The holiday season is a make-or-break time for many small businesses. From November to December, many businesses earn up to 30% of their annual revenue. But between the rush of customers and constant restocking, it's easy for inventory management to spiral out of control. Whether you’re dealing with overflowing stockrooms or trying to keep up with sales, the best decision you can make is to start with a clear plan.

Let’s walk through some simple ways to keep your inventory in check this season. Plus, we'll highlight one of the easiest ways to keep your stress level in check when your stockroom starts to overflow.

Plan Ahead for Holiday Demand

Success during the holidays begins months in advance. The earlier you start, the better your chances of having exactly what your customers want.

Forecast Your Needs

Analyze Past Sales: Review your sales reports from the previous holiday season. What flew off the shelves? What didn't move as much as you expected? This data is your best tool for making informed purchasing decisions.
Consider Market Trends: Are there new trends or popular items this year? Stay informed about what customers are looking for. Adjust your inventory to include these in-demand products.
Order Sooner Than Later: The holidays sneak up on suppliers, too! Place your orders well in advance to avoid shipping delays and ensure you have the stock you need when customers start shopping.

Organize Your Current Stock

Once your holiday inventory starts arriving, your storage space might start to feel a bit tight. Having an organized stockroom pays off when traffic starts flooding in.

A System for Everything

Group Similar Items: Put like items together—by category, brand, or popularity—and label everything clearly. Digging for hidden boxes is the last thing you need on a busy day.
First In, First Out (FIFO): Make sure older items get sold first, especially if you have goods that expire or go out of season. Place new arrivals at the back of the shelf so older items are picked first.
Holiday Overflow Zone: Set aside a specific area for your holiday overflow. This keeps your regular stock handy, and your sales floor clutter-free.

Use Temporary Storage for Overflow

Most small business stockrooms simply aren’t built for holiday surges. That’s where a little extra storage comes in handy. Renting a portable storage container gives you bonus space right outside your shop, so you don’t have to shuffle inventory in tight quarters.

Think of it as an extension of your stockroom. You can safely store all your extra holiday items and keep your store looking its best. That’s exactly what Watanut, a local specialty nut company here in Augusta, has done during their busy season year after year. They use Go Mini's portable storage containers to pack away extra gift baskets and packaging, allowing them to keep their small storefront clear and ready for customers.

Want to learn more about how we can help? Read the Watanut case study.

How Go Mini's Supports Small Businesses

Using a portable storage container offers flexibility and convenience when you need it most. Go Mini's specializes in helping small businesses keep things running smoothly, especially during the holiday blitz.

The Go Mini's Advantage

On-Site Convenience: We drop the container at your location and leave it as long as you need. You’ll have quick access to your backups without driving across town.
Flexible Sizing: Our containers come in several sizes, with the roomy 20-foot option perfect for holiday stock. You only pay for the space you need.
Ready for Any Weather: Don’t sweat rain or snow. Our steel containers are built tough to keep your inventory safe from the elements. With ventilation and an 8-inch ground clearance, you don’t have to worry about moisture or water damage getting to your products.

Managing Post-Holiday Inventory

The work isn’t over when the holidays wrap up. You’ve got returns to process, leftover stock to sort, and new merchandise on the way.

Here’s a tip: Repurpose your Go Mini’s container. Use it for sorting returns, handling post-holiday markdowns, or doing a full inventory count without clogging up the main shop area. Once you have a clear picture of your end-of-year inventory, you can plan for upcoming sales and make room for new products.

Get Ready for a Smooth Holiday Season with Go Mini's

The holidays are packed with opportunity as long as you’re prepared. By planning early, keeping your stockroom in order, and having extra storage handy, you can breeze through the rush without breaking a sweat. An on-site storage container not only helps with overflow inventory, but also keeps your business flexible.

If you need a hand tackling your holiday inventory, Go Mini’s is here for you. Our storage solutions fit just right for businesses like yours and are designed to keep things simple, even in the busiest season.

Want to make this your smoothest holiday yet? Get a free quote today and see how Go Mini’s can help you handle the holiday hustle.