You're an absolute inspiration Mel! Love watching your business go from strength to strength through sheer hard graft and steely determination! You deserve every bit of success that's coming your way! Thanks for sharing your journey ❤
Have you thought about putting those benches on castor wheels, so you could move them around if needed. You could add a couple more benches extending up to the wall, once that big mountain of books is dealt with. Anyways the layout is evolving nicely now, looking great!
Considering time is money, nothing about your work stations flow well. It’s forcing you to handle the books too many times, bouncing from station to station. So what happens to your sorting station once you’ve sorted the books on the pallets? Do you have to semi dismantle the tables to move a cage to that spot? That’s really the least of your worries at this point. Look into investing into a “wire stock picker cart” (one is good two might be better)it can replace your little trolley carts. You load the books on it as you pick, wheel it over to your packing station, pack directly from it, as you fill your bags for the post you load them directly back on to the picker cart, when done you wheel it out to load car/ truck. Roll it back inside to sorting station where you load with sorted/prepped(all in one station)books, wheel over to photography station, take photos, put books on respective storage shelves, cart is empty and ready for the next days pick. Lather, rinse and repeat. Move your computer desk next to your shipping station so the labels as they print out are right next to where they need to be(not 3 stations away). Every day that passes you get older, you want to be working smart not hard.
Thank you. I print the orders in bulk not one by one per order so the desk being a few steps away isn't an issue for labels. A wire picker cart would be a good investment at some stage once the funds are coming back in. The floor cages will be worked on first so they don't need moving for sorting and the prep table doesn't need to move anywhere. Once I have finished sorting the three floor cages Thom will bring another few in on the forklift. There are more cages being stored in his other warehouses.
I have a cage video coming next and hoping to get more feedback on that video to see what people are interested in viewing in regards to the cages and sorting. Thank you, stay tuned!
Great job Mel! Warehouse is coming along! I suggest flipping the photo station with the shipping station. The flow would work better. Although the loft would be a good storage location. You may consider storing the shipping supplies on the bottom shelves of your bookshelves. Easy to access, no need to buy a ladder. Eliminates stopping and crawling on the ground looking for books . And eliminating going up and down the ladder. As often as I see you restock your mailers, that’s a lot of up and down on the ladder. You could also stack them along the wall where the bike is. Put the bike in the back of the warehouse.
flipping the photo station with the shipping station is a great idea, then she would be 'closer' to the shelves for picking and she wouldn't have to carry books that far to photograph them (+the shelves those new books are going are also closer)
Instead of a bench table for “awaiting to be shipped” How about using a metal wire rack that’s on casters? So you can pull out closer to the shipping table when you’re shipping and then roll back against the wall when done.
When you're done setting things up, you could make things a lot cozier by doing something with your walls in the areas where you spend a lot of time. You could hang some fabric/tapestry or add some wallpaper or peel and stick paper or tiles or hang some posters or other art. You could add cork and have a large area you could pin things on. Just doing it in the lower sections, not all the way up, would make a big difference.
Mailers in the loft is a great idea. They could be lined up along the front edge for now and reached from a short step stool/ladder until you get a permanent safe ladder set up. You can practically touch the loft floor now, just reaching up, so a short ladder should let you reach for now, with no reason to to all the way up for now. Those boxes aren't real heavy for their size. I store my surplus shipping up in a similar loft. 😉
I am really enjoying your moving vlogs. It seems like the time goes by so fast on each one. I'm excited to see your final results and then your back to selling vlog.
If your channel has proven anything it is that you are able to overcome just about anything. Take your time and find what works best for you. You've got this. :)
Hi Mel. I use similar storage in my garage, for the benches that you are missing shelves, you dont have to buy more at the moment. Rise the bottom shelves from the floor to the middle and since you have those black storage bins they can just be on the floor, and you will have two shelves and they will still be sturdy. I hope that makes sense.
You got a lot done in this day! What a difference. 😮 I know it's overwhelming to figure things out. Just remember most things you do are not permanent. You will figure it out as you start working. I love the idea of the office being a little relaxed room and maybe use that in the winter for an office.
These videos have been so fun to watch. It's really starting to come together now. I look forward to watching the rest of this process. You're doing a great job Mel 😊
Hi Mel. Love what you did with the sorting area. Definitely think you should put your bike in the office after it is painted. Make the office your chill out area. Exercise, coffee break room. Somewhere to go for 5 minutes to de stress. Everything is looking great, my friend.
Hi Mel good to see you’re back and sounding positive. Looking at the comments there are too many of us trying to help maybe adding a lot of noise to your thought process.. Remember you know the process steps for your business better than any of us but I think it’s time time to rethink. Suggest you get in a process engineer run them through the steps and get them to redesign your workstations and layout according to most time and handling efficient process. I suggest this as from personal experience we tend to settle into a flow and become locked to that and lose sight of best efficiencies. A fresh set of eyes can often unlock time and therefore money. Re the office given the stresses you have as you super size your business you should turn that into your personal sanctuary where you can comfy up and chill out and warm up in winter. Keep the videos coming you are an inspiration to many of us.
