Storage Insights
Stay up to date with practical storage advice, buying guides, workplace trends and industry news from the Storage First team.
Our articles are designed to help businesses make informed decisions when choosing lockers, shelving, warehouse storage and workplace storage solutions.
✈️ PROJECT SPOTLIGHT | Gulfstream – London Luton Airport
Published: 14th September 2026
When you're supporting a world-class aviation operation, storage isn't simply about putting equipment on shelves.
It’s about security, accessibility, compliance and making the most of every available square metre.
For this project, StorageFirst delivered a bespoke storage solution across three warehouses, including:
🔹 30 tonnes of Longspan & Stormor shelving
🔹 Specialist aircraft parts storage
🔹 Storage for wheels, flaps and components
🔹 Security mesh partitioning
🔹 Specialist workbenches
🔹 Dedicated hazardous-goods provisions
🔹 BAA-compliant storage requirements
🔹 Completed in just two weeks
The result was a storage environment designed around the customer's operation — not a standard, off-the-shelf solution.
This is where good business development starts: understanding the customer's challenge first, then designing the right solution around it.
Understand. Design. Supply. Install. Deliver.
That’s the StorageFirst approach.
Is your workplace storage working as hard as your business?
Published: 13th September 2026
From warehouses and workshops to offices, schools, healthcare and commercial premises, the right storage can make a real difference to safety, organisation and productivity.
At Storagefirst, we provide practical storage solutions designed to help businesses make better use of their space and create safer, more organised working environments.
Our commercial range includes:
🔹 COSHH Cabinets – secure storage for hazardous substances and chemicals
🔹 Longspan Shelving – versatile, heavy-duty storage for stockrooms, warehouses and workshops
🔹 Storage Cupboards – secure, practical storage for equipment, tools and supplies
🔹 Lockers – durable personal and staff storage for a wide range of workplaces
Whether you're fitting out a new facility, improving an existing workspace or simply running out of room, we can help you find a storage solution that works for your business.
Quality products. Competitive prices. Fast nationwide delivery.
Back to School - 🏫 Supporting Safer, More Organised Learning Environments
Published: 8th September 2026
At Storage First, we provide high-quality, durable storage solutions designed specifically for schools and educational environments.
From student and staff lockers, laptop charging lockers and cloakroom furniture, to COSHH cabinets, janitorial cupboards and general storage, we help schools create practical, organised and secure spaces.
A well-organised environment supports happier, safer and more productive students and staff — and we’re here to help make that happen.
If you’re planning a refurbishment, expanding your facilities or simply reviewing your storage requirements, get in touch — we’d be happy to discuss how we can support your school.
Have you considered the floor before choosing your shelving? 🤔
Published: 4th September 2026
When planning Longspan or Stockrax shelving, it's easy to focus on the shelf capacity.
But there's another important consideration:
How is the weight transferred to the floor?
A shelving system carries the weight of your stock through the shelves and uprights, before transferring it through the feet or base plates onto the floor.
This creates what is known as a point load — a concentrated load applied over a relatively small area.
And this is where things can get interesting.
The same amount of stock can have a very different effect depending on:
🔹 How the weight is distributed
🔹 Number and position of shelving feet
🔹 Bay width and configuration
🔹 Number of shelving levels
🔹 Shelf and overall bay capacity
🔹 Type and condition of the floor
🔹 Whether the shelving is on a concrete floor, mezzanine or raised access floor
There's also an important distinction between:
Shelf load — what an individual shelf can carry.
Bay load — what the shelving structure can carry across its levels.
Floor load — what the building structure can safely support, including how the load is transferred into it.
For example, 800kg spread across a large area isn't the same loading situation as 800kg being concentrated through four shelving feet.
And if you're installing shelving on a mezzanine, the concentrated loads from the shelving feet need to be considered alongside the mezzanine's overall loading requirements.
So before specifying shelving, it's worth asking:
What are we storing, how much does it weigh, what type of floor are we installing onto, and how will the load actually be transferred?
We've put together a practical guide explaining point loadings, floor types, Longspan and Stockrax configurations, mezzanine considerations and the difference between shelf, bay and floor loads.
