BYUI Outdoor Resource Center

BYUI Outdoor Resource Center Moves All Outdoor Equipment Storage Under One Space

Kayaking apparel and equipment storage on hanging shelving at Brigham Young University Outdoor Resource Center

The Outdoor Resource Center at Brigham Young University in Rexburg, Idaho is a popular resource for students as well as the community. Both students and residents can rent equipment from ski boots to kayaks, from winter activities to summer activities. The immense amount of inventory the ORC manages creates a large organizational demand.

“They rent anything from camping to skiing – everything from winter to summer sports. And every six months they had to replace the inventory for the different season,” says Rob Lundquist, president, Spacesaver Intermountain, Salt Lake City.

Originally, Spacesaver Intermountain was asked to help organize the outdoor equipment storage inventory but the team quickly realized they could offer ORC more than that. “We saw that we could reduce the need for them to switch out items from summer and winter inventory. It quickly turned from simply organizing the space to bringing their outdoor equipment storage inventory into one space and better managing their inventory,” he says. “It turned into something they didn’t expect.”

Sleeping bag storage on shelves of mechanical assist mobile storage system at Outdoor Resource center, Brigham University

Cross country ski boots stored in bins on mechanical assist mobile shelving at Brigham Young University Outdoor Resource Center

“It quickly turned from simply organizing the space to bringing their inventory into one space and better managing their inventory.”

– Rob Lundquist, President, Spacesaver Intermountain

Helmet storage on shelves at Outdoor Resource Center on Brigham University Campus

The ORC employees gave a list of inventory to Spacesaver but didn’t provide measurements. Spacesaver had to determine sizing and space needs for all inventory including larger items like ski poles and skis. “We worked with [ORC] to get specific information on all inventory. We then worked on creating a design. We would give ideas and they would give their input,” says Matt Thomas, account manager, Spacesaver Intermountain.

Spacesaver Intermountain designed a high density mobile storage system with mechanical assist and four post shelves for all of the outdoor equipment storage needs. Bin dividers create cells and bin fronts were used for storing small items. Sorters were added to the end of the carriages in place of end panels to display retail items as well as most commonly retrieved items. The ORC can quickly turn to these sorters to grab items people tend to ask for the most. “Instead of everything in piles on the floor, everything has a proper place.” Thomas says. “It was a team effort.”