Why not take pics in the office area? Install the proper lighting and backdrop and youre good. Keep the warehouse for warehouse use. This coming from a person with 40 years of warehouse management and layout design.
I agree 100% with your assessment of the little office. It is way too small and claustrophobic to use. In fact it’s just prefab walls. I would get a hammer and knock it down! You could use the floor space. But aside from that it would make a great supply storage room for your supplies, your mailers and your hundreds of rainbow bags!!! But I love the feel of the computer where it’s at. 👍🏼
I second this. For years I wanted a dedicated office space and after a few weeks I was ready to get out of it. My cat was smart. He would never stay in there for more than a few minutes. There's something to be said about being in the midst of everything! If you end up knocking it down, I'd be real pissed if I were you, that I didn't have the shelves set up the long way. I wish there was still a way you could accomplish that.
Mel stop for a few minutes, then sit down and write down on a piece of paper what steps you need to do to restart your store. No deadlines, just step 1- 2- 3etc… you can’t do everything at once. Sketch out your daily goals. What’s important on top then work your way down. It will all fall in place soon. Stop pleasing everyone else for 1 -week it will all come together
I'm having a problem with all the stations against the wall. I think some would benefit from an L shape or a U shape. Also remember that the configuration need not be permanent.
I am very dedicated to good work flow. I have been doing ebay for 25 years and feel I have perfected my flow. From processing, to listing, to inventory to shipping. For me, I would not have that shipping desk against the wall. I'd have the left edge facing the wall and then put that shelving unit between the wall and desk being even with the desk. It will be like an extended desk and stay in line with the other shelves. Just a thought
@@tracygarrett3952 Yeah, she can use clips and a backing board for that maybe a pegboard and utilize it for something.....Or... put something on the otherside back to back with the desk. I have done it in the past. There are a million reasons not to do it like I suggested, but that one reason for work flow makes it it worth it. I'm not normal haha
@@genxthings You had me singing Lady Gaga for a minute. LOL Work flow is tremendously important and I think the current setup will have its challenges. I think an initial couple of renderings from Fiverr would have been money well spent. Knock that office down. It ruins the flow, and Mel doesn't even like the thought of being in there! This way, it won't need to be painted or set up in any way! I don't think Mel spends enough time not working to make use of an office, especially when she realized how much she liked her computer in the mix ;)
I sell second-hand books in Turkey on online platforms. A month ago, I moved my 40,000 books to a 3+1 apartment. It was very challenging and exhausting, but I managed it. Now, I'm taking photos of 39,000 books one by one. I've already passed 20,000, but I'm feeling extremely overwhelmed. Still, I find a way to motivate myself and keep going, and when I finish, all my books will be listed on two different websites. I can tell you this: you're overthinking some details too much. I don’t stress about it that much; I just go with the flow. What matters most to me is increasing the number of my books and shipping sold ones within 15 hours. So, don’t let the details bother you too much. I understand you're a woman, but you can use the 'straightforward' approach that men often rely on, haha.
We have moved our inventory 10 times in 3 years (2 cross-country moves plus a lot of other moves). We FINALLY have a home big enough for our inventory and I pray it stays like this for a while. You do not really understand the complications of moving while reselling until you do it. We sell clothes on 5 platforms and our current closet size is 1300. I feel like I should get an award for organization - the first few moves were crazy but now we do not even put our closet on vacation when we move - we literally drove across country and pulled sold items from inside a uhaul for a week. Trust me, once you move once it gets easier!
About the office... I would have made it into a nice girls cave with an extra computer so you could do "sit down work" or have a coffee break in a nice and warm space... Decorate to make it cosy ! And a comfortable chair with a small coffee table in addition to a small office desk with computer. If it feels closed in, maybe a glass door and a bigger window would make you not feel closed in... If "closed in" is about not seeing anyone coming until they open the door, then what I suggest could perhaps help... 😉👍 I remember seeing you freezing in the old warehouse, ❄️❄️❄️ so I think you should not miss the opportunity to have a warm space... 👍 And being small with and with a lower roof hight it will be cheap to warm up... 👍👍👍
It's coming along! I'm thinking having the table holding your to-pack books so far back from your packing table is going to cost you extra steps and a headache. How about putting a second table in front and bringing it even with the packing table? Twice the workable surface and few steps!
Hi Mel, i want to start watching your vidoes regularly, recently started in Techs group and have been enjoying your social media calls, hope to get into one of the calls at some point. Fun to see the idea you have for your space!
🤔 is replacing the narrow packing bench’s along the wall with the wider ones potentially a better use of space and then taking the four narrow ones to makes second smaller packing table or even two more death pile shelf’s possibly improve your overall flow. Food for thought!
Awesome job organizing your workspace today!! Glad you were feeling more confident about the layout by the end of your video. Don't stop believing!! You've got this!!
