Lockers are a popular storage system for pupils at schools. Secondary schools in particular need lockable cupboards or lockers for pupils to store their books, personal items and sports equipment. There is such a large choice out there however it is difficult to know what the best type of locker to purchase is. Lockers come in different sizes and shapes, some have shelves, some don’t and all sorts of different materials and locks are used. This article provides a run down of all the steps that should be taken before purchasing lockers in order to get it just right because as one of the most important pieces of school furniture, the right choice should be made.

Evaluate your needs

Before anything else, some thinking time is needed. The main question to ask is "what will the lockers be used for." If you live in a very cold climate then the students will need a place to store their very heavy coats and outer clothing. If the lockers are to be used for sports equipment then quite large lockers will be required, whereas if the lockers are for small items only such as text books then much smaller lockers will be needed. Each school is different so it is important to spend time really having a think about this before jumping into a large purchase of lockers.

Think about space

If the space that the lockers are going to be house is very small then very large lockers won’t work. Have a look at the space being allocated for the lockers and get a measuring tape out if necessary. Lockers can be stacked on top of each other or very slimline lockers are available so if space is tight then consider much smaller lockers. Lockers can also be used in different configurations making even the most awkward of spaces suitable for storage and lockers.

How often will lockers be used

Are you buying lockers for the students to use on a daily basis? If so then a heavy duty and durable material will need to be used to prevent wear and tear. If the lockers are in fact for occasional use and are primarily a storage system for resources and items that are rarely in use then a lighter material is feasible. Evaluating how often the lockers will be used is an important step when choosing what models to buy. Money can often be wasted on purchasing heavy duty lockers when something much less solid would be adequate. If you want to know more about how the lockers will be used, consider asking the teachers and students for their feedback. This can be a useful exercise that provides insight into the best types of locker to purchase.

Don’t rush

Lockers are an important part of school life, and the volume that is often required also makes them quite a costly item. Take your time before buying them because a rushed decision could result in the purchase of unsuitable models that would be too expensive to replace. Be aware that although the very cheapest models might have an appealing price tag, they could be of poor quality and not durable which makes them a false economy. Avoid this by purchasing all lockers from a reputable source with good customer feedback, and always bear in mind that low cost could mean low quality.

School storage and furniture is an extremely important part of school life because not only does it need to fulfill the requirements perfectly but it also needs to be extremely long lasting. From school lockers to library furniture and shelving, plenty of time should be set aside to plan and make preparations beforehand. Before splashing out on such a large purchase, ensure that all the necessary considerations have been made because once the lockers and furniture have been bought and installed, there is no going back. By following the above tips however there is little danger that the wrong types will be purchased, just as long as each tip is followed to the letter.