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<h2>A Guide to Exploring K-12 Facility Renovations</h2>
<p>School buildings shape how students learn, teachers teach, and communities invest in their future. Whether the goal is a safer campus, more adaptable classrooms, or a long-overdue infrastructure upgrade, the decision to renovate carries real weight.</p>
<p>This guide helps K-12 leadership teams navigate the early stages of facility renovation planning, from understanding the forces driving modernization to building a scope that earns community trust and delivers lasting value.</p>
<h2>The K-12 Facility Landscape: Why Renovation Can't Wait</h2>
<p>The average US school building is 49 years old, with roughly 38% built before 1970, and fewer than 50% have undergone a major renovation (NCES Fast Facts). Furthermore, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) gave school infrastructure a D+ in its 2025 Report Card (ASCE), and there is a $90 billion annual funding gap that stands between today's schools and a state of good repair (2025 State of Our Schools Report).</p>
<p>The good news: communities are stepping up. US public schools issued roughly $82 billion in municipal bonds in 2025, a 42% year-over-year increase (Meteor Education). And with ESSER funds expiring, construction costs climbing, and deferred maintenance reaching a tipping point, districts across the country are turning to capital projects to address safety, learning environments, and operational efficiency.</p>
<p>The challenge isn't deciding whether to renovate. It's planning a renovation that maximizes every dollar and earns the confidence of voters, board members, and the broader community.</p>
<h2>Building a Defensible Renovation Scope</h2>
<p>Every item in a renovation scope will eventually face scrutiny, whether from a school board, a bond oversight committee, or a community member at a public hearing. One of the hardest parts of facility planning is drawing a line between needs and wants that stakeholders can clearly understand and support.</p>
<p>That's why the strongest renovation plans connect every line item back to student outcomes, staff effectiveness, or long-term fiscal responsibility. Safety and security upgrades, HVAC modernization, and classroom renovations are often straightforward to justify, however, the less visible improvements like mechanical systems, circulation and layout redesign, operational support spaces, and storage infrastructure, often require a more intentional narrative.</p>
<p>Districts that invest time in articulating how improvements reduce operating costs, extend the useful life of a facility, and support day-to-day programming are better positioned to earn community trust. A renovation that addresses both the visible and the invisible effects signals thoughtful stewardship, not overspending.</p>
<h2>Looking Beyond Big-Ticket Renovation Priorities</h2>
<p>Most renovation conversations start with essential, big-ticket, high-visibility items: security systems, HVAC, roofing, classroom technology, and career and technical education (CTE) labs. But districts that also examine how interior spaces function on a day-to-day basis often uncover opportunities that can make the entire project more efficient and defensible.</p>
<p><strong>When interior systems like storage, layout, and circulation are thoughtfully designed from the start of a facilities project, the benefits extend far beyond those areas themselves.</strong></p>
<p>One of those benefits comes as a result of schools that were built decades ago carrying hidden inefficiencies. Oversized storage rooms, hallway overflow from undersized equipment areas, and libraries locked into rigid layouts all consume square footage that could be better serving students. Rethinking how interior space is organized can free up room for classrooms, labs, collaboration areas, or programming needs without expanding the building's footprint.</p>
<p>This kind of planning also strengthens the financial narrative. When a district can demonstrate that smart interior design reduces or eliminates the need for future additions, it shows fiscal discipline and long-term thinking - exactly the message that resonates with taxpayers and board members.</p>
<p>The key is to bring planning expertise into the process early and before architectural plans are finalized, so that every system, visible or not, is working toward the same goals.</p>
<h2>Why the Right Partnerships Matter from Day One</h2>
<p>Renovation projects involve a complex web of stakeholders. Aligning everyone around a cohesive vision requires partners who understand both the design process and the operational realities of K-12 environments.</p>
<p>Districts benefit most when planning partners are involved early enough to influence design, budgeting, and long-term operational performance, rather than react to finished drawings.</p>
<p>For storage and interior space planning specifically, partners with experience in K-12 environments can help districts evaluate space use, identify inefficiencies, and integrate interior systems into the design process before costly revisions occur. At Spacesaver, that collaborative planning approach has been central to how we support school projects alongside architects, designers, and local partners.</p>
<h2>Getting Started: Questions to Ask Early in the Planning Process</h2>
<ol>
<li><strong>Has your district assessed how its current square footage is actually being used?</strong> Identifying layout and operational inefficiencies early can reduce project scope and cost.</li>
<li><strong>Are specialty planning partners involved before designs are finalized?</strong> Engaging consultants for security, acoustics, storage, and interior systems during schematic design prevents costly redesigns later.</li>
<li><strong>Does the plan address both immediate needs and long-term flexibility?</strong> Improvements should serve the district for 20+ years as programs, enrollment, and teaching methods evolve.</li>
<li><strong>Can the district clearly articulate the "why" behind every scope item?</strong> The strongest renovation plans connect each investment to student outcomes, staff effectiveness, or operational savings.</li>
<li><strong>Has the team connected with local experts who understand the region?</strong> Specialty partners with local knowledge can provide personalized support for initial assessment through installation.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Your Facility Is Your Foundation</h2>
<p>The decisions made during facility planning will be evaluated long after the renovations are complete. Every scope item, every design choice, and every dollar allocated tells a story about a district's priorities and its commitment to the community it serves.</p>
<p>The strongest renovations aren't just well-built, they're well-justified, clearly connected to student outcomes, and designed to serve the district for decades. That kind of lasting value starts with planning that's thorough, transparent, and grounded in the right partnerships.</p>

