How can you make the most of your classroom space? In the content below, we discuss storage strategies and help you find the right art storage cabinet by introducing three effective storage solutions for any size classroom.
Which Storage Solutions Are Ineffective in Classrooms?
Anyone who has ever worked in the education field can relate to the challenges of classroom storage and the unique problems it presents. Ideally, school storage should be efficient, well-organized and, most of all, accessible. Therefore, ineffective storage is anything that restricts access to supplies, data or equipment to both students and educators.
School facilities require thoughtful space planning for efficient and secure storage. Storage requirements can range from valuable textbooks, student records, paints and brushes, to miscellaneous art supplies. Therefore, it is insufficient to simply install a few shelving units without careful forethought and planning. As a result, most educational institutions require solutions that go above and beyond the basics.
There are a lot of risks associated with improper art storage methods. Although nerve-wracking, if you know what to do, you can save monthly costs of dried up paints by putting together an efficient storage space.
Ineffective Storage Method #1: Lack of Security and Storage Locks
Art supplies quickly add up in costs when educating upwards of fifty students each day. Especially when art classrooms are available to students during the day and when after-school programs are in session, someone can easily access and take art supplies. Therefore, it is imperative to heighten security for your expensive equipment, electronics and even confidential student records. Even by adding and utilizing storage locks, you can greatly increase the security of your classroom and art supplies.
Ineffective Storage Method #2: Saran Wrap
Did you know that Saran-wrapping your art for storage can lead to mold? Although the practice is quick and easy in a busy classroom setting, you risk trapping humidity inside. As a result, this increases the probability of mold growth and may damage any of your or your student’s paintings.
Ineffective Storage Method #3: Improper Exposure to the Elements
We all know that heat dries up a project and excessive sunlight fades pigmentation. Therefore, by exposing certain art elements to extreme temperatures or excessive sunlight, you increase the amount of art supplies rendered useless once dry, such as paint, clay and glue. As a result, it is imperative to strategize how you can properly store your classroom and art supplies to prevent them from drying out or fading in color.
Top Three Classroom Supplies and Art Storage Solutions
Now that we effectively addressed which storage methods prove ineffective and inefficient, we want to address art storage solutions that will benefit any classroom application, either as separate solutions or when used together. Below are three of our most recommended storage solutions for art classroom applications and beyond.
Art Storage Solution #1: Quik-Lok® Shelving
Quik-Lok® shelving is elegant, durable, flexible, and safe. Art supply and classroom storage can benefit greatly from using this concept. Assembled without tools, braces or hardware, this American-made product ultimately protects collections stored on the shelves.
Originally fashioned from steel, Quik-Lok® shelving units are available in more standard sizes, colors and styles than any other brand. Additionally, this storage unit adheres to custom dimensions according to your specified widths and heights. Therefore, this shelving solution provides ultimate flexibility with your art storage.
Art Storage Solution #2: Aurora Modular Lockers
In most art classrooms, there is usually one large counter trop or island where the instructor can demonstrate a craft or project to students. Therefore, it works twice as efficient if you optimize your storage underneath!
As a second art storage solution, Modular Lockers provide convenient individual storage for the classroom. While you can order a single unit, you also have the option to purchase and combine several units together in Starter and Adder configurations to create banks of lockers.
These lockers come in five standard heights for individual desk use, counter height and café height for task or collaboration areas.
Art Storage Solution #3: Wire Rack Shelving
When laying out completed painting or clay projects to dry, it is crucial to have adequate storage space to prevent damage. When you have an abundance of projects that require drying out, having an effective shelving system is necessary. Therefore, a simple and affordable art storage solution is utilizing high-quality, wire shelving racks.
Prized for their strength and durability, our wire racks are easy to install and require only a mallet to put together. Additionally, these sturdy wire rack systems can effectively handle weight of up to 800lbs., ensuring that it can support any classroom project.
Use our wire racks to store various items for schools such as textbooks, craft supplies and aprons, clay, and student masterpieces. Regardless of what you need to store or where it needs to go, wire shelves are flexible enough to do the job.
Find the Right Art Storage Cabinets at Aurora Storage®
We want to help find the solution to your facility’s storage space and organizational dilemmas. At Aurora Storage, we strive to pursue custom storage solutions that transform your art storage space, protect your equipment and create an efficient, organizational flow.
If your classroom desperately needs efficient, high-density storage units and art storage cabinets, Aurora Storage is your ideal solution. Contact us today to see how we could help transform your storage space from suffocating and chaotic to sophisticated and efficient.
We look forward to protecting your priceless story.