6 Packing Station Ideas To Streamline Your Process

Your packaging station is the place to start if you want a maximally efficient packaging process — it’s the heart of your shipping operation. To obtain this process, you will want to stay up to date with your standard operating procedures.

Look at your packaging station and ask yourself how it’s doing in the following areas: 

• Organization
• Compliance
• Safety
• Consistency
• Performance
• Efficiency

If your packaging station or area needs improvement in any of these areas, you’re in the right place. Use these tips and insights when it comes to you upgrading your shipping station and streamlining your packaging process. 

What Does Your Packing Station Need?

Whether you’re starting from scratch or ready for improvements, every efficient packing station has some basic needs. Supplying your packing station with the essentials will make sure that you or your team members can complete packing, labeling, and shipping with ease. 

Fulfill your packing station with these must-haves in the three main categories listed below.

Tools for Your Packing Station

Having a standard set of tools is vital when streamlining your process. Without the right tools, you and your team won’t be able to operate safely or efficiently. Take a look at your tool inventory, and check to make sure you have the following:

• A workbench
• A packing table
• Dispensers 
• Scissors
• Utility knives
• Strapping machines
• A barcode scanner
• A barcode printer
• Scales

Missing a few things? No problem! There are plenty of places to find these tools, like Amazon, IKEA, or small businesses. Do some quick research to see which ones you like the best, read reviews, and compare costs before updating your supply. 

Materials for Your Packing Station

Now that you’ve got the tools, you’ll need packing materials to work with to ensure all your merchandise arrives safely. It’s useful to have a wide variety of shipping supplies, as you never know what you might need. It’s okay to have some backstock, and it will likely work to your advantage. If you’re not sure where to keep everything, we’ll cover that a little later.

Check your stock to make sure you’ve got these materials:

• Boxes (check out Box Genie’s mailer box, shipping box, one piece folder box, or triangle document box mailer options)
• Envelopes and mailers
• Labels
• Packing tape
• Protective packaging (if needed)
• Inserts or dividers

Keeping these items organized and on hand will make all the difference in your packing process. 

Storage

The storing of packages is going to look a little different for everyone, as everyone has their own unique space. However, what matters is that you make the most efficient use of your storage space — home office, warehouse, or otherwise. 

Efficient storage space means that items are:

• Labeled
• Stored in categories
• Easy to find
• Easy to reach
• In safe spaces

If the thought of your current storage makes you think “time for an upgrade,” consider these tips to make the most out of any storage space. 

1. Purge

Cleanse any unnecessary items from your space before introducing new items or supplies. If you’ve got nonessential items or materials that would be of better use somewhere else, get rid of them. Start fresh when creating your streamlined packing space.

2. Use Your Vertical Space

Oftentimes businesses will organize horizontally, not realizing that vertical space is just as important. Shelving is a great storage solution to turn to when it comes to creating a more efficient packing space. You’ll need to consider the dimensions and weight of your inventory when deciding on your shelving. Luckily, shelving comes in all shapes and sizes, so shop around before deciding on the storage that’s right for you.

3. Containers

Containers help keep everything in its rightful place. They are a great place to keep backstock and loose items. Like shelving, there are many container choices. Consider which options work best for your needs:

• Plastic
• Wooden
• Wire
• Solid
• Translucent
• Hangable 
• Stackable 

You will also need to consider the sizes of items that are going into containers and whether you’d like to have more than one size in containers or one uniform size.

The great thing about working with packaging suppliers like Box Genie is that our custom shipping boxes arrive flat for optimal storage space. This helps keep things easy, letting you efficiently store our products regardless of your distinct packaging station setup.

For instance, the mailer and shipping boxes, two of the most popular packaging options, can fit in any imaginable packaging station. Simply visualize what you want your storage space to look like after its makeover, take stock of your materials, and take those options into consideration when making your decision.

6 Ways To Improve Packing Station Workflows

Once you’ve considered everything you’ll need to streamline your workspace, it’s time to tackle streamlining the workflow itself. Consider these tips for upgrading your station’s work efficiency.

1. Use Tilted Sorting Shelves

Tilted sorting shelves are a great tool that provides easy access to supplies while taking up less space. Employees can open and close storage lids with ease instead of less efficient options like lifting and shifting. 

2. Organize Your Shelving

Organization is a huge factor when it comes to workflow. We know that there are many different organizational styles, and you must use the process that works best for you. However, when creating an organizational system, consider:

• Labels
• Color coordination
• Alphabetization
• Clear containers or cartons
• Pegboard shelving
• Hooks
• Filing system
• Seasonal grouping
• Pull-out cubbies

The more you can group items together in a way that makes sense, the better. Teach your colleagues how to maintain and prioritize shelf organization. This will drive time savings and keep everyone informed of supply status. Work as a team to keep everything in order so the working environment is better for everyone’s day-to-day and in the long term. 

3. Keep Your Packing Station Well-Lit

This might seem like a no-brainer, but lighting makes a huge difference. The more light your team has over the packing station, the easier it will be to access everything. From high-quality ceiling lights to the perfect workbench lamp, make sure the lighting is right. 

4. Consider the Right Type of Workbench or Chair

One thing that’s sure to boost the ergonomics of your workspace is a comfortable workbench or chair. Being comfortable while you work can boost production and efficiency. When your body is not distracted by back or neck discomfort or hip pressure, it can do more for a longer amount of time. Put your body first when it comes to choosing a chair — your business will thank you. 

5. Try Wall Organizers

Again, use your vertical space! If you’ve got open wall space, use it to your advantage. Wall hooks and shelves are easy to install and can make a world of difference. Consider what tools or materials might make sense for wall organizers and get them installed on your upgraded work surface. 

6. Regularly Clean and Upkeep the Packing Station 

The more you clean a little, the less you’ll have to clean a lot. Maintain your work area and storage area to ensure maximum efficiency. Make sure everything stays in its place through regular cleaning and upkeep.

Upgrade Your Packaging 

Now that you’ve got this beautiful and organized workspace, you deserve packaging to go with it. If you’ve been toying with the idea of upgrading your packaging, here’s your sign to go for it. 

There are so many options when it comes to packaging, but partnering with Box Genie can help your wishes come true. For starters, our box options are sure to fit your needs, no matter how specific. 

Our Custom Mailer Box and Shipping Boxes come with customizable dimensions, three different paper types, and the ability to send in custom brand designs. 

Take a look below for some more benefits:

Branding Control

If you want your brand represented front and center on your packaging, then we’ve got you covered. We provide a streamlined process that makes it easy to customize branded packaging on every inch of the box, inside and out. 

Fully Custom

Many of our boxes at Box Genie, including the Custom Mailer Box and Custom Shipping Box, can be customized to fit your needs and preferences. For example, you can input their exact box dimensions along with the desired quantity. Then, you can provide us with their design for inside and outside print. Along with all of this, we can provide you with specialty-made custom inserts and dividers for their unique items to ship.

American-Made, Sustainable Packaging

Box Genie is American-made, through and through. We fulfill all orders in-house and only use 100% American-made materials. 

Additionally, sustainable packaging means the world to us. At Box Genie, we pride ourselves on offering recyclable, eco-friendly cardboard options. 

The Takeaway

It’s never too late to streamline your packing station or packing process. If you want more packaging tips and information about deals, sign up for our newsletter. You’ll get 20% off your first order, special offers, how-to's, and more when you join our community newsletter.

Sources:

7 Of the Best Packaging Materials and How To Use Them | House Method

How to Create More Storage Space in Your Home | The Spruce

Storage Room Organization: 18 Ideas, Tips, & DIY Hacks ⎸ Extra Space Storage