If your goal is to have a warehouse that’s well-functioning and organised, your choice of storage systems is vital. Have a good think through all the logistics involved in storage and their impact on productivity before making your decision, as warehouse storage systems are a large investment. The design of your warehouse storage, whether it be pallet racking or cantilever racking, and how it interacts with your warehouse floor plan and processes can have a huge impact on your bottom line.

Before you commit to one warehouse storage system, it’s good to get an overview of some ofthe different forms available. You can then make sure you’re not missing out on any crucial options. This article takes a look at five of the most popular forms of warehouse storage:

1. Static Shelves

As their name suggests, static shelves are not designed to move at all. They’re used for holding lightweight inventory – perhaps a few hundred pounds per shelf. The strength of this kind of warehouse storage is that it’s good for stock that needs continuous replenishment. Static shelves are not compatible with forklifts, so they’re best suited for inventory that must be picked, placed and organised by hand. A wide-span static shelf system will suit heavier stock at higher elevations.

2. Mobile Shelving

Unlike static shelving, mobile shelving is made for movement. Mobile shelves are adjustable shelves also made for hand-picked items, but they’re designed to hold many items in less space. They do this by having shelves or cabinets mounted on carriage and rail systems. This means that the aisles are not fixed in one spot. Therefore, inventory is more easily accessed, even when there isn’t much space. Mobile shelving can be manual or mechanised and some types come with locks for extra security of stock.

3. Pallet Racking

Pallet rackingsystems are ideal for busy large warehouses. They work well with forklifts for extra convenience. Pallet racking is typically designed in materials such as wood, metal or plastic, and it typically holds stock in large boxes. The boxes may be placed on the pallet racking using the forklifts or another kind of automated system. Sub categories of pallet racking can include carton-flow racking, cantilever racking, coil racking, double-deep racking, drive-in racking, drive-through racking, high-bay racking, mobile racking, narrow aisle racking, pallet live racking, push back racking, shuttle racking, and vertical racking.

4. Multi-Tier Racking

As its name suggests, multi-tier racking is designed to make the most of vertical space. It’s particularly useful for large multitudes of inventory that are small in unit size. Whena warehouse stocks items in varying sizes, multi-tier racks offer flexibility by allowing tiers to be removed or added according to your requirements. Great for lightweight items that are picked manually, you can get the most out of this system by packing stock densely and ordering tiers in a logical manner. Don’t forget to pay heed to weight limits when using multi-tier racking.

5. Mezzanine Flooring

Mezzanine flooring is another floor level that’s constructed above the main warehouse floor. You can even have multiple mezzanine floors in the one warehouse. It’s a more costly option compared to other storage solutions, but it can also save a lot of space. This is the deluxe option of warehouse storage, with the opportunity for customised features such as lighting, lifts and conveyors.