📌 Point Loadings Explained — What you need to know before installing Longspan or Stockrax shelving.
If you're planning a new shelving installation and aren't sure what information you need to consider, Storage First can help.
You’ve measured the wall. But have you measured the room?
Published: 3rd September 2026
It sounds simple:
“We need some lockers/shelving/cupboards. The wall is 4 metres long.”
But there’s a lot more to consider before deciding what will actually fit.
📏 Skirting boards
🔌 Power sockets
🚪 Door openings and swings
⬆️ Low beams and overhead obstructions
🧱 Columns in the middle of rooms
📐 Awkward corners
♿ Wheelchair and mobility access
📦 How items will actually be loaded and removed
🛒 Space for trolleys and equipment
And perhaps most importantly:
How will people use the storage once it's installed?
It's easy to make something fit.
It's much more important to make sure people can access it, use it and move around it safely.
That's why we've put together a simple Storage First Room Measuring Guide to help customers think about all the things that can easily be missed.
Before you measure your wall, measure the room.
How heavy is 60kg?
Published: 2nd September 2026
This is a question I’ve had more times than I can remember when talking about shelving.
We tell customers:
“Our shelves can take 60kg–90kg per shelf.”
And quite often the response is:
“Yes… but what does 60kg actually look like?” 😂
So I started explaining it in a way that most people can relate to…
✈️ Think about going on holiday.
If you have a 20kg luggage allowance, that's roughly the weight of one very full large suitcase.
So, as a simple visual comparison:
3 large suitcases ≈ 60kg
Put those three suitcases on a shelf and you've already got around 60kg sitting there.
And that's the point of the comparison.
Because saying “60kg per shelf” can sound like an abstract number.
But when you picture three heavy suitcases sitting on the shelf, suddenly it makes much more sense.
And if you're looking at 90kg per shelf… that's another 30kg on top.
Sometimes the simplest comparisons are the best way to explain something that, on paper, sounds pretty boring!
Storage doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes you just need to put it into everyday terms.
Durable Steel Storage for Demanding Workplaces
Published: 1st September 2026
At Storage First, we supply a wide range of industrial and commercial steel cupboards designed for demanding workplace environments.
Built for durability and everyday use, our cupboards are ideal for:
🔹 Warehouses
🔹 Workshops
🔹 Offices
🔹 Commercial premises
With a choice of 3 body colours and 7 door colours, our powder-coated finishes provide a practical storage solution while maintaining a clean, professional appearance.
🔐 Built with security in mind
Our cupboards feature three-point locking, helping keep equipment, tools, supplies and valuable items secure.
Key specifications include:
• Mild steel construction
• 1.0mm steel door frames
• 0.9mm steel doors
• 0.7mm steel carcass and panels
• Industrial shelving up to 85kg UDL
• Commercial shelving up to 65kg UDL
Whether you need secure storage for a warehouse, workshop, office or care environment, Storage First can help you find the right solution.
MORE COLOUR. MORE CHOICE. MORE FLEXIBILITY.
Published: 28th August 2026
Why settle for standard locker colours when you can create a storage solution that works with your environment?
At Storage First, we offer a wide range of locker colour options, allowing you to personalise your lockers to suit your workplace, brand or surroundings.
Our colour options include:
🟢 Stock Colours – Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, White, Silver & Black
🍂 Autumn Range – Autumn Orange, Autumn Ocean, Autumn Jade, Autumn Lemon & Autumn Lilac
⚪ Body Colours – White, Silver & Black
Whether you're fitting out a care home, school, workplace, leisure facility or industrial environment, we can help you create lockers that are practical, durable and look the part.
Our lockers feature a high-quality powder-coated finish, built to provide long-lasting protection and performance.
Designed to fit. Built to stand out.
Not all charging lockers provide the same level of protection.
Published: 24th August 2026
With more workplaces, schools and organisations storing and charging laptops, tablets and other lithium-ion powered devices, charging lockers are becoming an increasingly useful solution.
But there’s an important question to ask:
What happens if a lithium-ion battery fails while charging?