You're doing great! The hard work you've put into this move is really starting to show. I'm looking forward to seeing you start the store up again. I'm sure you're glad you took the whole month off. Everything is coming together so nice.
Love your videos it’s real life, your almost ready to reopen store ,great for you .warehouse is looking good Can’t believe all the work you have done.congrats on getting this far ❤❤❤
I really enjoy your videos. I really enjoy the positive Vibe to your videos. Selling online ain’t for wimps and you prove that hard work and positivity does pay off🎉🎉. Keep up with the laughs and positive vibe. I need to go through my warehouse and clean every corner as well. I’ve got way too much unlisted inventory. My goal is to run more Lean in 2025🎉
Maybe you could put another bookshelf in front of the 3 level bookshelf so the "books waiting to be packed" section comes level with the Packing Station. That would give you lots of space for the books waiting to be packed and would do away with the "gap".
In the states we can purchase “bed risers” which are black plastic that you set each table leg on one to make it higher, they work great if you can find them!
Instead of an office think of it as a rest room! Add your favorite coffee maker, a small fridge for snacks and drinks.. and a couple comfy overstuffed chairs for you and Thom to relax on. Maybe even a small tv. Great for when the kids come to visit you. :)
Mel in the UK we have picking trolleys with a small pull down step attached, not sure you have these in Australia but they would be perfect for your set up, you have worked so hard and love seeing your progress xx
Love your videos Mel ❤️😍❤️ so glad to see getting better and better a little at a time. I like thr list idea someone else mentioned if i dont do that then i feel like a chicken running around with my head cut off you are awesome Mel 😊😊😊😊😊
I’m sure you have it sorted but for prep area use the shelves but at two shelf height, like one shelf will make a square table. Line up four of them. That’s what I’ve done. I like it because it all my shelves/tables match. 😊
I forget how spacious the office is. I had the idea you could set up shelves in there (sorry! More shelves!) and use that area for your second eBay store books. It would keep them separate and use the space.
As a Subscriber - I would be happy with a whole lot of unedited content for a week or two so you can maximise your productivity time to get it done. You got this.
Mel have you thought about getting a shelf like you have now but on wheels ? could wheel it around for picking orders and with 5 levels would be less bending down so will save your back
I think a shelf (open both sides) to the left of the packing bench (so a U shaped packing area) would be ideal as the picked area ("picked & waiting to pack"). You can do a big pick onto the shelves in order and then settle into the packing area and work through.
Have you considered a vacuum robot...at the end of the day you could send it out to do a full sweep of the whole warehouse while you are out. They don't get edges and corners great but it would at least pick up the worst of things and save you a lot of time and labor.
What about for your shipping using one of those 4 shelf rolling cart that’s more tall than wide if that makes sense. That way you can pick with it and when your done picking/shipping you can roll it away
Checkout staircase ladders with rails. They can be easily self installed and look sturdy. Will be cool to see the roof deck utilised for your bike etc.
Packing Area: you mention you want the solution to be deeper then the current shelves, so it's more in line with your packing area. How deep and tall are your folding tables? Would a couple of those work? You could then store empty Ikea bags (or something more related to packing) underneath the tables in big empty bins. If not tables, how about a couple more benches like the one you pack on. Did you source that one locally? Or set your existing 1/2 high shelves 2 deep. They look like double them up would be about right. I'm sure by the end of the video we'll get a chance to see what solutions you have worked out. You might consider creating your sorting/prep area from several sturdy rolling carts. That way they're mobile and can be rolled over to stock your "holding shelves" along the wall and save some carrying. Making that area up with mobility in mind would also allow you to roll them out of the way (even while loaded), in case you need to bring a pallet or two inside at any future time and need the floor space up near the big front door. 😉
Gee, you’re doing such a great job! I understand you’re thinking about having your computer out in the warehouse. Perhaps this winter you could invest in one or two heated throw rugs. They are bloody brilliant for keeping warm whilst working in your computer. I’m glad you bought shelving rather than trestles for your sorting area. Far more practical and the same height as all your other work stations which will reduce stress on your body. With your packing station, I’d swing the actual packing bench around at 90deg to the wall so you can still work from the right as you’re accustomed to and no wall gaps. In fact you’ll open some space into the prep area. It would be easy enough to cable tie sone MDF as a backing for the upper shelves.
This might be a moot point at this time since you've probably resolved this dilemma. But pertaining to your packing bench where you don't like the flow with how it sits back and if you pull it forward to line up with your other bench, then there's a gab behind it to the wall. What if you get a 2nd bench to put in front of it so it's two deep? You'd then have more counter space to sit all your picked books for packing and then you'd have flow with your other bench with the packing supplies on it. (I hope my explanation makes sense) Just an idea if it's still an issue for you.
If you move you white table to the end of your packing station it will be more even with your packing bench and the the narrow shelf you have at the end of your packing station can replace the white table. This would also give you more room for placing your picking while awaiting the packing.
