Conserve O Gram 4/1f: Museum Compact Storage Systems

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For more information, see COG 4/1: Selecting Museum Storage Furniture: An Overview.

This Conserve O Gram (COG) details the various types of museum compact storage that meet best practices in the museum profession. For retrofitting existing storage, see additional COGs in Series 4: Museum Collections Storage.Compact storage, which operates on a carriage and rail system, offers a high-density option to maximize space.

General Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Compact storage is highly customizable and can accommodate a variety of different storage types in multiple configurations.

  • It maximizes storage capacity in smaller spaces.

  • Compact storage may be used in conjunction with other, more traditional storage solutions in the same collections storage space.

  • It can be completely mobile or have one to two stationary units, typically at the ends.

Cons

  • Compact storage is very heavy and requires a higher floor load limit than other storage furniture types. Upper floors of a building may not be capable of bearing a compact storage unit’s weight.

  • Access is often limited to one aisle at a time, impacting the number of museum staff who can use the collections simultaneously and impeding efficient disaster response.

  • Rails or elevated flooring can present a tripping hazard and create difficulties in housekeeping and pest management.

Considerations When Choosing Compact Storage

A compact storage unit with 5 carriages holding archives boxes.
Figure 1: Compact shelving holding archives boxes. (NPS Photo)

Drive Systems

  • Purchase a compact storage system with a mechanical drive system. Though they are available with mechanical or electronic drive systems, mechanical systems are more reliable. Electronic systems should always have a manual override in case of a power outage or system failure.

  • Ensure staff are trained on manual override procedures as part of emergency preparedness training.

  • Ensure each carriage has a locking mechanism to prevent it from inadvertently being moved when people and/or objects are in the aisles.

  • Select carriage units with bumpers or gaskets to prevent direct contact with each other upon closure.

Installation Concerns

  • Secure professional installation services from the company of manufacture.

  • Verify the storage space floor can support the weight of the system when completely full.

  • Check building engineering and/or architectural drawings to determine the floor load limit of the storage space. Work with a structural engineer.

  • Ensure floor substrate is stable and level before installing a compact storage system. Remediate any substrate issues prior to installation.

  • Confirm the compact storage system does not interfere with or impede fire detection and suppression, HVAC, lighting, and security systems.

  • Use embedded rails in the floor instead of those installed in prefabricated risers. This reduces tripping hazards and facilitates the use of carts in aisles.

Compact Storage System Types

Compact Storage

A white compact storage unit with shelves.
Figure 2: A compact storage unit. (NPS Photo)

Compact storage can be customized to meet almost any collections storage requirement by incorporating different storage furniture options, such as cabinets and racks.

Compacting Industrial Wire Units

Wire racks that are mounted on a compact system track holding archives boxes
Figure 3: Industrial wire units used as compact storage. (NPS Photo)

Industrial wire units are a flexible alternative to traditional compact storage systems if cost or floor load issues are prohibitive. They can be installed on raised floor tracks or placed in the storage area on wheels. Ensure object safety by purchasing units whose wheels include braking mechanisms.

Anne Ennes, Textile Conservator
Shay Henrion, Registrar and Conserve O Gram Editor
Casey Oehler, Museum Curator
Museum Conservation and Collections
Harpers Ferry Center, National Park Service

Formerly issued as Conserve O Gram 4/1
Don Cumberland, Jr. (1993), Museum Specialist
National Park Service

The Conserve O Gram series is published as a reference on collections management and curatorial issues. Mention of a product, a manufacturer, or a supplier by name in this publication does not constitute an endorsement of that product or supplier by the National Park Service. Sources named are not all inclusive. It is suggested that readers also seek alternative product and vendor information to assess the full range of available supplies and equipment.

The series is available on the National Park Service Museum Management Program's website.

Last updated: July 8, 2026

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