Storage Solutions

Storage solutions for the workplace have changed drastically over the past few decades. The digital age has transformed how much printed paperwork is used and how much needs to be kept for certain periods of time. Offices used to need special areas just to store paperwork, these spaces can now be used for other needs and the cabinets and files in them can be repurposed or replaced.
Desk Storage
Most personal workspaces have some type of storage built into it. Older desks are likely to have more file drawers to hold paperwork that can now be accessed digitally. It is still nice to have some printed resources to reference so we can keep our screens clear for other tasks, but the amount we need is drastically reduced. These unused drawers can still serve a purpose. Many people use this space to store personal items or even workplace snacks. Additionally, having multiple pedestals, an industry work for bank of drawers, can be nice if you share space with peers who often work remotely. This allows everyone to have a small amount of personal storage space that can be secured if the pedestal has a locking feature.
File Rooms
Older offices likely have entire rooms, or a large amount of space, allocated to store paperwork. As these files become digitized this will open more space in the office that can be used in many ways. This space can be used to set up communal workplaces to help encourage collaboration in the office. If the storage area is in a separate room, it can be converted into a formal conference room to hold meetings with clients or coworkers. It can even be converted into a break room with more lunch seating and even personal lockers to give everyone a dedicated space to get situated before they enter their individual work areas. This can help create some separation between personal and professional life.
Network Rooms
Many offices replaced the need for paper storage with a need for digital storage. Large databases require servers and hard drives to work, and outdated storage rooms are an idea place to put them. Having dedicated space for computer hardware will help keep personal and communal spaces free of computer equipment and will help reduce the clutter and noise that a computer can create in a personal workspace. Furthermore, having a defined space for servers allows us to secure them better. As technology continues to evolve so does the need to secure our digital databases. Hacking and digital data breaches are on the rise and computer security has never been so important. Being able to secure our servers and hard drives in a dedicated room allows us to monitor and control who has access to them, which in turn will help keep them more secure.
Repurposing Old Storage Furniture
How we deal with our old unneeded storage furniture can be stressful and entertaining at the same time based on how much there is and the type of furniture we have. The easiest piece of furniture to repurpose are bookshelves. As reference material goes digital, we no longer need large binders and books of data. These shelves can easily be turned into displaced pieces. We can fill them with photos, trophies and other rewards, or just anything else we want to display in the workplace. We can move them around and use them in many ways and settings. Lateral and vertical file cabinets can be a bit harder to use but we can use them to store many things. People often use them for personal items, purses, spare clothing, snacks, or general storage for anything we do not want to display. All we need to do is remove the file holders and we have a large drawer that can fit many things. Storage cabinets can be used in a similar way. The benefit of them verses files is we can lay larger things flat across their shelves. Finally, remember not to keep too many unused storage pieces. We should not hold on to unused furniture just because we have it. The space they take up can always be used in other ways.
How and what needs to be stored in an office is always changing. We need to be aware of our individual companies and offices’ storage needs and change with the times. Small changes overtime can be easy and affordable. If we wait for a long time, upgrades become bigger projects. Spend some time every year seeing what can go and what can be repurposed to keep our office space up to date. As always if you need any help or suggestions in how to upgrade old storage areas feel free to reach out to us at sales@furniturewholesalers.com.