What To Do With Your Blueprints: 3 Blueprint Storage Ideas
Need blueprint storage ideas? If your business deals with large documents like blueprints, maps, drawings, architectural plans, and more, you may find it difficult to find proper storage solutions. Shelves may be too shallow for blueprints, and large drawings may not fit into normal cases.
What you need is blueprint storage products designed specifically for large documents. What kind of storage solution is best? It depends on your specific needs. Keep reading to learn about three great blueprint storage ideas.
How to Choose Your Blueprint Organizer
Before you invest your capital in a blueprint storage product, take a moment to consider what type of storage you are looking for. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- What items do I need to store? What are their general sizes and configurations?
- How many documents do I need to store?
- Will the number of documents I need to store grow in the future?
- Is it important to quickly and easily access the documents?
- Do I regularly need to move documents to different areas of the office?
- Do the documents need to be protected from light, pollution, and other contaminants?
- How much can I afford to spend on my storage solution?
- Do I typically store my documents rolled or flat, and do I want to maintain this system?
The answers to these questions will help inform your decision as you look at blueprint storage ideas.
Three Blueprint Holder Ideas
Once you have an idea of your storage needs, it’s time to look at the three primary blueprint storage options:
Any of these options can be used to store most types of large documents. For example, if you need rolled map storage ideas, a rolled blueprint storage option will likely be the right answer.
Rolled Blueprint Storage
If you prefer to store your large documents rolled, then a rolled storage product is an excellent option for you. Rolled storage includes shelving deep enough to accommodate rolled maps, drawings, architectural plans, and blueprints. The documents can be stored together or in individual cubbies for better organization.
Another option is a rolled blueprint cart, which makes it easy for you to move rolled blueprints throughout your office or business. This is an excellent solution for large offices or expansive build sites.
The benefits of rolled blueprint storage options are that they are often the most inexpensive large document storage option available. If your documents are easy to reproduce and you’re looking to save money, rolled blueprint storage can be the right solution.
The drawback to this type of storage is that you won’t easily see and access documents. Each time you want to see a document, you’ll need to unfurl it.
Hanging Blueprint Racks
If you want greater visibility and accessibility to your blueprints and other large documents, hanging blueprint racks provide the perfect solution. These mobile racks allow you to hang your large documents by clips connected to a rolling stand. By pushing the stand, you can wheel your documents to any part of your office or job site. You can find hanging blueprint racks with a variety of hangers and clamps. You can also buy wall-mounted blueprint racks if mobility is not a significant need in your office.
The biggest benefits of hanging blueprint racks are immediate access and clear visibility. By sifting through the plans, you can see each document and find exactly what you need. This is also the most space-efficient form of large document storage. If space is at a premium in your office, hanging racks are a great fit.
Of course, you will pay a little more for hanging blueprint racks than you will for rolled storage shelves. Additionally, if you need to protect your large documents from the elements, then a flat file cabinet is your best bet.
Flat File Cabinets
Do you need to store delicate or valuable large documents? Then don’t leave them out to the elements. Instead, invest in flat file cabinets designed specifically for large documents.
The benefit of this blueprint organizer is clear: flat file cabinets protect your documents from sunlight, nibbling critters, and even prying eyes. These drawers also come with locks and keys to add an extra layer of security. If you need to keep your blueprints or drawings under wraps, this is the way to go. You can purchase flat file cabinets with the number of drawers you need, and each drawer can fit up to 100 sheets of vellum.
The drawback to this architectural plan storage product is that it is the most expensive of the three options. It also doesn’t give you the same accessibility and visibility as a hanging blueprint rack or a mobile cart, so it’s essential to clearly label your drawers.
Where to Find the Right Blueprint Storage Ideas
If you deal with large documents regularly, then invest in a storage solution designed just for them. In this article, you’ve learned about the benefits and drawbacks of rolled blueprint storage, hanging blueprint racks, and flat file cabinets. Each comes in at a different price point and provides a different type of storage experience. Many of these products also come in various sizes and colors, allowing you to find just the right solution for your business. When reviewing products, make sure you buy a storage solution that can grow with your company.
You can find all of these blueprint storage options at StoreMoreStore. If you aren’t sure which blueprint organizer is best for your company, call us at (855) 786-7667 or email us today to talk to a friendly and knowledgeable representative.