Hi Mel. I would put the bike towards the back of the room back close to the office. lol... its amazing how I don't watch the whole video before responding with thoughts, lol... I would put the bike on the other side of the office back in the corner. Although it is something that you do use, it is big and I remember seeing much more room on the other side of that office. No sense in filling up what little space just as you walk out of the office with this and that. You don't want to walk out of the office door, tripping over different things before getting out of the storage unit.
Try the sorting tables in place of the picking bench the width might flow better for you and you won't have to reach back so far unless you set the books to the back.
Maybe store mailers I spot behind office and if needed safety ladder store on end across from new shelves in back. If you do not use office for office then I would use for storage of mailers and possibly all magazines in there so only books will be in main part.
It’s looking great! Have you thought about putting the white shorter table to the left of the packing benches to hold your picked inventory? Seems like it might be the right size through the video
you could use the office as a smoko room, you will still be able to go in there and warm up in winter if you needed and maybe your bike would fit as well? could your photography area work closer to the sorting benches?
Also, I got wheels for my folding table from Amazon. It might raise that white table up just enough to be useful. They weren't too expensive (under $25). The wheels have locks so that you can make the table stationary if needed.
I hope you can afford to keep your store down until your space and inventory are organized and operable to your satisfaction. Processing all those cages seems like a monumental task, so it seems critical for you to at least have an operable plan to work away at those as you bring your store back up and running. Just keep at it and work diligently, Mel, and you will get there.
My $0.02 cents … consider removing the “office space”, since you don’t really want to be enclosed there. This will give a lot more exterior wall space to put many more bookshelves. Makes sense to me. I can’t imagine how many more bookshelves all of those cages of books will require once they are all sorted and listed 🤷🏻♀️
You need to move your photo station next to your sorting area. You will be doing much more sorting and only packing once a day so it will save you lots of steps and time.
It's going to take time for you to settle and find your footing and you might end up moving some things around more than once before it feels right. And don't feel too bad about hanging onto things...I have a very large (VERY heavy) tote full of "just in case" bits for any number of electronics, computers, etc. and dragged that across country in my recent move. I've been moved for over 2 months now and still haven't gotten 75% of my inventory sorted through. You'll get there!
Perhaps you can create a floor plan to optimize your workflow. Start from scratch on either your computer or paper. What you’re describing seems disjointed. Rolling workstations could be helpful too.
Are the walls able to be painted like the floors to help with the dust situation you’ve mentioned previously. Could you not put them boxes near your office ontop of the office with the stuff to go in the office to help with space. You could make the office into a rest/breakroom maybe pit low pile rug in so easy to hoover and makes is cosy plus adding a couch and chairs and maybe a mini fridge and microwave and kettle if you use one
You could make the office into a nice rest /break area with some comfy seating and your bike . somewhere to have a bit of lunch and a cuppa .
You’ll be ok. Just keep breathing. You’ll be back and better than ever
Thank you
Invest in some ROLLING PREP-TABLES that way you can move them around in your prep-area
It would be good to have these on wheels, I agree. I might ask the concreter handy boy if he could do that for me
You're an absolute inspiration Mel! Love watching your business go from strength to strength through sheer hard graft and steely determination! You deserve every bit of success that's coming your way! Thanks for sharing your journey ❤
Wow, I love that huge new sorting bench area - that's going to be a game changer for sure Mel! The new warehouse is looking GREAT!
Yes! Game changer, exactly what I have wanted for so long.
I use bed risers under the legs of my folding tables
I was thinking that same thing.
Good idea
Have you thought about putting those benches on castor wheels, so you could move them around if needed. You could add a couple more benches extending up to the wall, once that big mountain of books is dealt with. Anyways the layout is evolving nicely now, looking great!
I love that idea, I am going to ask Oscar the concreter boy if he is handy enough to do that!
Mel, your stations are coming together nicely. I think it will be very efficient for you and you will be happy packing.❤
Considering time is money, nothing about your work stations flow well. It’s forcing you to handle the books too many times, bouncing from station to station. So what happens to your sorting station once you’ve sorted the books on the pallets? Do you have to semi dismantle the tables to move a cage to that spot? That’s really the least of your worries at this point. Look into investing into a “wire stock picker cart” (one is good two might be better)it can replace your little trolley carts. You load the books on it as you pick, wheel it over to your packing station, pack directly from it, as you fill your bags for the post you load them directly back on to the picker cart, when done you wheel it out to load car/ truck. Roll it back inside to sorting station where you load with sorted/prepped(all in one station)books, wheel over to photography station, take photos, put books on respective storage shelves, cart is empty and ready for the next days pick. Lather, rinse and repeat. Move your computer desk next to your shipping station so the labels as they print out are right next to where they need to be(not 3 stations away). Every day that passes you get older, you want to be working smart not hard.