A standard charging locker can provide:
✅ Secure storage
✅ Device charging
✅ Cable management
✅ Better organisation
But a fire suppression charging locker can provide all of the above, with an additional layer of protection.
Our fire suppression charging lockers incorporate an AF-X waterless aerosol fire suppression system, specifically designed for lithium-ion battery charging applications.
So when specifying a charging locker, it’s worth considering more than just capacity, appearance and price.
Are you simply looking for somewhere to charge devices — or do you also need to consider the potential fire risk associated with lithium-ion batteries?
Charging is essential.
Protection is crucial.
If you're looking at charging lockers for your workplace, school or organisation and aren't sure which solution is right, get in touch.
Which locker lock is right for your environment?
Published: 17th August 2026
Not every locker needs the same type of lock.
At Storage First, we offer a range of locker locking options to suit different workplaces, schools, healthcare environments and changing areas.
🔐 Key locks – simple, reliable and cost-effective.
🔢 Digital combination locks – ideal where you want to remove the need for keys.
💳 Coin/token-operated locks – a popular choice for leisure, education and shared changing facilities.
🔑 Mastered key systems – useful for organisations where controlled access and management keys are important.
📱 Electronic locking options – for environments looking for a more modern, keyless solution.
The right choice really depends on who will be using the lockers, how frequently they need access and how much control you need over them.
And that's the benefit of specifying your lockers properly from the start.
Need help choosing the right locker and locking option?
PPE storage isn’t just about keeping things tidy.
Published: 14th August 2026
In busy workplaces, PPE needs to be easy to find, easy to access and protected when it’s not being used.
Whether it’s hard hats, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear, gloves or other protective equipment, having a dedicated storage area can make a real difference.
Our range of PPE storage cabinets provides a simple, secure solution for keeping equipment organised and ready when it’s needed.
🔒 Secure – lockable storage helps protect PPE
📦 Organised – dedicated storage makes equipment easier to find
💪 Durable – strong steel construction for demanding workplaces
📏 Flexible – a range of sizes to suit different requirements
🏭 Practical – ideal for industrial, commercial and workplace environments
Because when PPE is stored properly, it’s one less thing to worry about.
Safe. Secure. Always ready.
Medical Cabinets – Storage That Works as Hard as Your Team
Published: 11th August 2026
When it comes to healthcare storage, it’s not just about having somewhere to put things.
Medical supplies need to be secure, organised and easily accessible — whether they’re being used in a care home, GP practice, hospital, clinic or other healthcare environment.
Our range of medical cabinets is designed to help keep essential equipment and supplies organised while making the most of the available space.
✔️ Secure storage
✔️ Easy access to essential supplies
✔️ Robust steel construction
✔️ Ideal for healthcare environments
✔️ Available in a range of configurations
Good storage can make a real difference to how efficiently a healthcare environment operates.
The right cabinet. The right place. The right solution.
If you could change ONE thing about your storage area, what would it be?
Published: 10th August 2026
I've been thinking about this one.
If you walked into your warehouse, stockroom, workshop or workplace tomorrow and had the opportunity to change just one thing about the storage, what would you choose?
📦 More capacity?
📐 A better layout?
🗄️ Better organisation?
🔎 Easier access?
🛡️ Safer storage?
Or perhaps something completely different?
The interesting thing is that the answer will be different for every business.
For some, the biggest challenge is simply running out of space.
For others, it's poor organisation, difficult access or storage that hasn't kept up with the way the business has changed.
And sometimes the problem isn't the amount of space available at all — it's how that space is being used.
That's why I don't believe there is one "best" storage solution.
The right solution starts with understanding what you're storing, how you use it and what you need your storage to achieve.
At Storage First, that's exactly the approach we're taking — providing practical storage solutions for warehouses, workplaces, offices and commercial environments.
A simple sign can make a big difference.
Published: 3 August 2026
Every Storage First Longspan Shelving installation includes a custom laminated Safe Working Load notice, supplied free of charge.
Each notice clearly identifies:
✔ Maximum load per shelf level
✔ Number of shelf levels
✔ Product type
✔ Date supplied
✔ Safety guidance
✔ Storage First contact details
Our aim isn't just to supply shelving—it's to help our customers create safer, more organised workplaces.
