Never store on bare concrete

Concrete wicks moisture. Keep cartons on pallets or shelving at least four inches off the floor.

Use a simple location system

Label shelves A1, A2, B1 and write the location on the listing record. Time spent hunting for a sold item is pure loss.

Process on arrival, store only what's sellable

Trash and parts items should never make it onto a shelf. Unprocessed pallets are the number one cause of stalled resale businesses.

Control climate for sensitive goods

Batteries, adhesives, cosmetics, and electronics degrade in heat. Keep them indoors and out of direct sun.

Know when to rent space

When storage costs less than the profit trapped by disorganization, rent. Track it monthly rather than guessing.