Storing your Inventory
William Blake once said, “I must create a system, or be enslaved by another man’s.” I believe this to be true. In my house, this means that if I don’t create a system, my husband will throw it away! If you have a similar problem, or if you’re just tired of sorting through piles looking for what you need, or tearing through the house trying to remember the last place you saw something, then grab a cup of coffee and read on my friends.
In my opinion, neatly stored inventory is one of the most important parts of my job. Without this order, every aspect of my business would suffer. Shipping times and subsequently shipping stars would be affected, which would impact my performance rating with eBay/Amazon. If you want to be a top-rated seller or a featured merchant, you have to bring your A-game!
I believe the first place you need to clean house is online, in your storefront. Assess your store layout and categories. Are there enough? Too many? Do you have everything you need, or are a large number of items falling into an ‘everything else’ category? Buyers need to be able to find your items before they can purchase, so make your store as easy to navigate as possible to encourage multiple sales. Once your store is organized, it provides a guideline for the physical storage of your inventory.
I have my stores divided differently based on what I’m selling, but for this article I will focus on clothing. My clothing store sells both new and previously loved items, as well as loveys and personal odds and ends. I divided the clothing categories into boys and girls and broke them down according to size. I did not separate new and used items, as I’ve found the majority of my buyers to be more concerned with size than tags. My storage bins are labeled to correspond to the store categories, making it easy for me to locate a sold item according to size and gender.
I was fortunate enough to find some awesome collapsable, heavyweight nylon storage bins on mega clearance at Target several years ago. They have been a Godsend! They fit together very efficiently, can flatten for storage when they are empty, and are the perfect size for my closet shelves. The best part? They were under 50 cents each!
Our current home was new construction so I was able to have closets built to my specifications for inventory, but this DOES work for existing closets – I’ve done it in the past! The wire shelves can be purchased relatively inexpensively and they are easy to install, I promise. If you purchase from Lowe’s, they will even cut them to length for you so all you have to do is get out your screwdriver (Important – do not have them cut to the exact length of your closet! Leave yourself at least an inch or two of wiggle room or else you’ll damage your walls in the process!) Do not install your shelves until you’ve purchased your bins! As you can see from the above picture, I was able to maximize my usable space by having shelves built to snugly fit my containers. I have 6 rows of bins (plus floor storage) in this closet alone!
Definitely check your local stores to see if you can find a great clearance like I did. I also strongly suggest that you estimate how many bins you will need, and then purchase at least 25% more than that. You will not regret it! I find it is easier to have a standard system as my business expands – if you need to purchase more storage later it won’t match and might not fit as well. Also, and maybe this is just my own hangup, but once I have something looking good, I want it to stay perfect. (Think Flylady and her shining sink!)
A few containers I found online that might be promising:
Kmart clearance – great price! I’d snap these up; at this price I doubt they’ll last long.
Target – wide selection Target has a lot of good options – I particularly like the Itso’s and the RiverRidge 2-pc set.
Also, I couldn’t find them on the website but I purchased some great, inexpensive plastic bins from Walmart recently as well. I’m using them in my daughter’s closets to expand their shelf usage, and they were around $4 each.
Another lesson I’ve learned is to package my items before I store them! I used to put the clothing loose in the bins, and I wound up with this:
Lesson learned – not fun. I now buy inexpensive, non-ziploc gallon size bread bags (I can get 100 for $1 locally) and I place each item or outfit in a bag before putting it in the bin. I do not seal the bags at this point; I prefer to leave them open for one last inspection before shipping, just in case I missed a flaw or a spot. Not only does this keep my bins in order, it keeps the clothes folded nicely and the pieces together as well. Presto! – No more overflowing bins.
If purchasing new storage containers isn’t in your budget right now, all is not lost. Consider using cardboard boxes until you can invest in something more permanent. This is a great way to recycle and re-purpose!