Explore what K-12 leaders need to know when planning a facility renovation—from aging infrastructure trends to space planning strategies that maximize every dollar.

Planning a K-12 Facility Renovation? What to Know Before You Begin

Turning facility investments into lasting impact for students and staff

<p>Secure lockers are essential to any <a href="/athletics" aria-label="athletic storage solutions">athletic facility</a>, providing users with a safe space to store their belongings while they perform. Spacesaver’s <a href="/products/lockers/personal-storage-locker" aria-label="personal storage locker product details">FreeStyle® Personal Storage Lockers</a> come in various sizes and styles, including single-tier options for individual use. Factors such as whether digital locks are preferred for added security, or whether benches are needed in the employee locker room for convenience, should be considered. Personal storage lockers come in various configurations to suit different needs and preferences. Offering versatile athletic lockers can improve user satisfaction and create a more organized and efficient environment.</p>
<p>Properly storing and maintaining athletic equipment and apparel is critical in ensuring athletes are well-prepared, safe, and focused. From <a href="/athletics/k-12-athletics" aria-label="k12 athletic storage solutions">K-12 schools</a> to <a href="/athletics/collegiate-sports" aria-label="collegiate sport storage solutions">collegiate programs</a> and <a href="/athletics/professional-sports" aria-label="professional sport storage solutions">professional teams</a>, Spacesaver offers tailored athletic lockers that keep gear organized, accessible, and protected. Below, we outline the importance of athletic storage lockers and how they contribute to the success of athletic programs at all levels by providing a secure space for athletes to store their personal belongings and gear.</p>

