Are you struggling to find the perfect warehouse storage solution?
Whether you’re managing a small inventory or a large distribution centre. Having the right warehouse storage system enhances productivity, protects product quality, and ensures you have reliable storage options tailored to your needs.
But with so many options available, finding the best system for your needs can be challenging.
Flexi Couriers offers temperature-controlled storage solutions to keep everything from perishable goods to bulk items safe. Let’s explore the different types of warehouse storage systems to see which one is the best for your unique needs.
What Is a Warehouse Storage System?
A warehouse storage system is designed to optimise how goods are stored and organised within a warehouse.
Basically, it’s a collection of different components that work together to create storage compartments for various types of inventories.
How to Choose the Right Warehouse Storage System? Explore Primary Warehouse Uses
To choose the right warehouse storage system, it’s important to consider the primary use of your warehouse. Here are a few common uses of warehouses:
| Storage Type | Details |
| Basic Storage | General storage of goods. |
| Cold Storage | Temperature-controlled storage for perishable items. |
| Bonded Storage | Storage for goods under customs control. |
| B2B Order Fulfillment | Pick & pack services for business-to-business needs. |
| B2C Order Fulfillment | Pick, pack, and ship for business-to-consumer orders. |
| Bulk Item Storage | Storage for large items stored in bulk. |
| Contract Warehousing | Outsourced warehousing services. |
| On-Demand Warehousing | Temporary storage solutions for flexible needs. |
| Co-op Warehousing | Shared warehouse space with other businesses. |
| Cross-Docking | Quick transfer of goods directly from receiving to shipping. |
| Manufacturing | Storage of goods used in or produced during manufacturing. |
After determining the basic use and purpose, let’s move towards the main types of warehouses.
6 Types of Warehouse Storage Systems
The most common types include static shelving, mobile shelving, pallet racks, multi-tier racks, wire partitions, and mezzanine flooring.
Here you have a quick summary of all six warehouse storage solutions:
Here’s an easy-to-read summary table for the six types of warehouse storage systems:
| Storage System | Key Features | Best For |
| Static Shelving |
|
Lightweight goods like small parts and documents |
| Mobile Shelving |
|
High-volume, manually picked items in tight spaces |
| Pallet Racks |
|
Heavy, boxed items; high-density storage |
| Multi-Tier Racking |
|
Bulky, large items that need easy accessibility |
| Wire Partitions |
|
Secure or temporary storage areas, high-value items |
| Mezzanine Flooring |
|
Warehouses needing extra space and easy access |
Now, we’ll explain each system and how it’s best used.
1. Static Shelving
These shelves are storage mechanisms that are designed to stay in one place. They cannot be moved or adjusted once installed. They are the most stable option for storage.
Static shelves are ideal for lightweight items that are sorted by hand. Such as clothes, books, small parts, and agricultural products.
Since they don’t accommodate forklifts. They are best suited for items that can be easily carried. It’s because they need continuous replacements. Before setting up static shelving, it’s important to plan carefully. Their fixed nature means you need to know exactly what you want to store.
2. Mobile Shelving
Mobile shelving is a flexible storage solution that can adapt to your needs. Like static shelving, it’s used for items that are picked manually. But mobile shelving takes efficiency to the next level by maximising storage space.
With this system, shelves or cabinets are mounted on wheels and run along tracks.
This means there’s no need of fixed aisles. You can fit more items in less space for an easy access to your inventory.
Moreover, mobile shelving systems can be designed with either manual or automated tracks, according to your preference. Some models even feature locking mechanisms to help you control who has access to certain items. This ensures an extra layer of security.
Mobile shelving is great for:
- high volume of manually-picked items
- office supplies
- documents
- lightweight materials
3. Pallet Racks
Pallet racks are made from materials like metal, plastic, and wood. They come in different weight capacities, ideal for busy and large warehouses. It’s important to follow the recommended weight limits.
One of the key benefits of pallet racks is their vertical storage capability. They can be stacked high, allowing warehouses to maximise space and hold a large inventory in a compact area.