Thank you. I print the orders in bulk not one by one per order so the desk being a few steps away isn't an issue for labels. A wire picker cart would be a good investment at some stage once the funds are coming back in. The floor cages will be worked on first so they don't need moving for sorting and the prep table doesn't need to move anywhere. Once I have finished sorting the three floor cages Thom will bring another few in on the forklift. There are more cages being stored in his other warehouses.
I can’t wait to see you sorting through all the books you got (the cages and stuff) to see your process on sorting and getting them ready to list
@@taganriley4780 I can't wait for this!!!
I have a cage video coming next and hoping to get more feedback on that video to see what people are interested in viewing in regards to the cages and sorting. Thank you, stay tuned!
Great job Mel! Warehouse is coming along! I suggest flipping the photo station with the shipping station. The flow would work better.
Although the loft would be a good storage location. You may consider storing the shipping supplies on the bottom shelves of your bookshelves. Easy to access, no need to buy a ladder. Eliminates stopping and crawling on the ground looking for books . And eliminating going up and down the ladder. As often as I see you restock your mailers, that’s a lot of up and down on the ladder.
You could also stack them along the wall where the bike is. Put the bike in the back of the warehouse.
flipping the photo station with the shipping station is a great idea, then she would be 'closer' to the shelves for picking and she wouldn't have to carry books that far to photograph them (+the shelves those new books are going are also closer)
Instead of a bench table for “awaiting to be shipped”
How about using a metal wire rack that’s on casters? So you can pull out closer to the shipping table when you’re shipping and then roll back against the wall when done.
I like that rolling shelf idea. I will look in the hardware store next time to see if they have one that might work. Thank you!
When you're done setting things up, you could make things a lot cozier by doing something with your walls in the areas where you spend a lot of time. You could hang some fabric/tapestry or add some wallpaper or peel and stick paper or tiles or hang some posters or other art. You could add cork and have a large area you could pin things on. Just doing it in the lower sections, not all the way up, would make a big difference.
Yes I want to hang things once the office is painted. Then I will start hanging things around. I have a few ideas!
Mailers in the loft is a great idea. They could be lined up along the front edge for now and reached from a short step stool/ladder until you get a permanent safe ladder set up. You can practically touch the loft floor now, just reaching up, so a short ladder should let you reach for now, with no reason to to all the way up for now. Those boxes aren't real heavy for their size. I store my surplus shipping up in a similar loft. 😉
I am really enjoying your moving vlogs. It seems like the time goes by so fast on each one. I'm excited to see your final results and then your back to selling vlog.
If your channel has proven anything it is that you are able to overcome just about anything. Take your time and find what works best for you. You've got this. :)
Thank you
Hi Mel. I use similar storage in my garage, for the benches that you are missing shelves, you dont have to buy more at the moment. Rise the bottom shelves from the floor to the middle and since you have those black storage bins they can just be on the floor, and you will have two shelves and they will still be sturdy. I hope that makes sense.
Mel you are doing great. I love seeing you knock out such a huge project showing us it can be done!
You got a lot done in this day! What a difference. 😮 I know it's overwhelming to figure things out. Just remember most things you do are not permanent. You will figure it out as you start working. I love the idea of the office being a little relaxed room and maybe use that in the winter for an office.
These videos have been so fun to watch. It's really starting to come together now. I look forward to watching the rest of this process. You're doing a great job Mel 😊
Hi Mel. Love what you did with the sorting area. Definitely think you should put your bike in the office after it is painted. Make the office your chill out area. Exercise, coffee break room. Somewhere to go for 5 minutes to de stress. Everything is looking great, my friend.
Fresh paint, bright white lumen lighting fixtures, a couple plants .. the box will feel like an inviting office
Why dont you wear your hair down?
If you are going to keep it im in a ponytail all the time might as well cut it off
You are a rockstar! I had the same dollhouse as a kid too! I’m on the lookout for one too!
I just had to buy it but secretly want to keep it lol
Love too see u and Tom playing ping pong on tour prep tables, make a great video lol.
Hi Mel good to see you’re back and sounding positive. Looking at the comments there are too many of us trying to help maybe adding a lot of noise to your thought process.. Remember you know the process steps for your business better than any of us but I think it’s time time to rethink. Suggest you get in a process engineer run them through the steps and get them to redesign your workstations and layout according to most time and handling efficient process. I suggest this as from personal experience we tend to settle into a flow and become locked to that and lose sight of best efficiencies. A fresh set of eyes can often unlock time and therefore money. Re the office given the stresses you have as you super size your business you should turn that into your personal sanctuary where you can comfy up and chill out and warm up in winter. Keep the videos coming you are an inspiration to many of us.
Why not take pics in the office area? Install the proper lighting and backdrop and youre good. Keep the warehouse for warehouse use. This coming from a person with 40 years of warehouse management and layout design.
