A Planning Guide for Moving a Warehouse or Distribution Facility
Prepared by Main Street Commercial Moving
Supporting Warehouse and Distribution Relocations in Utah and Nationwide
6–12 Months Before the Move:
✓ Define business goals for the relocation (capacity, efficiency, growth).
✓ Confirm new facility lease or purchase timeline.
✓ Develop high-level relocation timeline and operational phases.
✓ Create initial warehouse layout and racking plan.
✓ Identify relocation partners (commercial mover, racking vendor, IT support).
90 Days Before the Move:
✓ Conduct full inventory audit.
✓ Review WMS configuration and plan slotting layout.
✓ dentify fast-moving SKUs using Pareto / 80-20 analysis.
✓ Determine phased move strategy for inventory.
✓ Coordinate dock schedules and transportation planning.
30 Days Before the Move
✓ Label warehouse zones and staging areas in the new facility.
✓ Finalize racking installation schedule.
✓ Train staff on new facility layout and workflows.
✓ Confirm relocation of equipment (forklifts, conveyors, packing stations).
✓ Prepare contingency plans for order fulfillment during transition.
Move Week:
✓ Install racking and storage infrastructure first.
✓ Stage incoming inventory by zone or pick path.
✓ Relocate fast-moving SKUs early to maintain fulfillment capability.
✓ Track pallet locations carefully during transport.
✓ Coordinate closely with operations and logistics teams.
Post-Move Validation✓
✓ Verify inventory locations within the WMS system.
✓ Test receiving and shipping workflows.
✓ Confirm pick paths are functioning efficiently.
✓ Audit inventory counts after relocation.
✓ Identify layout improvements and optimization opportunities.