Whether you're storing archive boxes, engineering components, warehouse stock or maintenance equipment, knowing the safe load limits protects both your investment and your employees.
Good storage isn't just about capacity—it's about safety.
One Locker Doesn't Fit Every Workplace...
Published: 2 August 2026
Every business has different storage requirements, which is why Storage First offers one of the UK's most comprehensive ranges of steel lockers.
Whether you're storing uniforms, charging devices, protecting valuables or organising specialist equipment, we have a locker designed for the job.
Our range includes:
✔️ Nurses Lockers
✔️ Police Lockers
✔️ Charging Lockers
✔️ Fire Suppression Lockers
✔️ Vision Panel Lockers
✔️ Golf Lockers
✔️ Clean & Dirty Lockers
✔️ Garment Collection & Dispenser Lockers
✔️ Education Lockers
✔️ Wallet Lockers
✔️ Crew & Uniform Lockers
✔️ High Capacity & Reduced Height Lockers
...and much more.
Why businesses choose Storage First:
🇬🇧 Manufactured in the UK
🔐 Five lock options to suit every environment
🦠 ActiveCoat® anti-bacterial powder coating on painted components
🚚 Free delivery on most orders
🎨 Wide choice of colours, sizes and configurations
🛡️ Built to last with an industry-leading warranty
From schools and hospitals to factories, warehouses, offices and leisure facilities, we'll help you find the right storage solution for your workplace.
Perforated Door Lockers – More Than Just a Locker
Published: 31 July 2026
When people think about lockers, they often focus on security. But in many workplaces, ventilation is just as important.
Perforated door lockers are designed to improve airflow, helping to reduce the build-up of moisture and unpleasant odours from workwear, PPE and gym clothing. That makes them an ideal choice for environments where clothing needs to breathe between shifts.
At Storage First Ltd, our perforated steel lockers are:
✅ Manufactured in the UK
✅ Built to British Standard BS 4680:1996 (Standard Duty)
✅ Protected with ActiveCoat® anti-bacterial technology, proven to reduce bacteria including MRSA and E.coli by up to 99.9%
✅ Available in a wide range of colours, sizes, compartment configurations and lock options to suit almost any workplace.
Perfect for:
🏭 Manufacturing
🏫 Schools & Colleges
🏢 Offices
🏋️ Leisure Centres & Gyms
🚚 Distribution & Logistics
The right locker doesn't just keep belongings secure—it helps create a cleaner, more hygienic and better organised workplace.
Any Colour... So Long As It's RED! 🔥
Published: 29th July 2026
When it comes to lithium-ion battery fire safety, red isn't just a colour—it's a reminder that prevention matters.
From power tools and radios to laptops, scanners, e-bikes and drones, lithium-ion batteries are now part of everyday operations. But charging them also presents one of the fastest-growing fire risks in the workplace.
That's why we're proud to offer the UK's first waterless lithium-ion fire suppression charging locker.
✅ Early fire detection
✅ Waterless AF-X aerosol fire suppression technology
✅ Designed to contain battery fires before they spread
✅ Protects people, equipment and buildings
Trusted by organisations across:
🏗️ Construction
🏭 Manufacturing
⚡ Utilities & Infrastructure
🚑 Emergency Services
🏥 NHS & Healthcare
🏫 Education
🏛️ Local Authorities
Whether you're charging cordless tool batteries overnight or storing critical equipment during the day, investing in the right charging solution could make all the difference.
Because when it comes to battery fires, prevention is always better than recovery.
Choosing the Right Storage Solution – It's About More Than Just Space
Published: 27th July 2026
When businesses need more storage, the first thought is often, "We just need more shelves."
In reality, choosing the right storage solution is about understanding what you're storing, who needs access to it, and how your workspace operates.
Before investing, ask yourself a few simple questions:
✅ What needs to be stored? (Tools, stock, documents, PPE, personal belongings, hazardous substances?)
✅ How much weight will each shelf or cupboard need to support?
✅ Will items need to be accessed frequently, or simply stored securely?
