Selection Criteria for Shelving and Storage Cabinets

Having the right shelving or storage cabinet will make it much easier to store and access your possessions. Choosing the right sort of cabinet, however, is more difficult than it appears because there are a number of factors that you must first take into account (including your available space and budget). In this article, we have outlined the selection criteria for shelving and storage units in the hopes that it will help you to make this difficult decision.

Firstly, what is the different between storage and shelving cabinets? They are very similar, but a few particular differences set them apart:

Storage Cabinets

These are basically enclosed shelving units – they will have sides and one or more doors. They can be purchased as standalone units or they can be built into the room as a permanent structure. If security is an issue, they can be fitted with a heavy-duty lock.

source

Shelving Cabinets

These have an open front, but often have enclosed sides (if present) and backs. They are often used when frequent access is a must, as there are no doors or locks to hinder you. They are often used as a display case and are very effective in storing objects whilst showing them off.

source

Now that we know the differences between shelving and storage cabinets, we are ready to delve into the selection criteria that you should be following:

• Make a list of the possessions and objects that you need to store or would like to store in the unit. This will give you an idea of how many shelves the cabinet needs to have in order to meet your requirements. Try writing this list over a few days to make sure that you don’t forget anything.
• Beside each possession and object, note down whether it is small or large in size and whether it is heavy or lightweight. These figures will play a role in how big and how strong the unit needs to be, as having a shelf collapse or an object not fit would be disastrous.
• Determine whether frequent access to these possessions and objects is required, or whether it is a long-term solution. This will determine whether your unit requires open shelving or whether doors can be installed. Also consider security and the value of your possessions.
• Determine where each unit will be located in your home, and note down the space available. This will ensure that your cabinet is the perfect fit and the perfect complement for your décor. Make sure that the right unit is installed in each location.

By keeping these selection criteria in mind when selecting or even designing shelving and storage cabinets, you can rest assured that the end result will be perfect for your needs. Forgetting to think about the weight of the objects or figuring out how much wall space is available can lead to problems in the future, such as the cabinet breaking or not fitting. If you have any questions about the type of unit that will best meet your needs, make sure you take them up with your chosen supplier; they will be happy to help.