An office runs on an effective organization. Office storage should be of high importance when it comes to workspaces, but sadly, it is often undervalued compared to workstations and chairs. With the rise of the open-plan office and more minimal approaches to workspace design, storage can be easily overlooked. The right storage will not only keep your office looking clean and tidy; but it will also help your business to become more efficient, save you time, prevent the loss of work or documents and keep everything organized.
While design and aesthetics are certainly important, it's vital to also consider function, and providing sufficient storage is part of this. That's why creative storage solutions can turn any office into a well-functioning environment. Despite the importance of finding the right storage to meet your needs, people often find it tricky as they are not sure of the different storage options available, or what they should consider before making a purchase.
In this article, we are breaking down all the facets of office storage and why it is important for every office. This will be a guide to find the right office storage solution for you.
Why is Office storage so important?
The movements towards paperless workspaces and cloud computing have meant that there is less 'stuff' to be stored but there are still a number of valid reasons as to why you need to ensure your office has sufficient storage. Here are four reasons why your business needs storage space:
Organization and Productivity
Cluttered offices and poor storage facilities create obstacles in the way of an employee performing efficiently and effectively. This in result directly impacts your business by slowing productivity and increasing the margins of error. Further to this, it can impact employee wellbeing by leading to higher levels of stress.
Brand identity and Office aesthetics
A messy office usually correlates with a disorganized structure of management and this is not a good sight for your clients. Storage units can improve the aesthetics of your office and will provide your business with a new and well-organized look. Investing in clean, modern office storage in colors that fit in with your branding will help to create the right impression in the minds of customers, clients, and employees alike.
Improved security
In large companies and coworking offices, there can be a cause for concern amongst employees around the availability of secure storage. Providing personal storage in your office space is a cost-effective solution to improving security for your employees. Your employees will thank you for providing a secure space where these personal items can be stored away.
Natural Joy office system with personal storage
Optimizing space
With office furniture tending to be on the bulky side and you needing a workspace for everyone – as well as surfaces for equipment – it's easy for an office space to seem much smaller than it is. Having storage lockers in your office will improve your office's overall organization and tidiness, meaning that you are able to optimize your available office space.
Things to consider while choosing Office storage
Taking the time to consider the different options, as well as how the furniture can provide the best storage options for you, means you have a greater chance of making the right choice. The following are some of the factors you should take into consideration:
Design is important
Good design is about more than just attractiveness. It is said that form follows function. Different employees have different needs. The right design caters to these needs while making the most of your available space.
The office space
Before buying storage, you should measure the space available in your office to help you decide how much space you can allocate to storage. You should take into consideration where other office furniture, such as desks and chairs, are positioned.
Verdure Panel system with in-built storage
Required storage
You will probably have more than one type of material which you need to store. For example, you may have books, stationery, discs, files, or stock to store. Each of these will require different types of storage, and you will need enough of each type of storage furniture to accommodate your needs.
Budget
You should allocate a budget to storage before you begin to spend. Although you may want to limit the amount you spend, you should recognize that good storage will potentially save you both time and money in the future.
Size matters
Choose units that are too big, and you risk dominating the room, blocking access, and reducing the potential capacity of the space. Too small, and you may not have enough storage space to meet the requirements of your business. Think about your business' current and future storage requirements, and pick a good balance of solutions to fit your business.
Types of storage solutions
Long gone are the days of drab filing cabinets and dusty cupboards full of lever arch files though – these days, storage is much savvier and a whole lot more stylish. Some of the most popular storage solutions for the modern workspace include:
Pedestals
Pedestals are one of the simplest but effective ways of providing personal storage at each workstation. Many office desks now come with the option of co-coordinating pedestals, most of which come on castors so they can be easily moved around the workspace or pulled up as impromptu seating.
Featured product: Steelbox Pedestal
Cabinets
You can never have enough storage cabinets and bookcases, but they can take up a lot of space. It's a perfect way to store equipment and files that are needed by multiple departments. You can also use short bookcases to break up different workstations, creating a makeshift half-wall that provides extra shelves and top-storage.
Featured product: Steelbox cabinet
Lockers
Lockers are by no means a new storage concept but there have been certain innovations around this type of product in recent years that have made them a great solution for the agile workspaces of today. These provide staff with a private and secure place to change from home to work mode and vice-versa while reducing the real estate costs associated with an extended floorplate.
Featured product: Laminate Lockers
Multi-functional storage
A modular system that provides storage but also simultaneously fulfills a variety of other requirements. The collection features a range of personal storage, team storage, and meeting point solutions – all of which can double up as space dividers or plant holders.
Featured product: Mall Office system
Different storage materials
There are three main types of material used to construct office storage – metal, laminated engineered wood, and veneer wood.
Metal storage
Metal storage is most commonly found in offices and is strong and particularly easy to clean. For very high impact areas metal is usually the best choice but can look very industrial. Opting for metal storage is a good idea if you want to create a modern and professional image in the office.
Featured product: Steelbox
Laminate storage
Laminate storage has a more 'designed' look and comes in a wider range of finishes that will match your existing interior design. Choosing laminated storage is a good option if you want a homely and welcoming look in your office because metal can sometimes appear a little clinical.
Featured product: System cabinet
Veneer wood storage
This is a premium quality of storage with a sleek design and beautiful aesthetics. Suitable for the top management and personalized offices, these solutions combined with veneer desks can elevate the look of the space to a new level.
Featured product: Round office system
The Bottom Line
No office is complete without an effective storage system. By taking each of the above considerations into account when choosing storage furniture for your office, you will simplify the process and get exactly the right items to meet your needs. It will help you create a high-functioning workplace for you and your teams.
If you need effective storage solutions and expert consultation, contact us today.