✅ Is security important? Would lockers or lockable cupboards be a better option?
✅ Could better storage improve productivity by reducing time spent searching for equipment or stock?
The right storage solution doesn't just create space—it can improve organisation, workplace safety and day-to-day efficiency.
Whether it's Longspan shelving for warehouses, secure lockers for staff, COSHH cabinets for hazardous materials, or heavy-duty workbenches for workshops, selecting the right product from the start can save both time and money.
If you're unsure where to begin, we've created a range of practical buying guides in our Storage First Knowledge Centre to help you make informed decisions.
"Why Untidy Workplaces Cost More Than You Think"
Published: 24 July 2026
When businesses need more storage, the first thought is often, "We just need more shelves."
When we think about an untidy workplace, it's easy to assume it's simply an appearance issue.
The reality is, it's often a business performance issue.
A disorganised warehouse, stockroom or workspace can quietly cost your business every single day.
Think about it...
❌ How much time is spent looking for tools or equipment?
❌ How often do employees take longer routes because aisles are cluttered?
❌ How much stock is damaged because it isn't stored correctly?
❌ Could poor organisation increase the risk of slips, trips and manual handling incidents?
❌ What impact does a cluttered environment have on staff morale?
These small inefficiencies add up.
A well-planned storage system isn't just about keeping things tidy—it's about creating a workplace that is safer, more productive and easier to work in.
When everything has its place:
✔️ Staff spend less time searching.
✔️ Picking and packing becomes faster.
✔️ Stock is better protected.
✔️ Walkways remain clear.
✔️ Productivity improves.
At Storage First, we help businesses make better use of their existing space by designing practical storage solutions that improve organisation, efficiency and safety.
The Most Expensive Square Metre in Your Business Is Probably the One You're Wasting
Published: 23 July 2026
Every business is looking for ways to reduce costs.
They negotiate supplier prices, review energy bills and look for efficiencies across the business.
But there's one asset many organisations already own and rarely optimise...
Their space.
Before considering expensive warehouse extensions or relocating to larger premises, ask yourself:
➡️ Are you making full use of your building's height?
➡️ Is valuable floor space being used for storage that could be organised more effectively?
➡️ How much time do employees spend walking, searching for stock or moving items unnecessarily?
A well-designed storage solution can often recover 20–40% more usable space, improve workflow, reduce wasted movement and increase productivity—all without increasing your building footprint.
The reality is that investing in better storage is often significantly more cost-effective than moving premises.
At Storage First, we work with businesses to maximise the space they already have, helping create safer, more organised and more efficient working environments.
Why Good Storage Is About More Than Shelving
Published: 7th July 2026
Most businesses don't run out of space... they run out of organised space.
Whether it's a warehouse, workshop, office or healthcare environment, the right storage solutions can improve efficiency, enhance workplace safety and help teams spend less time searching for equipment and more time getting the job done.
That's why we've created the Storage First Knowledge Centre – a free resource packed with practical advice, buying guides and storage tips to help businesses make informed decisions.
Inside you'll find expert guidance on:
✅ Warehouse Storage
✅ Lockers & Charging Lockers
✅ Longspan & Stockrax Shelving
✅ Industrial Workbenches
✅ Workplace Cupboards
✅ COSHH & Safety Storage
✅ Healthcare Storage Solutions
Whether you're planning a new workspace or simply looking to make better use of the one you already have, our Knowledge Centre is designed to help.
Is your workspace helping productivity — or slowing it down?
Published: 7th April 2026
A well-designed workbench can make a huge difference to efficiency, organisation and safety in busy working environments.
Stockrax Workbenches are built for demanding warehouse, workshop and manufacturing environments, providing a strong and reliable workspace for packing, assembly, maintenance and production tasks.
✔ Heavy-duty steel construction
✔ Quick boltless assembly
✔ Adjustable working heights
✔ Durable work surfaces
✔ Modular design that can integrate with shelving systems
Whether you're creating a packing station, assembly area or workshop bench, having the right workspace helps teams work more efficiently while keeping tools, materials and stock organised.
Sometimes improving productivity isn't about adding more space — it's about making better use of the space you already have.
