Do you have a designated area in your office that is used solely for storing important documents, samples or anything business-related? Is that storage taking up a lot of valuable office space?
You could probably benefit from a one-stop-shop for your storage needs by condensing all your stored materials into a more accessible and organized unit. With a High-Density Storage System, you can replace the need for filing cabinets, various small storage units or closets without and organizational tools.
But with so many options available, how do you budget for one of these modern-day office miracles?
Now, we will be upfront with you and say that we won’t be giving you a fixed price in this article. However, we will give you an overview of some of the factors that will influence costs and how to select the best system for your needs and budget.
What is High-Density Storage?
High-Density Storage allows you to store and organize more, in less space, all while improving overall accessibility. This can be accomplished as easily as a push of a button or a turn of a handle depending on the unit you require and select.
These storage solutions can hold a large volume of goods with a minimal office footprint. Businesses can now use their precious office space more effectively and avoid the need for expansion or moving to a larger office space.
High-Density storage is not just for paper documents, or folders anymore. We are seeing an influx of businesses utilizing the storing capacities for items such as sports equipment, uniforms, medical supplies, hotel linens or even valuable works of art.
HD storage takes up 50% less space than traditional shelving units and they come in a variety of options and finishes. Choose from more than 5 different track systems, demountable floating floors or 1-piece aluminum tracks.
There is a perfect storage unit out there for your specific office needs.
How To Calculate What High-Density Storage Costs
There is no easy answer to this question, unfortunately, since most of the high-density storage products are made to order. There are too many unique situations involved with setting a quote, so, instead, we have decided to give you a step by step solution for calculating the costs involved with storage systems.
Step 1: What Are You Storing?
This first step may seem pretty obvious to you, but it’s important to figure out exactly what it is you’ll be storing in these units on a day to day basis. The size and makeup of your HD storage system can differ greatly from a unit that holds museum artifacts to a system that is only used for storing traditional paper goods.
Step 2: Determine Available Floor Space
Determining the amount of floor space you’ll need for these units is probably the most important step when it comes to uncovering costs. Let’s say you have measured your space and it’s 16’0” X 15’0” and there is a door located on the 15’0” wall.
Keep in mind that you’re going to want to subtract at least six feet to allow for proper door swing.
What remains is enough space for a 16’0” wide system with 9’0” long carriages.
Step 3: Measuring Ceiling Height
According to the Building Code, you need a minimum of 1930mm over at least 75% of the required floor area.
It’s also important to account for sprinkler systems when measuring ceiling height. Code requires a minimum of 18” below a sprinkle head, and most sprinklers measure in at roughly 2 inches.
Let’s imagine our ceiling height is 104” and we are deducting 20”; that leaves us with an overall maximum height of 7 feet.
Step 4: Calculate Cubic Footage
Continuing with the specs we have so far, we are budgeting for a high-density storage system that measures in at 16′ wide with 9′ long carriages and a maximum height of 7′.
To determine the cubic footage, we simply multiply the width x length x height to get the sum of 1,008 cubic feet.
Step 5: Select Your System Type
As mentioned earlier, there are several types of storage systems to choose from, all with their own unique method of access and use.
- Mobile Shelving – available in either Electric Powered, Mechanical Assist or Manual.
- Modular Mobile – low profile wheelhouse shelving that can come rampless and engineered to be placed on top of existing floors.
- Industrial Mobile – meant for heavy-duty storage needs and can handle up to 30,000 pounds per carriage section.
- Roll Away – a versatile and cost-effective solution for storing light load applications. Consists of one or two laterally moving rows.
In the end, it comes down to your business’ personal preferences and budget.
Step 6: Adding It All Up
We mentioned at the beginning of this article that we won’t be giving you a fixed price, but we can at least provide a base minimum price you should expect as well as doing our best to provide some guidelines for determining your budget. Typically, we find that a high-density storage solution will start at $50 per square foot, and only go up from there.
Questions to Ask Before You Get A Quote on High-Density Storage
- What environment will the unit be stored in? New construction or existing?
- Where is the room location? Weight requirements are often inforced.
- What types of finishes do you want? Paint, Laminate, Other?
If at any point you find yourself ready for professional assistance and would like help with a detailed cost analysis or quote, please reach out! We have helped many businesses design high-density storage systems from around the Maritimes and would love to help you as well.
Tips to Reduce the Cost of a New High-Density Storage System
Keep in mind that high-density storage has a high upfront cost and those costs can be considerable, especially if the floors need reinforcing. One way to reduce your upfront investment cost is by choosing less expensive control options.
For instance, manual mobile shelving systems are more cost-effective than mechanical-assist or powered controls. Mechanical-assist options have rotating handles that do most of the work for you, and a fully powered system moves the shelving automatically when you push a button.
Reduce Your Office Footprint and Stay Organize With HD Storage
These versatile and highly effective storage units can do wonders for your business. No matter what your storage needs are, there is a High-Density Storage System right for you. Guaranteed to reduce the amount of space needed to store important items, streamline the organization process and ultimately increase overall office wellbeing.
Cody Turner
Digital Content Specialist
Office Interiors