--- title: "Storage Planning: Collection Storage Solutions" description: Discover the best storage solutions for your museum and archive collections, from flat files to high-density shelving systems. 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Search Previous slide Next slide # Museum & Archive Storage Planning Guide ## **Collection Storage Solutions** Selecting the best storage solution for your needs depends heavily on what your collection consists of. We've outlined some common collections with suggested storage options.   This guide is divided into three sections: #### [Assessing Your Needs](https://info.gaylord.com/resources/storage-planning-assessing-needs) #### Collection Storage Solutions #### [PLANNING FOR DELIVERY](https://info.gaylord.com/resources/storage-planning-planning-for-delivery)   ##### Need some assistance? Our team of storage specialists is available and ready to help you through the process. [![GET HELP](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3977210/interactive-213208821903.png)](https://info.gaylord.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKCm4hDcphhIQXsZA0p9VItsPDxO8G7VBXc1ZsWPAg6zo67YbogdN8AYExaXl7fVFFVsqf%2Bs%2BHCc47qP3UuMbn0ihNKh3gNlbDXlgBQwz0clFxvO8u0jCSVCmWfuhG%2FcyZpcZ0UAXECSRrHBmUkg13kDMw2MNth0pqBCgctiowcdkiS3U%2BEBvon7AlmqYz8HDe7Um0DMWyK78a9KnVQeSvkDagKWBjPzBgtgpI%3D&webInteractiveContentId=213208821903&portalId=3977210) ## Blueprints, Maps & Other Oversize Documents ![XLFF1564](https://info.gaylord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/XLFF1564.png?width=350&height=329&name=XLFF1564.png "XLFF1564") ### [Flat Files \>](https://www.gaylord.com/c/Flat-Files-1) **Flat Files** are the most common storage option for large documents and artwork that should not be stored rolled. They are available in a **wide range of drawer sizes and quantities**. Some can even be **stacked to increase storage capacity** without sacrificing valuable floor space. **Locking** options are available for **security**. ![minifile](https://info.gaylord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/minifile.png?width=356&height=400&name=minifile.png "minifile") ### [VERTICAL FILES \>](https://www.gaylord.com/search?text=Ulrich+Vertical+File) **Vertical Files** have a **smaller footprint** than flat files. They use spring compression to support heavy-duty folders keeping the contents under gentle pressure. ## DOCUMENTS & MANUSCRIPTS ![ZLP3624-S](https://info.gaylord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ZLP3624-S.png?width=231&height=400&name=ZLP3624-S.png "ZLP3624-S") ### [Shelving Racks \>](https://www.gaylord.com/c/Shelving-and-Racks) For **bulk document storage** that doesn't require easy access, **Shelving Racks** can store record storage cartons. ![SH518](https://info.gaylord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SH518.png?width=266&height=400&name=SH518.png "SH518") ### [Museum Cabinets \>](https://www.gaylord.com/c/Cabinets-1) Locking **Museum Cabinets**​​​​​​​ can be used to store **valuable or vulnerable documents** that require more protection. ![DF663621](https://info.gaylord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DF663621.png?width=248&height=400&name=DF663621.png "DF663621") ### [Cantilever Shelving \>](https://www.gaylord.com/search?text=Cantilever) **Cantilever Shelving**, though often associated with book storage, can also be used to store documents in **document cases**. Backstops can keep boxes from being pushed back too far. ## fRAMED PAINTINGS, ARTWORK & PRINTS ### [Art Screens \>](https://www.gaylord.com/search?text=art+screen) **Art Storage Screens** keep artwork visible and up off the floor. They can be mounted to a wall to **save floor space** or freestanding to provide **double the storage space**. ![AS96482](https://info.gaylord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AS96482.png?width=310&height=475&name=AS96482.png "AS96482") ### [VERTICAL ART STORAGE BINS \>](https://www.gaylord.com/search?text=vertical+art+storage) **Vertical Art Storage Bins** are ideal for framed items that don't need to be in sight. They can be **stacked, saving floor space**, and dividers can be moved to accommodate larger frames. ![VASB303630](https://info.gaylord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VASB303630.png?width=452&height=325&name=VASB303630.png "VASB303630") ## Small Object Collections ![HDS1848](https://info.gaylord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HDS1848.png?width=900&height=470&name=HDS1848.png "HDS1848") ### [High-Density Shelving Systems \>](https://www.gaylord.com/search?text=high-density) For institutions running low on space, choose a **High-Density Shelving System**. Mobile units are placed on a track either at the top or along the floor between a set of fixed units, allowing for an active aisle to be created between any two units as required. ![STD532G](https://info.gaylord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/STD532G.png?width=480&height=454&name=STD532G.png "STD532G") ### [Museum Cabinets \>](https://www.gaylord.com/c/Cabinets-1) Conservation-grade **Museum Cabinets** are a multi-purpose dream that can accommodate a variety of objects. **Adjustable shelves** can accommodate boxes, trays and containers to keep your collection organized. **Add drawers** for even more organization. **Glass door** options are available to help you keep a close eye on your collection. Doors lock for **security**. **Rolling bases** are available for flexibility.  ![AWS1848S](https://info.gaylord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AWS1848S.png?width=314&height=480&name=AWS1848S.png "AWS1848S") ### [WIRE SHELVING \>](https://www.gaylord.com/search?text=wire+shelving) **Wire Shelving**​​ can also be a good choice for collections that don't need to be locked away. **Highly versatile**, your collection can be **reorganized easily**. Utilize boxes, trays and containers to keep things organized. ![Insect Specimens](https://info.gaylord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ECS22a.png?width=600&height=515&name=ECS22a.png) ## Insect Specimens [**Entomology Cabinets**](https://www.gaylord.com/Storage-%26-Handling-Equipment/Steel-Cabinets/Single-Door-Entomology-Museum-Cabinet/p/ECS22)hold glass-topped entomology drawers. These conservation-grade cabinets fit California, Cornell, Kansas University and U.S. National Museum entomology drawers. Doors lock for **security**. ![Botanical Collections](https://info.gaylord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HCD55a.png?width=600&height=515&name=HCD55a.png) ## Botanical Collections [**Herbarium Cabinets**](https://www.gaylord.com/Storage-%26-Handling-Equipment/Steel-Cabinets/Double-Door-Herbarium-Museum-Cabinet/p/HCD55) feature **built-in fumigant pockets** and are designed to promote air circulation. Doors have mechanically fastened closed-cell silicone gaskets to create a conservation-grade storage environment and lock for **security**. Add a sanitary base or rolling base for easy cleaning. ![Double-Sided Cantilever Shelving](https://info.gaylord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DF663621.png?width=600&height=515&name=DF663621.png) ## Books **[Cantilever Shelving](https://www.gaylord.com/search?text=cantilever),** most commonly seen in libraries, is ideal for **book storage**. Backstops, end panels, and book supports keep bound materials upright. More delicate or larger books can be stored flat on the shelves in protective boxes. ![Rolled Textiles and Documents](https://info.gaylord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DFTR12A.png?width=600&height=515&name=DFTR12A.png) ## Rolled Textiles and Documents [**Textile Roll Storage Racks**](https://www.gaylord.com/Preservation/Textile-Preservation/Roll-Storage/Double-Sided-Freestanding-Textile-Roll-Storage-Rack/p/DFTR12A)are designed to store rolled textiles and other items. Wall-mount option saves floor space and freestanding options can increase storage space. Adjustable arms can **accommodate rolls of varying diameters.** ​​​​​​​​ #### For More Information: - [RE-ORG: Step-by-Step Method for Planning and Implementing a Storage Reorganization Project](https://www.iccrom.org/section/preventive-conservation/re-org) - [UNESCO Preventive Conservation for Collections in Storage](http://www.unesco.org/new/en/culture/themes/museums/unescoiccrom-re-org/unesco-iccrom-partnership-for-the-preventive-conservation-of-endangered-museum-collections-in-developing-countries-2007-2010/preventive-conservation-for-collections-in-storage/) - [User-Friendly Assessment Tool for Museum Storage](https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000186244) - National Park Service Conserve O Grams - [Museum Storage Cabinets](https://www.nps.gov/subjects/museums/upload/04-01_508.pdf) - [Determining Museum Storage Equipment Needs](https://www.nps.gov/subjects/museums/upload/04-10_508.pdf) - [Determining Museum Storage Space Requirements](https://www.nps.gov/subjects/museums/upload/04-11_508.pdf) - [National Park Service Museum Handbook, Chapter 7: Museum Collection Storage](https://www.nps.gov/subjects/museums/upload/MHI_Ch7_Storage.pdf) Resources provided here are based on general circumstances. Depending on the condition and significance of your collection, it may require special care. Certain actions may cause irreversible damage. When in doubt, [Find an Expert \>](https://community.culturalheritage.org/expertsearch) ### Are we missing something? If you can't find the information you're looking for, we want to know! [Suggest a Resource \>](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VFG5D5S) ![Gaylord Archival: Preserve Today. Share Tomorrow.](https://info.gaylord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gaylord%20Archival%20Logos%20-%20Horizontal-02.png?width=500&name=Gaylord%20Archival%20Logos%20-%20Horizontal-02.png "Gaylord Archival: Preserve Today. 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