RM Online - Storage ideas and rental learning

Storage ideas

A while back, I visited The Meetinghouse Cos. in Elmhurst, Ill., to see how it stored its audio-visual and other rental equipment and setups for theme functions. Steve Harris of the company graciously gave me the complete tour. Although this company's operations may not exactly fit yours, it may give you some ideas. The company continues to experiment and improve on these ideas.

Large sheets of corrugated cardboard, stored upright against each other, are all that is necessary to separate life-size flats used in decorating for an event. This method of storage makes maximum use of space and keeps flats "flat" and free from damage due to accidental bumps or falling into the aisles between racks.

Each storage space is numbered so that items in that area are kept only there and not somewhere else. Also, the number matches ID or control numbers in the computer inventory - no items will be missed.

Each aisle or area of equipment in the warehouse is assigned to an employee to maintain. Overhead there are large white signs stating, in red letters: "THIS AREA PROUDLY MAINTAINED BY: [employee's name]." These signs hang prominently and were well-maintained even with all the activity going on. I'm sure this is one of the keys to an efficient and productive storage area.

Items that are lightweight and bulky, especially decorations in party rentals, can be hung from pipes fastened to the ceiling at different levels. All you need to get them down is some sort of hooking device on a pole or a forklift to reach that height.

Speaking of forklifts, many ren-tal stores are using them more and more to reach higher levels, save em-ployees' backs, and to load and un-load quicker. In party stores, I see electric and propane types of forklifts that allow employees to go up to the shelf and retrieve the items. In construction yards, the LP and gasoline or diesel units seem to be more popular.

Containers, containers - We all seem to have our favorite type! Some of the storage containers that work for The Meetinghouse Cos. are:

· Basket trucks (with fabric sides) for unusually shaped items or many small items.

· Large gray nesting plastic containers with hinged two-piece covers (approximately 32 by 16 by 14 inches) - always labeled and numbered on the outside.

· Special boxes made from plywood for the drapes (for pipe and drape). The drape is only folded horizontally since the box length is longer than the width of the drape.

· Refrigerator cartons protect those large items that may easily topple when transported or are bumped in the warehouse or during setups.

· Large custom-made wood boxes with wheels store and move items and sets of items with sizable bulk and weight.

· Regular shipping cartons - use them until you figure out that a better container may be more suitable, and mark them with ID numbers and descriptions. Also, all boxes and containers should have your company's name on them.

· Coat racks on wheels are excellent for hanging things that are difficult to hang from the ceiling or that you need to get at frequently.

· Shelf levels need to be determined by the kind of access you will use to get the containers or equipment. If an employee standing at floor level is to retrieve items, they need to be within easy reach. With a forklift, you obviously can reach much higher. You may need to use pallets for the equipment or be able to lift the employee safely to the storage level to gain access to where the items are stored. Safety first is always the guideline to follow - always.

Accelerated learning by the book

Accelerated learning recognizes that each of us has an individual, preferred way of learning that suits us best. When you learn the techniques that match your personal learning, you will learn in the way that is most natural for you, so it is easier and faster. Two books that will help with individual learning are listed below.

Be sure you read Accelerated Learning first - it provides the background to this evolving method of learning. Although this method has been known for perhaps 30 years, it hasn't been used by teachers at all levels of education. With accelerated learning, you could have learned - without much effort - probably twice as much or twice as fast. It will blow your mind! The second book brings out the abilities in each of us. It's a six-step blueprint to learn effectively.

Accelerated Learning, by Colin Rose, published by Dell 1986; available in paperback through Winch Associates/ Jalmar Press; $9.95 U.S. plus shipping. Accelerated Learning For the 21st Century - The Six-Step Plan To Unlock Your Master-Mind, by Colin Rose and Malcom J. Nicholl; Delacorte Press 1997; hardcover $22.95 ($31.95 Canada).

When teachers use the same six-step sequence, the learning experience is complete. When the learner and trainer work in the same order, they can collaborate fully so learning is enjoyable, effective and fast.

Have you had any Impact yet?

Please photocopy a page in the A.R.A. Impact catalog (past or current issue) with an item on it that works well in your rental business. Circle the item and send it to me (my address is above, by the photo). I will report the response (assuming I receive enough replies to provide a meaningful tip) in a future column.

Have you noticed all the new products in the latest catalog? I am amazed at the number of items available to help us run a profitable rental business. So please copy that page now, circle the item and send it to me.