High Density Shelving & Storage

Featured Categories

Multilevel Storage
Sliding Tracks for Wire Shelving
Mobile Aisle Shelving and File Systems
Push Back High Density Racking
Mobile Carriages

High Density Shelving & Storage

High-Density Storage Systems for Facilities Running Out of Floor Space

High-density storage fits more inventory into the space you already have. Most systems do it by cutting the number of fixed aisles, storing deeper, or building up. That way you can add capacity without adding square footage or moving to a larger building.

This collection offers two ways to get there. Sliding track mobile wire shelving can be ordered online as complete systems or as track and skate kits. Larger systems, including mobile aisle shelving and file systems, mobile carriages, push back racking, and multi-level storage, are designed around your space, so they start with a quote from our team.

Planning a high-density layout?

Send us your room dimensions and what you are storing, and our space planning team can help you lay out the system. Request a quote or call (800) 637-9508.

The Basics

How High-Density Storage Systems Gain Space

In a typical stockroom or warehouse, a large share of the floor is aisle space that only gets used while someone is picking. High-density systems win back that space in one of three ways.

Remove Fixed Aisles

Shelving or racking rides on tracks and rolls together, so only one aisle is open at a time. Sliding track wire shelving, mobile aisle systems, and mobile carriages all work this way.

Store Deeper

Push back racking stores pallets 2 to 6 deep per lane and loads them from a single aisle, instead of giving every pallet its own aisle face.

Build Up

Multi-level storage adds a raised level of storage or workspace above your existing floor, using height the building already has.

Comparing High-Density Storage Systems

The right system depends on what you are storing, how it is loaded, and how often people need to get to it. Sliding track shelving can be ordered online. The other four systems are sized to your room and load, so they start with a quote.

System Best For How It Works How It's Sold
Sliding Tracks for Wire Shelving Boxes, supplies, and stock in stockrooms, storerooms, offices, and kitchens Chrome wire units on skates slide along low-profile floor tracks. Up to 1,500 lbs per unit. Shop online: complete systems and track kits
Mobile Aisle Shelving & File Systems Records, files, archives, and larger high-capacity storage rooms Wire shelving, modular drawers, or bulk rack on rolling carriages along floor tracks, configured to your room Request a quote
Mobile Carriages Offices, retail back rooms, and warehouses that want to put shelving or racking on a mobile base, from light files to heavy parts and palletized goods Pipp carriages roll along floor track and carry the storage above them. They come in standard, heavy-duty, hand-crank mechanical-assist, lateral, and aisle-free styles. Request a quote
Push Back Racking Palletized inventory with several pallets of the same product Pallets on nested carts store 2 to 6 deep per lane, loaded by forklift from one aisle Request a quote
Multilevel Storage Facilities with unused height above shelving or work areas Adds a raised level of storage or workspace inside the existing building Request a quote

What to Know Before Planning a High-Density Storage Layout

High-density systems are planned around the room, not just the product. Whether you are ordering sliding track shelving or requesting a quote for a larger system, having these answers ready makes it much easier to choose the right setup.

For quoted systems, our team reviews your room and inventory, recommends a layout, and provides a quote. Installation is available, so you can go from planning to a finished space with one team.

Planning checklist:

  • What you are storing: Hand-loaded boxes and supplies, files, or pallets each point to a different system.
  • How often it is accessed: Mobile systems open one aisle at a time. They work best when items are not being picked from several aisles at once.
  • Room dimensions: Measure length, width, and ceiling height, and note doors, columns, and anything mounted on the walls.
  • Aisle width: Plan for at least one working aisle, typically 36" or wider, plus any clearances your facility requires.
  • Floor condition: Track-based systems need a reasonably level floor. Note any slopes, drains, or uneven areas.
  • Weight: Estimate the load per unit or per pallet position, and check it against each system's rating.
  • Environment: Chrome sliding track shelving is for dry, indoor storage. Mention cold, damp, or other special conditions when you request a quote.
  • Future growth: Leave room on the track or in the layout to add units later.

How Sliding Track Mobile Wire Shelving Works

Each shelving unit sits on skates that roll along aluminum V-groove floor tracks. The tracks have a gradual taper and stand no more than 7/16" tall, so they do not create a tripping hazard. End stops anchor each track and keep the units from rolling off. Each unit holds up to 1,500 lbs, and Quantum rates the system to increase storage space by up to 150%.

Complete Systems vs. Track and Skate Kits

Complete high-density mobile wire shelving systems include the shelving, posts, skates, and tracks, in 18" to 36" depths, 24" to 72" widths, 54" to 96" post heights, and 72" to 240" track lengths. If you already have wire shelving, track and skate kits let you convert it. Choose skates that match your unit depth, and use units of the same width on each track. The skates are made for Quantum wire shelving posts, so confirm compatibility before converting another brand.