There are several types of pallet racking systems, each designed to meet specific needs:
| Type of Racking | Description | Ideal Use |
| Carton-flow racking | Gravity-fed rollers move cartons forward for easy picking | High-turnover items |
| Cantilever racking | Central support arms extend for storing goods | Long or bulky items like pipes, lumber etc. |
| Coil racking | Specialised racks prevent deformation of large items | Rolls, coils, spools |
| Double-deep racking | Back-to-back pallet storage doubles density without extra aisle space | High-density, uniform products |
| Drive-in racking | Forklifts drive into rack structure for high-density storage | Bulk storage, uniform products (LIFO – Last-In, First-Out) |
| Drive-through racking | Entry and exit on opposite ends for first-in, first-out flow | FIFO (First-In, First-Out) inventory |
| High-bay racking | Extends vertically, suitable for mechanised picking | High-ceiling warehouses |
| Mobile racking | Mobile bases slide open aisles, maximising floor space | Selective access, compact storage |
| Narrow aisle racking | Tight aisles with specialised forklifts for dense storage | Maximises density with selectivity |
| Pallet live racking | Gravity-fed for automatic pallet rotation | FIFO stock rotation |
| Push back racking | Inclined rails push pallets back | High-density, LIFO inventory |
| Shuttle racking | Automated shuttles move pallets in deep lanes | High-speed, high-density storage |
| Vertical racking | Upright storage minimises floor space for tall | Narrow and space-saving for tall items |
Pallet racks are widely used for storing large boxes. Different types of pallet racks, like high-bay racking and gravity flow racking, meet your various needs. They can hold everything from food products to industrial equipment.
4. Multi-Tier Racking
If you’re looking to make the most of your warehouse space without needing to expand, multi-tier racking is an excellent choice.
One of the standout features of this system is its ability to accommodate large items. With its multi-level design, you can store and organise bulky goods efficiently within your storage area.
Aisles, ramps, and staircases allow your team to reach items quickly and safely. Thus, you can enhance your employees’ productivity and streamline your warehouse operations.
These racks are particularly useful for warehouses with bulky goods. As they allow for effective organisation while maintaining accessibility. The warehouse team can easily move between levels using ramps or stairs which enhances productivity.
5. Wire Partitions
Wire partitions offer a simple yet effective way to organise space within a warehouse.
It consists of wire cages that can be easily set up and taken down as needed. This flexibility makes them a practical choice for various storage needs.
Wire partitions are commonly used to store sensitive items that need extra security. For example, they are great for storing valuable or sensitive inventory that needs to be kept safe.
Moreover, many warehouses use wire partitions to create temporary offices for managers or staff working directly on the floor. This allows for quick access to the operations while maintaining a structured environment.
6. Mezzanine Flooring
If your warehouse has the strategic layout and you have the budget, mezzanine flooring can be a fantastic storage solution.
It’s an extra level added above your main warehouse floor. This allows you to make the most of your vertical space. You can enhance it with features like lighting, lift systems, and conveyors to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
It’s excellent for maximising space and can be used for various storage needs. It’s often utilised for inventory that benefits from being easily accessible while freeing up floor space below.
Top 5 Benefits of a Warehouse Storage System
Having an efficient warehouse storage system improves your business storage operates. Here’s how it can make a positive impact:
1. Maximised Space
Investing in equipment like two-tier mezzanines, shelving, and pallet racking can dramatically increase the capacity of your warehouse facility. Sometimes even doubling or tripling it.
2. Better Efficiency
With the right storage setup, your team can find inventory quickly and access it with ease. Plus, a well-organised warehouse makes it safer and simpler to navigate heavy machinery and transport goods.
Thus, it helps your warehouse fulfilment team to navigate the system easily, leading to better overall productivity.
3. Increased Flexibility
Some storage solutions are made to be flexible. They can be easily dismantled, relocated, and reassembled to fit your changing business needs. This adaptability allows you to test different configurations and find the most effective setup without a permanent commitment.
4. Improved Safety
Safety is the priority. The well-being of your employees, equipment, and inventory is important for your warehouse’s success.
Thus, investing in high-quality products, such as guardrails, partitions, safety netting, and rack guards, helps create a safer working environment for everyone involved.
5. Ongoing Savings
By maximizing your storage space and improving flexibility, you can lower operational costs. A smooth-running warehouse not only leads to happier employees but also ensures your customers are satisfied with their orders.
This is especially beneficial during peak seasons, like holidays when demand is high.
Final Words
In summary, there are many different types of warehouse storage systems out there. Looking ahead, these systems are becoming lighter, more affordable, and packed with advanced technology.
With the right warehouse storage system, you can maximise space, boost efficiency, and maintain inventory safety.
Need a warehouse storage system tailored to your business?
Choose Flexi Couriers as Your Reliable Warehousing Partner
We provide scalable, flexible, and affordable warehouse storage solutions to keep your inventory secure. From temperature-controlled storage to seamless pick-packing and dispatch. Our warehouse team ensures that your goods are handled with the utmost care.
Let’s explore how our services can enhance your warehouse operations.