Storing and sorting smaller items can be difficult. Bin and shelving systems are an ideal way to create high-density storage for small parts and products. They are commonly used in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and mechanic’s shops, but are versatile enough to be used in home garages and offices to store small supplies. Here are 3 easy steps to building a bin and shelving system:
Identify Your Storage Needs and Available Space
Bin and shelving systems can be customized to fit many needs. The first step in creating your custom bin and shelving system is identifying the type and quantity of products and parts that you need to store and your available storage space. Start off by examining your inventory and making notes. Make sure to list the sizes of parts, how often you use them, and whether your inventory changes seasonally. Also, note down the measurements of your space to design the ideal shelving system. Consider the depth, height, and width of your storage space as well as any restrictions. Taking these steps will give you a good idea of what your storage needs are.
Selecting Shelving
The next step is to select the shelving that the bins will go in. Plastic bins with flat bottoms are very versatile and can go in many kinds of shelving. If you already have shelving you can bypass this step and go straight into selecting bins.
If you do not already have shelving units, you have lots of options to choose from. American Storage and Logistics carries rivet, clip, and wide-span shelving.
Rivet Shelving is a simple and sturdy option that is easy to put together. It has the lowest weight capacity out of all of the shelving options but is also the most affordable.
Clip Shelving is a heavier-duty shelving option that comes in an open and closed design. It’s great for maintenance or manufacturing environments where heavy-duty storage requirements need to be met.
Wide-Span Shelving offers the longest width option and easy access to its shelves. It’s great for heavily trafficked facilities with picking operations.
Read this comparison to learn more about which shelving unit is right for you.
Selecting Bins
American Storage and Logistics carries durable and high-quality storage bins in various sizes. Here are the different types of bins to select from:
Shelf Bins
Shelf bins have high sides and backs with a lower front that allow them to safely store a large volume of parts and still have visibility. The lower front also allows for parts to be easily retrievable. Shelf bins include slots for both horizontal and longitudinal dividers that can be used to create smaller subsections within the bin. This will allow you to group similar or commonly used parts together. You can also arrange parts by use and purpose. However, keep in mind that shelf bins do not stack. They are great for being able to see all of their contents and allow for easy retrieval. But if you are needing more vertical storage, you may want to consider another option.
Qty 20: Shelf Bin w/ Divider Slots, Outer Dimensions: 11-13/16"L x 11-13/16"W x 5
$207.87
Long-lasting plastic bins provide storage for small parts and components. Outside Dimensions: 11-13/16"L x 11-13/16"W x 5-7/8"H Sold in carton quantity, carton contains 20 Bins Includes slots for dividers* Does not have a lip for hanging bins Bins do not nest for stacking… read more
Stack & Hang Bins
Stack and hang bins come with a lip for hanging and can also be stacked. They are the most versatile option out of all bins. Other bins have to be placed on flat shelves but hang bins can be hung from racks, rails or louvered panels. All hang bins come with a built-in rear hanger.
Qty 12: Stackable Bin, Outer Dimensions: 10-5/8"L x 5-1/2"W x 4-15/16"H Stack
$40.52
Long-lasting plastic bins provide storage for small parts and components. Stackable Bins provide more vertical options to efficiently store small parts and products. Bins have a lip to allow hanging them as well. Outside Dimensions: 10-5/8"L x 5-1/2"W x 4-15/16"H… read more
Stackable Bins
As the name suggests, stackable bins stack on top of one another and create more vertical storage options. There are two types of stackable bins; ones that have the same height sidewalls, and ones with a lower front. Which one you choose will depend on how you like to use and access your storage. The bins that have the same height walls on all sides allow for up to 40% more storage. But if you stack these bins, you will not be able to see into them. This works great in preventing dust and debris from getting into the bins but would make retrieval more difficult. So they are recommended for items that don’t have to be retrieved on a daily basis. For items that will need to be retrieved more frequently, or if being able to see into the bins is important to you, you may want to consider the stackable bins with hopper front openings.
Stacking also makes it easy to store bins that are not in use. If you have seasonal fluctuations in inventory you can easily nest and store the unused bins during low inventory periods.
Qty 4: Stackable Bin, Outer Dimensions: 23-5/8"L x 15-3/4"W x 8-11/16"H Stack
$78.05
Long-lasting plastic bins provide storage for small parts and components. Stackable Bins provide more vertical options to efficiently store small parts and products. Outside Dimensions: 7-1/16"L x 4-3/4"W x 3-1/8"H Sold in carton quantity, carton contains 4 Bins Does not have… read more
Bin Dividers
Bin dividers are another important aspect of creating an ideal bin and shelving system. You will notice that some bins come with slots for bin dividers, giving you the option to create partitions. Using dividers allows you to create compartments for smaller items, making it easier to retrieve them. They also give you more flexibility in organizing variations of similar items in the same bin.
Where to Buy Bin and Shelving Systems
Once you figure out these three easy steps, you’ll be ready to build your bin and shelving system. American Storage and Logistics has been a leader in new, used, and refurbished storage systems for over 50 years. We have lots of shelving and storage bin options in stock, and ready to ship! If you are in the mid-Michigan area near Grand Rapids, Lansing, Kalamazoo, or Battle Creek, you can purchase your shelving products online and pick them up at our warehouse the same day, or get them delivered to your location as soon as tomorrow. Many of our products are also available to ship nationwide via UPS.
We also provide design and consultation services. If you need help with your order just give us a call at 866-690-5392 or contact us on our website!