I agree 100% with your assessment of the little office. It is way too small and claustrophobic to use. In fact it’s just prefab walls. I would get a hammer and knock it down! You could use the floor space. But aside from that it would make a great supply storage room for your supplies, your mailers and your hundreds of rainbow bags!!! But I love the feel of the computer where it’s at. 👍🏼
I second this. For years I wanted a dedicated office space and after a few weeks I was ready to get out of it. My cat was smart. He would never stay in there for more than a few minutes. There's something to be said about being in the midst of everything! If you end up knocking it down, I'd be real pissed if I were you, that I didn't have the shelves set up the long way. I wish there was still a way you could accomplish that.
Mel stop for a few minutes, then sit down and write down on a piece of paper what steps you need to do to restart your store. No deadlines, just step 1- 2- 3etc… you can’t do everything at once. Sketch out your daily goals. What’s important on top then work your way down. It will all fall in place soon. Stop pleasing everyone else for 1 -week it will all come together
This was filmed a month ago
I'm not Mel, but thanks for the idea. I get scatterbrain real bad
Any new work set up takes time to adjust to, just like a new job. You'll feel your flow soon enough.
God I love watching your videos. Very satisfying lolol xo
I'm having a problem with all the stations against the wall. I think some would benefit from an L shape or a U shape. Also remember that the configuration need not be permanent.
I'm loving where they all are, I'll explain why in the Q&A video soon
Put some kool lighting in the office and put bike in there like a spin class!😃
It looks great ! Yes ..use that office as a supply closet ... brilliant !
I am very dedicated to good work flow. I have been doing ebay for 25 years and feel I have perfected my flow. From processing, to listing, to inventory to shipping. For me, I would not have that shipping desk against the wall. I'd have the left edge facing the wall and then put that shelving unit between the wall and desk being even with the desk. It will be like an extended desk and stay in line with the other shelves. Just a thought
Good idea, but she uses the upper part to store mailers, so the wall is beneficial. I don't think that unit has a back.
@@tracygarrett3952 Yeah, she can use clips and a backing board for that maybe a pegboard and utilize it for something.....Or... put something on the otherside back to back with the desk. I have done it in the past. There are a million reasons not to do it like I suggested, but that one reason for work flow makes it it worth it. I'm not normal haha
@@genxthings You had me singing Lady Gaga for a minute. LOL Work flow is tremendously important and I think the current setup will have its challenges. I think an initial couple of renderings from Fiverr would have been money well spent. Knock that office down. It ruins the flow, and Mel doesn't even like the thought of being in there! This way, it won't need to be painted or set up in any way! I don't think Mel spends enough time not working to make use of an office, especially when she realized how much she liked her computer in the mix ;)
I sell second-hand books in Turkey on online platforms. A month ago, I moved my 40,000 books to a 3+1 apartment. It was very challenging and exhausting, but I managed it. Now, I'm taking photos of 39,000 books one by one. I've already passed 20,000, but I'm feeling extremely overwhelmed. Still, I find a way to motivate myself and keep going, and when I finish, all my books will be listed on two different websites. I can tell you this: you're overthinking some details too much. I don’t stress about it that much; I just go with the flow. What matters most to me is increasing the number of my books and shipping sold ones within 15 hours. So, don’t let the details bother you too much. I understand you're a woman, but you can use the 'straightforward' approach that men often rely on, haha.
I just love seeing how the warehouse is coming together.
I would use the office for storage also. Maybe have a backup desk in case there is a cold snap and you need to have more heat.
We have moved our inventory 10 times in 3 years (2 cross-country moves plus a lot of other moves). We FINALLY have a home big enough for our inventory and I pray it stays like this for a while. You do not really understand the complications of moving while reselling until you do it. We sell clothes on 5 platforms and our current closet size is 1300. I feel like I should get an award for organization - the first few moves were crazy but now we do not even put our closet on vacation when we move - we literally drove across country and pulled sold items from inside a uhaul for a week. Trust me, once you move once it gets easier!
If u switch your photo station to your current packing station u would have a better work flow.
100%
About the office... I would have made it into a nice girls cave with an extra computer so you could do "sit down work" or have a coffee break in a nice and warm space... Decorate to make it cosy ! And a comfortable chair with a small coffee table in addition to a small office desk with computer. If it feels closed in, maybe a glass door and a bigger window would make you not feel closed in... If "closed in" is about not seeing anyone coming until they open the door, then what I suggest could perhaps help... 😉👍
I remember seeing you freezing in the old warehouse, ❄️❄️❄️ so I think you should not miss the opportunity to have a warm space... 👍 And being small with and with a lower roof hight it will be cheap to warm up... 👍👍👍
Can’t wait for a pick and pack!
That will be fun to watch, in her new location!
It's coming along! I'm thinking having the table holding your to-pack books so far back from your packing table is going to cost you extra steps and a headache. How about putting a second table in front and bringing it even with the packing table? Twice the workable surface and few steps!
You can use trestle tables and put bins underneath. Just put wheels on your bins so you can roll them in and out or whereever.
Hi Mel, i want to start watching your vidoes regularly, recently started in Techs group and have been enjoying your social media calls, hope to get into one of the calls at some point. Fun to see the idea you have for your space!