I definitely understand that a system like this might not fit in your space. Large Rubbermaid tubs can also be used, and they can stack neatly in a corner or a closet. If you are going to use this method, I suggest that you label the outside of each container with masking tape so you know exactly what is in each. Also, consider using cardboard dividers inside the containers to make sorting through sizes a faster process. Finally, consider drilling small holes in the containers to allow for airflow. Over time, clothes stored in a closed container can become damp and/or develop must and mildew issues. I know I have received items with that yucky storage smell on them and it is not pleasant.
Some sellers use hanging racks for their clothing. You might find that this works well for you. I personally do not care for it (except for a select few very special items) as I find it restrictive in space and in ease of sorting, and I don’t like the clothing to be unprotected for any length of time.
One last storage suggestion I have is clear plastic drawers. I have two sets of these that I use for blanks for my design business:
These work out well for my needs and I am happy with them. However, they do have some drawbacks.
- They are expensive. At around $20/set, these can add up quickly.
- They don’t hold much weight without the drawers sagging and not closing properly.
- They don’t hold much, period. You get more useable space with traditional bins.
For those reasons, they would not be my top pick for organizing all of my inventory. However, they do come with rolling wheels, they can fit together to be stacked, and they are pretty easy to pick up later so you wouldn’t have to buy everything up front, you could expand your system over time.
For a point of reference, the system I am using, including storage bins and extra shelving for 2 double closets, cost less than $100 total. Yes, it is an out of pocket expense, and I know those can be hard sometimes. But, it is also a tax deductible business expense. Consider it an investment in the success of your company – you won’t regret it!
Finally, I promised a giveaway. Leave a comment here telling me how you organize your inventory, how you plan to organize, or how you’ve been living in disorganization! Whatever your situation, we’d love to hear about it. One lucky commenter will be chosen at random to receive a yummy assortment of hot drinks for cold days, courtesy of Garden Party Teas. Additionally, every comment this week will be entered in a drawing for an awesome home office organization package that I think you’ll really love! Drawings will be held on Friday, 1/8/10 at midnight EST, so be sure to get your comments in to be eligible!
The fine print: GPTeas package to be awarded based on comments on this post only. For the office organization package, only one entry per person, per post – each member can enter up to 5 times by commenting once on each post this week. If you’d like an additional entry, you can post on Twitter, Facebook, your blog, your website, etc and link back to this post. To receive an additional entry for spreading the word, please leave a comment showing where you linked.
Whew! And now, with the details out of the way, I hope you’re inspired to tackle your storage issues and maybe win a few prizes along the way!
Oh, and one last thing. If you decide to tackle a makeover project this week, might I suggest you take pictures along the way? Documenting your before and after will be immensely satisfying for you, and it might even come in handy in the future… (hint, hint!) 
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Wow, love those bins!!! TY for this great post, Heather!
Cool Post!
I store all my listed inventory in a small bedroom. I have several bins I use for the baby/kids clothing. They are all labeled with sizes, and piled on top of each other. I have them for loveys, plush, infant plush, and stuffed animals. I have a small one for baby blankets. I have a huge box full of build a bear items. I then have one of those rolling drawer type storage containers which I put new items, or misc items that aren’t toys. I agree, they can’t hold much or they sag. I hang up new items on hangers in the closet. I have even claimed the top shelf of my sons wardrobe for the many disney cars I have listed–also in this small bedroom.
I received a free 4 shelf heavy duty plastic shelf unit (kind you find in laundry rooms) and that is what I put all my toys on.
I definitely need more bins as I add more merchandise. I pick up bins/containers at yard sales for very cheap–but they are few are far between. Sometimes they come included with inventory I purchase, so I feel like I am getting an extra bonus.
For the most part,I can easily find my items, and this room is neat.
Just don’t ask me about the huge mountain downstairs in the family room of unlisted-UGH!!!!!!
Thanks Heather for the great blog. I have two plastic shelving units approx.69″ x 34″ in my office. I use 56 quart clear Sterilite totes to store listed clothing. Two totes fit perfectly on each shelf. I love the idea of using the plastic bread bags. May have to implement that idea.I label each tote and add the info to custom label as I list. My biggest storage issues are all the unlisted items I have. Hopefully I will get some great tips from fellow storks this week!
