Efficient storage is more than a matter of organization. It impacts workflow, employee productivity, security, and even the bottom line. At McMurray Stern, we have seen how storage challenges can slow down businesses across industries. The good news is that most problems stem from a handful of common mistakes, and with the right solutions, these issues can be resolved to create smarter, more efficient spaces.
Below, we highlight five of the most common storage mistakes businesses make and how to fix them.
5 Storage Mistakes and How to Fix Them
1. Underutilizing Vertical Space
The mistake: Many businesses store items at eye level or below, leaving valuable overhead space unused. Warehouses, offices, and even libraries often allow square footage to dictate capacity, overlooking the cubic volume that is available.
The fix: Vertical storage systems, including high-density shelving, mezzanines, and vertical lift modules, allow you to make the most of every inch of your facility. By storing upward instead of outward, you can increase capacity dramatically without expanding your footprint. This approach is especially beneficial in urban environments where real estate costs are high.
2. Using One-Size-Fits-All Storage
The mistake: Businesses often purchase generic shelving, filing cabinets, or lockers and expect them to meet all storage needs. Over time, these generic solutions fail to accommodate specialized equipment, sensitive materials, or growing inventories.
The fix: Customized storage solutions are designed with your workflows and materials in mind. For example, healthcare facilities require storage that supports infection control, while government offices may need secure and compliant systems for records management. At McMurray Stern, we tailor each solution to the industry, environment, and day-to-day tasks of the people who will use it. A personalized approach ensures the system works with you, not against you.
3. Overcrowding and Poor Organization
The mistake: Cluttered storage areas waste time and increase frustration. Employees may spend minutes or even hours each week searching for items that should be easy to access. Overcrowding also increases the risk of misplaced or damaged materials.
The fix: Structured organization is critical. High-density mobile shelving, bin systems, and labeling strategies reduce wasted time and help employees find exactly what they need when they need it. The goal is to create a logical flow where every item has a designated place. This not only saves time but also reduces stress for employees, contributing to higher overall productivity.
4. Ignoring Security and Access Control
The mistake: Many organizations treat storage as a convenience rather than a security concern. Valuable equipment, sensitive records, and personal belongings can be left vulnerable in open shelving or unsecured cabinets. This leads to unnecessary risks, including theft, compliance violations, and data breaches.
The fix: Incorporating access control into your storage strategy is essential. Smart lockers, secure cabinets, and RFID-enabled systems allow you to track usage, restrict access, and maintain accountability. Every transaction can be logged, ensuring transparency and compliance with industry standards. For sectors like healthcare, law enforcement, and government, this level of control is not only smart but necessary.
5. Delaying Storage Upgrades
The mistake: Businesses often wait until a problem becomes unmanageable before investing in new storage. Facilities become crowded, workflows slow down, and employees adapt to inefficient systems out of necessity. By the time leaders take action, the situation has already impacted performance and morale.
The fix: Proactive planning ensures your storage evolves alongside your business. Conducting regular assessments of space usage, growth projections, and compliance requirements helps identify issues early. Partnering with experts like McMurray Stern ensures you have a roadmap for scaling your storage intelligently. An upgrade does not need to be disruptive or costly when it is strategically planned.
Smarter Storage Means Smarter Business
Avoiding these five mistakes can transform how your organization operates. Storage is not simply about keeping items off the floor or out of sight. It is about creating systems that improve efficiency, support compliance, safeguard assets, and reduce costs over the long term.
At McMurray Stern, we specialize in designing solutions that go beyond storage. Our approach begins with understanding your unique challenges and goals. From there, we create systems that maximize space, improve security, and streamline workflows. Whether you need high-density mobile shelving, smart lockers, or customized vertical solutions, our team has the expertise to deliver storage that supports your success.
Ready to eliminate storage inefficiencies in your business? Contact McMurray Stern today to schedule a consultation and discover how smarter storage can drive better results.
