More Stuff — Less Space

If you’ve spent time in almost any type of work environment, you’ve probably seen a room filled with file cabinets, shelving, or storage cabinets. Not always a pretty site, is it? The problem with these stationary storage systems is that they require fixed aisles, and fixed aisles take up valuable space.

One way to combat that wasted space is with a high-density shelving storage system (also called “compact storage” or “movable storage”). This mobile storage rack eliminates unnecessary aisles, and create one or more movable aisles instead. Fewer fixed aisles mean more available space. In most instances, a mobile shelving unit will save up to 50% of your floor space – floor space that you can use for more productive purposes or additional storage space.


Adding a high-density mobile storage system would mean you’d be able to store twice as much in the same space without the need for renovation or expansion. Another plus — the shelving on a mobile storage system is designed to utilize the vertical space which ends up wasted by conventional filing and storage units. So, with a high-density mobile storage system, you’d maximize your storage capacity per square foot, increase efficiency, improve your employees’ morale, and add to your bottom line. We call that a win.



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How Does Compact Storage Work?

How Does Compact Storage Work?

Now that you have an idea of what high-density mobile storage is, let’s talk about how it works. The idea is pretty simple. The use of a movable shelving system makes it possible to mount virtually any type of shelving or storage cabinet (including existing shelving and cabinets) on a track-guided, wheeled mobile carriage. These mobile shelving units travel side to side on rails that are placed on top of the floor (surface mounted), or in the floor (recessed). Fixed aisles are then eliminated, freeing up floor space for other, more productive uses. So regardless of the size, shape or weight of your stuff, a mobile storage system can store it in less floor space.

Where (And For What) Is High-density Shelving Used?


When we talk about STUFF, we mean whatever items, materials, or information you need to keep, keep safe and keep track of. The type of STUFF you have often varies depending on the type of work you do. The good news is that compact storage systems have been installed in offices, hospitals, banks, libraries, schools, museums, public safety departments, archives, warehouses, laboratories, government agencies and military bases, as well as many other uniquely demanding storage environments. High-Density Storage is a great fit for storing all kinds of STUFF — from the usual (files, books, binders, tools, uniforms and supplies) to the unusual (sterile supplies, dinosaur bones, evidence, weapons and ammunition, frozen earth samples, and motorcycles). You get the idea. A mobile Shelving unit can store just about anything.

Rare Books on Mobile Shelving

Law Library with books on mobile shelving

Protecting of confidential files on mobile shelving

Sterile Supply Storage on Mobile Shelving

University Athletics Mobile Shelving Storage

Parachute Containers at Fort Bragg

Athletic Equipment Storage on Mobile Shelving

Books on Mobile Shelving

What Is Compact Shelving Made Of?

As you’ll notice, there are several types of movable shelving systems, so it is difficult to share all of the specification information here. But there are some things we thought you should know. We represent Spacesaver, the recognized industry leader in high-density storage (with more mobile storage rack installations than all other manufacturers combined). Spacesaver is ISO-9001 Certified. They manufacture a carriage system that is the strongest in the industry, and the alignment of their compact storage systems stays true over years of use. Spacesaver uses welded steel construction that has no fasteners to loosen or break. By using an oven-cured, powder-coated paint finish, these storage systems will look new for years to come. Not only is it the most durable finish in the industry, but it also exceeds the most stringent scuff, scratch and chip requirements of the American Library Association. In addition to the fact that saving floor space is a “green” idea, many of Spacesaver’s products are Greenguard Certified as well.
What is Compact Shelving Made Of?

What Are The Types Of High-Density Systems?

As noted earlier, there are several types of mobile shelving systems. First, let’s look at the three types of mobile carriages. To initiate the carriage movement that will create an access aisle, there are three basic modes of operation available:
Powered mobile shelving that saves space
ELECTRIC POWERED MOBILE SHELVING (ECLIPSE)
With an electrical powered mobile system, users open system aisles with a simple push of a button. These systems are designed for more active, larger systems. They provide state-of-the-art safety for users and materials and provide maximum storage densities. There is a broad array of safety features and programmable functions. These systems are ideal for open-access applications where enhanced reliability, security and protection of stored materials are key concerns.
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Mechancial-Assist Mobile Shelving System
MECHANICAL ASSIST MOBILE SHELVING
With a mechanical-assist mobile system, users open system aisles by rotating ergonomic drive handles. They provide basic safety systems and are ideal for medium-sized storage applications with higher activity levels, heavier storage material, greater carriage lengths and a larger number of system ranges.
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MANUAL MOBILE SHELVING
MANUAL MOBILE SHELVING
With a manual-assist mobile system, users open system aisles by pushing handles left or right. These systems are ideal for smaller, low activity, and limited-access storage areas.
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Additional Types of High-Density Storage Systems


LEVPRO Suspended Mobile Shelving
LEVPRO Suspended Mobile Shelving
LEVPRO is a high-density storage system that utilizes an overhead rail and suspended sliding shelving. A variety of accessories makes this shelving system easy to configure (and re-configure) and delivers optimal space, productivity, and organization.
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High-Density Lateral Sliding Shelving
LATERAL BI-FILES & TRI-FILES
Lateral storage units travel back and forth on movable carriages with less wasted aisle space. The system provides the same storage capacity as stationary cabinets in less than half the floor space. Modular units can be added, moved and relocated as needed.
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MOBILE ART RACK
MOBILE ART RACK
Art Rack storage systems are designed to help art museums and galleries store their growing art collections safely and efficiently in an organized and orderly fashion. There are two options from which to choose: Mobile Art Rack Systems and Hang-Glider Pro Storage.
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What High-Density Storage Systems do?

While it’s true that systems come in different types and sizes and can store a variety of stuff in any number of places, they all share many common outcomes. With high-density storage systems, you can:

  • Store more stuff in less floor space
  • Help reduce your building lease or construction costs
  • Make room for more people/equipment
  • Delay your need for facilities expansion
  • Improve access by storing more stuff where it’s needed
  • Improve workflow
  • Protect stored material
  • Adapt as your storage needs change
What Do They Do: High-Density Storage Systems | Patterson Pope