storeroom

Storeroom is a room or designated area used to store goods, supplies, and equipment within a building. It is typically smaller and more accessible than a warehouse, and serves as the internal repository for items needed for daily operations, replenishment, or occasional use.

Common contents include office supplies, spare parts, cleaning products, tools, non-perishable inventory, and seasonal materials. Storerooms are often equipped with shelving, cabinets, bins, and pallets, and may include climate control for perishable items or sensitive equipment. Security measures such as locks, restricted access, and inventory controls are common to prevent loss.

Inventory management is a key function of a storeroom. Items are labeled with codes, barcodes, or RFID tags, and counted regularly. Practices such as FIFO or LIFO, cycle counts, and digital inventory systems help track quantities, reorder levels, and locations within the space.

Storerooms exist in homes (basement or utility rooms), offices and commercial buildings (stockrooms), retail environments (backroom or service stock), hospitals and laboratories (supply rooms), and industrial facilities (maintenance storerooms). Layouts prioritize clear aisles, vertical storage, and separation of incompatible materials when needed.

Safety and compliance considerations include fire protection, ventilation, weight limits for shelves, proper storage of chemicals or flammable materials in approved cabinets, and adherence to local codes and workplace safety regulations.