Ever walked past a messy stack of pallets and thought, ‘That doesn’t look safe’? You’re certainly not wrong. Pallets might seem simple, but knowing how to store pallets properly has a huge impact on safety, space and costs.
When you get pallet storage right, it’s a win all around: safer stacks, more room to work, and pallets that stay strong for longer, which keeps your costs down too!
Up next, we’ll walk through the most effective ways to store pallets indoors, outdoors, stacked or in racking, along with some fantastic safety tips you can put into action straight away.
Why smart pallet storage pays off
Pallets are strong by design, but even the toughest pallets won’t last long if they’re not stored properly. And how you store them doesn’t just affect their lifespan. It can also affect the safety, efficiency and overall flow of your warehouse or yard.
Skipping proper storage can quietly add costs, take up extra space, and create frustrating headaches for you. To highlight this, here’s what can go wrong when pallets aren’t stored correctly:
- Warp or crack when exposed to the elements: Rain, sun and humidity can weaken wood pallets over time. When left unprotected outdoors, they can bend, split or lose their strength, affecting how much weight they can safely hold.
- Harbour pests like termites: Pallets stored directly on the ground or in damp areas are attractive to pests. Termite damage or infestations can do a lot more than ruin your pallets. They can also spread to other stored goods, becoming a serious problem for your warehouse.
- Create hazards when stacked improperly: Uneven or unstable stacks can topple over, putting staff and equipment at risk. Even a single misaligned pallet can lead to accidents or product damage.
- Waste valuable space: Piles that aren’t organised take up much more room than necessary. Inefficient storage makes it harder to access pallets when you need them, which can slow down your operations and limit the potential of your warehouse layout.
How to store pallets: Best practices for your warehouse
How you store your pallets really depends on the size of your operation, where your facility is, and how often you need to grab them. Here are some tried-and-true ways to keep them in excellent condition:
1. Indoor storage
- Whenever you can, keep pallets under cover to shield them from rain, sun and other weather.
- Set up a clean, dry spot away from busy areas so they’re out of the way, but also easy to reach.
- If your floor space is tight, think about pallet racking, for it’s a great way to stack vertically without creating a mess.
2. Outdoor storage
- If you have limited indoor space, place your pallets on raised platforms so they’re not sitting in moisture.
- Cover stacks with a breathable waterproof tarp to keep them dry while avoiding mould buildup.
- Rotate your stacks from time to time to spread out wear and reduce damage.
3. Pallet racking
- Great for businesses moving lots of stock or short on floor space.
- Keeps pallets off the ground, easy to grab, and organised.
- Makes handling safer and reduces the risk of injuries from awkward lifting.
4. Stacking pallets
- Keep stacks even and stable because, by leaning piles, you create a safety hazard.
- Stick to the recommended height (usually 1.8–2m) so that stacks don’t tip over.
- Pull out any damaged pallets right away to avoid weak spots that could cause accidents or damage.
Smart safety tips for storing your pallets
Storing pallets properly isn’t just about keeping things organised. It’s a big part of keeping your workplace safe. So let’s explore a few key points to keep in mind:
- OH&S compliance: Make sure your stacks are stable and kept away from walkways, exits, or any fire safety equipment. This helps prevent trips, falls, and accidents in busy areas.
- Fire risks: Remember, wood pallets can catch fire easily. So avoid stacking them near heat sources or areas where sparks could land. And check your local fire regulations to see how many pallets you’re allowed to store indoors safely.
- Keep pests at bay: Even neatly stacked pallets can attract termites or other pests. Keep them off the ground, inspect regularly, and deal with any signs of infestation straight away.
- Check for damage: A broken pallet can turn a simple stack into a safety risk. Make it a habit to inspect your pallets and remove any that are cracked, warped or weakened.
How Palletwest can help you
Now that you know the best ways to store pallets and keep them safe, the next step is making sure your pallet setup actually works for your operation.
At PalletWest, we help Perth businesses get the most out of their pallet use. We supply everything from standard pallets to custom-built designs, with options in timber and plastic to suit different operations. And we’ll guide you on the best way to store, stack, and handle them so they last longer and stay safe.
Of course, pallets won’t last forever. When they do wear down, that’s where our pallet repair and recycling services come in, helping you extend the life of your fleet, cut down on waste, and keep your warehouse operating smoothly.
Take the next step with Palletwest
You’ve got the safety basics down, so now it’s time to put them into practice. Whether you need new pallets, recycled options, or you’re just after some advice on smarter storage, we’re here to make it easy for you.
Get in touch with PalletWest today for a quick quote and start running a safer, more efficient warehouse.