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Storage Planning

Master the essentials of storage planning with MH USA!

A collection of various kitchen and storage racks, featuring food storage shelving. Includes metal units for cookware, a wheeled cart with pots, a wire rack with trays, and freestanding shelves for small appliances and groceries.

Chapter 1 : Introduction

Welcome to Chapter 1 of our Storage Planning series presented by MH USA. In today’s digital-first world, storage needs remain a fundamental aspect of workspace design. This chapter introduces the basics of storage systems, the evolving needs of various environments, and strategies to maximize storage efficiency.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the foundational concepts behind a range of storage systems
  • Assess and determine specific storage requirements for clients
  • Select the optimal storage system type to meet client needs
  • Calculate the cost per linear storage inch for the systems covered
  • Address special design considerations, including code and federal requirements
Office Storage
A spacious, secure storage facility with Mobile High-Density Storage solutions features neatly arranged shelves. These shelves hold bins and boxes in vibrant colors like red, yellow, blue, and cardboard brown. Overhead lights illuminate the organized interior to maximize space effectively.

Storage in the Digital Age

While electronic storage reduces the need for traditional file cabinets, physical storage requirements persist. Today’s “stuff” is no longer just paper but includes a diverse range of items that require thoughtful storage solutions, such as:

  • Common Storage: Books, manuals, break area supplies, and janitorial items.
  • Personal Workspace Storage: Coats, bags, photos, and work materials.

Despite the digital shift, items like medical supplies, tools, or personal belongings need secure and accessible storage solutions.

Types of Filing Environments

Understanding different filing environments can help in choosing appropriate storage solutions:

The library shelves, a testament to material handling efficiency, are filled with DVDs in white holders, neatly organized. The shelving unit is white, contrasting elegantly with the dark carpet floor adorned with an orange circular pattern. This corner feels like a literature gallery in its own right.

Active

Files accessed daily by multiple users.

The evidence storage room design features shelves lined with brown paper bags, each sealed with red tape. A narrow walkway runs between the shelves, while natural light filters through a window in the background, highlighting the meticulously organized rows.

Archival

Rarely accessed files, typically stored centrally.

A process research lab featuring a countertop with test tubes, bottles, and equipment. Cabinets and drawers are below, with shelves for additional gear above. Pegboards for drying glassware adorn the wall, showcasing smart distillery laboratory design elements.

Workstation

Active documents used at individual desks.

Storage Needs Across Sectors

Storage requirements are essential across industries, from pharmacy storage to weapons storage and athletic equipment to evidence storage. The shift towards open, collaborative workspaces has even increased the demand for secure storage for personal and shared resources.

Form Follows Function

The principle of “form follows function” applies to storage as much as it does to furniture or building design. Storage systems should be more than just containers; they should be tailored to the purpose, whether for secure archiving, maximizing accessibility, or ensuring durability for frequently used items.

A large, empty industrial metal shelving unit stands with multiple levels in a spacious warehouse. The scene, bathed in light, highlights the blend of metal and wood on the shelves against high ceilings and pristine white walls.
A room with mobile shelving for pharmaceutical supplies and gray lockers. The shelves stand empty, while the lockers are arranged in two columns with ventilation slots. The floor is tiled, and the walls are painted beige.

A Brief History of Storage Systems

Historically, the storage solution began with the filing cabinet in 1898, spurred by the typewriter’s rise in the late 19th century. Initially, filing cabinets were basic containers, but the need for efficiency and space led to the development of high-density systems that maximize vertical space and accessibility.

Up Instead of Out: High-Density Storage

As office space became costlier, storage design shifted to high-density solutions, making use of vertical space to save floor area. This approach offers a valuable perspective—clients pay for square footage, so utilizing cubic space, especially above eye level, is essentially free, optimizing space without increasing rent.

Chapter 1 provides a foundational understanding of storage systems, helping you assess client needs and make strategic recommendations to maximize storage effectiveness in any environment.

Chapter 1
Introduction
Chapter 2
Common Shelving Applications
City skyline with tall buildings set against snow-capped mountains under a partly cloudy sky. The logo Material Handling USA appears in the upper left corner, highlighting our case studies and innovations in urban landscapes.

We Are MH USA

At MH USA, we specialize in providing innovative storage solutions that are tailored to your specific needs. As a trusted name in the material handling industry, we understand the importance of efficient storage planning and the role it plays in optimizing space and productivity. Our team is dedicated to helping architects, designers, and businesses create storage systems that are not only functional but also compliant with all federal regulations.

With years of experience in delivering high-quality storage products and services, we bring expertise and reliability to every project. Whether you’re taking the AIA Storage Planning Course or looking for customized storage solutions, MH USA is here to support you every step of the way.

Contact MH USA today for personalized assistance and discover how our tailored storage solutions can improve your business operations. Let us help you maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness with a solution designed specifically for you.

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