<h2>The Foundation of a Successful Season is Durable Storage</h2>
<p>Every great athletic season starts long before the first game is played. It begins with the careful management and storage of the equipment and apparel that athletes rely on. Proper storage is essential to maintain the longevity of high-quality products - from <a href="/athletics/football-equipment-room" aria-label="football sports storage solutions">helmets and shoulder pads</a> to uniforms and practice gear. Spacesaver's customizable lockers are designed to address the unique needs of athletic programs and ensure their readiness for a successful season. These lockers are made from durable steel and come in various sizes and layouts, ensuring that teams can quickly access the stored items they need.</p>
<h4>Tailored Solutions by Spacesaver</h4>
<p>For <a href="/education/k-12" aria-label="school storage solutions">K-12 schools</a>, athletic programs are often the visualization of school spirit and pride. However, many schools struggle with cramped storage closets filled with unmarked boxes, disorganized cages, and scattered equipment. This lack of organization can lead to lost or damaged gear, costing schools time and money.</p>
<p>Spacesaver's <a href="/products/lockers/personal-storage-locker" aria-label="personal storage locker product details">personal storage lockers</a> are designed to keep gear and uniforms accessible and in top condition. By providing efficient, configurable, and durable storage options, Spacesaver helps schools protect their investment  and ensure equipment is readily available for students. With well-organized storage, coaches and equipment managers can focus more on training and less on searching for missing items.</p>
<h4>High-Quality Equipment Storage Lockers</h4>
<p>Collegiate athletics programs face unique challenges when it comes to equipment storage. Today's equipment rooms are more than simple storage spaces - they are integral to the program's success. These rooms support various activities, from repairing gear and cleaning uniforms to showcasing the program's commitment to player safety and success. High-quality storage, such as <a href="/products/lockers/personal-storage-locker" aria-label="personal storage locker product details">Spacesaver’s personal storage lockers</a>, is ideal for collegiate athletes to keep their equipment organized and easily accessible while providing a secure place to store personal belongings.</p>
<p>Spacesaver's storage experts design these lockers to create a functional environment where athletes can thrive. Whether storing equipment for a single team or an entire athletic department, Spacesaver's personal storage lockers ensure every user’s gear is organized and easily accessible, making them the ideal solution  for supporting collegiate athletes.</p>
<h4>Functional Athletic Storage Lockers for Professional Teams</h4>
<p>At the professional level, every detail matters. Teams need storage solutions that protect their gear and reflect the organization's strength and pride. Spacesaver helps teams organize their available space and support their athletes, regardless of the facility's size.</p>
<p>When choosing the right <a href="/products/lockers/personal-storage-locker" aria-label="personal storage locker product details">personal storage lockers</a> for your team, it’s important to consider factors such as durability, security (e.g., lock options), ventilation, and adjustability. Additional features to consider include hooks, mirrors, or charging stations can enhance convenience and stand the test of time.</p>
<p>From uniforms and practice gear to promotional apparel and medical supplies, <a href="/products/lockers/personal-storage-locker" aria-label="personal storage locker product details">Spacesaver's FreeStyle® Personal Storage Lockers</a> make storing, organizing, and retrieving equipment easy. By providing comprehensive solutions, Spacesaver ensures that professional teams can focus on what they do best - winning championships.</p>

<h6>Can personal storage lockers be used for both short-term and long-term storage needs?</h6>
<p>Whether you need temporary storage for gym sessions or a more extended solution for seasonal gear, personal storage lockers offer flexibility and security to efficiently cater to various storage requirements and lengths of time.</p>

<h2>Taking Program Performance Personal</h2>
<p>Athletic success starts with preparation, and preparation begins with the right storage solutions. Whether you're managing a K-12 sports program, collegiate athletic department, or professional team, Spacesaver's personal storage lockers offer the functionality, durability, and customization needed to keep gear protected, organized, and accessible.</p>

<p>By investing in these high-quality storage solutions, athletic programs can enhance efficiency, reduce the risk of lost or damaged equipment, and create an environment supporting athletes and staff. Spacesaver has the expertise and solutions to help your program achieve greatness, from small storage closets to state-of-the-art athletic facilities.</p>

Designed to be configured to your exact needs, Spacesaver’s FreeStyle® Personal Storage Locker provides a secure solution for users to transition in and out of their activities. 

