We are running out of space, and cities are now building upwards rather than outwards. Our workspaces are getting smaller and smaller, and there’s little room left for good old storage. Of course, computers and cloud storage have replaced the cavernous storerooms of yore, but even the high-tech offices of tomorrow need physical storage space. We keep on accumulating more and more stuff, without regard for the little space that we have. Instead of expanding, we can repurpose what we already have.
If buying or renting more space is not an option, then the next best thing is to optimize the available storage you already have. Not everything can be uploaded to the cloud, unlike your office backup files. One way to make the most of your storage space is to invest in office shelving. We’re sure you’ve been thinking about it for a while but haven’t really committed to the idea of it. If your office, no matter how advanced, looks like a tornado just passed through it, then you know that you need some shelving and other storage solutions.
Organizing your workspace and adding in some shelving will definitely reduce the amount of clutter that lying around. With the amount of storage space that’s now freed, you now have more space for your needs. Maybe you need room for a new server or want to expand the kitchen. Best of all, finding things will now be easier and your workspace will no longer look like a mess.
The goal of investing in shelving is to maximize the storage capabilities of a space. To do this, you must carefully plan what to store, where to store it, and how to store it. Here’s a short guide to help you get your life back on track.
What to store
Most workspaces are tucked behind secure office towers operated by round-the-clock security. But even if you have invested in state-of-the-art locks and alarms, your office will still be vulnerable to criminals and saboteurs.
The office doors and windows are the ones most likely to be accidentally left unlocked or open. As much as possible, do not store items of value in the open workspace. Keep them under lock and key in a secure area of the office. If possible, concentrate the security in the secure area to prevent theft and unauthorized access.
The conditions in the office can also affect your storage requirements. For instance, heating and ventilation are often an issue in older office buildings, and the temperature and humidity are sure to be higher. You will have to modify the space if you want to store items potentially sensitive to the elements like books and documents.
Where to store it
You will have to take measurements when planning out the layout of the office. You could begin by sketching out the location of the shelving. ; you must take measurements more than once to ensure correct and accurate figures. Ensure that the width, length, and height of the target location of the shelving are correct. Always check the angles of the walls and corners.
When sketching out the layout, do not forget to consider the positions of the water pipes and electrical wiring. The shelving might impede access to the pipes and wires, and you definitely do not want to tear the shelves out if you need to perform repairs or inspections.
How to store it
Shelves and cabinets are the most popular storage solution for workspaces. They are versatile, inexpensive, and sturdy — three qualities that make them one of the most popular storage options. Office shelving and cabinets can be divided into base storage, wall storage, and utility cabinets.
Base cabinets are designed like kitchen and bathroom counters and are a more economical alternative to attached cabinets. A basic base cabinet has multiple drawers or a combination of shelves and drawers. Wall cabinets and shelving are the best way to maximize storage space without using floor area. The mounted design allows for easy access to storage and can be customized to fit objects of all sizes. Finally, utility cabinets are freestanding cabinets that can store small tools, supplies, and other objects.
A final word
Some things can’t be moved to the cloud. You still need to invest in old-fashioned shelves and cabinets to secure your belongings, whether at home or work.
