Racking is quite a generic term but can generally refer to any kind of shelving. Heavy duty shelving in particular is often referred to as racking, and this can be found in offices, warehouses or even the home. Because of the durability and hard wearing nature of racking, it is a popular method of storage. This article explores the different ways racking can be used and all the benefits of this type of shelving.

In the home

Racking makes the perfect storage solution for the home. Metal shelves in particular work brilliantly in garages and garden sheds because they last a long time and because they are very sturdy. Heavy machinery and tools can easily be supported on the shelves unlike other types of shelving made from other materials. They are excellent from an organisational perspective because you can see at a glance what is stored on the shelves and where. To get the most from them it is a good idea to group similar items together on the shelves. This means all garden equipment should go on one side, all tools and equipment belonging to the house itself should go on another, and a different shelf should be used to store all the sports equipment. These are just examples of how they can be used, you can use them in any way you wish. A mistake is to stack unmarked boxes on top of each other on shelves. This is the quickest way to disorder and chaos because you have to go through them all to find something and it makes it more complicated putting things back.

In the office

Heavy duty racking is a great way to store books, files, computer equipment and printers in an office. Being cost effective, you can buy a large number of different units and use each one for a different purpose. You might have one set for document storage, another for electronic equipment and printers, and another for books and text books. They are a very flexible solution and can be used in even the smallest spaces because they can reach the ceiling if necessary in order to glean more space. If you choose metal shelves you can be sure of longevity, although there are different materials available. Wooden shelves are more aesthetically pleasing than metal and are a nice alternative in an office environment where you want everything to look nice and business-like.

In a warehouse

Metal shelving and racking is a must-have for any warehouse environment. The solid shelves are difficult to knock over and this sturdiness factor is important in a warehouse where safety is paramount. The wide shelves make storage of a whole variety of items possible and because they are open on all sides you can see exactly where everything is. Labeling the shelves is simple so you can keep track of all the items housed on each shelf and because they fit alongside each other easily they maximise the space available. No warehouse should use anything other than heavy duty shelving or racking for storing its items. This form of storage is the most cost effective and efficient type there is.

Racking has many uses in both the home and work environment. It is an excellent way to store a whole variety of items from wine bottles to books and electronic equipment. It can even be used in a home office where space may be at a premium but storage is necessary. Metal or wood can be used depending on your style and budget. Industrial shelving units are a must have in warehouses too. Whether it's a home office with an internet marketing business, a small garage in need of some order or a large industrial warehouse, racking fits perfectly for your storage needs.