Achieve Athletic Success: Personal Storage Lockers Guide

Enhance Your Team’s Performance with Secure and Efficient Storage Solutions

<p>It certainly takes an army of allies to guide today’s students through their required educational responsibilities. And, like an army, these young and developing minds need an incredible amount of support to accomplish the tasks in front of them. Some of this support comes from the children’s guardians, teachers, or respective schools, but for those individuals or schools that may be less fortunate than others, additional support is needed to ensure they get the same level of attention and development as the rest of the district.</p>
<h2>A Promise of Progress</h2>
<p>In the Kalamazoo, Michigan public school system, there is a program called The Kalamazoo Promise. In this program, local students that go to school in the area and maintain and graduate with a certain grade point average, can get their post-secondary tuition (and in some instances room and board) paid for. Supported by a group of generous public and anonymous donors, the mission of this program is to ensure that both students and teachers never had to worry about having the tools to experience the highest level of learning and receive these materials without cost.</p>
<h2>Focusing on the Community</h2>
<p>One of these supporting entities is the Communities In Schools organization. This group exists to provide surrounding students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and find achievement in their lives. Serving more than 20 schools in the district, their operation consists of a warehouse stocked with supplies, as well as an office space to help run the operation. Within the warehouse, you can find materials including shoes, jackets, craft supplies, pencils, and more. According to the organization, any teacher or staff member in the Kalamazoo district is allowed to come during available hours and present a request for the materials they need. Upon review and confirmation, the foundation will provide the supplies to them – no fee demanded, and no questions asked.</p>
<p>Knowing the incredible value their services provide to the district, the community, and its members, the organization’s directors reached out to their local Spacesaver consultant – on the advice of the project’s architect who was familiar with our trusted systems and proven results – to maximize their warehouse’s storage space and provide the greatest impact.</p>
<p><b>Starting by assessing both their existing storage systems and the wide array and increasing volume of materials needing to be stored, our consultant provided the following systems:</b></p>
<h4>Mechanical Assist High-Density Mobile Shelving (HDMS) Systems</h4>
<p>These compact storage systems not only removed wasted aisle space and allowed for additional storage capacity, but can be configured to include accessories such as hanging rods for jackets, garments, etc.</p>
<p>In addition, the systems can be operated with little effort, allowing staff members of all shapes and sizes to quickly and easily gain access to the materials needed by the requesting party.</p>
<h4>4-Post Shelving With Acrylic Bin Fronts and Cubbies</h4>
<p>Designed to efficiently store and gain access to smaller, more highly demanded items like toothbrushes and toothpaste, as well as those that require distinct separation such as shoe cubbies.</p>
<p>Spacesaver’s durable 4-Post shelving and versatile accessories allow users to adjust their systems to provide the best configuration for their use and the items they store.</p>
<h2>A Foundation for a Strong Future</h2>
<p>Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo began in the 1970s as a vision of a more just and healthy community, one in which every child has a chance to finish school and be ready for college and the workforce. Since then, Communities In Schools has grown into the nation’s largest and most effective organization in addressing the dropout crisis.</p>
<p>Spacesaver is honored to play a role in helping Communities In Schools provide these valuable resources to the teachers and students of the Kalamazoo, Michigan School District. </p>
<h3>Configuring Continued Growth</h3>
<p>Spacesaver’s consultants know how to make the most of your available space and maximize its impact on your operations. Reach out to your local representative to set up a space assessment and establish a strong foundation for offering more for your community.</p>

Spacesaver provides innovative solutions that help support the growth of the next generation of graduates.

Compact Storage for Growing Minds

Spacesaver solutions support the development of local learning.

<h2>In case you weren’t made aware by the numerous TV shows and movies featuring Texas high school football teams, it’s kind of a big deal. </h2>

<p>When those Friday night lights come on, you can say goodbye to your varsity blues because it’s game time! Pop culture references aside, watching the athletes at your local school battle it out on the field is an event cherished by athletes, staff, and fans alike. And, while all the glitz and glamour comes to a head under the bright lights, the equipment room is where the road to victory starts. </p>

<h3>Helping to Gain a Competitive Edge</h3>
<p>For Humble High School’s football program, gaining a competitive advantage was a high priority going into the Fall 2022 season. Wanting to revamp the image and safety of their players while they’re on the field, administrators utilized bonds approved by the school district to purchase new jerseys, pads, helmets, and other accessories.</p>

<p>Now, with more than $100,000 invested in new equipment, administrators thought, <strong>“Why not also invest in a system to protect and extend the life of the gear chosen to support their 200-300 athletes?”</strong> Knowing other schools in the district were pleased with the updates Spacesaver’s solutions provided to their equipment rooms, they gave the go ahead early in the year with hopes of having the systems up and running for day one of practice.</p>

