For many organizations, including retail, e-commerce, distribution, and specialty operations, the holiday season brings a predictable surge in volume. Inventory increases, order fulfillment speeds up, and teams work hard to keep pace with demand. Once the rush settles, the next question becomes clear: how can you prepare now to ensure next year runs even smoother?
At McMurray Stern, we recognize that your storage environment plays a major role in holiday performance. Efficient and well-planned storage supports higher volumes, reduces stress on teams, eliminates bottlenecks, and helps you maximize every square foot. As the year draws to a close, this is the perfect time to review what worked well, what could have been better, and how your storage systems can be improved for stronger results next season.
Your Guide to Planning Next Year’s Holiday Storage Needs
1. Evaluate Your Holiday Storage Challenges
Begin by taking a close look at how your storage setup performed during peak activity. Ask your team questions such as:
- Did we have enough space for seasonal overflow?
- Could we access inventory quickly during the busiest times?
- Did disorganization or layout issues slow us down?
- Did we rely on temporary fixes because our current systems could not keep up?
Identifying specific challenges now allows you to address them with intention and clarity.
2. Reassess Space Utilization After Peak Season
High-density storage systems such as mobile shelving or compact racking help you make the most of limited space. If your facility felt crowded or cluttered during the holiday rush, this may be a sign that your current layout is not fully optimized.
Review the following areas:
- Aisle spacing
- Vertical space that may be unused
- Zones that caused traffic or created workflow delays
- Equipment that slowed retrieval or stocking
The period right after the holiday rush is the best time to assess your true operational needs.
3. Plan for Seasonal Flexibility
Temporary spikes in inventory are one of the greatest challenges during the holiday season. Flexible and modular storage systems can help you avoid the yearly scramble by giving you configurations that adapt easily to seasonal demand.
Consider solutions that:
- Adjust to different product sizes
- Expand capacity without losing organization
- Support faster picking and restocking
- Scale with changes in your operation
McMurray Stern designs storage systems that adapt to your needs and provide confidence during even the busiest seasons.
4. Strengthen Workflow Efficiency
During the holiday peak, efficiency matters more than ever. Improving workflow is just as valuable as increasing storage capacity. Planning now can lead to major improvements in productivity next year.
Take time to focus on:
- Reducing unnecessary movement within the facility
- Improving visibility and accessibility of inventory
- Creating dedicated zones for seasonal items
- Supporting quicker replenishment during high volume periods
Workflow improvements combined with optimized storage help your team stay productive and calm during peak season.
5. Start the Design-Build Process Early
Preparing for next year begins with early planning. McMurray Stern uses a design-build approach that brings your team and our experts together from the earliest planning phase through installation and long-term support.
Through this collaborative process your storage solution is:
- Custom-built to meet your requirements
- Designed to maximize the space you have
- Developed with your timeline and budget in mind
- Created to support your long-term operational goals
Starting early ensures your new system is ready well before the next holiday season begins.
6. Turn This Year’s Lessons Into Next Year’s Success
The holiday season will always bring challenges. The right storage strategy reduces stress and supports smoother operations. By reflecting on your experience, evaluating your space, and planning ahead, you set the stage for a more organized and efficient year.
McMurray Stern is here to help you turn this year’s lessons into next year’s success. Whether you face space limitations, workflow issues, or sudden fluctuations in demand, our team can design a solution that prepares you for a more productive and profitable holiday season.
Ready to start planning for next year? Contact us today to discuss your storage needs and begin building a smarter, more efficient system for your facility.