Single-Wide vs. Double-Wide Units

Single-wide units move one shelving unit on two tracks. Double-wide units join two shelving units side by side on three tracks, so one movement opens a wider section of storage.

For a sense of scale, a 10' track holds four 18"-deep units with a 36" aisle. Units can be no taller than four times their depth, so 18"-deep systems top out at 72"h. For exact unit and shelf dimensions, see the wire shelving size guide.

One Aisle Opens at a Time

Mobile shelving saves space by sharing a single aisle across the whole row. That works well for supplies, back stock, and records that are pulled a few times a day. If several people need to pick from different sections of the same row at once, plan more than one row or pair mobile shelving with stationary units for your fastest-moving items.

Where High-Density Storage Is Commonly Used

High-density systems show up anywhere storage needs keep growing but the room does not.

Stockrooms and Storerooms

Back stock, supplies, and overflow inventory in a fixed footprint.

Restaurants and Commercial Kitchens

Dry storage areas where NSF-approved mobile wire shelving adds capacity.

Offices and Records Rooms

Files, documents, and archive boxes on mobile shelving or mobile file systems.

Retail Back Rooms

Seasonal and overflow merchandise kept close to the sales floor.

Warehouses and Distribution Centers

Deep pallet storage with push back racking, and raised storage levels with multilevel systems.

Basements and Utility Spaces

Tight rooms where every square foot of floor space counts.

High-Density Storage FAQs

Answers to common questions about planning and choosing high-density storage.

What is high-density storage?

High-density storage is any system that stores more inventory in the same floor space, usually by cutting fixed aisles, storing product several positions deep, or adding a level above the floor. Sliding track shelving, mobile aisle systems, push back racking, and multilevel storage are all common examples.

How much space can high-density storage save?

It depends on the system and the room. Quantum rates its sliding track wire shelving at up to 150% more storage space, mobile aisle systems can save up to 50% of floor space, and Pipp mobile carriages can nearly double storage capacity in the same footprint. Our team can estimate the gain for your room as part of a quote.

Can I put my existing wire shelving on tracks?

Often, yes. Track and skate kits convert existing wire shelving units into a mobile system. Match the skates to your unit depth, and use units of the same width on each track. The skates are designed for Quantum posts, so contact us before converting shelving from another manufacturer.

What if my floor is not level?

Floor tracks need a reasonably level surface for the units to roll smoothly. If your floor is uneven or sloped, contact us before ordering. We can talk through leveling options or plan a system that works with your floor.

Can high-density mobile shelving be used in coolers or wet areas?

The chrome sliding track shelving sold in this collection is for indoor, dry storage only. For cold or wet environments, request a quote and our team can recommend a system suited to those conditions.

Why do some high-density systems require a quote?

Mobile aisle systems, mobile carriages, push back racking, and multilevel storage are built to your room size, load, and layout, so there is no standard size to add to a cart. Request a quote with your room dimensions and what you are storing, and our team will plan the system with you. Custom track lengths beyond the 72" to 240" kits listed here can be quoted too.

Planning Support for High-Density Projects

Shelving.com has been designing and supplying commercial storage systems since 1960. Our space planning team can lay out a high-density system around your room, inventory, and workflow, and long-time customers like Zatkoff Seals & Packings rely on us for ongoing storage projects. See what Shelving.com can do for you.

High-Density Storage Resources

More ideas for making the most of the space you already have.

Maximizing Space with Mobile Aisle Shelving

How mobile aisle systems cut fixed aisles and where they make the most sense.

Read the Article →

Managing Unused Vertical Space in Warehouses

Ways to put overhead space to work with taller storage and multilevel systems.

Read the Article →

Maximize Your Warehouse Space

An overview of storage strategies and systems for getting more out of your current facility.

Explore Space Strategies →
Warehouse storage optimization whitepaper

Take control of your warehouse space!

Download our warehouse storage optimization whitepaper to learn how to make the most out of your warehouse layout, without outrageous costs and additional real estate requirements.

Get Help Planning Your High-Density Storage System

Share your room size, what you are storing, and how often it is accessed. Our team will recommend a system and put together a layout and quote.

Request a Quote Or call (800) 637-9508
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High Density Shelving & Storage

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We don’t just sell stellar shelves. We design custom organized spaces that fit your needs, large or small.

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Let Us Install For You

We don’t just sell stellar shelves. We design custom organized spaces that fit your needs, large or small.

We Can Help You