<h3>Store More, Play Safe, Look Good</h3>
<p>Working with an out-of-date, outgrown, fieldhouse built in the seventies, our consultant’s storage strategy was to maximize the small space that had been allocated in its original design. Incorporating stationary shelving and two <a href="/products/high-density-mobile-shelving/standard-high-density-mobile-storage/">mechanical-assist mobile storage systems</a> with recessed rails – purchased on a Sourcewell contract – our consultant was able to optimize the space while adding fresh, end-panel decals to boost team pride.</p>

<p>Ready for game time, these <a href="/products/high-density-mobile-shelving/">high-density mobile storage systems</a> have the capacity to take on storage challenges of all sizes, as well as the flexibility to accommodate the little things you don’t think about when designing football storage. Now, small parts such as belt clips, helmet clips, and shoulder pad clips can be easily located and applied, getting players back in the game!</p>

<h3>A Successful Conversion</h3>
<p>Want to make sure your team is ready for the bright lights on Friday nights? Reach out to our lineup of athletic storage experts to draw up a gameplan that’s sure to score with your athletes and fans!</p>

Spacesaver provides a high-powered defense for high school football gear.

Clear Aisles, Full Shelves, Can’t Lose

<h1>The Do's and Don'ts of Performing Arts Storage</h1>
<h2>Storing Equipment for School Performing Arts Programs</h2>
<p>At many schools, learning comes from more than just books, computers, and classroom lectures. For students studying performing arts, specialized equipment, and materials – including props, sheet music, and video equipment – are needed to enrich their educational experience.</p>
<p>A performing arts department must approach renovation projects with a focus on keeping their valuable educational tools organized, secure, and accessible for both teachers and authorized students. As you’re evaluating your performing arts department’s storage needs, be sure to avoid these critical pitfalls.</p>
<ul>
<li>Don't let prop rooms become disorganized</li>
<li>Don't settle for static music storage</li>
<li>Don't sacrifice visibility for secure storage
<li>Don't accept space limitations</li>
</ul>
<h3>Don't: Let Prop Rooms Become Disorganized</h3>
<h3>Do: Utilize Versatile Storage Solutions to Optimize Space</h3>
<p>Scenery, costumes, and props are integral to an immersive theatre experience. While props may have a logical position on stage, careful consideration is needed to ensure they are properly stored to allow use in future performances.</p>
<p>To adequately store large stage props, storage managers can utilize our robust widespan shelving. For properly storing smaller props, a performing arts department can take advantage of our Nantucket Drawers and Trays on 4-Post shelving.</p>
<p>With the right shelving solutions, prop organization and the ability to retrieve items improve significantly, allowing crew more time to spend getting the performance ready for opening night.</p>
<h3>Don't: Settle for Static Music Storage</h3>
<h3>Do: Invest in a Dynamic Music Library</h3>
<p>While traditional static file cabinets and shelving can offer a home to sheet music, records, and other materials, accessing those items quickly isn't always possible.</p>
<p>Spacesaver High-Density Mobile Shelving systems – available with powered and mechanical assist control – are designed to deliver efficient document management in less space. Here, materials are organized on customized shelving units, allowing instructors quick access to the pieces they need to strike the right tone with their students.</p>
<h3>Don't: Sacrifice Visibility for Secure Storage</h3>
<h3>Do: Keep Items Locked Behind Perforated Steel Doors</h3>
<p>Professors and administrators require locking cabinets to store expensive video production equipment. The ability to see inside and verify that everything is stored properly and accounted for builds efficiency into secure inventory practices.</p>
<p>Our 4-Post shelving fitted with locking perforated steel doors creates cabinets that keep these valuable items visible yet secure, so available funds don't end up on the cutting room floor.</p>
<h3>Don't: Accept Space Limitations</h3>
<h3>Do: Preserve the Art of Learning with Innovative Ideas</h3>
<p>From storing props, sheet music, video equipment, and students' personal belongings, to creating flexible collaboration spaces, Spacesaver solutions can be tailored to fit performing arts departments of all sizes.</p>
<p>Discover more of our solutions designed to help departments flourish by downloading our Canvass the Campus Brochure and get your performing arts department's storage ready for the spotlight</p>

Secure storage for props, sheet music, and video equipment.

The Do's and Don'ts of Performing Arts Storage

Considerations for storing props, sheet music, and video equipment in education spaces

<h2>Long-Term Solutions for Schools' Storage Needs</h2>
<p>While many may think the school year takes place from fall to spring, administrators are constantly planning and strategizing to best position their schools' students and teachers for success</p>
<p>As the student and faculty requirements grow and new programs are launched to support syllabi and extra-curricular activities, a school's need to make the most of every square inch of their facilities intensifies.</p>
<p>Forward-thinking administrators can accommodate this growth by utilizing efficient storage solutions to keep their elementary or high school organized while creating additional usable space for a myriad of activities.</p>
<p>Here are four major planning questions administrators need to answer when making storage design decisions.</p>
<h3>Q: How can I create more space for athletic and physical education equipment storage?</h3>
<p><strong>A:</strong> If your equipment room is overcrowded and unorganized but you don't have the money to expand your space, high-density mobile storage is an excellent solution. By mounting shelving or cabinets onto a carriage and rail system, schools can eliminate fixed aisles and add more storage space in the same footprint, preventing clutter, damaged, loss, or theft.</p>
<h3>Q: How will valuable, historical items be stored/displayed?</h3>
<p><strong>A:</strong> Items like yearbooks, student newspapers, and school board minutes help to show how students and teachers reacted to and were shaped by historical events. Our archival storage solutions help to preserve these documents in less space, keeping them organized and accessible when needed.</p><h3>Q: How will valuable, historical items be stored/displayed?</h3>
<p><strong>A:</strong> Items like yearbooks, student newspapers, and school board minutes help to show how students and teachers reacted to and were shaped by historical events. Our archival storage solutions help to preserve these documents in less space, keeping them organized and accessible when needed.</p>
<h3>Q: How can I utilize extra space in my school library?</h3>
<p><strong>A:</strong> Whether you are making room for new collections or flexible use, our library storage solutions can provide the most for students and staff. Our products, like Flexible Shelving reduce your storage footprint, freeing up space for other things like collaborative workspaces and digital media access.</p>
<h3>Q: How can staff keep maintenance rooms organized?</h3>
<p><strong>A:</strong> Durable, steel constructed shelving units are engineered to enhance efficiency by keeping necessary items within arm's reach. In addition to optimizing space, these versatile shelving systems can be equipped with doors, drawers, trays, and other accessories to offer a customized solution. When storage requirements change, these shelving units can be easily reconfigured to meet your needs.</p>
<p>No matter which department in your school is in need of improvement, Spacesaver has solutions to fit your needs. Our nationwide network of experts offer personalized space-planning consultation to help you find the right long-term solution for your school.</p>


Get the answers to 4 big questions K-12 administrators have about school space planning.

4 Considerations for Saving K-12 Floor Space

Answers to the storage questions that keep school administrators up at night.

<h2>Innovation lab &amp; makerspace design considerations.</h2>

<p>Makerspace, Innovation Center, Fab Lab – no matter what they’re called,
    these creative, hands-on learning spaces are proliferating on college campuses.
    Sometimes they exist in a corner of a library or academic building, but
    more and more, makerspaces are being created as stand-alone facilities
    where students can build, engineer, experiment with prototypes, collaborate
    with other makers, and access advanced technology that they might not be
    able to access.</p>
<p>If you’re beginning the makerspace design process, there are many considerations.
    You’ll want to think about what technology to include, how to design it
    in a way that encourages collaboration, and who will have access.</p>
<p>But many campuses fail to consider one key aspect of makerspace design:
    storage. Students need tools, supplies, and equipment to work effectively,
    and every item needs a home. We can help make the most of your space and
    store everything students need, right where they need it.</p>
<p>Here are a few areas to keep in mind as you design storage into your innovation
    center or makerspace.</p>
    
