Discover five popular warehouse storage systems and learn how they work so you can decide on the best operational approach to your warehouse.

1. Block Stacking

Block stacking is probably the most rudimentary type of storage. It involves placing individual items or pallets on the floor and simply stacking them on top of one another. Warehouse staff typically organize inventory in lanes or blocks so that each item is easily accessible.

Block stacking is a simple and inexpensive form of storage; it doesn’t require any investment in racking and can be operated in any open warehouse floor space. However, there are a few drawbacks. It’s a very space intensive method and it can take a long time to retrieve items that are at the bottom of a pile. That’s why block stacking really only works with a LIFO—Last In, First Out—retrieval method.

2. Static Shelving

Static shelving is a storage mechanism designed to stay in one place. Static shelving works best with relatively lightweight inventory, meaning about a few hundred pounds per shelf. It’s a system that can work well for storing inventory that requires continuous replenishment.

Static shelving isn’t compatible with forklifts, so warehouses typically employ this system when handling inventory that they manually pick, place, and organize. Static shelving doesn’t work well for larger inventory.

3. Mobile Shelving

Mobile shelving is also a system for manually picked inventory, but it’s an entirely adjustable solution. The key difference between mobile and static shelving is that mobile shelving can hold more items in less space. In a mobile shelving system, warehouse teams mount shelves or cabinets on carriage and rail systems, eliminating fixed aisles.

This can increase productivity by increasing access to more inventory. This is especially true when space is tight. Mobile shelving designs often include manual-use or mechanized level tracks, and sometimes they even have locking systems to control access to inventory.

4. Pallet Racking

For large and busy warehouses, pallet racking systems can work great. Pallet racking systems are made out of wood, metal, or plastic and hold inventory in large boxes. Pallet racking is compatible with the use of forklifts and other automated mechanisms for larger boxes. There are several ways to implement a pallet racking system. Each warehouse can choose the system that works best for them based on weight limits, flexibility, and infrastructure.

5. Multi-Tier Racking

Multi-tier racking is a great option for warehouses that deal with large stocks of items that have small unit sizes. This system utilizes vertical space more efficiently than other approaches. Moreover, many multi-tier racking options are flexible, so you can add or remove tiers depending on your needs.

Multi-tier racking works best with manually picked, relatively lightweight items. If you’re going to employ this warehouse storage system, it’s probably best to organize each tier strategically and to pack items as densely as you can. However, it’s also crucial to be mindful of weight limits and ceiling-to-rack height compliance guidelines.

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