Moving warehouse is one of the most disruptive events in the life of any business. The answer to what to do with your existing pallet racking, in most cases, is to relocate it. This is the complete guide — process, planning, checklist and compliance.
Introduction
Moving warehouse is one of the most disruptive events in the life of any business. The answer to what to do with your existing pallet racking, in most cases, is to relocate it.
What Is Racking Relocation?
Racking relocation is the process of dismantling existing pallet racking at one location, transporting it to a new location and reinstalling it to SEMA standards. The result is a pallet racking installation at your new premises at a fraction of the cost of buying new.
Why Relocation Requires Specialist Expertise
Pallet racking is a structural system. Dismantling, transporting and reinstalling it correctly requires knowledge of the original installation specification, the correct sequence for safe dismantling, and the technical capability to reinstall to the same standard.
Using a non-specialist removal company frequently results in damaged components, incorrectly reassembled frames, or the system installed without proper floor fixings — all of which create serious safety risks.
When Does Racking Relocation Make Sense?
Racking relocation makes financial sense in almost every case where the racking is less than fifteen years old and in reasonable condition. The cost of relocation is typically a fraction of the cost of equivalent new racking.
Planning Your Relocation
A successful relocation starts with a survey of both the existing and new locations. The survey establishes the condition and specification of the existing racking, the dimensions and floor loading capacity of the new building, any differences in floor level or column positions, and the programme for the move.
Without a written plan, dismantling can take twice as long, damaged components get reinstalled, and your insurer may refuse to cover a future collapse. Every Rackstor UK Ltd relocation starts with a site survey, a written method statement and a SEMA-compliant reinstall drawing — long before a single beam is moved.
Pre-Move Checklist
Identify the manufacturer of every run (Dexion, Link 51, Redirack, Stow, Mecalux, Apex, HiLo). Mixing brands or beam profiles is a leading cause of post-move collapses.
Photograph load notices, record bay sizes, beam levels, frame depths and any damaged uprights that will need replacement before reinstall.
Confirm the receiving building: clear height to roof steels and sprinkler heads, column positions, drains and fire exits, and floor slab thickness and loading capacity.
Dismantling Sequence and Transport
Always destock fully, isolate sprinkler drops, and dismantle top-down. Beams come out before frames; frames are laid flat on dunnage, never stacked vertically in a trailer.
Label every run and bundle by type — disorganised loads add days to the reinstall. Beams and frames are palletised and protected for transport on our own fleet of vehicles, with comprehensive goods-in-transit insurance cover throughout.
Reinstallation, Sign-Off and Compliance
Floors should be checked for flatness and slab thickness before the first frame goes down. Racking is then reinstalled to the manufacturer's specification with new floor fixings, correctly plumbed and levelled frames, and fully engaged beam clips, following a SEMA-compliant layout with all baseplate fixings torqued.
New load notices are fitted and a written PUWER 1998 completion certificate issued. Rackstor UK Ltd provides a full handover pack with every job — drawings, load notices, inspection report and warranty. A post-installation SEMA-aligned inspection is available on request.
How Much Does Racking Relocation Cost?
Typically far less than the cost of equivalent new racking. Price depends on bay count, height, access and haulage distance, so we survey first and then issue one fixed-price quotation. For a free pre-relocation survey call 0800 654 6955.
Mobile Shelving Relocation
Mobile shelving relocation is handled by a dedicated site within the Rackstor UK Ltd group. For mobile shelving relocation visit mobileshelvingrelocation.co.uk.