Where do your staff charge company devices?
Published: 7th March 2026
In many workplaces, phones, radios, tablets and laptops end up charging on desks, worktops or shared charging stations. Not only does this create clutter, but it can also leave expensive equipment vulnerable to damage or theft.
Our PowerBox Charging Lockers provide a simple way to keep devices secure while they're charging.
Whether it's a warehouse team charging handheld scanners, a school storing tablets, or emergency services securing radios and body cams, charging lockers help keep equipment organised, protected and ready for the next shift.
✔ Secure lockable compartments
✔ Individual charging points in each locker
✔ Reduces trailing cables and clutter
✔ Suitable for phones, tablets, laptops, radios and more
✔ Available in a range of sizes and configurations
✔ UKCA / CE certified power spine
✔ 7-year warranty
A practical storage solution for warehouses, offices, schools, hospitals and public sector organisations.
If you're looking to improve device security and create a tidier workspace, we'd be happy to help.
Uniform Lockers designed for demanding workplaces.
Published: 7th July 2026
Ideal for healthcare professionals, police forces, emergency services, manufacturing, engineering, construction and facilities management teams.
Our lockers provide secure storage for uniforms, PPE and workwear, with hanging rails, shelves and hooks as standard. Clean & Dirty locker options are also available to support workplace hygiene requirements.
Featuring ActiveCoat anti-bacterial protection and robust steel construction, they're built for environments where security, organisation and cleanliness matter.
Contact Storage First for more information.
Is all warehouse shelving created equal?
Published: 7th April 2026
When businesses compare shelving options, the focus is often on one thing: how much weight it can hold. But that's only part of the story.
The real question is:
- Has the shelving been independently tested?
- Is it designed to minimise risk in a busy working environment?
-Will it remain safe and stable years down the line?
Cheaper shelving can sometimes appear to offer similar load capacities on paper, but factors such as build quality, stability, safety features, testing standards and long-term durability can vary significantly.
For warehouses, stockrooms and industrial environments, shelving isn't just about storing products – it's about protecting people, stock and operations.
That's why professionally engineered systems such as Longspan Shelving and Stockrax Shelving are designed and tested to recognised industry standards, helping businesses create safer and more efficient storage areas.
A lower purchase price can be attractive, but when it comes to storage systems, the cost of damaged stock, downtime or workplace incidents can quickly outweigh any initial savings.
When evaluating shelving, don't just ask "What's the load capacity?" Ask "What's the safety standard?"
⚠️ Are hazardous substances being stored safely in your workplace?
Published: 2ndJuly 2026
Whether you're operating in manufacturing, engineering, warehousing, facilities management, healthcare or education, the safe storage of chemicals and hazardous materials is essential for protecting employees and maintaining compliance.
Our COSHH Cabinets are designed to provide secure, organised storage for hazardous substances while helping businesses meet workplace safety requirements.
Secure storage for hazardous materials
Robust steel construction
Adjustable shelving for flexibility
Helps support COSHH compliance
Suitable for a wide range of industries
Investing in the right storage solutions isn't just about compliance—it's about creating a safer and more organised workplace for everyone.
Get in touch with Storage First to discuss your COSHH storage requirements.
📦 Running out of warehouse space but not ready to move premises?
Published: 1st July 2026
Many businesses assume the only solution is a larger warehouse. In reality, you can often increase storage capacity by up to 100% within your existing footprint.
Here are a few ways companies are doubling their warehouse storage without the disruption and expense of relocating:
✅ Install a mezzanine floor to utilise unused vertical space.
✅ Increase racking heights where building clearances allow.
✅ Replace static shelving with high-density storage systems.
✅ Review aisle widths and warehouse layout to improve space utilisation.
✅ Move slower-moving stock to elevated storage areas and reserve prime locations for fast-moving products.
✅ Introduce better inventory management to reduce unnecessary stock holding.
Relocating a warehouse can cost hundreds of thousands in moving expenses, downtime, and lost productivity. Optimising the space you already have is often the fastest and most cost-effective route to growth.
The question isn't always "Do we need a bigger warehouse?"
Sometimes it's simply: