Compactus shelving, a popular storage solution for libraries, is gaining in popularity in corporate offices and even in home offices…
Compactus shelving, more commonly known as mobile storage, is a storage system ideal for anyone storing large volumes of material in a limited amount of space. But while this system was created over 50 years ago, its popularity had long been limited to libraries and specialist businesses.
No longer – with the costs of renting space in bigger cities soaring, businesses have woken up to the opportunities Compactus systems present in making the most of limited space. Though seen as a bit unsexy, shelving systems are an integral part of keeping an office working right.
There are two main types of compactus shelving: manual and electronic. Interested in knowing how they can revolutionize your office space? We delve into the advantages of both…
The Manual Compactus
Manual systems are comprised of shelving units set on wheels. Tracks are imbedded in the floor and the wheels attached to the shelving units are fixed into those tracks. The tracks are carefully levelled to reduce the effort necessary to move the massive units – no big arm days in the gym required!
Each shelving unit has two faces of storage space. Movement along the tracks opens up the desired face, creating something like a library aisle. A hand-operated compactus system uses handles to push or pull the shelving units apart or together, while some make use of an old-style hand crank (the mechanical compactus).
Depending on where it’s being fitted, tracks can be laid on top of existing floors if you’re unable to actually embed the tracks into the floor. With so many different options available for manual compactus units, there’s bound to be a model that will suit your office or home space, new or old.
The Electronic Compactus
Electronic compactus units are an elegant solution for home or office spaces too, and have a few advantages over their manual cousins. The electronic compactus has a similar track and wheel system, but a small motor system moves the units apart and together again. These motors are button-activated, making it even easier to access your stuff. Obviously, this has the biggest advantage for people with limited mobility – which is not to say that using the Manual version is difficult, but with the electronic model you just wouldn’t bat an eye. They’re also a safer choice for public spaces, since many of them have safety and security features installed too – from restricting access to certain mobile shelves, to keeping someone from getting hurt, the electronic compactus is the sensible choice if you’re worried about who’s using it.
Compactus Units: Not Just for Books Anymore!
While compactus units have traditionally been used for file storage and books, digitization has reduced the need of paper filing systems. So why then have they only increased in popularity? The compactus shelving systems are no longer used exclusively for physical archival materials; they’re now being used to store a range of different items and utilities. Small companies are finding them useful for storing extra stock, allowing for more available space to be used for retail purposes.
Another great way to utilize a compactus storage system is to use it to store personal items away from the public’s eye, if you’re frequently welcoming customers or clients into your workspace. Compactus units are capable of storing anything; from valuable technology to stock supplies. The units are customizable too – it’s pretty straightforward to have your own lighting solutions installed, for example. Your available space is the only real limitation – compactus will help you save money on floor space while not sacrificing on functionality or on aesthetics.
Small Space, Big Storage 
Compactus storage systems can increase usable floor space by 50% when used in place of more traditional filing and storage systems. With mobile or semi-temporary options available too, the Compactus systems are also a relatively inexpensive way to completely spruce up an office. Ideal for offices, small businesses or public spaces, they’ve also been integrated more and more into homes too. Wherever you need more space, take a leaf out of the library’s book and invest in proper storage – your creaking shelves and bursting cupboards will thank you!