Amazing Mel, I've loved watching how you're getting on
Great watching your transformation in the new warehouse 😊
🤔 is replacing the narrow packing bench’s along the wall with the wider ones potentially a better use of space and then taking the four narrow ones to makes second smaller packing table or even two more death pile shelf’s possibly improve your overall flow. Food for thought!
Mel please look up the word Fluffing..it may meen something different in Australia to England,.but that made me laugh
Awesome job organizing your workspace today!! Glad you were feeling more confident about the layout by the end of your video. Don't stop believing!! You've got this!!
You're doing great! The hard work you've put into this move is really starting to show. I'm looking forward to seeing you start the store up again. I'm sure you're glad you took the whole month off. Everything is coming together so nice.
Love your videos it’s real life, your almost ready to reopen store ,great for you .warehouse is looking good Can’t believe all the work you have done.congrats on getting this far ❤❤❤
Wow you did so much in that day. I like the computer out in the main area. Well done.
I can't wait for your store to be back up and running- love the packing videos
Thank you 🎉🎉
You are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Yeah!! Your strength and stamina are amazing to me. Happy New Year from Florida, USA.
I really enjoy your videos. I really enjoy the positive Vibe to your videos. Selling online ain’t for wimps and you prove that hard work and positivity does pay off🎉🎉. Keep up with the laughs and positive vibe. I need to go through my warehouse and clean every corner as well. I’ve got way too much unlisted inventory. My goal is to run more Lean in 2025🎉
Maybe you could put another bookshelf in front of the 3 level bookshelf so the "books waiting to be packed" section comes level with the Packing Station. That would give you lots of space for the books waiting to be packed and would do away with the "gap".
In the states we can purchase “bed risers” which are black plastic that you set each table leg on one to make it higher, they work great if you can find them!
Amazon sells them!
Set it up like you had in old warehouse
Instead of an office think of it as a rest room! Add your favorite coffee maker, a small fridge for snacks and drinks.. and a couple comfy overstuffed chairs for you and Thom to relax on. Maybe even a small tv. Great for when the kids come to visit you. :)
I quite like that idea
You have made such wonderful progress! Congratulations on surviving the move - looking forward to your next installment ❤️
Mel in the UK we have picking trolleys with a small pull down step attached, not sure you have these in Australia but they would be perfect for your set up, you have worked so hard and love seeing your progress xx
Love your videos Mel ❤️😍❤️ so glad to see getting better and better a little at a time. I like thr list idea someone else mentioned if i dont do that then i feel like a chicken running around with my head cut off you are awesome Mel 😊😊😊😊😊
I’m sure you have it sorted but for prep area use the shelves but at two shelf height, like one shelf will make a square table. Line up four of them. That’s what I’ve done. I like it because it all my shelves/tables match. 😊
I forget how spacious the office is. I had the idea you could set up shelves in there (sorry! More shelves!) and use that area for your second eBay store books. It would keep them separate and use the space.
As a Subscriber - I would be happy with a whole lot of unedited content for a week or two so you can maximise your productivity time to get it done. You got this.
Mel have you thought about getting a shelf like you have now but on wheels ? could wheel it around for picking orders and with 5 levels would be less bending down so will save your back
I think a shelf (open both sides) to the left of the packing bench (so a U shaped packing area) would be ideal as the picked area ("picked & waiting to pack"). You can do a big pick onto the shelves in order and then settle into the packing area and work through.
Have you considered a vacuum robot...at the end of the day you could send it out to do a full sweep of the whole warehouse while you are out. They don't get edges and corners great but it would at least pick up the worst of things and save you a lot of time and labor.
Absolutely enjoyed this video. You are inspiration personified. Thanks Mel. Cherrio from Australia
What about to put your new benches on pallets and those on wheels and you can move everything? 😊
"The Littles" doll house, my sister still has her's from the 80's!
It's the ADHD talking, it seems scary because it looks like a big task, but it's completely achievable!
What about for your shipping using one of those 4 shelf rolling cart that’s more tall than wide if that makes sense. That way you can pick with it and when your done picking/shipping you can roll it away
Checkout staircase ladders with rails. They can be easily self installed and look sturdy. Will be cool to see the roof deck utilised for your bike etc.
You’re making good progress, just keep taking one step at a time 😊
Packing Area: you mention you want the solution to be deeper then the current shelves, so it's more in line with your packing area. How deep and tall are your folding tables? Would a couple of those work? You could then store empty Ikea bags (or something more related to packing) underneath the tables in big empty bins.
If not tables, how about a couple more benches like the one you pack on. Did you source that one locally? Or set your existing 1/2 high shelves 2 deep. They look like double them up would be about right.
I'm sure by the end of the video we'll get a chance to see what solutions you have worked out.
