==== Introduction  ====


We're continuing on our series of publishing manufacturing notes, all the stuff we've learned in our short time of running a company, manufacturing in-house electronics and basically having a good time.



This mini-tutorial will be about storage! This is a common request - how to store all that good stuff - PCBs, kits, parts, etc. Now, everybody's needs are different, so just because we use something doesn't mean you should do the same. Research, look around, experiment! We are in New York City and have a very constrained space with high rent. That means we need to prioritize on saving space, and accessibility, even if its more expensive. If you're in a big space, having stuff strewn about may work out just fine for you.


==== Shelving!  ====


We need to pile stuff up high to keep our 2000 sq.ft. clear. The shelves we have found that do the job best for us are these [[https://www.globalindustrial.com/g/storage/shelving/Steel-Shelving-Open/steel-shelving-18-gauge-73-high-open#gridAnchor|18 Gauge 73" high]] ones from Global Industrial. They're boltless so they're easy to set up and you can easily adjust/add/remove the shelves. They're also a little less expensive than 'wire shelving'. We have tall ceilings and we like the shelves to reach pretty much near the top

[[http://www.ladyada.net/images/tools/shelf.jpg|{{  http://www.ladyada.net/images/tools/shelf_t.jpg?nolink&500x752  |}}]]

We keep heavy/rarely used stuff at the very bottom, then more common stuff in the middle and at the very top stack up some storage boxes. 


==== Bins!  ====


The next ingredient in our storage sandwich is bins. We **really like **stacking bins like shown above stacked on the shelves. These are the really nice Akro Bins [[https://www.globalindustrial.com/searchResult?p=f3381||4e6f~~f3352||4e6f~~q616b726f2062696e73~~cPCSMGR11B%23%23d%23%23k0~~ncPCSMGR11B1K%23%230%23%235q&q=akro%20bins&x=0&y=0|(also available from Global Industrial]] and other shipping supply shops) . There are knockoff ones you can get but they're usually not as strong and dont nest/stack as nicely. We suggest going for the clear Akro bins. They come in every size! Every product has a bin with a label, and that's worked out really nicely for us



For components for kitting, we also use bins but we use mini-bins on a louvered wall (also called a 'pick rack'). What's nice about these is you can remove and replace the mini bins without disturbing the others. [[https://www.globalindustrial.com/c/storage/bins-totes-containers/pick-racks-wall-panels|There's a few different types at GI]]

[[http://www.ladyada.net/images/tools/minibins.jpg|{{  http://www.ladyada.net/images/tools/minibins_t.jpg?nolink&500x333  |}}]]