as your making bundle up and then having to move past your packaging bench to photo bench
Love watching the problem solving ❤
Tom trying to convince you to put all your picked orders onto a trolley 🤣🤣🤣
Fantastic job Mel!
Oh gosh, the layout should have all been done on paper (or computer program) first thing. Would have saved you so much time and back-breaking effort. Btw I'm super-impressed by how strong/fit you are Mel!
I did it on paper roughly but not to scale and in my head I was very determined what I wanted.
I love seeing these. I am building a new warehouse and will be doing a very similar thing.
My only thing is having the packing station between unlisted and photo station would drive my mind crazy. I think unlisted cages and piles should be near the photo station. And yes I realize no one asked. lol. 😊
Instead of trolleys why not a heavy duty shelf with heavy duty wheels. In the US we have a store called Sam’s Club and they sell this amazing wire shelving and super duty wheels. I have four of them and I’m five foot tall and they are so easy to move fully loaded. ❤
What about getting you photo light wall mounted on an axle for positioning , and is there any chance in the future of a tour of Toms warehouse and set up i think it would be quite interesting. Keep cracking on what will be will be.
Mel, greetings from Orlando. You’re amazing. You remind me of “The Little Engine That Could.” I wish I was there to help you out. All the best. K
the new warehouse is about twice the size of the old one?
Yes correct. Twice the floor size and also much higher. I wanted the floor size though so I had an area to prep.
I still think that the shelves of books need to be turned around facing longs ways towards the door. I believe that you will still have way more room and yet the trolly thing to get to the lights will still be able to roll right up between the rows of books. To me it just seems like the way you have them set up right now it's not allowing you to have the room you need. Or just as you walk into the storage unit to your right side, have the rows of books set up there then have your packing station etc set up in the back of the room. I think that would allow so much room as well for a skid loader to bring in and set those crates of books towards the front doors. But for me it's the way the books are now that I think should be turned and made into rows instead. I do agree though with Tom that with any wind you don't need that blowing in on ya over by the door. If the wind is an issue is having the rows of books where you have them a good spot?
Can I organise your amazing brain for when I move my stuff into my garage. I’m renovating waiting for the builders to finish it’s a over a year overdue.
I have the same racks. You can’t even shrink wrap the rack with books and use a pallet jack to move them. I have two x 2 level houses I use for storage as rent and security is better than a warehouse away from my house.
Its great to have a partner that you can talk through ideas with, learning and seeing the things that can arise as a business gets bigger through your videos is interesting and saves others time, thankyou for documenting
Happy birthday Maisie 🎂🎉
Good on tom for helping you .been waiting for him to kick in with that fork lift between jobs .
Loving thesevideos. I'm glad to see you're making progress. Can't wait to see the final reveal. 👍
You are so lucky to have Tom to help you! Love his hat!!
Robot vacuum and robot mop, also in America we have these hideaway screen doors that attach to garage doors. I wonder if that may help. Want to keep door open for air and light. Agree packing should be on right side of warehouse.
Really enjoying these vlogs Mel, one day soon this will be a memory, looking forward to seeing it all finished and working efficiently. Thanks for sharing.
Did you leave enough room in the corner for the crates and sorting tables
Mel, Why on earth would you have separate packing and shipping station? Both in my humble opinion should be One and the Same Station, You pack it, Lable it, and Box it all Ready to go for your carrier. I have three stations myself, Sorting, Photos & Listing, Pick & Pack - Ship Really its four steps counting my picking of orders which is a step of its own as you know quite well.
But your very right, you have to get your warehouse setup right because once you have 150,000+ books "Well" we can imagine the (HE double toothpicks) it would be, but then again maybe not? Lol!
Have two benches on casters at your packing table. That way you can push the benches to your car to load.
Shipping station suggestion. Instead of mailers storage up against wall, maybe flip it around so mailers shelf are facing the room, with table in your left and another on the wall. Same setup as other warehouse. On room side of mailers shelves can cover with a couple of shelves. Great vids. Tyty!
As someone who has designed and moved libraries, I feel for you.
Unbelievable WORKER!! You just go hard ALL THE TIME!!! YAY YOU 😊😊😊
Tom is the best! Love how he it gets right to the point!
How about a double wide bench (2 side by side instead of 2 long)? It gives you the surface space you need without taking up too much floor space.
I agree with the other viewers on here that a robo vac would be perfect for you. Turn it on and let it do its thing while you go about your day. Someone said too that they can mop as well. Either way that sounds like a game changer for you so that you don't have to stop and physically have to deal with it.
I admire your work ethic so much!
I think you should do your packing in the corner by the door. Then you have all of your no dust enough room. Packed right by the door
What about a flatbed trolley to put ur filled ikea bags until you load car
Is it possible to back your vehicle into the warehouse and then pack the full bags straight into the boot of your car?
Why don’t you pack and photograph all your stuff right next to the office? Then you can pop in and out of the air conditioning, heat and roll your in process and finished pack out to the doorway. Or, why haven’t you asked AI for the answer?
I realize the agony of setting up the office and the processing center. I’m doing that myself right now. Postcards and now larger things like jewelry to microwaves.
I so agree the shipping station should be on the other side! Such great team work & it's all coming together. I'm excited to see you fully functioning & just a smooth process rolling making money!!
I don’t know how you keep going!! Way to go girl!
Add rollers under your shelves.
This segment just popped up. I'm about to head down to Mexico for the day. Back to this tonight. You certainly don't need to go to the young lady! :>)
Never thought of the elements of weather and he got it spot on, thank goodness for second eyes.
A robot vacuum for sure.
Looking awesome❤
Mel you really should get that forklift license!
and make Thom lift the heavy boxes
Yes! exactly what i was thinking on the layout, much easier!
Gett two big trolleys, like a shelf with wheels. So you pick order on them and then pack them from them.