You might consider creating your sorting/prep area from several sturdy rolling carts. That way they're mobile and can be rolled over to stock your "holding shelves" along the wall and save some carrying. Making that area up with mobility in mind would also allow you to roll them out of the way (even while loaded), in case you need to bring a pallet or two inside at any future time and need the floor space up near the big front door. 😉
Mel-get yourself a dry erase board to put on the wall-this way you can make notes and drawings of how you want to set up things
Gee, you’re doing such a great job!
I understand you’re thinking about having your computer out in the warehouse. Perhaps this winter you could invest in one or two heated throw rugs. They are bloody brilliant for keeping warm whilst working in your computer.
I’m glad you bought shelving rather than trestles for your sorting area. Far more practical and the same height as all your other work stations which will reduce stress on your body.
With your packing station, I’d swing the actual packing bench around at 90deg to the wall so you can still work from the right as you’re accustomed to and no wall gaps. In fact you’ll open some space into the prep area. It would be easy enough to cable tie sone MDF as a backing for the upper shelves.
This might be a moot point at this time since you've probably resolved this dilemma. But pertaining to your packing bench where you don't like the flow with how it sits back and if you pull it forward to line up with your other bench, then there's a gab behind it to the wall. What if you get a 2nd bench to put in front of it so it's two deep? You'd then have more counter space to sit all your picked books for packing and then you'd have flow with your other bench with the packing supplies on it. (I hope my explanation makes sense) Just an idea if it's still an issue for you.
I was just thinking the same thing to put another shelf behind the front one, would give more surface room and more storage for shipping supplies.
If you move you white table to the end of your packing station it will be more even with your packing bench and the the narrow shelf you have at the end of your packing station can replace the white table. This would also give you more room for placing your picking while awaiting the packing.
Hi Mel. I would put the bike towards the back of the room back close to the office. lol... its amazing how I don't watch the whole video before responding with thoughts, lol... I would put the bike on the other side of the office back in the corner. Although it is something that you do use, it is big and I remember seeing much more room on the other side of that office. No sense in filling up what little space just as you walk out of the office with this and that. You don't want to walk out of the office door, tripping over different things before getting out of the storage unit.
put the exercise bike above your office. You can look down below at all your hard work... or motivation to complete the tasks you're avoiding 😅
Try the sorting tables in place of the picking bench the width might flow better for you and you won't have to reach back so far unless you set the books to the back.
Maybe store mailers I spot behind office and if needed safety ladder store on end across from new shelves in back. If you do not use office for office then I would use for storage of mailers and possibly all magazines in there so only books will be in main part.
It’s looking great! Have you thought about putting the white shorter table to the left of the packing benches to hold your picked inventory? Seems like it might be the right size through the video
you could use the office as a smoko room, you will still be able to go in there and warm up in winter if you needed and maybe your bike would fit as well? could your photography area work closer to the sorting benches?
Absolutely LOVE your warehouse setup!!! Love it!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤
Also, I got wheels for my folding table from Amazon. It might raise that white table up just enough to be useful. They weren't too expensive (under $25). The wheels have locks so that you can make the table stationary if needed.
Your strong mel❤
I hope you can afford to keep your store down until your space and inventory are organized and operable to your satisfaction. Processing all those cages seems like a monumental task, so it seems critical for you to at least have an operable plan to work away at those as you bring your store back up and running. Just keep at it and work diligently, Mel, and you will get there.
You can use pieces of PVC plumbing pipe to raise the table up to the same height
My $0.02 cents … consider removing the “office space”, since you don’t really want to be enclosed there. This will give a lot more exterior wall space to put many more bookshelves. Makes sense to me. I can’t imagine how many more bookshelves all of those cages of books will require once they are all sorted and listed 🤷🏻♀️
I do everything without moving off my chair. scanning pictures, listing, printing shipping labels, packing. and I have a huge store of 10K items.
In winter you'll love working in a warm office type space :D
You need to move your photo station next to your sorting area.
You will be doing much more sorting and only packing once a day so it will save you lots of steps and time.
It's going to take time for you to settle and find your footing and you might end up moving some things around more than once before it feels right. And don't feel too bad about hanging onto things...I have a very large (VERY heavy) tote full of "just in case" bits for any number of electronics, computers, etc. and dragged that across country in my recent move. I've been moved for over 2 months now and still haven't gotten 75% of my inventory sorted through. You'll get there!
Perhaps you can create a floor plan to optimize your workflow. Start from scratch on either your computer or paper. What you’re describing seems disjointed. Rolling workstations could be helpful too.
They do make leg risers for tables to go up higher
Your new warehouse looks amazing!!
LEAVE ROOM FOR THE FORK-LIFT
Are the walls able to be painted like the floors to help with the dust situation you’ve mentioned previously. Could you not put them boxes near your office ontop of the office with the stuff to go in the office to help with space.
You could make the office into a rest/breakroom maybe pit low pile rug in so easy to hoover and makes is cosy plus adding a couch and chairs and maybe a mini fridge and microwave and kettle if you use one
Yay! Another upload :)