Hi! Great post! I love your storage system. Most of my inventory is stored in plastic bins, labeled by gender and size. I also have large wire rolling shelving units (picked up at a GS) for most of my toys. One for EUC toys and one for New toys. A good place that I have found plastic storage bins inexpensively is the Goodwill. They usually place the bins that they receive items in out on the floor.
Awesome post
I store most of my items in plastic totes (I mostly sell loveys & some clothing) that are each labeled with a letter. Each item is in a resealable bag and labeled with an index card (A-1, A-2 etc) until the tote is full. I re-use the cards when something sells. My husband built shelves in our garage so they are easy to get to. I package the bigger items before listing them (usually in USPS Priority boxes) so they stack neatly in the closet in my office. On the “custom label” field in ebay I write where each item is stored (closet, A-1, etc). Custom labels are nice since they “stick” with the listing even if it ends and is re-listed 
I have been using this system for about 6 months and LOVE it!
What a GREAT post! I love your storage system. I wish I had a closet to devote solely to my Ebay inventory. I currently use sorage bins that I purchased from Walmart for about $4.00 a piece. I labeled the outside of each one so everything is seperated by catergory. I keep them stacked in a corner of my living room. It works for now but I am ALWAYS open to new ideas. So excited about this series of posts.
I store unlisted inventory in clear plastic bins on shelving by size and gender. When it’s listed, it’s put in a poly (unsealed) with a number and the weight at the top (the part that isn’t seen when the poly is closed for shipping). and filed numberically in clear bins. Photos and desctiptions of the items are in computer files that are easily searched when something sells so I know what number to go look up to pull the item. Oversized items are in their appropriate packaging, weighed and numbered and on their own shelving. Multiple quantities of the same item are not in individual polys, but in 2-5 gallon ziplocks filed numerically like the rest of the ones in plain polys. Works for me
I store my inventory in plastic bins because they stack up real nice but I never thought about the musty smell so I am glad I read about airing them out somehow. I do label each bin so it is easy for me to know what’s in there. It is divided by category and then I have one big one or maybe two… with things that are not listed yet.
I have learned that you forget where you put things even though you think you will remember so it is very important to be organized.
Plus it is easier to take inventory that way!
Great post Heather
Thank you, Heather! Organization is one of my BIG goals for 2010. I got my desk and shipping supplies done but now I am working on a better plan for my inventory. I am going to work on my storefront today too. Thank you!!!
I love your storage system.
I am not in the market right now to buy a new system so my old one has to do for now.
I am still using the (expensive) clear expensive drawers. Like you said; they are not the greatest. They fill up easily and dont close that well after a while.
What I am going to take from your post is the ziplock bags to put in the inventory before putting them away.
I dont do that right now and its a mess in the drawer to look for items when sold.
I have to find a cheap supplier though.
Great Post!!
Thanks.
Jolanda
Great post Heather! I agree, you have to have a system or things will get out of control. I remember when I first started selling on Ebay and I had just 2 plastic tubs full of inventory…..very easy to find something. But now those 2 tubs have grown to about 10 tubs, plus several plastic drawer carts plus 3 very large hanging racks…..so a system is a MUST for keeping track of everything.
I am actually one who really likes hanging racks, I find it easy to store and find my items that way. But for things that aren’t practical to hang, I do much like you, store the item folded inside a plastic bag and inside a tub. My tubs are labeled with what they contain (girls 2T, boys 12-24 months, etc.) for easy finding as well.
[...] and you will be entered to win an office organization kit! Also, don’t forget to check out yesterday’s post and leave a comment for a chance to win there, [...]
I am also going to work on my organization this year. This will be my first year selling in my new space so it gives me a chance to start with a new system. Currently I use one of the clear drawer things for my shipping supplies and it works nicely for that. I keep my basics in the top drawer (tape, tape measure, scissors, pens, etc.) for easy access and then polys in the other drawers, one size to each drawer. I keep my priority boxes stacked neatly beside it. Right now I am using totes for my inventory storage and will be experimenting with different things to see what works. I love the bread bag idea so I will be looking for something similar next time I’m out. Thanks for a great post!