    <h3>Tool &amp; Supply Storage</h3>

<p>Much of your equipment, such as laser cutters and 3D printers, will have
    permanent homes on the shop floor. But how do you plan to provide access
    to smaller tools and supplies like drills, hand tools, electrical components,
    soldering supplies, or resin for 3D printers?</p>
    
    <h3>Centralized Storage</h3>

<p>The most common way to store supplies is to offer a central tool area
    with a check-out window where students can temporarily rent the supplies
    they need. This method comes with many perks like security for rented items,
    the ability to control the organization of tools, and visibility into the
    types of projects students are working on – but it also means you need
    a large, dedicated storage space and enough staff to make it feasible.
    If you go this route, be sure this storage room is adjacent to all work
    areas of the makerspace or even in the center of the space with multiple
    check-out windows. Ideally, a student shouldn’t have to walk through a
    computer lab and a laser cutting lab to get the supplies needed for their
    3D printing project.</p>
    
    <p>Within your centralized storage room, shelving with a colored bin system
    is a great way to keep small parts organized while providing space for
    larger items like tool kits. Bins also make it easier to move supplies
    into the space and rent them out as students can simply take the bin to
    their work station.</p>
<p>If your storage room is tight on space, you could consider <a href="/products/high-density-mobile-shelving/">High-density Mobile Shelving, an easy-to-install compact shelving system</a> that
    can provide almost double the storage space in the same footprint. This
    system still allows you to access all your supplies by sliding aisles open.
    Plus, you can outfit the system with the accessories you need to get organized
    and still store bulky items like boxes on top of the system!</p>
    
    <h3>Workstation Storage</h3>
<p>If a central storage room isn’t feasible for all your tools and supplies, you can consider integrating supply storage into workstations. If you know that a certain area typically requires the same supplies for all projects (for example, an electrical/circuitry zone or a soldering area), you can equip workstations with drawers and cabinets to hold kits of supplies. This is an easy way to ensure students have what they need right where they need it.</p>

<h3>Project Storage</h3>
<p>Most students aren’t going to finish their project in one session, and in fact might keep working on it for an entire semester. Rather than force students to lug their work back and forth from the makerspace to their dorm or apartment and risk damaging their project, offer <a href="/products/day-use-lockers/">students temporary project lockers</a>. These lockers should be a variety of sizes to accommodate different sizes of projects, and can be used with traditional locks, digital locks, or even RFID/student ID swipe.</p>

<h3>Miscellaneous Storage Considerations</h3>
<p>Here are a few other things to think about as you design your makerspace:</p>

<h4 >Make it mobile</h4>
<p>Add casters to any furniture possible. As you host events and rearrange
    for future needs, you’ll be grateful to have furniture that’s easy to move
    around.</p>

<h4 >Scrap supplies</h4>
<p>Will you be saving scrap materials or discarding them? If you’re saving them, be sure to have a dedicated storage area for them to prevent loss or damage.</p>

<h4 >3D printed items</h4>
<p>Can students leave while their projects are printing? If so, you’ll want a project pick-up station or project pick-up lockers.</p>

<h3>Want to get more ideas about how you can creatively integrate storage into the design of your student centers and campus spaces?</h3>

<h4>Personal belongings</h4>
<p>For areas where potentially dangerous equipment is being used, you’ll want a spot for students to stash their backpacks so they don’t create a tripping hazard. <a href="/products/day-use-lockers/">Day-Use Lockers</a> are a great way to offer temporary, secure storage.</p>

<h4>Flexible Shelving</h4>
<p>When storing reference material and supplies you’ll likely want a few <a href="/products/commercial-metal-shelving/cantilever-library-shelving/#flexible">Flexible Shelving</a> unites to easily move items around the space, exspecial when you’re hosting workshops and events.</p>


Innovation lab & makerspace design considerations.