10 Things to Consider When Buying Industrial Cupboards

If you’re looking for extra storage in a warehouse, workshop, office or other workplace, an industrial cupboard is a good place to start. They are strong, practical and available in a range of sizes and designs, so there is usually an option to suit the space you have available. 

But with different types of cupboards to choose from, what should you actually look for? Here are 10 things worth considering before you buy. 

1. How much space do you have?

Start by measuring the space where the cupboard will go. It sounds obvious, but it is easy to overlook things such as door openings, walkways and the space needed to access the cupboard. 

If you are short on floor space, a slim cupboard could be a better option. If you have plenty of room, a taller cupboard can give you more storage without taking up much additional floor space. 

2. What are you going to store?

Think about what will actually be going inside the cupboard. Tools, workwear, cleaning equipment and general stock all have different storage requirements. 

For example, an industrial tool cupboard is designed with tools and equipment in mind, while a wardrobe cupboard gives you somewhere to store workwear and PPE. A janitor cupboard is useful for keeping cleaning equipment and supplies together. 

3. How much weight will the shelves need to hold?

Not everything that goes into a cupboard is lightweight. If you are storing tools, machinery parts or other heavy items, check the shelf capacity before choosing a cupboard. 

It is better to have more capacity than you need than to find out later that the shelves aren't suitable for what you want to store. 

4. Do you need adjustable shelves?

Adjustable shelves are handy if the things you are storing come in different shapes and sizes. 

You might need more space between shelves for larger equipment, but less space for smaller boxes or stock. Being able to change the shelf positions means you can alter the cupboard to suit you rather than working around a fixed layout. 

5. Does it need to be lockable?

Think about whether everything needs to be accessible to everyone. 

If you are storing tools, equipment, confidential paperwork or other valuable items, a lockable steel cupboard gives you some extra security. It also keeps everything contained, which can be useful in a shared workshop or workplace. 

6. What type of cupboard is best?

There are several types of industrial storage cupboards available, and the right one depends on how you intend to use it. 

An open-front cupboard is useful when you need to grab items regularly. If several people need their own storage space, a compartment cupboard could be a better choice. Shelving Store, for example, has both 8-compartment and 12-compartment cupboards available. 

7. How often will you use it?

A cupboard that is opened several times a day needs to be easy to access. Think about where it will be positioned and whether employees can get to the contents easily. 

For equipment that is constantly being used, an open-front design may make more sense. For things that only need occasional access, a standard enclosed cupboard may be all you need. 

8. Is it built to last?

Industrial storage is often used in busy environments, so strength and durability matter. 

Steel cupboards are a popular choice for workshops, warehouses and commercial premises because they are designed to cope with regular use. Think about the environment the cupboard will be used in and the type of treatment it is likely to get. 

9. Can you use the height of the room?

Don't forget about vertical space. If you have limited floor space, a tall cupboard can give you considerably more storage without taking up much more room. 

You can keep the things you use most often at a comfortable height and use the higher shelves for items that are needed less frequently. 

10. Will it still work for you in a few years?

Finally, think beyond what you need to store today. Your storage requirements may change as your business grows or your workplace changes. 

Choosing a cupboard with a useful amount of capacity and adjustable shelving gives you a little more flexibility. Spending slightly more on a suitable industrial cupboard now could save you having to replace it or buy additional storage later. 

Choosing the Right Industrial Cupboard 

There is no single cupboard that is right for every business. The best option will depend on the space available, what you need to store and how the cupboard will be used. 

Shelving Store has a range of industrial cupboards to suit different requirements, including slim cupboards, tool cupboards, wardrobe cupboards, janitor cupboards and compartment cupboards. 

If you're not sure which option is right for you, our team can help. Call 01244 26462 or email support@shelvingstore.co.uk to find out more.