Storage Solutions for International Shippers: Tips & Tricks
In international shipping, space isn’t just about storage — it’s about efficiency, cost, and control. Whether you’re coordinating exports from London or managing goods in transit, clever use of space can make a real difference to your bottom line.
Here are some straightforward ways to optimise your storage and keep your logistics running like clockwork.
1. Choose Containers That Work for Your Cargo
Getting container size right saves both money and frustration. Too big, and you’re paying for empty space. Too small, and you’re constantly reshuffling stock.
At our storage site in Canary Wharf, we offer 20ft containers (around 155 sq ft, 2.4m high) and 40ft containers (around 315 sq ft, 2.7m high) — ideal for everything from boxed goods to palletised freight.
How to get it right:
Match the size of your unit to your average shipment cycle.
Adjust seasonally — short-term storage works well when trade peaks.
Keep your most-used equipment and spares close to the front for easy access.
2. Protect Cargo from London’s Weather
If your goods are being stored between shipments, they need to stay clean, dry, and stable. London’s damp climate isn’t exactly kind to stored materials, so a few precautions go a long way.
How to get it right:
Raise pallets slightly off the ground to prevent condensation damage.
Use breathable wrapping for long-term storage to avoid mould.
Store high-value or delicate goods in secure, enclosed units — not open warehouse corners.
Even small steps like these can save you from expensive damage or last-minute scrambles before dispatch.
3. Speed Up Loading and Unloading
Every delay in your logistics chain costs time and money. A good storage setup should let you drive straight up to your unit and load directly from your vehicle. That means no unnecessary double-handling or wasted minutes.
How to get it right:
Keep frequently rotated goods near the front for quick access.
Stack long-term items towards the back or higher up.
Label clearly and use shelving for smaller or repeat items.
Good layout planning can turn an hour-long loading job into a ten-minute task — especially during busy shipping periods.
4. Keep Inventory Under Control
Misplaced or mislabelled stock is more common than most businesses realise. Even a basic digital record can transform how smoothly your logistics run.
How to get it right:
Label every box, crate, or pallet and record it in a simple spreadsheet or barcode app.
Keep a rough sketch of your unit layout for quick orientation.
Update your records whenever stock moves in or out.
It’s a small habit that prevents big problems — particularly when multiple staff share access to your space.
5. Stay Flexible as Trade Fluctuates
Shipping volumes rise and fall throughout the year, so flexibility matters. Instead of locking into a long-term warehouse lease, short-term container storage in East London gives you breathing room to scale up or down when demand shifts.
How to get it right:
Use rolling rental terms that align with your contract cycles.
Keep overflow stock close by for faster fulfilment and fewer transport costs.
Review your space needs quarterly to stay agile and cost-efficient.
Final Word
Getting your storage right means fewer delays, lower costs, and smoother operations — all crucial for international trade. If you’re managing freight around Canary Wharf or the wider E14 area, local container storage offers a practical, cost-effective base close to London’s major ports and logistics routes.
Need help planning your space? Contact us here to find out more about our flexible storage options in Canary Wharf.