I am so jealous of your Target bin finds…. Hehe. Right now I have one half of my “Ebay room” dedicated to listed items. There is a workmans bench with shelves stacked on top. Clothing is folded and put on the shelves according to size. Have plush in a tote on one shelf, and a huge section full of loveys. The toys and shoes are underneath in the “closets” of the workbench. This works for now, but I am going to have to think of a new system as I am trying to expand. Thank you!
I have been using clear totes for storing clothing items. My organization system has changed over time, as I hear ideas from others. When I put items into plastic bags I will write the size on the bag with a marker, and if it is a TS, GW or clearance item I will tape the price tag on the bag for reference.
My struggle is storing the unlisted items that may be grouped into lots at some point.
Great post! Love hearing everyone’s different methods.
Good tip on airing out the bins.
I do much the same as Lara. All clothing in clear sealable plastic bags, Labeled with a # and placed in labeled plastic bin (gender/size). I have a spreadsheed with filtered fields. Item #/Description/Location (Bin #, closet, etc)/gender/ price paid/where & when purchased. I think I have only been unable to find 2 items in a little over 3 years. Works for me.
I am expanding to selling more than clothing and have a steel shelf in the basement holding some inventory and need a couple more – my concern is how I will keep them from getting dusty/dirty over time. Any ideas?
I use the plastic rubbermaid bins, but I leave the tops off. They fit nicely in the closet shelving my house had when I moved in, so I’m lucky that I only had to spend about $10 on my organization system.
Love your system Heather!
I’m another one that uses large (56 qt I believe) bins on plastic shelving that I got a great deal on at Meijers. Each unit has 4-5 shelves and each shelf holds 2 bins. I have 6 or 7 units.
I also use clear plastic bags similar to your bread bags, they are 12×18, that I purchase off of ebay. I store each item in a bag, then numerically within a bin. I have a spreadsheet that I enter my items into which assigns a number. I write that number on a little piece of colored paper and slip it into the bag. This number is also in my ebay listing. Since I’ve been doing this, things are SO easy to find and the numbering system gives me a means to double check that I have the right item before shipping.
I store clothing, lovies, stuffed animals, and shoes in clear plastic bins. I store toys & games as is. I have heavy-duty shelving systems in my basement that I store my inventory on. I hang nice dresses & coats up on a rolling clothes rack.
I have yet to start selling and organization has been a hold up. I’m sure I am overthinking it, but I don’t want to be scrambling looking for an item when I should be shipping! The comments here have been very helpful!
I’ve been a HCTS member for a long time, but today is the first time I’ve ever read the blog! This is a great post! Organizing/storing my inventory has always been one of my biggest issues (and biggest problems)! I use giant Rubbermaid bins, but they’re incredibly disorganized: clothes unfolded, listed things mixed with unlisted things… it’s really an awful mess! I’ve gotten tons of good ideas from reading your post and everyone’s comments – so many that I’m going to spend the day tomorrow re-organizing my inventory!
I have all my inventory in totes. Just a few days ago my items were randomly put in whatever bin (I just tossed items in as I bought them, then moved onto the next bin when it filled up). Needless to say, I never knew where anything was! I spent MANY hours dumping the bins, sorting them, labeling them, and then deciding where to store them according to which bins would be listed first/last priority. It feels so great to have that done now! Now I have 2 spring/summer bins that I’m going to start working on. Oh, and great tip about drilling holes into them to avoid that musty smell! I think I’m going to do that!
[...] you may recall, a few weeks ago I blogged about inventory storage but I focused on clothing. Today I’ll show you how I store my toys and other boxed [...]
[...] small change (like tackling Mt. Unlisted) can motivate you to make other changes as well. In a previous post I wrote about my inventory storage system. Once I bought these new bins, I was thrilled. [...]